
Six dogs participating in Dallas Pets Alive‘s PASS program passed the Canine Good Citizens (CGC) test at the Texas Juvenile Justice Department’s (TJJD) BARK Dorm. The dogs in the BARK program require temporary shelter while their owners go through a time of crisis, typically addiction, domestic violence, housing insecurity or other obstacles.
The BARK Dorm and Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender (PASS) programs are a collaborative effort between the TJJD and Dallas Pets Alive.
The dogs are matched with a youth handler from TJJD’s Gainesville State School (GSS) during their stay at the dorm. The students at GSS get to be involved in the program after positive behavior reports and progress in school. After being matched with a dog, they care for it until it is time for the pet to be returned to its owner.
During their time in the BARK program, dogs are taught better behavior through training classes and the handlers learn responsibility through taking care of their assigned pet. To prepare for the CGC test, handlers and dogs go through classes with Boss Babe Dog Training.
The CGC test is done through the American Kennel Club and tests a dog’s skills and manners. Some of these include going out for a walk, coming when called, walking through a crowd and sitting on cue.
The six dogs who successfully completed the test are Bella, Maggie, Rebel, Honey, Maverick and Nash. Rebel needs a new home after his owner passed away during their substance abuse treatment. Honey is back with her owner after they have recovered financially and found a home. Nash has also been reunited with his owner after they have completed treatment and are sober. Bella, Maggie and Maverick are still waiting to be returned to their owners.
Dallas Pets Alive is located at 11700 Preston Road.
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