Paws Mission trains rescued dogs for adoption

By Paws Mission

Many people are apprehensive about adopting rescued dogs as the popular perception is that these mixed-breed canines are not as well-behaved or as easily trained as pure breed dogs.

Independent rescue group Paws Mission has embarked on a pilot project to provide basic obedience training to its rescued dogs to dispel this myth.

Some 30 puppies and 50 dogs under a year old, including about a dozen who are being trained, will be up for adoption this Sunday, October 31st, at its temporary shelter at 3½ mile along Old Klang Road from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Some volunteers are training the first batch of dogs to walk on leash without pulling and to understand simple commands. This will help the dogs adjust faster in their new homes and make it easier for adopters to handle them,” said coordinator Ho Lai Peng.

Ho said a team of eight volunteers meet every Saturday and work individually with a dog. She said the training has helped the dogs be more sociable and calm.

Come meet Flower, a 7-month-old female, who has gained confidence and respond to commands such as sit, heel and come.

Sasa, an eight-month old female, and Serdang, a one-year old male, used to be restless and too playful but have changed for the better after the training, she said.

Bak Kut Teh, Jojo and Chocolate, aged 2-3, also passed with flying colours, she added.

Ho said Paws Mission hopes to recruit more volunteers to make the training a permanent feature.

She said adopters, who are first-time dog owners, are welcomed to join the training to foster a better understanding on how to interact and motivate their dogs to obey them.

Set up in 2009, Paws Mission is run by volunteers dedicated to protect the welfare of homeless animals by rescue and rehoming, as well as neutering programs and foster care.

There are more than 150 dogs at its overcrowded shelter waiting for a new home.

For further details, go to www.pawsmission.com or call Ho at 016-3323382, Ivy 012-3957217, Kim 012-9192263, Alice 013-8113787, Hui Ling 012-6952128 or Apple 012-3862288. Or e-mail to [email protected]. Donations especially dry or canned dog food, rice and cages are welcomed.