"A Tear of Love is a Tear of Hope"
After you complete your adoption application and contract and we finalize the adoption for the pet you are adopting. This is the link you can use to pay to finalize the adoption.
Brandon is a 4 months Old Mountain Cur Mix puppy. He is sweet, playful and he will fit into any family who loves to have a fun pup to play with. Please contact Celina at 615-354-3531 for more information.
Tessie is a 2 year old Pit/Beagle Mix. She loves other dogs and she likes cats as well. She is full of energy and very playful. she will do well with children as well. She is totally a love bug.
Loretta is six months-old as of April 2022. She is very sweet with people and playful with dogs.
If you are interested in adopting Loretta, please complete an adoption application https://spcatn.org/dogs-for-adoption-1 or call 615-354-3531.
SPCA of Tennessee adoption fee includes vetting, vaccinations, spay/neuter, and heartworm prevention while in foster/shelter care at a rate lower than average vet costs in the middle Tennessee area.
Walter is a 2 year old Catahoula Leopard dog who is very sweet and loving. He is deaf so he needs a home with someone who will understand him and be patient. He knows several hand signals to get by. He is completely house broken, fixed, chipped, up to date with his shots and ready to meet his forever family! Walter will be best in a home with other dogs and a FENCE YARD! Please contact Celina for more information at 615-354-3531
PS. Will be best no small children and a family who will be give him love and be calm and patient with him. He is a sweet boy but being deaf it is a challenge and he loves other dogs and in peaceful surroundings.
With dashing eyebrows that remind us of Audrey Hepburn, this "Fair Lady" is a beauty! Her "Funny Face" is looking for a loving family to call her own. A place where she can listen to "Laughter in Paradise" and "Always" feel welcomed. Audrey is young and playful and cannot wait to find her forever family.
If interested in adopting Audrey, or taking "Two for the Road", fill out and adoption application here https://spcatn.org/dogs-for-adoption-1 or call Celina at 615-354-3531 for more information.
Angel Plott Hound/Lab Mix with a beautiful brindle coat. She was a stray and is underweight, needing a family who will give her some TLC and get her healthy. She is sweet and playful. She is great with other dogs and people. Angel is located in Brownsville but can be transported to the middle-Tennessee area for adoption.
If interested in spoiling Angel, please fill out an adoption application here https://spcatn.org/dogs-for-adoption-1, or call Celina at 615-354-3531 for more information.
Named Journey because of the difficult path she has been on already as a young pup. Journey arrived at Brownsville shelter dehydrated and almost starved to death. She was originally unable to walk when she was surrendered. After some food, water, and care, she is back to being a playful pup. Journey deserves a really good home to spoil he
Named Journey because of the difficult path she has been on already as a young pup. Journey arrived at Brownsville shelter dehydrated and almost starved to death. She was originally unable to walk when she was surrendered. After some food, water, and care, she is back to being a playful pup. Journey deserves a really good home to spoil her for the rest of her days. She is great with other dogs and people. Journey is located in Brownsville but can be transported to the middle-Tennessee area. Please call Celina at 615-354-3531 for more information. Or fill out an application at spcatn.org.
Shiloh
Under 1 yr, border collie/Shepherd mix
Shiloh is a shy, sweet boy, very observant & intelligent. Does great with other dogs & small animals. Warms up quickly to people. Shiloh is working on crate training, house breaking & leash walking. He's eager to please & picking up things quickly. So far, he has enjoyed brushing, expressed in
Shiloh
Under 1 yr, border collie/Shepherd mix
Shiloh is a shy, sweet boy, very observant & intelligent. Does great with other dogs & small animals. Warms up quickly to people. Shiloh is working on crate training, house breaking & leash walking. He's eager to please & picking up things quickly. So far, he has enjoyed brushing, expressed interest in toys, loves cuddles & playing with other dogs.
