HAWS currently has a very special volunteer opportunity available for dog-lovers in our community. Our Behavior Department is looking for volunteers to join our Mod Squad program.
HAWS’ Mod Squad is a unique group of volunteers that works with special needs animals housed at our shelter. These volunteers are trained to help dogs “mod”-ify their behavior, using a variety of tools and techniques including EZ-Walk harnesses, Tellington TTouch®, clickers and interactive toys.
Dogs in our Mod Squad program are in several special needs categories, such as those who do not thrive in the shelter environment or have been here overly long; dogs who pass the behavior evaluation but who are not quite ready for adoption; dogs who do not pass the behavior evaluation but can with a little help; and dogs in our adoption ward who would benefit from basic manners training. Activities also provide a source of enrichment for all kenneled dogs.
Just as the Mod Squad’s work on the old TV show made good things happen for them, HAWS’ Mod Squad is helping good things happen for the dogs in our shelter!
- Our Mod Squad program has completely resolved many behavior problems and greatly increased the adoption odds for our at-risk canine population. More than 600 dogs have been a part of the Mod Squad, and of these, 90% have been adopted and are thriving with their new families!
- Mod Squad alumni dogs require fewer behavior consults than non-Mod Squad dogs (which is a FREE service we provide for the lifetime of your HAWS alumni pet)!
Interested in joining the ranks of HAWS’ Mod Squad? Contact claudeen@hawspets.org or alisonw@hawspets.org. You can also call the shelter at 262-542-8851 and we’ll connect you!
By the way – Ever wonder why HAWS’ kennel dogs are happy napping in the afternoons when you come to visit? Not only do our dog walkers put in long hours every morning, but HAWS shelter dogs also attend a Basic Manners class some mornings, learning sit, stay, come, lie down…and the way to greet politely. The dogs are eager to participate in this class – and we see an improvement in their demeanor throughout the day!
