 Are you ready to have some FUN? Our agility equipment has arrived and agility classes are starting this week. Woohooo!!! We have also expanded our offerings for K9 Nose Work. Nose Work is a dog sport where the dog gets to be a dog. It's all about sniffing and hunting. This is a great activity for dogs and humans that are older or maybe have some health issues. All our current students are reporting that their dogs are better behaved at home after class. This class can accommodate dogs that have behavior issues as well. Camps, camps and more camps - We have spent all winter updating our camp curriculum so that our campers (ages 7 - 15) can attend multiple levels of camp and never repeat a lesson. We have also added agility, dog treat cooking lessons, outdoor hikes and water games to the curriculum. Several of the sessions are already full, so sign up today to reserve a spot for your child. If you have a teen in the home, ages 13 - 18 that enjoys dogs and wants to volunteer in our community, check out our Youth Association. This group volunteers at local shelters and nursing homes AND they have fun events like trips to Texas A & M Open House and a cooking lesson and luncheon with their moms for Mother's Day. (On a personal note: this a great group of kids; very tolerant of differences, respectful and enthusiastic about volunteering. The type of group that as parents, we are delighted to have our kids involved with.) The teens are not the only ones that get to enjoy a cooking lesson. Chef TJ is hosting two Dog Treat Cooking Classes, one on Friday night, May 31 that is a BYOB version (girl's night out?) and the other on a Saturday morning geared to families.
See you in class! Sincerely, Debi Krakar, CPDT Executive Director and Founder Austin Dog Alliance |
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Dog-Assisted Career Training at Texas School for the Deaf
Unique program prepares students for animal-related careers
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Yahtzee gets a bath
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A pioneering vocational training program launched in Austin this year -- Texas School for the Deaf ( TSD) students are learning job skills from some unlikely instructors - a group of specially trained therapy dogs. Funded by the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services ( DARS), the program is taught in association with Austin Dog Alliance.
The 15-week class allows students to work one-on-one with both therapy dogs and untrained dogs, learning canine care, dog handling, basic obedience training and basic grooming skills. In the final three weeks, students will put their skills to work at Austin Humane Society, caring for shelter dogs, maintaining and cleaning kennels and teaching dogs basic obedience commands.
"We are extremely thankful to the Austin Dog Alliance and DARS for partnering with TSD to provide a customized dog handling class for our students interested in careers related to animal care," says Dr. Susan Greene, Career and Transition Department supervisor with the Texas School for the Deaf. "Since the course is presented in American Sign Language, students are able to easily and fully engage in the classroom and hands-on instruction."
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Students and instructors at Mud Puppies, with Edward and Monica
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"We have a lot of students at TSD who want to work with animals," says Preston King, Transition Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for DARS. "But kids without experience don't get interviews. Getting experience and a real certification will give them a boost in the job market." (According to the non-profit Dallas Hearing Foundation, 42% of deaf adults aged 18-44 are unemployed). Austin Dog Alliance hopes to improve the odds for TSD students by teaching skills that can help them pursue careers in animal-related fields. "We are probably the only organization in the nation offering this type of learning," says Carolyn Honish, Austin Dog Alliance program coordinator and a certified instructor for the deaf, "and the students are absolutely loving the course. We hope that, as more people become aware that this training is available, we can improve the career opportunities for more young adults." See the press release about this innovative program on our website.
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Austin American-Statesman Sponsors Bow Wow Reading
Local newspaper supports reading enrichment program for 2013 |
Thank you, Austin American-Statesman, for sponsoring the
Austin Dog Alliance Bow Wow Reading Dog program for 2013!
TOGETHER, we're making a difference in our community.
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Parents' Night Out - Fun Night for Kids
Enjoy an evening out while your kids have fun at New Hope Ranch
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 Parents' Night Out - Friday, May 17th - 6:30-9:30PM Students ages 5-11 of all abilities are welcome!
