KELLEY BOLLEN'S SHELTER BEHAVIOR SEMINAR
IS A TOUR DE FORCE IN ANIMAL WELFARE EDUCATION
As a professional dog trainer (for 26 years), author of a book on dog behavior, and co-founder of a web startup that matches rescue dogs with adopters, I am always searching for paths to a greater understanding of the relationship between humans and domesticated animals. So when my co-founder and I landed two coveted spots (this past month) at Kelley Bollen's Shelter Behavior Seminar in Northampton, MA, I was elated. I will admit, because Kelley's reputation [as a leading expert in this field] precedes her, my expectations were pretty lofty. I am thrilled to say...she did not disappoint!!
Kelley's perspective of how animals think, feel, and thus behave, offers even the most seasoned in this field a rare and wonderful glimpse into the fascinating world of animal behavior. With millions of dogs and cats ending up in shelters and rescue facilities across our country each year, it is imperative that the people caring for them gain a clear understanding of their emotional needs.
Kelley stresses the significance of animal treatment not only in the shelter environment but from the moment they are found or surrendered. She demonstrates how that treatment might factor into whether an animal is ultimately adopted, indefinitely sheltered or euthanized. She shares how something as simple as the sound of soft music playing in the back of an animal control vehicle or visual reduction in a shelter corridor can be critical in lessening the stress of an otherwise traumatic event. For those animals waiting to become part of the fabric of a human family, our understanding of their immediate and long-term emotional needs becomes imperative.
Kelly delivers her wealth of knowledge in a fashion that is concise and easily understood. From the simplicity of her explanations [of how to recognize the critical signs that an animal is in distress] to her easy-to-implement shelter enrichment exercises, her seminar is chocked-full of "aha" moments!
I am so happy to report that I have begun to put Kelley Bollen's theories into practice and the results have been immediate and astounding! The people I work with have seen a visible change in their dogs' behavior and we all (including the dogs) have Kelley to thank for it.
For anyone and everyone working [in any capacity] in the field of animal welfare, I highly recommend that you do whatever it takes to hear Kelley speak. I have no doubt that - like me - you will be grateful for and forever changed by the experience.
Jodi Andersen
TrainingWorks For Dogs, Inc.
Author, The Latchkey Dog (How The Way You Live Shapes The Behavior Of The Dog You Love)
Co-Founder, How I Met My Dog.com read more