Shiloh was found roaming a not so nice area of town & picked up by a nice lady intending to keep him. Her dog did not like the pup & since there was a newborn baby to deal with, she thought it best to surrender. This poor boy survived on his own since he was small, most likely an abandoned Christmas puppy. He has taken to home life very well, is quiet in the crate & is working on house training. With patience, he is learning leash as well. Shiloh has had exposure to many other dogs, baby, adults, & small animals. He is non reactive to more dominant dogs but doesn't like when small animals bother his food. Shiloh would do best in a home with children who are taught patience & respect to animals & where he can continue being trained & socialized. He is an easy to handle dog & would be fine for first time dog owners provided they complete basic training. Please contact Celina at 615-354-3531 for more information.
Batman is a 6-8 month old Terrier Mix. He is great with other dogs and people. He will fit into any family with children as well. He loves to smile! Batman weighs approximately 45 pounds is up to date on vaccinations and neutered. For more information contact Celina at 615-354-3531.
Briley is a 4 months old Hound Mix puppy. He is sweet, playful and he will fit into any family who loves to have a fun pup to play with. Please contact Celina at 615-354-3531 for more information.
Lady is about one year old as of April 28th. She is unneutered but will be neutered upon adoption from the SPCA of Tennessee. She is very sweet with people but dog selective.
If you are interested in adopting Lady, please complete an adoption application https://spcatn.org/dogs-for-adoption-1 or call 615-354-3531.
SPCA of Tennessee adopti
Lady is about one year old as of April 28th. She is unneutered but will be neutered upon adoption from the SPCA of Tennessee. She is very sweet with people but dog selective.
If you are interested in adopting Lady, please complete an adoption application https://spcatn.org/dogs-for-adoption-1 or call 615-354-3531.
SPCA of Tennessee adoption fee includes vetting, vaccinations, spay/neuter, and heartworm prevention while in foster care at a rate lower than average vet costs in the middle Tennessee area.
Susie Q is about a year-old as of April 2022. She is very sweet with people and playful with dogs. Susie Q is not yet fixed but will be prior to adoption as part of the program.
If you are interested in adopting, please complete an adoption application https://spcatn.org/dogs-for-adoption-1 or call 615-354-3531.
SPCA of Tennessee adoption
Susie Q is about a year-old as of April 2022. She is very sweet with people and playful with dogs. Susie Q is not yet fixed but will be prior to adoption as part of the program.
If you are interested in adopting, please complete an adoption application https://spcatn.org/dogs-for-adoption-1 or call 615-354-3531.
SPCA of Tennessee adoption fee includes vetting, vaccinations, spay/neuter, and heartworm prevention while in foster/shelter care at a rate lower than average vet costs in the middle Tennessee area.
Calvin is a 4 months old Mountain Cur Mix puppy. He is sweet, playful and he will fit into any family who loves to have a fun pup to play with. Please contact Celina at 615-354-3531 for more information.
Ace is a 1 year old German Shepherd/Lab Mix. He is a sweet boy great with other dogs and people. He loves to be love on, loves to run and play. He is great with other dogs and he will love to be in the couch with you as well. Ace is a extremely sweet dog and very smart. For more information call Celina at 615-354-3531
Hi! My name is Titan Lee!
I’m a lab/shepherd mix which means the best of both worlds, friendly, sweet, and smart. I’m 2years young, house trained(I’ll boop the doorknob to let you know I’m ready to go out) and friendly with everyone I meet. I am not destructive, but if need be I’m fine in a crate(please don’t put me in jail). I play wel
Hi! My name is Titan Lee!
I’m a lab/shepherd mix which means the best of both worlds, friendly, sweet, and smart. I’m 2years young, house trained(I’ll boop the doorknob to let you know I’m ready to go out) and friendly with everyone I meet. I am not destructive, but if need be I’m fine in a crate(please don’t put me in jail). I play well with other dogs big or small and love having the company. I can also be around cats but they might not like the baths I give them(or that I’ll do their job and exterminate mice). I’m playful but that doesn’t mean I won’t just chill with you whether on the bed or couch. Just so you know, I’m a great cuddle buddy. I do know some commands like Sit, lay down, speak(though I’d rather sneeze), leave it, and stay(for treats). I do need a high fenced in backyard because I can jump. I’ve been around young kids and older kids but bigger children would be better. I love walks but I am working on not pulling,so a harness would be preferred.
