The meeting emphasized that aggression in shelter dogs is a contextual, emotion-driven behavior, most often fear-based, but sometimes rooted in frustration, rather than a fixed label. Key strategies included reducing stress, observing behavior instead of using labels, managing distance, intensity, and duration. Safe handling, environmental management, and assessing dogs outside kennels were highlighted as critical to welfare and prognosis.
This session explored the unique needs, vulnerabilities, and care considerations for senior dogs entering shelter environments, including intake protocols, environment design, behavioral considerations, quality-of-life monitoring, senior-to-senior adoption programs, and medical/behavioral intersections.
This session focused on practical, welfare-driven strategies for understanding and supporting high-arousal dogs in shelter environments. Laurie and guest speaker Aditi (Director of Behavior & Training at Gigi’s Shelter for Dogs) explored how stress, adolescent development, and limited early socialization contribute to heightened arousal, and what shelter teams can do to help these dogs succeed.
In this session, we unpacked what it really takes to build and sustain effective behavior teams in today’s shelter world. Guest expert Christina Lee shared her approach to smart hiring, intentional onboarding, and creating team structures that actually work.
In this session, Laurie Lawless and Sue unpacked how shelter behavior assessments have evolved and what truly helps teams make sound, welfare-driven decisions. Together, they examined the limitations of rigid, one-size-fits-all tests and the power of observational data collected over time.
Caitlin and Laurie will explore what puppies need to thrive in a shelter setting, even when resources are tight. From developmental milestones to daily enrichment strategies, you’ll walk away with a clearer plan for raising confident, healthy pups who are ready for adoption.
In this session, Tom and Laurie will explore how understanding the emotional states of shelter dogs can improve both welfare outcomes and behavior support strategies. Drawing on a multi-dimensional model of emotion assessment, Tom will help attendees go beyond surface behavior to better recognize what dogs are experiencing on the inside.
Are you looking to prevent burnout, support your staff’s emotional well-being, and build a more sustainable shelter culture?
Join us for a powerful new webinar, "Compassion Fatigue in Animal Shelters," featuring Marla Andrews of Humane Hearts and hosted by Laurie Lawless of Shelter Behavior Integrations.
Are you looking to reduce returns, increase successful placements, and build trust with adopters beyond adoption day?
Join us for an inspiring new webinar, "What Happens After Adoption? Creating Lasting Outcomes for People & Pets," featuring Emily Lewis of Vermont Dog Behavior and hosted by Laurie Lawless of Shelter Behavior Integrations.
In this session, Trish and Laurie will explore the powerful intersection of mentorship and playgroups: two game-changing tools for shelter teams seeking to reduce stress, support behavior, and get more dogs adopted.
This is your chance to learn low-cost, high-impact strategies that can transform the way your shelter approaches enrichment.
Mik Moeller, Enrichment Innovator and Manager of Arizona Humane Society, is bringing game-changing insights on:
Creating an effective enrichment schedule that keeps animals engaged
Themed enrichment activities that make every day exciting
Getting volunteers involved to enhance your program’s success
Gaining buy-in from staff and leadership for long-term impact
Join SBI for an engaging and informative webinar, "Family Matters: Adopting Dogs with Kids in the Picture," featuring Dr. Karen Griffin, founder of The Dog Rehoming Project.
Join Laurie Lawless for an exclusive webinar featuring Christen Trayah, Shelter Manager at the Humane Society of Chittenden County, as she shares how HSCC's innovative Pathways program revolutionized their approach to animal intake and adoption in just one year.
Join Laurie Lawless for an exciting webinar, "From Shelter to Service: Identifying Working Dog Potential," featuring renowned dog behavior consultant Maria DeLeon. Discover how to recognize traits in your shelter dogs that align with successful working dog careers, opening new doors for placements and life-changing opportunities.
Topics Covered:
Setting up cat kennels for the best welfare
Handling spicy, bold, or reactive cats
Supporting fearful or undersocialized kitties
The Benefits and Challenges of Playgroup Programs: What you need to know to start or enhance your program.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Tools to track and analyze the impact of playgroups on shelter operations.
The Playgroup-Adoption Connection: How playgroups increase adoptability and foster positive outcomes.
Featuring Jessica Wheatcraft of Guidance by Jessica
Featuring Tom Candy of Simplifying Shelter Behavior