Every animal at Oregon Humane has a unique story and background. Sometimes we get lucky and have insight into their history, but often we don’t know anything at all. In these situations, experienced Training & Behavior staff are critical in developing individualized care plans for animals to set them up for lifelong success.
Checkers Gets Support
Shortly after arriving at Oregon Humane Salem Campus, 11-month-old Checkers became overexcited during a walk and nipped a staff person’s arm. After the incident, the Animal Care team assessed his behavior and developed a plan to help him redirect his energy in more positive ways moving forward. His training also included enrichment training to learn fundamental cues like, “sit,” “stay,” and “wait.”
Eventually, Checkers’ hard work with Oregon Humane trainers paid off, and he found a new, loving family dedicated to his ongoing training.
Most animal behavior can be adjusted just by anticipating a pet’s reactions and practicing distraction techniques around stimuli. Checkers, for example, became really amped up when he was first taken out for a walk. When given the chance to run around prior to walking and get out his energy, he was much more responsive to training cues.
However, some animals need more time before they are ready for adoption. That’s when the training and behavior experts at Oregon Humane Salem Campus will meet to determine the best path forward for an animal. In some cases, that means being transferred to the Behavior & Rescue Center in Portland to work in an in-depth program called Behavior Modification. No matter the course, the team at our Salem campus are there to provide thoughtful care.
Stronger Together
Thanks to you, shelter animals from Oregon Humane Salem and Portland campuses have access to our Behavior & Rescue Center, where they can get extra time and training in a quiet space with dedicated staff. Take a look below to see the incredible work the BRC is doing!
Behavior & Rescue in 2023
- 29 cats and 34 dogs have graduated from our Behavior Modification Program.
- Animals are graduating the Behavior Modification Program 25% faster than in years past.
- 130 kittens have come through the Behavior & Rescue Center.