Ike is a 4 months old Catahoula LeopardMix puppy. He is sweet, playful and he will fit into any family who loves to have a fun pup to play with. Please contact Celina at 615-354-3531 for more information.
Bruce is a 1-2 year-old Pitbull Terrier. He is very sweet with people but does not like other dogs or cats. Bruce is not yet fixed but will be prior to adoption as part of the program.
If you are interested in adopting, please complete an adoption application https://spcatn.org/dogs-for-adoption-1 or call 615-354-3531.
SPCA of Tennessee a
Bruce is a 1-2 year-old Pitbull Terrier. He is very sweet with people but does not like other dogs or cats. Bruce is not yet fixed but will be prior to adoption as part of the program.
If you are interested in adopting, please complete an adoption application https://spcatn.org/dogs-for-adoption-1 or call 615-354-3531.
SPCA of Tennessee adoption fee includes vetting, vaccinations, spay/neuter, and heartworm prevention while in foster/shelter care at a rate lower than average vet costs in the middle Tennessee area.
Nash is a 3 year old Pit Bull Terrier. He is such a good dog and sweet with people and other dogs. He is heart worm positive. We are looking for a foster home for Nash. Please contact Celina at 615-354-3531 for more information.
Honey is a 4 year old Beagle mix. Honey is a sweet and timid girl. Honey is a sweet loving girl but she will need someone who will give her a chance to be love and feel safe in her environment. Honey is housebroken and crate trained. I had the chance to meet Honey yesterday and she is scared at first but she loves to be massage and loved
Honey is a 4 year old Beagle mix. Honey is a sweet and timid girl. Honey is a sweet loving girl but she will need someone who will give her a chance to be love and feel safe in her environment. Honey is housebroken and crate trained. I had the chance to meet Honey yesterday and she is scared at first but she loves to be massage and loved. She loves ham. We went to the dog park and she was another dogs. She loves to run and play with the other dogs. She will be best in a home with a leader dog to get her confidence. We will never know what happened to her but you can tell in her eyes she wants to be love and care for. Please contact Celina at 615-354-3531 for more information. Honey will need another dog to be her leader. I saw her at the park running and feeling free and loving life. She became the dog that she should be secure and playful.
Leah, 4, very sweet but shy. About 35-lbs. Fully vetted, rides good in the car, good on leash, easy dog. Leah came from a neglected home where she had about 3 litters in the past. Excellent manners on the leash.
Nadja a 2 year old GS is a shy HIGHLY intelligent girl that loves toys, other dogs, small animals & the person that puts effort to love her. She is very observant & notices everything in her surroundings. Super intelligent, escape artist & can be destructive when left alone. She is calm, quiet & patient with annoying small animals & has
Nadja a 2 year old GS is a shy HIGHLY intelligent girl that loves toys, other dogs, small animals & the person that puts effort to love her. She is very observant & notices everything in her surroundings. Super intelligent, escape artist & can be destructive when left alone. She is calm, quiet & patient with annoying small animals & has never shown signs of aggression. Nadja will require effort to bond with her human. Consistent kindness. She loves toys & is great with other dogs. She walks on leash very well & does better socializing in public when paired with a friendly dog. Nadja will require a dog sibling to acclimate to a new home. Nadja is 1 of the kindest hearted dogs I've ever met. She is loyal & attentive & listens well. She enjoys the company of her people. She will most likely take 5-7 days for decompression. During this time, excess of treats & daily brushing recommended. Nadja will alert to changes in environment, such as people coming up, strange noises, etc but calms quickly. Normally, she is very quiet & prefers to lay around & observe her surroundings. She will go in crate but doesn't want to stay in there, so a reinforced or strong crate is recommended when leaving. She is completely housebroken & never has accidents. Will do fine in any quieter home (i.e. kids above 10, not a party house) as long as there is at least 1 other dog. Please contact Celina at 615-354-3531 for more information.
Brandi is around 7 years old and she is a very sweet dog. He loves loves children but she is selective with other dogs. If you want a sweet laid back dog that can be right next to you Brandi is the right girl for you.
