Welcome Shelters, Sanctuaries, Rescues, and Fosters!
Shelters and rescue groups are integral to the protection and welfare of homeless animals. Every stay in a shelter or under the care of a rescue group provides a valuable opportunity for helping a dog learn better skills for becoming a successful pet. Make the most of these opportunities by understanding a few basics of how dogs learn new skills, and how to avoid the development of problem behaviors.
Upcoming Events
From Dogs to Donkeys: What training other species can teach you.
Join Sara Matters, MA, ABCDT, Debbie Jacobs, CPDT-KA, RBT, and BCBA presenters for three days of evidence-based information and practice related to learning and behavior change.
Webinars
Upcoming and on-demand webinars on working with animals with fear-based behavior challenges as well as other problem behaviors, along with topics of interest to anyone committed to science-based training. Both novice and experienced shelter staff, rescues, and fosters will benefit from the information shared in these webinars.
In-Person Workshops
Debbie is available for seminars and workshops at your location, and also regularly offers workshops at Lemon’s Hope Sanctuary in Brattleboro, Vermont. Available for private group training, Lemon’s Hope in scenic southern Vermont, is accessible to major urban areas in New England. View samples of past workshops to see what we offer.
Become a Patron
Get exclusive content for patrons only, including live, private webinars, chats, patron-only blog, recordings and behind the scenes access to Debbie and her work helping owners and trainers work with problem behaviors. Patrons support important projects like the Walking In The Woods with Dogs Podcast and low cost training for rescue groups and foster caregivers.
Books to Help Fearful Dogs
“A Guide to Living With & Training a Fearful Dog” is a must-read for anyone interacting with fearful dogs. Available in English and Spanish, both digital and in print. “Does My Dog Need Prozac? Musings and sound advice on living with a shy, anxious, fearful or reactive dog,” takes you on a journey into life with dogs struggling to feel safe in their world. Bulk discounts are available.
Articles, Posts & Other Resources
Fearful Dogs offers a large collection of behavior and training resources specifically for folks working with dogs in shelters and the rehoming process, especially those struggling with problem behaviors. You’ll find information to help you identify qualified trainers, how to work with aggressive behaviors, how to get started helping fearful animals, dogs suffering from trauma, sensitivities and phobias, the role of medication to help fearful and anxious animals, calming products, and much more.
Facebook Group
Fearful Dogs is one of the most respected and recommended groups on Facebook for anyone with a fearful dog. Created to provide a supportive community for fearful dog owners and trainers the group also includes groomers, pet sitters, fosters, veterinarians, and veterinary behaviorists. Members have access to educational group files and documents.
Also visit our Facebook page for more up-to-date information on the care, handling and training of dogs, especially those with fear based behavior challenges.
Podcast
Walking in the Woods with Dogs podcast topics of interest to animal trainers and behavior analysts. Featuring a narration of B.F. Skinner’s Science and Human Behavior, among the most important texts for anyone interested in behavior analysis.
Contact Debbie for Presentations and Consults
If you’re looking for an educational and engaging seminar to bring evidence-based and state of the art training and handling information to your staff, fosters, and volunteers, Debbie is available for both online and in-person presentations and workshops.
If your shelter, rescue, or sanctuary is struggling with challenging cases and need support for creating effective interventions, you can also schedule phone or online consultations.
