The PAL Program
| The PAL (Pitbulls Are Loving) program evolved from a program first created in 2006 when employees and volunteers noted that pit bulls generally face longer stays at the shelter despite their stellar temperaments. Now an active, vibrant program at Liberty Humane, PAL comprises of four major components: |  |
Training
| Training is the cornerstone of the PAL program. It is well known that training shelter dogs makes them more attractive potential family members to adopters, prepares them for a happy, respectful life in their new home, and provides the adopter with the tools to build a loving and respectful relationship with their new dog. PAL volunteers, led by certified dog trainer Laura Garber, CPDT-KA, conduct weekly training sessions in and around the shelter that are targeted to the particular needs of each dog. | For help on training topics: The importance of crate-training Building tolerance to separation Help with housetraining Using puzzle toys |
PAL captains are the backbone of the PAL volunteer efforts, providing training and mentoring to the shelter's dog volunteers. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, even the most challenging dogs in the shelter receive special personalized training and handling to help make them more adoptable canine partners.
PAL dog training classes meet on Tuesday nights at 6:30pm at the shelter. Please join us! All LHS volunteers are welcome!
Pre- and Post-Adoption Counseling
There are challenges that come along with adopting any dog into a new home. The PAL program offers counseling to adopters before and after adoption. PAL volunteers make periodic follow-ups with adopters to assure that the dog is settling in well to the home, and PAL Lead Trainer Laura Garber, CPDT-KA, of WoofGang offers personalized guidance and counseling to adopters. Contact Laura if you have questions about dog training or behavior.
Education and Outreach
| Pit bulls are an historically maligned breed about which many myths exist. The PAL program seeks to dispel these myths and advocate for the breed. If you are seeking more information about the Pit Bull breed, PAL is a great place to start! | The following sites provide helpful breed information: Bad Rap ASPCA Find the Pit Bull Real Pit Bull Pit Bull Rescue central |
Dissemination of Resources and Activities
Nowadays it's rare that we ask our dogs to do the work for which their breed was intended. Participating in canine sports is not only fun but it also fosters relationship-building – activities such as pet therapy and Canine Good Citizen, and sports like agility, weight pulling, rally obedience, and nose work. These activities are extracurricular activities offered by the PAL program.
To get general information about volunteering at LHS, contact Daria, Volunteer Coordinator.
 |
We can offer no greater joy to our adopters than shaping our shelter dogs into the P.A.L.s they want to spend their lives with! |