Aria is a sweet, fun loving 5 yr old gsd, solid black. She was rescued from a breeder in Florida that was neglecting her health by a very kind person. The woman couldn't keep aria but didn't want her to live with constant itching & hair loss. Some of her fur will most likely never grow back. There is still so much beauty to this girl. Sh
Aria is a sweet, fun loving 5 yr old gsd, solid black. She was rescued from a breeder in Florida that was neglecting her health by a very kind person. The woman couldn't keep aria but didn't want her to live with constant itching & hair loss. Some of her fur will most likely never grow back. There is still so much beauty to this girl. She is kind & gentle, playful & silly & so loving. She loves car rides, walks fairly well on leash, listens to her people, loves toys & snacks, great with other dogs & small animals. Aria is wonderful with adults & children. She NEVER has accidents, not particularly destructive when left unsupervised, & knows basic commands. Aria is a well behaved, easy going, very intelligent & play loving girl. She would be a great addition to any family--
Shanty is a 4 months old Mountain Cur Mix puppy. She is sweet, playful and he will fit into any family who loves to have a fun pup to play with. Please contact Celina at 615-354-3531 for more information.
Bonnie is a young Labrador Mix. She is young and playful. She is great with other dogs and people. Please call Celina at 615-354-3531 for more information.
Personality traits
Friendly, Affectionate, Playful
Harrison is a 3-4 year old Labrador Mix. He is extremely sweet and walks great on the leash. I had the opportunity to spend time with Harrison and he has so much personality. He loves top play with other dogs and he loves to run in the dog park and in the fence in yard. He is so docile on the leash and he is gentle taking treats from y
Harrison is a 3-4 year old Labrador Mix. He is extremely sweet and walks great on the leash. I had the opportunity to spend time with Harrison and he has so much personality. He loves top play with other dogs and he loves to run in the dog park and in the fence in yard. He is so docile on the leash and he is gentle taking treats from your hand. He is smart and loves to be next to the family. He is crate trained and house trained. For more information please contact Celina at 615-354-3531. He will need a fence in yard....
My name may be Truman I am revery sweet. Do you see how cute I am? I am a young dog perfect for a family with playful kids. And I am absolutely adorable. Sure to impress all of your friends. I will have my shots and be fixed upon adoption. What else can I tell you about myself?
If interested in having a Monster under your bed, fill out
My name may be Truman I am revery sweet. Do you see how cute I am? I am a young dog perfect for a family with playful kids. And I am absolutely adorable. Sure to impress all of your friends. I will have my shots and be fixed upon adoption. What else can I tell you about myself?
If interested in having a Monster under your bed, fill out an adoption application here https://spcatn.org/dogs-for-adoption-1 or call Celina at 615-354-3531 for more information.
Kye is a 16 month (1.5 yr) old male German shepherd. He is an AKC working line german shepherd imported from Germany when he was 12 weeks. He went through an extensive 2 month board and train from 7-9 months with a focus on off-leash obedience and is trained on an e-collar. He's almost fully trained in German and knows tons of commands
Kye is a 16 month (1.5 yr) old male German shepherd. He is an AKC working line german shepherd imported from Germany when he was 12 weeks. He went through an extensive 2 month board and train from 7-9 months with a focus on off-leash obedience and is trained on an e-collar. He's almost fully trained in German and knows tons of commands and phrases.
He has never shown aggression (even in a protective manner) towards any person or dog even once. Between Kye and his training, He walks daily without a leash because he doesn't need one. He has no prey drive and doesn't lunge towards other people, dogs, or wildlife.
He's trained on an e-collar and I am looking for someone who's going to continue to use it because that's what he knows. I am happy to spend as much time needed to teach you how to use it and how to handle Kye in all situations. He has not been crated since he was 6 months ago and is left out in the house when I'm not home. He does not have accidents ever and doesn't get into things. At night, he sleeps on his fur blanket in my bedroom floor.
He's not used to a crate, and doesn't need one, so someone who will not crate him when leaving the house or sleeping at night is very important to me. Kye's mom is moving to an apartment instead of having the luxury of having a house with a fence in yard.
