Читать книгу Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff - Группа авторов - Страница 190

Another general behavioral support program provided by many animal welfare organizations is training classes. These programs vary in their quantity and scope as well as in their fee structure and target audience. There is limited information to assess their efficacy in preventing shelter relinquishment, and the information available is sometimes contradictory. In one study, puppies enrolled in learning and socialization classes were more likely to remain in their initial homes (Duxbury et al. 2003). However, other research has found that relinquished dogs were no more likely to have attended training classes than non‐relinquished dogs (Kwan and Bain 2013) and that attendance at formal training classes did not significantly affect the total number of undesirable behaviors reported by pet owners (Blackwell et al. 2008).

Given these contradictory findings, the impact of these programs on preventing relinquishment is somewhat uncertain and is likely influenced by the individual program structure. There is intuitive benefit for the pet and client through the acquisition of training knowledge and socialization for the pet as well as through the shared bonding activity. However, whatever impact on pet retention there may be from training classes, it is limited if only a small number of pet owners can access them. Many owners may experience barriers due to fees and lack of transportation to the class location. A strategy to mitigate these barriers is to provide fee‐waived training classes directly in communities at high risk of animal relinquishment. This program structure facilitates the safety net benefit to clients and strengthens the relationship of the humane organization with the community. Virtual training classes are another strategy to enhance accessibility, though this format eliminates the socialization benefit and may reduce the learning and bonding experience.

When fees are incorporated into the program, the organization can benefit from the additional revenue. In addition, regardless of fee structure or location, classes can serve to introduce or further acquaint clients with the organization, potentially resulting in the recruitment of new volunteers or donors. Shelters that hold training classes may also choose to have staff or volunteers bring shelter dogs to participate, thus providing an additional benefit for animals awaiting placement.

Though these benefits are numerous, providing training classes can require a fair investment of resources to ensure that a qualified trainer is leading the classes and to manage the class schedule and enrollment. While this resource investment may be offset with class fee revenue, as mentioned, revenue must be balanced with achieving an underlying goal of preventing relinquishment. Creative solutions to achieve this balance can include the recruitment of volunteer trainers or partnership with reputable organizations or companies specializing in training services.