WHAT IS THE PROGRAM ALL ABOUT??

Since the program began in 2001, it has worked to meet certain objectives. These include providing socialization, basic training, and environmental enrichment for the shelter animals, to provide knowledge and training to AVC student volunteers and PEI Humane Society staff, and to provide a valuable resource to the public and new adopters. Veterinary students volunteer to work with the dogs at the PEI Humane Society. Each dog is assigned to a trainer, who works with the dog on basic commands and socialization until it is adopted.

WHAT ARE THE DOGS TAUGHT?

Dogs are taught basic commands, such as "Sit", "Stay", "Come", "Lay", and to walk nicely on a leash. Dogs that are at the shelter for a longer stay are taught other commands to continuously challenge them.

HOW ARE THE DOGS TAUGHT?

The dogs are taught using clicker training. This uses positive reinforcement to shape the dogs to do the commands we ask. The dogs learn that a "Click" means a treat! The "Click" comes WHILE the dog is doing what we want and the treat follows right after. The "Click" is much easier for a dog to understand
than words and it sounds the same no matter who is training the dog.

WHAT ELSE DOES THE PROGRAM DO?

In addition to training the dogs, the student volunteers also aim to improve the environment for the dogs at the shelter and to make things easier for the shelter attendants. So far through fundraising, we have been able to provide the shelter with a dishwasher, improved lighting, leashes, and many toys and Kongs.

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