Verde Valley Humane News – Pre-Adoption Puppy Training
March 19, 2023
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News from Verde Valley Humane
In this issue: Animal Art Sale in April Pre-Adoption Puppy Training Jolene & Buster New Date: Play Golf with Your Dog March 29st
Call for Donations of Animal-Themed Art
Verde Valley Humane is asking for donations of animal-themed art for our Art for the Animals Art Sale Saturday, April 29 – 10-3 at Clemenceau Auditorium in Cottonwood
Donations of paintings, drawings, mixed media, photography, pottery, ceramics, fiber arts, woodwork, handmade articles will be welcome as long the artwork is animal related and in good condition. A maximum size of 24” x 36”. Donations of animal-themed books are also welcome. Gift certificates or other forms of support to benefit Verde Valley Humane are encouraged.
Pick up an Art Donation Submission Form at the VVHS shelter at 1520 W. Mingus Avenue in Cottonwood or print out a copy from our website: verdevalleyhumane.org/news/ 100% of the proceeds will support the thousands of at-need animals we care far each year. All artwork donations with donation forms must be delivered to the VVHS Shelter by April 15 (World Art Day).
Also coming in April more Animal Art:
Student Art Contest featuring art from local schools
All incoming dogs and cats will be named for artists
For more information about the sale, contact the Verde Valley Humane Society at 928-634-7387.
Pre-Adoption Puppy Training
When adopters come to the Verde Valley Humane shelter to adopt a puppy, they find it’s a little easier because our young ones don’t have longtime habits. We aren’t as concerned with whether an adopter has other pets or the ages of children in the household. Puppies are ready to adjust to a variety of environments and, with gentle training, will easily settle into their new lives. Plus, they’ll be given the information about the pup’s personality our Puppy Trainers have learned.
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At Verde Valley Humane, training begins before our pups are ready for adoption. Our Puppy Trainers work with them inside and then after their quarantine is over in a small outside yard. The pups begin to focus, learn sit, and become socialized to people and noises.
There’s an easy way to teach a pup sit. Hold a treat above the pup’s nose. When you have your pup’s attention move the treat back over their head until their butt goes down. The pup is learning to focus on you, watch you, listen to your voice, and control impulses.
Our pups lucky enough to live in foster homes have extra training and socialization experiences that eases their transition to forever homes. They meet humans of all sizes, cats, and other dogs, noises like vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, and doorbells, plus experience lots of smells that aren’t available in our shelter.
At about 12 weeks, after spay and neutering and vaccinations, the pups are ready for adoption. By then our Puppy Trainer or Foster has observed a lot about each individual and has written blurbs describing each pup. Adoption Specialists (our matchmakers) use those reports to help potential adopters make the best choice for their preferences and lifestyle. They’ll also make their best guess at the “How big with he get?” questions.
Early puppy training is just one of the ways Verde Valley Humane helps adopters to find their new best friend, whether it’s a brand new puppy or an older dog looking for a second home. All pets leaving our shelter have been spayed or neutered, received age-appropriate vaccinations, received flea/tick treatment and de-worming, and been micro-chipped.
What’s cuter than babies and dogs? Here’s Jolene and Buster!
Wednesday, March 29th
Golf with Your Dog or One of Ours!
Come out to Agave Highlands in Cornville and “Play 9 with Your Canine” Wednesday, March 29th 2 – 4 Verde Valley Humane will be there with adoptable shelter dogs. $25 for 9 holes, green fee, golf cart, dog treat and poop bag! Call Mike at Agave Highlands 928 634 5454 to schedule.