I will like Kye to stay in Nashville and be able to be in touch with her previous owner to go and spend time with him and have a great relationship with her. She will like to visit him every few months, and she can take him hiking, or hang out with him for a day. I'm also very open to watching him if your family goes out of town on vacation from here on out. Someone who works from home or has a stay at home parent would be ideal for him. He needs a yard to run and would be best with a family or couple who is active and wants to go on walks with him, play ball, go on hikes, go to the dog park, etc.
Lola Mae is an incredible survivor of a terrible act. This sweet baby was dropped off alone with a huge zip tie around her neck. The zip tie cut into her neck causing a very large wound and infection. Her wound healed fabulously. She is a female pittie, approximately 1 1/2 - 2 years old. She weighs about 60 lbs. She has been spayed and
Lola Mae is an incredible survivor of a terrible act. This sweet baby was dropped off alone with a huge zip tie around her neck. The zip tie cut into her neck causing a very large wound and infection. Her wound healed fabulously. She is a female pittie, approximately 1 1/2 - 2 years old. She weighs about 60 lbs. She has been spayed and fully vetted. Heath worm test was negative and she is very healthy. She is crate trained. Lola Mae loves anybody and everybody. She is very playful and gets along well with other dogs and also a cat at her foster home. She loves to run and play outdoors but she is an inside dog that is still learning. For what this baby has been through, she still loves people and can’t get enough love and affection. She has been in her Foster home for 2 months now and is ready to find her forever home.
Lexus is a 5 1/2 years old. Lexus personality Lexus is an amazing girl, full of love & energy. She loves playing with other dogs & seeing what is on countertops! She's the perfect height to stick her big, goofy nose right into whatever you're preparing so she can make sure there's no poison or other harmful things in your food! Luckily,
Lexus is a 5 1/2 years old. Lexus personality Lexus is an amazing girl, full of love & energy. She loves playing with other dogs & seeing what is on countertops! She's the perfect height to stick her big, goofy nose right into whatever you're preparing so she can make sure there's no poison or other harmful things in your food! Luckily, Lexus listens fairly well & will 'back' when asked. This girl always looks at you with eyes full of love. She loves everyone she meets (especially those who give butt scratches). Lexus is inquisitive & loves pleasing her people. She is a social butterfly! Even though she is a very large girl, she puts everyone right at ease with her sweet, loving nature. She loves to talk in low grrs during playtime but is very quiet in crate & even when people come over. No reactions observed to door knocks, people pulling up or other dogs barking. Lexus is just a perfect, gentle giant! Would do better in a home with older children due to her size & leaning, loves new dogs, no cats --
Zelda is around 10-12 months she is extremely sweet and loves people and other dogs. She is playful and will do great with any family. Zelda has been vaccinated and she will be spay.
Lexi is a 1 Hound/Pit Bull Terrier Mix. She is extremely sweet and loves everyone. She is crate trained and house trained. She gets along with other dogs and will do well in a house with other dog and children.
Rex is a 10 months Terrier mix. He is only 20 pounds and really sweet and gets along with other dogs and loves people. He is very playful and he will do good with children.
Hello! My name is Mike and I do hope to bring some magic to your home with sweet kisses and playful energy. Come meet me today!
If interested in adopting Mike, fill out an adoption application here https://spcatn.org/dogs-for-adoption-1 or call Celina at 615-354-3531 for more information.
Skully is a 2 year old Terrier around 40 pounds. He just was so tired of walking and turn himself to Brownsville Shelter. He is a happy boy full of love to give. He is good with other dogs and people.
Mia is a 10 year old Lab mix. She is such a loving sweet girl who just wants to be right next to you. She love kisses and be a couch potato. She will be a great companion for a family who will like to have an easy going girl. Please contact Celina at 615-354-3531 for more information.
