Shelter Dogs

Ideal Dogs

Skilled and Artful Dog Training IdealDogs@gmail.com
760.992.6558

Ideal Shelter Dogs

Though I love the sport of purebred dog showing and competition obedience, I am also an active participant in re-homing shelter dogs. I encourage anyone who is looking for a great pet and companion to visit their local shelter. Furthermore, one can do a little bit of armchair shopping for a pre-owned dog on the Internet. Visit your local shelter's website for a list of adoptable dogs, Petfinder.com, PetHarbor.com, and Craigslist.org are highly used by shelters, rescues, and individuals needing to place quality purebred and breed-type dogs.

Shelter dogs respond to reinforcement training just as readily as other dogs. Their training should begin the very day they go to their forever home. Remember, reinforcement training is based on defining what you want from your dog, setting him up for success, and rewarding him for any accomplishments toward that goal. You can smother your new shelter dog with all the love he deserves but please don't expect him to become a perfect dog without teaching him to understand what it is that you expect from him.

Shelter dogs are intelligent, affectionate, smart and loyal.

Shelter dogs are IDEAL DOGS.

I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY by Janine Allen (yours truly)

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid. As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the overworked shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn’t feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone’s life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.

I would promise to keep her safe.
I would promise to always be by her side.
I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.

I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven’t walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

The photos below are of shelter dogs that received rehabilitative training from IDEAL DOGS.