Trainer Assists Pound Pets Before And After Adoptions

By Kendra Bobowick

Theo’s eager black and white face twisted around to look at trainer Rob Mullin, who held the other end of a choke collar.

His tail slapped back and forth as familiar voices approached. Assistant Animal Control Officer Matt Schaub walked toward Mr Mullin, said hello, then reached toward Theo to pet him. Seconds later Theo was off sniffing and wandering on the end of his leash, and again turned and perked his ears as Animal Control Officer Carolee Mason walked by. “Theo!” she said, and reached to pet him, too.

Watching him enjoy so much affection, Mr Mullin remembered when the dog first arrived at he pound: “Theo the basket case…” He had been “so heavily abused” that he would cower when people lifted their hands to him, Mr Mullin said. He had been afraid of hand motions in general, added Mr Schaub.

“In his mind, a beating was about to begin,” Mr Mullin explained.

Every Friday, Mr Mullin, who operates K-9 Wizard & Company, arrives at the pound on behalf of another company, Pets Alive, run by resident Matt DeAngelis. Through Pets Alive and Mr Mullin, pound pets receive several late morning hours of training, and prospective or new pound pet owners are also able to work with the trainer in the effort to make smoother transitions into a new home.

“Every dog is a work in progress,” Mr Mullin said Friday, August 20, as he led Theo on the leash. Of his work at the pound, he said, “We deal with the issues so the new owners can handle [the new pet].”

Throughout the week Mr Schaub watches the dogs carefully. “I try to find the issues that might be a turn-off for adopters,” he said. “Then, I tell Rob and he always has ideas that work and I think, ‘Why didn’t I think of that!’” Lately, the number of animals returning to the pound from a failed adoption has dropped, said Mr Schaub.

As training progresses with the pound pets, the volunteers, including the Canine Advocates of Newtown members, will follow through, said Ms Mason. Once adopted, the pet and new owner can also return on a Friday to see Rob for a follow-up.

Mr Mullin sends new owners home with several basic, easy-to-follow rules that will make their adoption easier. Get a crate, he said. “The dog has been bounced around and a crate helps the dog acclimate; it’s a place of safety.” After time, the crate is no longer necessary.

All family members need to meet the dog before going home.

Use “speed housebreaking” and remain outside until the dog “does what he needs to do.” He urges, “Do not run inside where you might have your first accident.

“Learn to housebreak from day one,” Mr Mullin said. He suggested that a new owner should let the dog sniff around and “find a spot” in the yard, and become accustomed to the new surroundings. Other pets and family members should visit the new pet at the pound and receive introductions. “Get everyone involved,” Mr Mullin said. Do not worry about the past; the dog can live your lifestyle, he said.

He then repeated, “People, people, people, and more people.” The simple rules will “make life easier for everyone and for the dog,” he said.

Ms Mason hopes to begin a night class soon to add to the training. Thinking of benefits to the pets and new owners, she said, “It’s nice to have a trainer.”

Still wandering the length of his leash and looking for attention, Theo and Mr Mullin walked across the gravel lot and back. Soon the once neglected pit bull will be at home with his new owner, who hopes to pick him up in coming days.

Visit CanineAdvocates.org to see the pets available for adoption.