Our Youth-Canine program pairs youth from at-risk communities with shelter dogs for a weeklong training program using positive reinforcement methods. This teaches the kids important life skills while making the shelter dogs more adoptable.
Since 2013, our Youth-Canine programs have saved more than 300 dogs and positively impacted more than 600 teens. As Paws & Think volunteer Wendy Lane said, “It’s always a joy to see how excited the dogs and kids get to be together and how quickly a relationship develops.”
In addition to teaching the shelter dogs obedience skills, when long-term dogs need help getting adopted from the shelters, we work to provide incentives for adopters such as additional training classes, vet care, and more.
$5 purchases treats or a new toy for a shelter dog in the Youth-Canine program
$50 purchases a leash, collar, and harness for a shelter dog in the Youth-Canine program
$100 provides 1 hour of additional animal behaviorist support for a Youth-Canine graduate
Please consider making a donation so we can continue helping kids from at-risk communities build trust and confidence, and continue helping shelter dogs feel love and find homes into 2021. Donate at pawsandthink.org/donate
