BALTIMORE POOCH CAMP
Cause Area
- Advocacy & Human Rights
- Animals
- Children & Youth
- Community
- Education & Literacy
Location
GIBBONS AVEBALTIMORE, MD 21214 United StatesOrganization Information
Mission Statement
Baltimore Pooch Camp is an innovative program wherein young people train homeless dogs in basic obedience, helping the dogs become more adoptable. Through the lessons they teach their dogs, young people learn goal setting, the importance of personal accountability, and the power of positive reinforcement as an alternative to force & violence.
Description
Baltimore Pooch Camp is a 3 week after school program that runs Monday-Friday for 2 hours each day.
We bring together a pre-selected group of 6-8 young people along with an equal number of homeless dogs that have been pre-screened by a certified dog trainer.
For the duration of the program, each student is paired with the same dog. In the first hour of each class, and under the supervision of the trainer, the students teach the dogs’ good leash walking behavior, basic commands- sit, stay, down, & come, and eventually progressing to more advanced agility training.
The second hour of each class, the students will have an opportunity to discuss their specific needs & issues in an informal class setting, at the same time further bonding with their dogs as they sit with them.
Throughout the 3 week program, different professionals and presenters will lead the second hour of the session, offering strategies for goal setting, problem solving, and resources specifically tailored to the individual needs of the student participants.The only requirements we ask of the students:
l) They promise to commit to the entire 30 hour course, as the dogs are bonding with & depending on them, and
2) They have an interest in helping the dogs become more socialized and "adoptable".