Adopting a pet is a SERIOUS COMMITMENT: We strongly encourage anyone thinking about adding a furry member to their family to do their research and to be ready for this commitment. Take a moment to read through this helpful Adopting a Pet page. The SPCA of TN will be happy to work with you in finding out what kind of pet is best for you. If you want to have a pet please make sure you can make a 10-20 year commitment to your pet. If you are not sure about adopting at this time, you can consider fostering for us. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at spcaoftn@gmail.com
The SPCA of TN adoption fees range depending on type of animal, the originating shelter and the vetting the animal has received. Our adoption fees are set to allow us to cover our expenses as well as to help other animals in our program that require additional care. Our fees cover vetting costs, shelter fees, boarding (if needed), behavioral training and additional medical care if the animal require it. By adopting from the SPCA of TN you are not saving just one life, you are helping to save others as well.
Why do I love older dogs? Why NOT? Older dogs, first of all, are some of those in most urgent need of homes. They’re often the first to be put down at kill shelters. They’ve lived their whole lives just hoping for the perfect family, and often they’ve been neglected or mistreated for much of their lives. Then they end up in a shelter and watch while people walk past their hopeful eyes and their gray muzzles, choosing younger, more playful dogs instead. Don’t they deserve to live their golden years being spoiled and loved, just like all the younger dogs will eventually do? I say YES!
Older dogs require far less training than younger dogs. They’re curious but not destructive. I don’t come home to find that older dogs have chewed my couch apart. They are already house broken much of the time, and if they’re not, they’re far easier to housebreak. They’re almost always already crate trained, too! They are typically very mellow – all they want to do is be with their family and feel safe. And they still come with all the benefits you get with a young dog. They’re loyal, protective, loving, and even playful! They may tire more easily, but isn’t that what you want? Who has the energy to entertain a young, crazy, four-legged fur ball ALL THE TIME? Not me. I find I can play with my older dogs for a little while, but then, when it’s time for me to get to work or clean the house, they’re content just plopping down to watch me. We have our time together, but then I have the very important ME TIME. It’s a perfect balance.
The next time you’re at a shelter, please give some serious consideration to those graying faces and those tails that might not wag as quickly. If you’re looking for a new friend online, do the same. Remember that all dogs get older, and by adopting an older one, you’ll be with your new best friend during the best years of his or her life…and they will be forever grateful.
Good Afternoon SPCA Tennessee team, I just wanted to quickly thank you! I'm a librarian running a fun pet project for 2nd-6th grade students (a few of the kids are welcoming new pets into their families) where we're learning about the work and responsibilities that go into caring for a family pet, and I thought you all might enjoy hearing that we were able to get some great use out of your organization's educational tips list. We were even able to use some of this information for our most recent group project. Thanks so much for sharing! One of our youngest, Olivia has also asked me if I could share the article where she and her siblings first researched information on pet care together with you all, "The New Pet Owners Guide - Health, Safety and Savings". Initially I was a little hesitant to reach out, but I thought this could actually be a really great addition for any other new pet owners coming across your information, like Olivia! I wondered if you wouldn't mind adding this one to your list? I find a little encouragement goes a long way, and would love to show Olivia and the rest of the library group if you do choose to include it! spcatn.org/educational-tips Thanks so much, Anna Jones https://couponfollow.com/research/pet-owner-guide
As a library media specialist I've been handed the task of updating our media center's pet care reference guides with the help of some student volunteers. We're currently gearing up for our annual 'Clear the Shelters' pet adoption drive we host every Spring, and the library really wanted to revamp our pet guides for the new parents! Your page led us to some great websites to check out, so the team and I wanted to make sure we thanked you :)
I'd be delighted to show Megan - my volunteer who found it! It's always nice to get some recognition for a job well done, especially during this difficult year. Megan is planning on adopting a senior cat with her family, so was very excited to work on this guide with me. I'm sure she would be thrilled to know she could help others too!
Thank you Megan for taking the time to fine an article to help the community in Tennessee to adopt more Senior Cats
A New Owner's Guide to Adopting a Cat
Dogs have some amazing abilities, not just as our companions, but as working dogs that help save lives. Such as search and rescue dogs (SAR), with intensive training, they are tasked in extreme circumstances to do unimaginable. Working alongside a trained K-9 handler, they work together as a team, against insurmountable obstacles to find, rescue, and save people from tragedy around the globe. Do you have the desire and skills to train for search and rescue? Does your best friend have the ability to become a search and rescue dog? We sat down with Trupanion claims manager adjudicator, Aaryn Peterson, a SAR K-9 handler and trainer of five years to discuss the world of search and rescue dogs, her retired SAR pup Aspen, and how to get involved in the search and rescue field.
