The NAPRP Blog

Mar 20

Written by: NAPRP Admin
3/20/2009 5:35 AM

This week, I had a great time talking to Krista Cantrell about ways of decreasing stress in shelter dogs. It was fascinating. She cited a book that I now plan to order called On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas. I have read references to it in the past, but this is the first time I'd ever really talked to anyone about the impact your own (calm) behavior can have on dogs.

If you've spent time with dogs, you'll realize a lot of it is actually common sense. For example, Krista pointed out that if you talk in a high squeaky voice and wave your arms around, virtually any dog will get amped up. (I think we've all seen how that works!) In much the same way, if you are rushing around anxiously cleaning kennels, the dogs pick up on it. Simply moving more slowly and speaking quietly and calmly can have a big impact.

Krista even spent a little extra time at the end of the call answering a particularly difficult question from someone who has a rescue dog that is eating his way out of crates. (Yikes!) Anyway, we should have the the recording uploaded to the private member area next week.

In other news, I got an email from the American Humane Association. Like the HSUS, they are now offering foreclosure grants. According to this page:
http://www.americanhumane.org/protecting-animals/shelter-professionals/grants/foreclosure-pets/

"Grant monies are available based on resources and the generosity of our donors and are awarded to qualifying American Humane member shelters. Grant monies must be used to offset expenses already incurred in providing direct care to animals that have been impacted by a foreclosure situation."

If you have more animals coming in because of foreclosures in your area, I encourage you to take advantage of grants from these large organizations!

As always, thank you for all you do to help the animals!

 

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