About the Behavior Medicine Club Dog Training Course

Background

The Behavior Medicine Club Dog Training Course was previously known as the Shelter Dog Project. The Shelter Dog Project was started in 1997 by UC Davis veterinary students who worked with families and 4-H Club members in the community. The goals of the organization were to save the lives of shelter dogs, educate participants, and increase the awareness of pet overpopulation.  Shelter dogs, generally young adults, would undergo temperament evaluations and be placed in foster homes.  The foster families brought the dogs to weekly obedience classes and worked with the dogs on house training and socialization.  Following graduation, the dogs were placed in permanent homes. Since 2003, the Shelter Dog Project stopped functioning as a rescue group.

We are now known as the BMC Dog Training Course, as we only provide basic obedience courses to owners who recently adopted shelter dogs. Our goal is to prevent dogs from being returned to shelters for behavior problems. How the Program Works

How the Program Works

Basic obedience training courses are offered once a year in Spring Quarter to owners who have recently adopted a shelter dog. These classes will be taught by veterinary residents in behavior medicine with assistance by veterinary students. The class is designed to teach new dog owners basic obedience and leadership with their dogs using positive reinforcement techniques. Specific behavior issues will also be addressed. In addition, future veterinarians will learn how to teach obedience and get in-depth training in dog behavior. The class will meet once a week for six weeks and will take place on the UC Davis campus. Space is limited to 10-12 participants.

Please DO NOT contact us if you are seeking fosters to rescue animals. Unfortunately, we do not have the means to carry out a rescue organization. If you have any questions or are interested in signing up your recently adopted shelter dog for future classes, please email ucdbmc@gmail.com.