Minnesota Valley Humane Society’s S.T.A.R. shelter dog training program.
S.T.A.R stands for Specially Training And Rewarded. These dogs lack what most people would say are good manners and/or need extra training to make them more adoptable.
Many dogs are surrendered to MVHS with behavioral problems due to neglect, mistreatment, ignorance and lack of training. Common behavior issues include jumping up on people, pulling on the leash, mouthing hands, clothes or leashes, body handling issues and other things. These animals could one day make ideal family pets if they are given enough time, training and love.
The STAR program strives to reduce the length of time an animal stays at the shelter because of behavioral concerns by addressing common behavioral issues before they become problematic. The program also has a goal of keeping these dogs in their new homes. We want to lessen the chance that these dogs will be visiting us again. The program teaches basic manners as well as addresses problem behaviors. A team of specially trained volunteers are responsible for completing training exercises while the dog is at the shelter.
Dogs in the program are identified on their profiles indicating they are going through both individual and group training through the STAR program. Adopters are given information on what their new dog has been learning and what behaviors they need to continue to work on at home.
We strongly encourage them to continue the dog’s group education by enrolling their new dog in our Canine U training classes offered here at the shelter. The program is intended to jump-start training for potential adopters, not replace it. New adopters will be strongly encouraged to continue with the behavior modification techniques STAR volunteers implement.
