From Dog Trainers to Dog Rescuers: Professional Dog Trainers Turn Focus to Saving Shelter Dogs

/PRNewswire/ -- According to the National Animal Interest Alliance, about 1.8 million dogs are surrendered to animal shelters each year by their owners. About 300,000 of these relinquished dogs are turned in to be euthanized, and the remaining 1.5 million are surrendered for adoption. Although it is challenging to track exactly why all these dogs are being surrendered, it is clear that behavior problems are a primary culprit. This means that behavior problems are one of the leading causes of death in dogs in the United States.

Animal Behavior College (ABC), a Los Angeles-based vocational school for professional dog training instructors, has launched a national campaign to save the lives of shelter dogs. As a part of the solution to help reduce these shocking statistics, ABC has created "Students Saving Lives," a program that requires all of their dog training students to volunteer at least ten hours of training time to local animal shelters or rescue organizations.

To date, approximately 2,000 ABC Certified Dog Trainers have donated over 31,000 volunteer dog training hours to animal shelters and rescue groups all throughout North America in an effort to help save lives. The dogs are taught basic obedience lessons as well as problem solving for inappropriate behaviors.

"Since we started this program, 'Students Saving Lives' countless dogs have been rescued from death row at shelters because they were well-trained by an ABC dog training graduate. Those dogs that were only a few days away from euthanasia are now living in loving, permanent homes. This program has caught the attention of animal shelters and rescue organizations all across the country," said Debbie Kendrick proudly, Vice President of ABC and creator of "Students Saving Lives".

It is proven that the chances of adoption increase tremendously once a dog is well trained. The dog is more likely to be noticed at a shelter and adopted. Once home, they are less likely to have behavior problems which often results in being returned to the shelter.

Animal Behavior College has enrolled thousands of students all over the United States and Canada who are looking for a great new career that is not only fulfilling, but helps make a difference in the lives of dogs.

More information can be found at www.AnimalBehaviorCollege.com

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