K9 Connection is a program that partners with high schools which offers teens the chance to train and bond with shelter dogs. This experience equips teens with responsibility, self determination and empathy when training their assigned dog.  The dogs  develop and strengthen skills  that make them more adoptable in order find permanent and loving homes. Once completing their training, the dogs showcase their newly developed skills, along with their student trainers, in a graduation ceremony.  We held our first K-9 session this Fall and hope to sponsor a second session in the Spring.  

School Recognition of K-9 Connection

Project Planner:
​K-9 Connection

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DATE 
Fall Event October 2017
Spring Event April 2018
TIME
each session 2 hours daily
after school for 3 weeks

LOCATION
Upper Field @ Cortines Sch. Of VAPA, a classroom on campus and
Students also took field trips to USC and to Northeast Animal Shelter
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# of GUESTS
There were 6 students in each session.  A graduation is held at the end of each session and students' families, peers and community are invited.

DESCRIPTION
Students learn how to train dogs from a shelter so that the dogs have a better chance of being adopted.  

PURPOSE
In addition to helping dogs get adopted, the student develop skills such as reading nonverbal cues, having empathy, being assertive and communicating clearly. These skills are transferable to their lives as they learn to make a resume and participate in mock job interviews.

MATERIALS NEEDED FOR THE EVENT
k9 Connection provided all materials needed