AI Meeting Summary

Behavior Team Management Strategies

• Christina Lee presented on hiring, onboarding, and day-to-day leadership of shelter behavior teams using Prezi.

• Discussed communication flow between volunteers and staff, integrating staff into behavior planning, and preventing burnout among younger team members.

• Laurie introduced Christina, noting she was attending the CRC event in Ohio; session began after a brief welcome and housekeeping.

Building Effective Animal Welfare Teams

• Christina emphasized inclusive hiring—removing unnecessary education requirements and focusing on both technical and interpersonal skills.

• Highlighted the value of cultural add over cultural fit to strengthen team diversity and creativity.

• Stressed the importance of consistent onboarding, clear leadership, and ongoing mentorship, coaching, and advocacy for team members.

• Encouraged regular one-on-one check-ins that respect each individual’s communication style and promote open feedback.

Team Building and Communication Initiatives

• Reinforced the importance of consistent one-on-one meetings—even if rescheduled—to maintain connection and accountability.

• Suggested collaborative team-building activities during work hours (bonus points for including food!).

• Introduced the concept of a Behavior Roundtable—a biweekly, cross-department meeting to align on animal cases and strengthen communication.

• Recommended K9 Classroom training to connect behavior and non-behavior staff through shared learning.

Dog Training for Shelter Staff

• Laurie shared success from a weekly staff training program focused on consistent handling and operant conditioning.

• Christina emphasized the cost-effectiveness and engagement benefits of such programs.

• Laurie discussed the importance of leadership development and feedback for managers.

• Closed with a Richard Branson quote: “Train people well enough so they can leave. Treat them well enough so they don’t want to.”

Behavior Education in Animal Shelters

• Christina addressed the challenges of behavior modification in shelter settings.

• Suggested developing a Behavior Portal or Roundtable for staff to access updates and behavior notes.

• Encouraged internal webinars or presentations to educate teams on assessment processes and outcome decisions.

Animal Behavior Management Collaboration

• Christina and Laurie shared success stories—like using a Kong to reduce a dog’s reactivity during car rides.

• Discussed the importance of sharing these wins across staff to promote learning and collaboration.

• Christina emphasized breaking down fear-based communication barriers and encouraging openness without judgment.

• Laurie noted that dismissing staff ideas can create silence and disengagement, reinforcing the need for psychological safety.

Breaking Down Shelter Communication Barriers

• Christina explored systemic shelter culture issues that discourage transparency—especially around euthanasia discussions.

• Stressed the importance of cross-department education and volunteer awareness of the behavior team’s scope.

• Encouraged visible, accessible systems for reporting behavior concerns to foster trust and understanding.

Animal Shelter Behavior Management Strategies

• Highlighted transparency and collaboration between departments—especially behavior and medical teams.

• Shared strategies to gain buy-in for new enrichment tools by framing ideas as questions rather than directives.

• Discussed preventing burnout through clarity, open communication, and transparent expectations for younger staff.

• Reinforced that professional development and trust-building are essential to sustaining a healthy, high-functioning behavior team.