Shelter offers pets socialization classes
Hawaiian Humane Society
When a pet is adopted from the humane society, it is a joyful time for the family and the lucky companion animal. Matching loving families with wonderful animals is the start of many years of happiness for both.
• Enroll in a training class. Check the phone book or call the humane society for a list of training clubs and animal behaviorists. • Get a book about your pet, read it, and spend more quality time playing with and teaching your pet. • For assistance with behavior problems, check out the society's Web site, www.hawaiianhumane.org, or visit the shelter and choose from many free brochures.
To help get this important relationship off to a good start, the Hawaiian Humane Society has created a shelter-animal behavior program that utilizes specially trained volunteers to help good dogs and cats become great pets by giving them training and socialization.
Problem-solving resources
"Training dogs helps them find homes because their new families can see that they are well-behaved and eager to please," said program coordinator Elaine Dobashi. "We use positive training methods, and the techniques are passed along to the new family."
Some cats arrive at the humane society feeling scared or shy because they are in a new environment. The socialization for cats involves petting them, grooming them, talking to them and playing with toys.
"A post-adoption help line is also available to help families who have adopted animals from us," said Dobashi.
"It is natural behavior for a dog to chew, dig, jump up and bark," she said, "and training helps a dog to understand when these behaviors are acceptable and when they are inappropriate. Cats, too, can exhibit actions that need to be redirected."
