Behavior Assistance Program
Behavior Assistance Program
For behavior assistance, please complete our Behavior Assistance Program Request Form here! We will reply within 72 hours with program details. Please keep an eye out for an email from behavior@friendsofaac.org and check your spam just in case!
Friends of AAC knows there is a great need for positive reinforcement based training support to help ensure people and their pets are set up for success, to work through current behavioral needs, and to build a loving, lifelong relationship.
That’s why we created the Behavior Assistance Program, which provides complimentary training support on a case-by-case basis for Austin Animal Center fosters, adopters, and anyone in the community needing behavioral support for their dog. We partner with a number of vetted and qualified positive reinforcement trainers (see below) and connect you with them to get you the support you need.
Please note that Friends of AAC does not provide the training directly - we connect you with trainers to work with. The trainers may or may not be able to see you immediately depending on demand for their services. If you feel your need for a session is urgent, you may include that in your inquiries. Either way, they will do their best to schedule you as quickly as possible!
For any additional questions, please reach out to behavior@friendsofaac.org
Local positive reinforcement based trainers we partner with:
* Will work with higher level behavior needs
(guarding, stranger danger, aggression)
+ Offers services in Spanish
In Shelter Behavior Assistance
Our Behavior Assistance Program also supports many of the dogs still in-shelter.
We partner with Dog Possible to provide weekly outings and training for some of the "naughtiest" or longest-stay dogs currently residing in the shelter.
These shelter sessions help the volunteers and staff gain a better understanding of the individual dog’s behaviors and needs, and how best to work with them to provide behavior modification and management while they wait for their forever homes. This extra attention helps the dogs gain skills to make them more adoptable and provides much needed enrichment during their shelter stay.
Cali was a volunteer favorite but somehow found herself as a long stay at Austin Animal Center and the shelter was taking its toll on her. Thanks to your support of the Behavior Assistance Program, Cali was able to go on outings with Dog Possible to help reduce her stress and practice her real world skills. She thankfully went into foster where she continued to receive support from the program for training and group classes as well as a Veterinary Behaviorist visit. Cali has since been adopted by her amazing foster, now forever mom, and is thriving with two doggy siblings!
Why Only Positive Reinforcement Based Training?
We follow the science and strongly believe that positive reinforcement based training is key to helping dogs and their people succeed and build their bond. To dive more into this topic, here's a great place to start!