Dog Behavior Program
Canine Good Citizenship Ready Program
The Canine Good Citizenship Ready Program was created by Austin Pets Alive in 2012. Its goal was to enrich the lives of
dogs who face societal stereotypes of being behaviorally challenged and show that they can make great additions to a family. It has been wildly successful in meeting its goal while shortening the length of stay for those dogs. The program teaches eligible dogs the ten tests of the Canine Good Citizens AKC program, which equips dogs with the tools and confidence to behave appropriately out in the world. LCAS has adopted this program to help our most needed dogs in the shelter. To join our CGC Ready Team, apply to become a Canine Companion volunteer by filling out the Volunteer Application.
TOP (Total Obedience Program) Dogs
In addition to our CGC Ready Program LCAS has implemented the TOP (Total Obedience Program) Dog Program. Also created by Austin Pets Alive’s Behavior Team, this program works similar skills to the ten CGC real-world tests but also include additional skills based on the needs of the dog. Just like the CGC Program, TOP Dog is volunteer-based. However, it is geared towards the dogs in our shelter that might not qualify for CGC, but will benefit from a foundation of individualized obedience training prior to adoption. To join our TOP Dog Team apply to become a Canine Companion volunteer by filling out the Volunteer Application.
Got Skillz Program
The Got Skillz program works hand in hand with both CGC and the TOP Dog programs. This program is a jump start for our easy-going dogs and newer LCAS canine volunteers. By starting with the basic foundation of dog training, volunteers become more comfortable with the concept of dog training while simultaneously helping all of our shelter dogs find homes. To join our Got Skillz Team apply to become a Canine Companion volunteer by filling out the Volunteer Application.
Dogs Playing for Life
Dogs Playing for Life™, founded by Aimee Sadler, is an acclaimed training program for shelter dogs featuring canine play groups. Introduced to over 55 shelters across the US and Canada, this program utilizes play groups as an assessment, enrichment, training and adoption enhancement tool that helps shelters save lives! To join our Dogs Playing for Life Team apply to become a Canine Companion volunteer by filling out the Volunteer Application.
Canine Scent Work
Scent Work is a positive, challenging activity that allows dogs the opportunity to use their strongest natural sense in a way that’s fun, engaging, and that builds and strengthens a foundation of trust between the handler and dog. LCAS uses scent work for our bored or frustrated dogs who needs more mental activity while waiting to be adopted. “Allowing the dog to work independently, problem-solve and build perseverance with minimal human interference can really build the dog’s confidence.” – Jill Marie O’Brian, co-founder K9 Nose Work. To join our Scent Work Team, apply to become a Canine Companion volunteer by filling out the Volunteer Application.