Virginia Hamilton

Happy Anniversary to the Canine Commandos now in our 16th year! We started in 2003 due to high-kill shelter rates and discovering 96% of homeless dogs have never had training, thus overlooked for adoption. We learned training minutes per day changes behaviors, increasing dog adoption! Currently, 400 or thirty schools train, impact three shelters at a 69% success rate of adoption. The school district offers schools the opportunity to join Commandos for community service experience! Last school year, Commandos worked with 680 dogs and 500 cats! The Commandos speak with the public as new pet parents watch the training action. We woofed for joy as Sebastian was adopted from our paws!
From September to May, the thirty schools bus once a month during the school day (11 AM to 1 PM) at the shelter. At arriving at the shelters, the Commandos read to the dogs one-on-one while the dogs are pulled for training. Then in small groups with chaperones, Commandos teach the five basic commands, watch me, sit, down, stay, and come. Students complete a checklist of mastered commands listed on the comment card and take photographs for classroom activities. After command training, the dogs are returned to runs, and Commandos teach watch me one-on-one to help with focus and silence (as does reading to them). Each group rotates through cat rooms for play and socialization. The Commandos return to their schools to create reflective activities. It is anticipated students will increase their understanding of community issues by 100% through the training experience.
In back in the classroom setting, students select from a menu of activities about their shelter experiences. Students quickly write reflections feedback in their journals while the training experience is still fresh. The classroom activities are chosen to continue after each training session for feedback, reflection, and evaluation of the training experiences. All projects are showcased at the end of the school year with our exciting Expo! Happy Anniversary to the Canine Commandos now in our 16th year! We started in 2003 due to high-kill shelter rates and discovering 96% of homeless dogs have never had training,... read more