Shelter dogs coming in often were “unruly” as Schwarzwalder put it, barking at passersby and not “showing off their best sides.” Schwarzwalder saw the need for a professional animal behavioral specialist who could work with the shelter’s staff and volunteers to handle the special needs of shelter dogs. That’s where Carla Whitaker came in.
For the past several months, Whitaker, the owner of Positive Paws Training School in West Chester Twp., has been working with the dogs and staff at the humane association free of charge to provide training tips and techniques.
“Dogs often arrive at a shelter when they are juveniles and so they have a developing independence streak that you have to learn how to deal with,” Whitaker said. “Many dogs are very loud and others need to have their confidence built up.”
Whitaker works with the staff to implement a variety of behavioral and mental exercises to imprint the dogs with positive behaviors.
“Carla provided invaluable training techniques to our volunteers and staff on how to work with dogs with great results,” Schwarzwalder said. “She had real insight into the particular needs of shelter dogs.”
One of Whitaker’s great success stories is Jasmine, a “scary smart” border collie who became overly stressed from a lengthy stay at the shelter. Her anxiety led to problems with other dogs and men as well as a tendency to bite onto the clothing of nearby handlers.
“Adoption wasn’t going to happen at that state,” Whitaker said. “She was just out of control.”
Whitaker took Jasmine to her home and began working with the dog, teaching her to “settle” for a leash, play with a ball and relax in a crate. Jasmine was able to be adopted by an Oakwood family, who still works with Whitaker to help Jasmine with her transition.
“For Carla, it’s as much about working with our staff as it is the dogs,” Schwarzwalder said. “The dogs need repetition so whoever is working with them on a given day can provide the same kind of training as others to help that training sink in.”
Whitaker is asking for new volunteers to come to the shelter and assist working with the dogs.
“Our goal for next year is to “make it happen,” Whitaker said. “We want to volunteers focus to be on ‘Is what I’m doing today with this dog going to help get it adopted.” We’re finding new ways of helping the animals all the time, and that’s what it’s all about.”
To volunteer at the Humane Association, call 513-261-1176.
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