DogSpeak’s SCAR(Second Chance Animal Rehabilitation) Program was established in January, 2010. With SCAR, qualified dogs from different shelters and rescue organizations are invited to spend two weeks living with our trainer, Nikki Ivey. Nikki works with each dog individually building confidence, teaching self-control, problem-solving skills and beginning the teachings of real life manners. Many of the SCAR program dogs have fears, phobias and poor manners. Many don’t know how to walk on a leash, deal with loud noises, other dogs or cats, and don’t even know how to be a dog. Once their two weeks is up they return to their foster home with detailed instructions on the next level to continue their training. This allows us to help more dogs. Once they get adopted, if their new parents are local, they’ll receive a FREE training session in the privacy of their home.

DogSpeak has a wonderful group of assistants with her partner, Kim, who’s in the process of learning all the skills it takes to help these dogs, Bandit, the 16 year old mutt that is small and compact but is great with signals and has met very few dogs she didn’t want to be friends with, Adonis, the orange cat whose 12 and would be happier if we’d just stop bringing dogs in, TBAA, the 8.5 year old Rottweiler, who shows all the dogs the path to real life manners, Amethyst, the 6 year old cat that loves dogs and thinks she should hang out with them and then there’s Duke, 1.5 year old Dachshund mix that loves to play and makes every dog feel welcomed.

These dogs learn how to act around food, how not to bolt out the door, how to act around cats that are friendly and ones that are not, how to walk on a leash, potty outside, ride in the car, be out in public and any specific issues that need to work out such as fears of loud noises, men, women or children.

Our first guest arrived on Feb. 28th.

This is Rose, a Jack Russell Terrier mix from Russell Rescue. Rose is very fearful of people, dogs, cats, leashes, thresholds, crate and more. She’s learning how to be more relaxed in the crate, to walk nicely on a leash, to ignore loud noises, to potty outside, to sit  nicely for dinner, to wait for permission before going outside and more. We’ll continue to update the status of Rose as the days move forward. Keep checking back for a profile on Rose to see if she’ll fit with your family.

Click Here to learn more about Peanut Roxie Rose and our NEW SCAR Dog.