Crucial Cues Your Shelter Dogs, Volunteers & Adopters Should Know – ‘Sit’ Not Included with Leo Taylor

On-Demand Webinar: Watch as soon as you register

Webinar Description

Shelters often market dog volunteer positions as ‘dog walking’ opportunities but there’s an argument to be made that the physical exercise a shelter dog is receiving is not nearly the most important piece of the puzzle. The adage that a ‘tired dog is a happy dog’ has long been bemoaned by qualified dog professionals who are aware of the bigger wellness picture. The expectations placed on shelter dogs are A LOT for them to process both mentally and emotionally, and without conscientious volunteer training that prioritizes consistency and predictability they become susceptible to confusion, frustration, punishment, and behavioral decline. Similarly, transferring these simple skills to the dog’s adopter can make or break their ability to bond while transitioning into a new home.

Training and being a conscientious dog volunteer involves so much more than simply taking a dog on a walk and this webinar aims to highlight skills that will benefit nearly every dog during their shelter stay. It will not only help volunteers learn how to effectively execute the skills included, but will also emphasize the multifaceted benefits to both dog and human when becoming fluent in said skills. Our volunteers are here to help, so let’s be sure we’re providing them with the tools they need to make interactions with shelter dogs as stress-free as possible for both ends of the leash!

Your Professional Bio: Leo “LT” Taylor has worked and volunteered in San Francisco shelters for 13 years. As they have told the hundreds of dog volunteers they’ve trained, it’s rarely the case that a dog would choose to be in even the ‘nicest’ shelter, so it’s our job to bring the light back into their lives during an otherwise difficult and taxing chapter. LT is currently a senior in the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers and is thrilled to be serving on the PPG Shelter & Rescue Division committee. They’re in the midst of launching their own training business – Little King Trash Dog Behavior Consulting and Training –