Shelters are scary places, so all of our residents are given a few days of doggy vacation to begin their stay. During this time, they eat/sleep/play with new friends while we help them de-stress, treat any injuries, and let them get to know us.
The Dog House Treatment
Using a modified Purdue Body Handling Checklist, we ensure that each dog is comfortable with friendly touch from nose to toes before joining the community.
Your new friend will come with a binder documenting each accomplishment in their journey from the local stray to the neighborhood Superstar!
Behavioral Evaluation
Are you Ready? (Engagement)
Let's Go! (Loose leash walking)
Heel
Sit
Down
Stay
Leave It
Yes/No
Good (continue this behavior)
OK/Free Dog
Basic Obedience
Wish you had a dog that you can take places? So do we!
TDHR residents gain access to our house training room once we have established a common language through obedience cues. Most dogs have never had the opportunity to learn that some flat surfaces (patios) are made for walking while others (counters) are paw free zones. They wonder why we expect them to go through some open doors (get in the car) but not others (the front door)? When is it OK to greet strangers at Lowe's? How does a puppy find a safe space in a house full of visitors or during 4th of July fireworks?
We answer these dog questions and more during house training and field trips.
House Manners
Every dog likes different things! We explore the unique combination of fun that makes your dog special.
During the day, our residents revel in playgroup sessions within a fenced acre brimming with opportunities for exploration: from dirt for digging to logs for climbing, bushes for sniffing, and grassy shade beneath trees for napping.
Other play options include fetch, tug, flirt poles, and spring poles to help them find and express their inner "dog-ness"!
At night, each resident drifts off to sleep with calming melodies while enjoying rotating aromatherapy scents carefully chosen for their relaxation. Tucked into a bed of their choosing, each dog is provided with an assortment of toys ensuring they find just the right texture for self soothing through chewing.
Enrichment ALL the time!