Category Archives: 2023

Just over two years ago, FOTAS gave me the green light to start the SPOT program at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. SPOT stands for Shelter Pups with Opportunity Training. Sounds pretty vague huh? Honestly, that is because it is; it is designed to increase the opportunity for a dog to get adopted.

The goals of the program are to help the dogs learn how to learn and to address situations that they may face in a new home. We want to start them on the journey of thinking and processing information as a precursor to moving into an adopter’s home, so they are primed with the skills to figure out their new life, new schedule, new commands, new relationships, etc.

To achieve these goals, we do basic obedience work such as sit, down and come, but we also incorporate agility equipment, working around other dogs, trick training, touch work, and brain games.

Each volunteer handler is paired with a dog and that dog is “theirs” to work with until the dog is adopted. SPOT class meets every Saturday from 11am to noon and is a chance for handlers to raise questions or issues that they are having. It is also a chance for the dogs to work on their skills amongst the chaos of other dogs being around.

All dogs wear a Gentle Leader while working; both in class and during the week. This training halter gives the handler more control with an ability to turn the dog’s nose toward them while not restricting the dog in any way. As each dog is at his/her own place along the learning path, everyone works on their own tasks during class. A general principle of “no pain, no fear” governs everything with a liberal application of treats.

We have dogs that come to us at every stage of learning and knowledge. A small minority have been through formal obedience classes before and seem to know everything. Those dogs may end up working on tricks or agility or filling in gaps in their education (can they be touched all over while remaining comfortable, can they remain calm while another dog passes by them?). Other dogs come to us with no knowledge or even trust of humans at all. For them, class may just be sitting off to the side on a leash, near their handler and watching the other dogs, while getting treats. Handlers are taught to watch their dogs and let the dogs tell them what is or is not working for each step of training; an exuberant “Yes!” may be perfect for the happy go lucky dog, but scares the shy dog, so the handler chooses a quiet “good job” instead.

So, yes, the acronym SPOT is vague, but intentionally so. The program is designed to address many aspects of what it takes to get adopted and successfully transition to that new home. And to be fun, always fun!

Their lives are in our hands.

By Jennifer Jotblad, FOTAS Volunteer

When you adopt a puppy or dog from the Aiken County Animal Shelter, you receive a free training session for your new pet with Certified Professional Dog Trainer Karen DeCamp. She is the President of the Palmetto Dog Club and works closely with the dogs and FOTAS volunteers at the shelter every week.

Many dogs adopted from the County Animal Shelter do wonderfully right out of the gate. They get to their new home, fit in immediately and –with the minimum of growing pains – go on to live their best life and become a cherished member of the adopter’s family.

But sometimes there are some hiccups to address early on, while the shelter dog is adjusting to their new environment. That’s when DeCamp’s expertise and professional counsel are invaluable.

“It is so important to take time to put oneself in your dog’s place during the adoption experience!” DeCamp explained. “Their life has been turned upside down. First, when they were brought into the noisy, busy shelter environment and, again, when adopted by you. All of a sudden, they live in a new home with a new daily routine with new people and perhaps new animals. Like people, some dogs adapt to change more easily than others.”

In most cases, the training involves showing the adopters standard obedience techniques such as teaching their dog how to: heel and walk well on a leash; stop jumping up on people or furniture; sit on command; or follow proper housebreaking practices. But DeCamp also helps solve more complex behavioral challenges, such as a Welsh Foxhound with confidence issues and a shy, previously abused Staffordshire Terrier who was terrified of men.

In addition to receiving the one-hour training session, adopters are provided with DeCamp’s contact information so they can call and check in with her if they have questions or need additional training advice.

“Just like with people, each dog is an intelligent individual with different strengths and a unique personality,” DeCamp said. “In addition to resulting in a well-behaved companion to live with, obedience training improves your relationship with your new pet by increasing your communication with them.”

The free dog training session is just another benefit FOTAS provides to help ensure the adoption of your new pet is successful and as easy as possible. There are many amazing dogs at the shelter who desperately need homes. Each wonderful canine is just $35. If you are thinking of adding a new pet to your home, please stop by 333 Wire Road in Aiken or go to fotasaiken.org to see all the pets available for adoption.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director