Search and rescue dogs are working dogs that are used in the field to track and find people in extreme circumstances. Also, they work as a team, alongside their K-9 handler. These pups are highly skilled in a specific set of disciplines to help in their mission. In addition, they’re just one albeit important part of a search and rescue tool kit.
The beginning of a search and rescue dog’s story can start from an unlikely circumstance. Aaryn Peterson’s story is no exception. “I just moved to a new town with my husband and Aspen, and I didn’t know very many people yet. Naturally, one day the then-leader of the search dog team in my area showed up at the veterinary hospital where I worked at the time. Later, the topic came up, and before I knew it, I had been invited to visit training, and pretend to be a “lost” person. Naturally, from there, I was hooked and began getting all the training I needed to order to start as a general SAR volunteer, and as a K-9 handler,” states Peterson.
An essential component of search and rescue dog training is first and foremost working as a team. “If you already have a dog you’d like to train, it is always a good idea to have a solid foundation of obedience and a relationship of trust that you can build upon” points out Peterson.
Additionally, it’s important to know the different types of disciplines in the search and rescue field. If you’r deciding if search and rescue is a potential fit for you and your canine, consider the following.
Airscent working dogs use their nose to track the air and are more likely to be off-leash when area searching. In addition, this is typically done in a wilderness setting. Also, airscent searches are influenced by:
Avalanche search and rescue dogs are the most known discipline of the search and rescue dog’s hierarchy. Also, they are similar to airscent dogs that they work off-leash and grid up the avalanche on their mission. Further, they typically have the most sponsors and are often employed by ski-resorts.
A tracking/trailing working dog is trained to focus on the individual scent on the ground when on a mission. Additionally, it takes a longer time to search and follows the direction that the person travels in. For instance, tracking/trailing working dogs are used a lot in law enforcement as police dogs.
Disaster search and rescue working dogs are sent into an area after a natural disaster has taken place. Naturally, their job is to locate the scent to start the rescue efforts. In addition, these canines are typically off-leash, and the handlers follow into the situation with the dog. Likewise, this can be a treacherous environment for the canine, as such the surroundings might be unstable.
A human remains detection (HRD) canine identifies different types of deceased odors in an environment. Further, these working dogs are often used in water to indicate the deceased. For instance, while on their mission a positive search an HRD canine might indicate:
Preparation is a key indicator of success for K-9’s and their handler’s. Likewise, each team member has their own skill-set that they must acquire before becoming a part of the team.
Peterson weighs in on what makes for a successful K-9 team-mate. Consider the following:
In addition, the dog’s breed might not always play a factor in their ability to be a successful team-mate. For instance,” a smaller dog, such as a cocker spaniel or beagle, can fit in small spaces and can be less alarming to kids, “states Peterson. Definitely, something to consider when choosing your K-9 team-mate.
If you are pursuing becoming a K-9 handler, dive into volunteering and become familiar with search and rescue programs near you. Also, you will need to attain certifications and acquire any/all gear needed to negotiate the outdoor elements common in your region and the types of rescues you will perform. For instance, consider emergency tools such as maps, compass, and GPS to add to your search and rescue kit. In addition, once you are certified, have your kit and car ready to go, so you can accept a mission as soon as you get the call.
“Aspen and I have always done “teamwork” activities together, like sheep herding when she was younger, and have always been adventuring in the mountains. Also, I’ve always had a passion for volunteering and giving back. So, when I had a chance to take the teamwork relationship Aspen and I had built over the years to the next level, and do some real good for people in the process, there was no decision to make. Naturally, it was the obvious next step for us,” says Peterson.
Consider teamwork activities as a way to strengthen your bond and test your canine’s abilities.
