“Cat Pawsitive” teaches positive reinforcement to improve
adoptability
The Jackson Galaxy Foundation will partner with shelters
across the U.S. to implement Cat
Pawsitive, an initiative that introduces positive-reinforcement training to
shelters, beginning April 19.
Developed by Jackson Galaxy and a team of animal behavior
experts, Cat Pawsitive is a positive
reinforcement training program aimed at:
·
enriching day-to-day life for cats in shelters
·
building social skills
·
promoting the human-cat bond
·
improving “adoptability”
Three feline behavior experts hand-picked by the
Foundation will lead the pilot program in nine shelters across the country, ranging
from small, limited-admission private shelters to large, open-admission
municipal facilities. The shelters will each participate in three webinars with
the trainers and will have direct access to the team for consultations
throughout the three-month program.
“Our goal with Cat
Pawsitive isn’t just to keep cats in the shelter behaviorally and
physically active—we’re also working to empower staff and volunteers to
continue using positive reinforcement methods when the program concludes,” says
Jackson Galaxy, star of My Cat from Hell
on Animal Planet and Founder of his namesake organization. “This program will
raise the public profile of cats, demonstrate their trainability and will serve
as a model for organizations helping animals everywhere.”
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| Photo Courtesy of jacksongalaxyfoundation.org |
Cats who are exposed to reward-based training methods
gain confidence and experience reduced stress through clicker training
sessions; soon they are building connections with staff, volunteers and
potential adopters. Cat Pawsitive can
help a shy cat learn to feel comfortable coming up to the front of her cage to
meet an adopter, a feisty cat learn to play nice, and an outgoing kitty learn
to give an endearing "high five" to his visitors to seal an adoption
deal.
“We are thrilled to be working with organizations all over the country
to show the world what can be done to step up the game, and improve outcomes
for cats in shelters,” says Galaxy. Cat Pawsitive will run from April 19 through mid-July and will
conclude with an analysis of the program’s impact.
PARTICIPATING SHELTERS:
PARTICIPATING SHELTERS:
- Washington Humane Society/Washington Animal Rescue League (Washington, D.C.)
- Animal Care Centers of NYC ( New York City)
- Maryland SPCA ( Baltimore)
- Furkids ( Atlanta, Georgia)
- Cat Adoption Team ( Sherwood, Oregon)
- Anti-Cruelty Society (Chicago)
- Providence Animal Rescue League ( Rhode Island)
- Tabby Town ( Blasdell NY)
- SPCA of Texas ( Dallas)
ABOUT THE JACKSON GALAXY FOUNDATION
The Jackson Galaxy Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit
organization that improves the lives of animals at risk by transforming the
places they live and helping the people who care for them. JGF is led by the vision of Jackson Galaxy, who through his years in
animal welfare, as an animal advocate, his work as a behaviorist and host of
his globally popular TV show, ”My Cat from Hell,” has developed an unwavering
commitment to help animals at risk and the people who work tirelessly to get
them homes.
The Jackson Galaxy Foundation focuses on
programs that drive innovation; promotes improved shelter design and
construction; and provides “Elevation through Education”—increased knowledge
that inspires and empowers staff, volunteers, rescuers and adopters to
continually raise the bar for animals at risk.
More info about the Foundation’s programs and services is
available at www.jacksongalaxyfoundation.org
