Pets

What are some of the key differences between working with shelter animals and privately-owned pets?

Shelter vs. Privately-Owned Pets: Key Differences Exposed

What are some of the key differences between working with shelter animals and privately owned pets? Well, privately owned pets. Were sometimes shelter animals. But basically the biggest difference is that shelter animals don't have a person attached to them, you can work directly with the animal as opposed to privately-owned pets for a year or more in my role more working with person. My goal is that the person should be able to To train their own animal so that they don't need me with the next one. Whereas, with the shelter animal, your goal is to teach them behaviors that will help them in their new home or that will help them get adopted.

The main difference between working with shelter animals and privately owned pets is that the goal when working with shelter animals is to teach them behaviors that will help them in their new home or get adopted, while the goal when working with privately-owned pets is to help the person train their own animal so that they don't need assistance with the next one.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/echvfpczd9zpb9fxqjvm.vtt

The key differences between working with shelter animals and privately-owned pets are as follows. 

Privately-owned pets often were once shelter animals themselves. However, the main distinction is that shelter animals do not have a specific person attached to them. When working with shelter animals, the focus is on directly interacting and training the animal. In contrast, when working with privately-owned pets, the goal is often to work with the person who owns the pet. The aim is to empower the pet owner to train their own animal, so they become self-sufficient in handling their pet's behavior. 

In my role, I typically work more with the person when dealing with privately-owned pets. The objective is to equip the pet owner with the necessary skills to train their pet, ensuring they won't require my assistance with future pets. On the other hand, when working with shelter animals, the goal is to teach them behaviors that will aid in their transition to a new home or increase their chances of being adopted.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your work with animals?

Unleashing Happiness: Witnessing Shelter Animals Find Their Forever Homes

What has been the most rewarding aspect of your work with animals? Well, I've done a lot of my work with animals in the shelter world so I would have to say the biggest reward possible for any shelter worker is watching an animal go home and actually leave the shelter. There is nothing like watching those butts. Go the door and knowing that they are going to make somebody really, really happy as a pet in a new home. So some of the more difficult Occult animals that I have worked with have been some of the most rewarding ones when they finally go into a home, they almost always behave better at home than they did in a shelter. And when people come back with stories, about what a great pet they've got that really makes me happy.

The most rewarding aspect of my work with animals has been watching them go home and leave the shelter, especially after working with difficult animals. It's very satisfying to hear stories from people about how their animal is doing in its new home.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/z7b0wq59ulrmyykuxpyw.vtt

The most rewarding aspect of my work with animals, particularly in the shelter world, has been witnessing the joy of seeing animals find their forever homes. There is nothing quite like watching those wagging tails or happy purrs as they leave the shelter and embark on a new journey with their new families. Even the more challenging or misunderstood animals I've worked with have proven to be incredibly rewarding when they finally settle into a loving home. It's heartwarming to hear stories from adopters about how their new pets have become wonderful companions. Knowing that I played a part in facilitating these connections brings me immense happiness.

Finding the Perfect Hiking Dog: Consider Age, Temperament, and Needs

What is a good hiking, dog? For a kid? Well, it would depend a lot on a lot of things. How old is the kid? How far are you hiking? What is the weather? Like, in the places where you're likely to hike? But, in general, when I'm looking for a dog, for a family was with children, especially small children. I look for three things, I look for a dog, who does not guard the resources at all, who will let anybody walk up and take a bone away from them without even thinking twice, I look for high hand, lability a dog who doesn't mind being touched the way the kid me, touch them. And I look for a dog, who loves kids more than they love adults, beyond that. For hiking, I have four dogs, I hike in the forest all the time, they're very different dogs. But what I look for is a dog who is put together pretty well is not smush faced is not going to have trouble breathing. I look for sort of dogs. Shaped dogs. And I like a dog who's kind of needy because where I hike, you can let the dogs off leash and I like a dog who is more interested in me than in chasing deer. A lot of that is training but some of it is the temperament of the dogs. So happy hiking.

When looking for a good hiking dog for a kid, look for a dog who does not guard resources, is high in hand lability, loves kids more than adults, is well put together, and has a needy demeanor.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/rtjnardilywhhu53oxez.vtt

When considering a good hiking dog for a kid, several factors come into play. It's important to consider the age of the child, the distance of the hikes, and the typical weather conditions in the hiking areas. 

In general, when selecting a dog for a family with children, especially young ones, there are three key qualities I look for. Firstly, a dog that doesn't guard resources and is comfortable with anyone taking away their bone or toy without hesitation. Secondly, a dog with high handleability, meaning they don't mind being touched or handled in the same way that a child might interact with them. Lastly, a dog that loves kids more than adults, showing a natural affinity and patience with younger family members.

For hiking specifically, I have four dogs with different characteristics. However, I prioritize a dog that is physically well-structured, without a smushed face that may cause breathing difficulties. I also prefer dogs with a more streamlined shape. Additionally, I appreciate a dog that is somewhat needy, as it helps maintain their focus on me during hikes where they can be off-leash. Training plays a significant role, but the dog's temperament also contributes to their suitability for hiking.

Ultimately, happy hiking with your chosen dog!

What inspired you to pursue a career in animal behavior?

From Shelter to Expert: How One Animal Lover's Passion Became a Career

What inspired you to pursue a career in animal behavior? Well, I'm sure like every other professional on this platform. I've always been an animal lover, but where it became a passion was. When I started working with shelter animals, I ended up bringing some of the more difficult ones. Home with me one in particular. There's there's often one really difficult animal behind every Behavior professional and Once I met him, I just had to know everything. So I started reading books, I went to school, I got a master's degree and I have been learning ever since. So it is a lot of fun. I don't know anybody who has left the regular world for a career in animals who has not loved it. So that's my story in 60 Seconds.

I've always been an animal lover, but when I started working with shelter animals and met a particularly difficult one, I was motivated to learn more and pursue a career in animal behavior. I have been learning ever since and I love it.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/hamaxipyqbps2o2ktgtl.vtt

What inspired me to pursue a career in animal behavior? Well, like many others on this platform, I have always been an animal lover. However, my passion truly ignited when I started working with shelter animals. I ended up taking home some of the more challenging cases, and there was one particular animal that captured my heart. Meeting him sparked a deep curiosity, and I felt compelled to learn everything I could about animal behavior.

I delved into books, pursued higher education, and obtained a master's degree in the field. Since then, my journey has been a continuous process of learning and growth. Working with animals brings me immense joy, and I haven't met anyone who has entered this career path and not fallen in love with it. That's my story in a nutshell.

Swimming

Strength

Triathlon

Photography

Track & Field

Nutrition

Physical Therapy

Running

Cycling

Podcasting

HealthCare

Musculoskeletal

Hockey

First Responders

Integrative Medicine

Chiropractic

Cross Country Skiing

Adaptive Sports

Climbing

Mental Health

Surfing

Tennis

Military

Mind Body

Scholars

Criminal Justice

Liquor

CrossFit

Golf

Soccer

Pickleball

Hunting

Public Speaking

Venture Capital

Behavior

Pet Training

Training

Self Reflection

Personality

Trish McMillan holds a Master’s degree in Animal Behavior, and is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. She consults on shelter related issues as well as working with a select private clients for training and behavior problems in dogs, cats, and horses.

Neither AnyQuestion nor its Experts provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment or otherwise provide professional healthcare services.