Shelter Dogs - Training for a New Life!
A Postive Training Program for the Dogs of Meriden Humane Society

    Shelter dogs have endured the worst of human behavior – abused, neglected, starved,
    abandoned, forgotten, isolated, and punished.  Their experience with humans has often
    been negative to date.  Dogs also need more than food, water, and shelter. They need
    mental and physical stimulation to keep them from deteriorating in the stressful shelter
    environment.  They need guidance to help them be wonderful pets when adopted.

    In January 2010, I began a training program for the staff and volunteers of Meriden Humane
    Society (MHS).  In the shelter training program, the dogs are learning through positive
    interactions and training to trust and have a positive relationship with people.

    The program is designed to teach the staff and volunteers techniques to teach the dogs
    basic manners, self control and modify minor behavior problems using positive
    reinforcement.  Dogs with basic manners have a better chance of being adopted and kept
    in their homes.  

    We are teaching the dogs to:

  • sit for greetings, getting leash clipped on, for food
  • walk nicely on leash
  • lie down on command
  • leave it
  • pay attention to handler
  • respond to their names
  • be quiet in the kennels - reduce the barking and
          you significantly reduce the stress on kenneled dogs


    MHS is a non-profit shelter that does not receive ANY money from the City of Meriden,State
    of CT or any other humane society.  They rely on donations and volunteers.

    MHS shares a building with Meriden Animal Control which is a city run shelter that is NOT
    no-kill.  The city shelter takes in strays and animals seized in cruelty and neglect cases.
    Both shelters are full with dogs of all shapes, sizes, ages and breeds.  

    The dogs at the city shelter are listed on the Meriden Humane Society web site through the
    efforts of a group of volunteers and the staff at MHS.  These animals all need homes -
    please spread the word.  MHS has over 100 cats needing homes also!

    Read about the Shelter Dogs - Training for a New Life Workshops

    Meriden Humane needs volunteers to work with the dogs and get them outside in the
    sunshine!  Please consider volunteering a bit of your time to help.  Questions?  Feel free to
    email me.
Read about Harrison - a
Meriden Humane Society dog
who was sweet and loving.  
Click here
Shelter Dogs - Training for a New Life
Donate to help buy EZ Walk harnesses for shelter dogs