The East Haven Animal Shelter is gearing up for Clear the Shelters and getting their dogs ready with some special training.
For 25 years, Owen Little, the shelter’s control officer, has helped pets in need find forever homes.
“That would be my biggest hope, an empty shelter. In 25 years, it’s never been empty,” Little said.
Little brought in expert dog trainer Michael Shikashio of Complete Canines in Mystic to help achieve that goal. Shikashio instructs dog training classes throughout the state, and uses dogs from the East Haven Animal Shelter during his sessions - which helps the dogs as well.
“The dogs learn new skills. The dogs get adopted faster and we build this network of trainers in Connecticut,” Shikashio said. “So, it’s just a win-win situation for everybody.”
Shikashio has volunteered to teach local trainers new skills every few weeks.
“I am really grateful to get to have this opportunity to learn from him and then to be able to help the dogs here,” said Ellen Carson, a worker at Sandy Paws Pet Training and Dog Sitting in Madison.
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Shikashio said when people walk up to caged dogs in shelters, the animals get excited and start barking or jumping. Part of his training works to deter that behavior.
“People are going to be able to come and the dogs will be relaxed, calm, and not jumping all over the run,” said Sean Godejohn, assistant animal control officer.
Playtime is the first step in socializing and retraining the dogs, Shikashio said. Then teaching the dogs simple commands such as “sit” and “fetch” make them more attractive for adoption.
And though the shelter’s partnership with Shikashio is fairly new, they hope that, with time, and by learning new skills, the shelter will one day be empty.
“I hope they clear the shelter!” said Shikashio.
On Saturday, August 19, the East Haven Animal Shelter will be waiving all adoption fees as part of NBC Connecticut's Clear the Shelters initiative. Click here for more information or call the East Haven Animal Shelter at (203) 468-3249.
