Rob Cox demos Train to Adopt
Tucson’s Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) is fortunate to be part of the Train to Adopt (TTA) program which was developed in partnership with The Animal Rescue Site and dog behavior expert Sue Sternberg. Thanks to a grant from the Petfinder.com Foundation, PACC is one of four shelters nationwide (the others are in Pa., Mo., and NC).
“Calming a shelter dog is one of the most important things you can do,” says Sue Sternberg. “Teach these dogs how to learn and instantly they will connect with a person which equates to adoption.”
Because kennel life is stressful, dogs with behavior problems are overlooked when it comes to adoption. The more stressed the dog, the more their behavior exacerbates.
Earlier this week I was able to see the Train to Adopt program in action when trainer Rob Cox did a presentation at the monthly AWASA meeting. Cox comes to Tucson with some sterling credentials as he formerly worked for Bill Berloni training animals for Broadway plays. The book Broadway Tails: Heartfelt Stories of Rescued Dogs Who Became Showbiz Superstars details the amazing cycle of how Berloni and his team scoured rescue shelters around New York to train shelter dogs for Broadway and eventually Hollywood roles.
PACC is fortunate to have Cox at the helm of their Train to Adopt program. During the presentation, he demonstrated Sternberg’s technique of calming a one year old pit bull named Frederick. These methods teach shelter dogs how to learn. The dogs get relief from the frustration of life in the shelter by learning new skills.
Shelter dogs who receive some training are viewed by the public as special instead of victims of abuse and neglect. The Train to Adopt program allows the public to find some gems that they might otherwise overlook. Currently, there are 25 to 30 dogs in the program.
Train to Adopt program is looking for ways to raise funds to continue after 2011. This program is under the PACC Partners which is a 501 c3 partner of PACC. For the month of June, Beading Divas to the Rescue is selling one-of-a-kind beaded bracelets made with donated beads. Bracelets cost $20 and all proceeds go to benefit PACC Partners’ Train to Adopt program. You can buy bracelets at Silver Sea Jewelry, 330 N. 4th Ave., (look for the blue awning and mermaid in the window), 520-624-9954 and at Dirty Dawgs dog wash, 2510 N. Campbell Ave., 520-770-6045. Bracelets may also be purchased online via Etsy.com (add $4 SH).
Rob Cox also does private dog training.
Monsoon Muttness happens Friday June 17 at PACC from 5 to 10 p.m. This is a great opportunity to adopt some of the best dogs and cats in Pima County at a fantastic price. Many of the dogs have successfully completed the Train to Adopt program and graduated with flying colors! Fundraising bracelets will be on sale at Monsoon Muttness.
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