Canine Center Florida
Program introduction
Canine Center, Florida (CCF) opened in 2017 as an advanced training facility for unowned dogs that were suffering behaviorally. We worked with hundreds of dogs with complex behavioral histories and are proud to have achieved positive outcomes for more than 8 in 10 dogs, many of whom were euthanasia candidates at their originating shelters.
Despite our success working with these higher-level dogs, it has become clear in recent years that our model needed to change. Across the industry, adoptions have slowed and dogs are staying in shelters longer, leading to deterioration and putting dogs at risk for euthanasia due to quality of life concerns and high FAS (Fear, Anxiety, and Stress) scores. As a result, we opted to move away from advanced behavior and shift our focus to the types of dogs that are currently struggling in shelters.
Enter the Triple E (Every Dog, Every Day, Every Where!) program. In order to continue meeting our mission of giving dogs a chance that would not otherwise be afforded one, we are working with high-intake shelters to pull non-behavior dogs who are nonetheless at risk due to length of stay, kennel presence, and quality of life concerns.
Program Purpose
Triple E is a transport program in which dogs are pulled from high-intake shelters, spend several weeks learning “essential skills for a life fulfilled”, such as mannerly kennel routines and leash walking at CCF, then are transported to our partner shelters for placement.
These non-behavior dogs may have exhibited mild to moderate jumpy/mouthy or fearful/avoidant behavior at their shelter of origin, but have no concerning behavioral history and should be appropriate for basic-level handlers after training at CCF.
As a result of learning to be more mannerly during their two-week training program, these dogs will be more appealing to potential adopters and better equipped to cope and thrive at their Placement Partner shelter while awaiting a home of their own.
We provide lifetime support to our program graduates through adoption follow-up services. That includes our lifetime promise: Dogs Playing for Life will take back any dog that is not successful at their placement partner shelter or in their new home, for any reason.
“Our programs stress the consideration of the whole dog – physically, emotionally and behaviorally. We treat all animals as individuals.”
– Aimee Sadler, Founder & CEO
Program Overview
Dogs Playing for Life brings at-risk shelter dogs to Canine Center Florida to learn “essential skills for a life fulfilled”. Located in North Central Florida on 13 fully-fenced acres, the vast property includes 39 kennels for shelter dogs and 9 dorm rooms where dogs can experience a home-like setting and build companionship with their handlers.
At the Canine Center, we apply the same foundational principles from our ‘Every Dog, Every Day’ program to provide excellent quality of life and meet each dog where they are while preparing them for life in a home. Our goal is for Triple E dogs to spend two weeks in training and enjoying playgroups and in training to build their confidence and hone their skills. With this model, each kennel could serve 26 dogs per year for a total of more than 1,000 dogs annually.
Dogs admitted to the Canine Center Florida program receive:
- Daily playgroups
- Extended time outside of their enclosures at least 2x/day for enrichment and training (for dogs who don’t participate in playgroups, no less than 3x/day)
- Customized training protocols to support each individual dog
1-1 handling and training by expert staff and instructors from across the nation - Handling by Dogs Playing for Life mentees and volunteers to support solid generalization of skills
- Field trips into our community to support solid generalization of skills and exposure
- Foster opportunities (as needed) to “proof” their training in a home environment
- Report detailing the essential skills learned with photo and video representation of their time at CCF.
CANINE CENTER FLORIDA INTAKE REQUEST INQUIRY
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