How our Canine Carers help anxious dogs
Our Canine Carers go above and beyond for the dogs in our care, and we’re shining the spotlight on Michelle, a Canine Carer who puts her heart and soul into helping nervous dogs at Darlington rehoming centre.
Michelle's dedication to her role as a Canine Carer has helped turn around the lives of countless canines by building the confidence of anxious dogs and finding different positive training techniques to help gain their trust.
Shane's story
One dog who left our care a completely different pooch thanks to Michelle’s patient devotion was Shane, a Labrador cross who spent 16 months us. He was so anxious he would hide, tucked away in the corner of his kennel, hardly daring to move.
Very slowly Michelle tried to build a bond by sitting with him every day, and fed him using enrichment items such as snuffle mats. Once he was comfortable with Michelle’s presence, she then introduced Shane to a lead. Hours were spent sitting with Shane getting him accustomed to just being around a lead before it was even clipped on as they sat together. It took months before Shane was walked on a lead and then slowly introduced to other dogs. He developed complete trust in Michelle, eventually going on days out and spending time at her home. He even became best pals with Michelle’s dog.
To everyone’s delight in January this year, Shane was successfully rehomed to a local family who own another dog.
Finding loving homes for all our dogs is a huge team effort from receptionists, adoption advisors, trainers and of course, our dedicated army of canine carers, including Michelle, who dedicate their lives to ensure all of the dogs get the best possible care whilst they are with us.
I love working closely with the dogs that need one on one time to build trust and help increase their confidence, so they can be rehomed. I enjoy being part of their journey and witnessing the positive changes in their behaviour and nature. Shane was the most nervous dog I have ever worked with. The moment he knew he could trust me was the most heart-warming moment and was a true privilege. Waving him goodbye as he went to his forever home was very special and remains my biggest motivation.
Michelle, Canine Carer
Interested in rehoming from us?
Thinking of offering a fur-ever home to one of our dogs? That's great! Browse our four-legged residents to find your paw-fect match and start your rehoming journey today.