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By Brian Kilcommons
The Walter Turken Training for Adoption Program (WTTAP) is a
community-based program that teaches selected volunteers how to train
shelter dogs through understanding their body language, breed
characteristics and the different ways dogs learn.
The program is founded on communication, education and involvement with
highly trained and dedicated volunteers who donate three hours or more
a week. These volunteers commit a piece of their heart every week
working with dogs. The seven weekends of training to become a WTTAP
volunteer is rigorous - physically, mentally and emotionally. The
challenge to these caring men and women is working with untrained dogs
of all ages, sizes, temperaments and backgrounds. Dogs learn and react
differently, to be able to understand these differences and then select
a way to instill wanted behavior is a formidable undertaking.
Ninety percent of all dogs surrendered to shelters have never had any
obedience training. One-third of shelter dogs are purebred dogs. Many
of these dogs never had an opportunity to develop a positive
relationship with a human. This is not the dog's fault. It is touching
to watch a dog's eyes light up in understanding. For the first time in
their confused lives, communication between our two species is
established. This is a powerful moment for both teacher and dog.
Shelters where the Turken Program has been implemented have increased
adoptions as much as fifty percent and reduced returns by thirty
percent. The dogs are quieter in the kennels since they have had
exercise, attention, and training. Well-behaved and happy dogs get
adopted faster. Dogs that are trained stay in their homes and are
incorporated into their family more quickly and completely. People take
pride in their new, smart companions. In this way, the local shelter
becomes a source of wonderful family companions and the word spreads
through the community. When people trust that the shelter dogs are
trained and trainable, more people feel confident adopting.
Walter Turken, my friend and mentor, made this Program a possibility.
The impact WTTAP for dogs, people and the community can be magical.
Walter would have liked that.
If you would like to help and learn more about changing the life of a shelter dog in your community please go to www.greatpets.com and click on the Walter Turken Training icon.
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