I also wanted to add some comments, specifically as to how skilled volunteers are treated at the SPCA. Last fall I went in, as a professional dog trainer, desiring to work directly with the dogs, to increase their chances of being adopted. Basically it was treated like a huge joke, and I was led to some staff members, who were told “look, this one wants to train dogs.” I was then set to cleaning cages. While this is a necessary task I realize, it seemed there was plenty of help for that,and I had specific skills to offer. I was told that the dogs did not really need to be walked, as they had indoor/outdoor runs, and at that time, nobody was walking them daily. “They got walked in the nicer weather by volunteers.” So, if somebody with dog training skills shows up why would they not be welcomed and some dogs given a chance to learn some useful skills. I have not been back. At least in my business I am able to help dogs learn the necessary skills to be good family dogs. However, it is this at risk population that really needs the help.

Leslie Fisher
Look What I Can Do! Dog Training
Pat Miller Certified Trainer