$25 per child, price discount for multiple children in one family.
Parents - enjoy a fun evening out on the town or relaxing quietly at home while your kids are with us at New Hope Ranch having fun playing with therapy dogs, making dog themed crafts, running thru an obstacle course playing games, having snacks and meeting new friends.
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Rescue/Foster/Adoption
Alliance trainers teaching free classes at shelter
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  Austin Dog Alliance trainers love to give back to the community. Susan Windham-Whitcomb and Judy McCarthy volunteer at Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter on Saturdays, teaching free training classes to newly adopted dogs and their handlers.
According to ADA volunteer and shelter volunteer, Carla Elmore, "the goal is to help keep the dogs in their new home and out of the shelter system. So far, it's a great success! We hope to add more classes in the future".
For more information, contact Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter. cschneider@wilco.org
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Nose Work News
Rescue dog Dylan receives Harry Award at Nose Work Trial
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Trainer Robi Taylor with Dylan (left) and Weasie
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Our congratulations to Dylan and his dedicated handler, Robi Taylor, who received first place in the Container Search along with the Harry Award at the NACSW Nose Work 1 trial March 17, 2013.
The Harry Award is given "in loving memory of Harry, a Beauceron who was slated to run in the NACSW Inaugural Fun Nose Work Competition in 2008 with his handler and owner, Penny. The honor is awarded to the most outstanding rescue dog that demonstrates extraordinary ability and spirit in nose work. The winner is selected from the three top-scoring rescue dogs along with input from judges. The award is presented by Penny Scott-Fox who was Harry's owner and handler."
Way to go Robi and Dylan! Robi, we are so proud to have you on our Training Team!
NACSW: National Association of Canine Scent Work
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Alliance Members spend a day with Ian Dunbar
Continuing education (and fun) for volunteers and trainers
|   In April, a group of 20 trainers and volunteers from Austin Dog Alliance attended Dr. Ian Dunbar's one-day seminar on Cutting Edge Concepts in Dog Training. It was a fun day learning about all things dog-related.
Dr. Dunbar is a world-renowned veterinarian, dog expert, and a pioneer in positive reinforcement (R+) dog training, a philosophy embraced by Austin Dog Alliance. Learn more about Dr. Dunbar at Dog Star Daily. |
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Next Volunteer Orientation - May 7
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 Have fun, learn something new, and make a difference in our community this year.
YOU are invited to attend a no-obligation information session at our New Hope Ranch to learn which Austin Dog Alliance programs are a match for your interests and skills.
Volunteer orientation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, 6:30pm at 1321 W. New Hope Drive in Cedar Park. Learn more and sign up on our Volunteer page.
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Where You Can Find Us In May....
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 In addition to our existing outreach programs in the community, you can find Austin Dog Alliance volunteers and therapy animals at these special events in the greater Austin area in May: University of Texas (May 6) -- Pre-finals events for students at the Perry-Castaneda Library on campus. Therapy dogs on hand to visit with students as they study and prepare for finals at the university. Whole Foods Austin, Bee Cave (Hill Country Galleria) location (May 19) -- Help celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Bee Cave location of Whole Foods Market in the Hill Country Galleria! We'll have a booth with volunteers and therapy dogs on hand for "Bring Your Dog" and adoption event day! You can support our efforts and outreach programs in the community by donating today. Every donation makes a difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank You!
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| Mission | |
Austin Dog Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Our mission: To improve the health and well-being of individuals and families through programs incorporating the powerful connection between humans and dogs.
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| Contact Us | Board of Directors
Board Chair
Secretary, Volunteer Outreach
Pet Therapy, Newsletter, Social Media
Capital Campaign
Fundraising & Events
Founder and
Executive Director
Adoption Program
Office Manager Pet Therapy Director
Training Director
Pet Therapy Volunteer Coordinator
Foster/Adoption, PR
PR, Marketing
Youth Association
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