Rehabilitation & Training Program
Animal Haven is committed not only to saving the lives of homeless pets, but also enriching those lives and providing key resources to adopters to aid in healthy, happy lives with their new pets. As the proud recipients of a generous grant from the Regina B. Frankenberg Foundation, Animal Haven has implemented a comprehensive rehabilitation and behavioral training program. Overseen by a certified dog trainer, this program follows our rescued animals from the moment they enter our doors through the process of settling into their new homes.
We have made a commitment to evidence-based, positive reinforcement training and handling methods free of force, fear, pain or coercion. The most current scientific research supports humane, positive reinforcement training methods as the most effective method for modifying animal behavior from basic obedience to the most difficult cases.
Animal Haven’s Rehabilitation and Training Program includes:
Daily training and enrichment sessions with behavioral staff to install basic obedience behaviors, impulse control and target behavior modification such as body handling, resource guarding and socialization. Sessions are designed to address the unique needs of each animal and to help prepare them for living in a home environment.
Advanced volunteer training that empowers Animal Haven’s army of volunteers to advocate for the animals, teaching them force-free handling skills and interpreting body language to assist in the animals’ holistic rehabilitation experience while in our care.
Counseling sessions with prospective adopters to encourage matches based on both the animals’ and adopters’ unique needs and lifestyles.
Resources and continued support for adopters after they’ve brought home their new pet.
Assistance for the tri-state community at large via our Pet Behavior Hotline, which assists people in an effort to keep pets and their families together, particularly in times of need.