If you choose to get involved with search and rescue dogs team, take into consideration the time commitment it could have on your schedule. For instance, a call could come in for a mission in the middle of the night. Also, be mindful of the impact it can have on your dog. Granted, your pup will let you know when they are ready to retire. Certainly, if you have the drive and determination, have an interest and passion to learn the craft, and have a strong bond with your canine, a search and rescue team might be a wonderful fit. In essence, search and rescue is a further way to bond, learn, and grow with your canine teammate.
Highlight- during their search and rescue career, Peterson and Aspen, logged over 2500+ mission training hours from 2012-2018, with over 400+ hours per year. We thank this team for invaluable rescues and appreciate the dedication, hard work, and determination that was shown on and off the field.
An emotional support animal (ESA) is a different from a service dog. Unlike a service dog, an emotional support animal does not need specialized training to handle a task. Instead, Emotional Support Animals provide healing to their owner through affection and companionship.
However, they still have special rights. Read on to understand the basics of registering your dog as an Emotional Support Animal.
Please go to www.usservicedogs.org
Qualifying Conditions:
Mobility problems, paralysis, diabetes, asthma, autism, depression, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), speech problems, social anxiety, epilepsy, blindness, deafness.
Always teach your children to take care of their pets from the moment you get a dog or a cat in your care.- However make sure you don't let your children by themselves without proper supervision. To be a responsible dog owner every day, you should prioritize some key aspects of caring for your pet. Here are some highlights:
You and your dogs speak different languages. Humane, interactive training gives dogs greater freedom and a better understanding of our world. Untrained dogs are often punished for their “improper” behavior. Be the one to train your dog—you are the one who will need to know how to communicate with him or her, but get help from a humane dog trainer if you run into problems.
Compassion, clarity, and consistency are the most important elements of dog training. Training should not include any activity or device that endangers animals (e.g. electric shock collars) or puts undue stress on them. Good books on the subject include A Well-Trained Dog by Deborah A. Jones, Ph. D; The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller; and for solving dog behavioral problems, If Only They Could Speak, Dogs Behaving Badley, and The Dog Who Loved Too Much, all by Nicholas Dodman.
Puppies should be taken out at least once every two hours (or within a half hour after eating or drinking) and guided to the same spot where they can smell having relieved themselves before. Immediately after they “do their business,” they should be praised lavishly in a high-pitched, excited voice. Crate training does not speed up the housebreaking process: Puppies do not develop full bladder control before 6 months of age and are physically incapable of “holding it” for very long.
Take your adult dog out at least four times a day and allow him or her time to linger and smell the area. If you cannot go home at lunchtime, enlist the help of a neighbor or a professional dog-walker.
Crating has recently become a popular practice often used on adult dogs by people who say that they are protecting the dogs. However, the true reason is often related to protecting the dog from damaging furniture or out of convenience. This practice deprives the dog of basic necessities, such as the freedom to walk around and look out of the window, the opportunity to relieve itself, and the comfort of stretching.
Dogs are safest and most comfortable wearing a nylon harness, not a collar, when out walking. Choke and prong collars can be painful and injure your dog. For a dog who pulls too hard, try the Easy-Walk™ harness (available online), which discourages pulling without discomfort to the dog. "And recommended by www.Spots.com
Sterilizing (Spay and Neuter) dogs helps stem the tide of companion-animal overpopulation. Spaying female dogs reduces the stress and discomfort endured during heat periods, eliminates the risk of uterine cancer, and greatly reduces the risk of mammary cancer. Neutering makes male dogs much less likely to roam or fight and prevents testicular cancer.
Never wait to take your dog to a veterinarian if there is any sign of illness or injury, but do not leave your dog with the vet for any longer than absolutely necessary or allow the vet to refuse you to let your to see him or her upon request. Just like your home, a pet is YOUR property and not theirs, unless they detect neglect or abuse.
If you have been feeding your dog or cat commercial pet foods, you are jeopardizing his or her health in the long-term. Cheap, supermarket pet foods are composed of ground-up, moldy, and/or diseased parts of animals deemed by Agriculture Department inspectors unfit for human consumption.