BARC - Behavior Analysis Reform for Companions

11/01/2024

The Max Club…❤️🐾

10/01/2024

While it’s easy to sing his praise, this video perfectly portrays Hayden‘s progress over these last few days at BARC’s alternate site (Windy Ridge Kennel). In the past, affection at ground level could be a signal for overbearing behaviors, miscommunication, and initially was just not feasible. Instead, he is appropriate, does some nice yawns, and even removes himself when he needs a break. Piggy is such a comfort to him and it’s so sweet to see his nurturing and loving personality continue to unfold. While we are all rooting for Hayden, he is the one making it happen. What a change in the illustrated pride and confidence as he now regulates his strength and flashes his heart melting smile. How can you not say “aw!” To meet Hayden contact The Athens County Dog Shelter. ❤️🐾

10/01/2024

Duck, Duck, GOOSE! Select Goose and be ready to play and laugh!❤️🐾

09/01/2024

Mama is Magnificent! 💫❤️🐾

08/01/2024

Reminder that tomorrow is BARC Day at Jackie O's Taproom from 4-6pm!

Please join us for the first BARC event of the new year! 🍻🐾

08/01/2024

Top 10 observations of Hayden since being at Windy Ridge (for only 4 days):

1. He is great in the kennel: quiet, self selects to go in, goes right in when asked to “go to bed”, no messes!
2. No destructive behaviors. Hayden enjoys his plushy bed, blanket, and is trying to bring any toy he can into the kennel. Petunia the Pig is his favorite companion.
3. He is calm and becoming more confident. He shows fear and sensitivity (although this response is decreasing) around noise so this may have attributed to the overstimulated behaviors observed at the shelter.
4. He is getting genuine rest and while he enjoys adventures, he equally loves to coexist and relax together.
5. Peanut butter is sticky, very sticky, and requires a lot of lip licking.
6. He is showing consistent behaviors and is handled by the wonderful Windy Ridge Kennel Team with no accommodations or management strategies.
7. He is able to process much easier and offers preferred behaviors. Instead of jumping, he immediately selects (often without asking) to go into a full down position.
8. He loves car rides and is up for any adventure, especially when Teacher Nikki had truck trouble, Hayden saved the day!
9. He is beyond affectionate providing love and comfort in meaningful ways.
10. He is wonderful at the vet, loves having his ears cleaned and getting baths.

And one bonus and most important observation…
⭐️⭐️⭐️Hayden is ready to take his bed, blankie and Petunia the Pig to his forever home. Similar to the stellar past BARC dogs, the dogs that need a bit more time and consideration due to facing disappointment and adversity time and time again, but bounce back, are some of the most incredible, loyal, and life-changing friends.
“A friend is someone who helps you up when you’re down and if they can’t, they lay beside you and listen.” Winnie The Pooh

Contact The Athens County Dog Shelter to meet our sweet Hayden❤️🐾

06/01/2024

Step 1 of any good plan; identify the reinforcers that are reinforcing to the individual learner. What motivates you to do what you do and what value does it bring? Hayden is surrounded by self-selected toys and tools of greatest preference. When given a lickie mat for sensory input and output and asked to “wait”, he nailed it! This resilient boy is thriving at Windy Ridge Kennel (BARC’s alternate site). To meet Hayden reach out to The Athens County Dog Shelter❤️🐾

05/01/2024

**UPDATE** Due to the potential of inclement weather we are opting to postpone our event until Tuesday from 4-6pm.

We hope you can join us! 🍻

05/01/2024

Hayden has taken a forever hiatus from The Athens County Dog Shelter, and has transitioned to Windy Ridge Kennel to fine-tune the skills for his forever home. This fella is handsome, smart, cunning, caring and loving. His physical strength is a virtue but also at times a vice based on human preference…but man, he is reeling it in and offering regulatory behaviors in place of overstimulated ones. Hayden’s life has been chaotic and his plan will continue to build on calmness and confidence when situations present uncertainty. In these handful of hours he has settled in nicely, claiming his plushy bed and loving the ear treatments to eradicate his ear infections. This guy is one that makes your heart flutter every time he learns and offers something new. While his life path has been a maze, his purpose is unquestionable. Hayden is here to give and be loved.

Check out the video to show his acceptance of medical care and also his appreciation of such care. ❤️🐾

https://youtu.be/2UQUYwjI-cg?feature=shared

04/01/2024

Join us this Saturday at Jackie O's Taproom to celebrate a whole new year of BARC days and BARC dogs 🐾🥳

Our guest of honor is the very adorable Taylor ❤️

We hope to see you there! 🥂

The Athens County Dog Shelter

03/01/2024

Thor has so many desirable characteristics yet has had ZERO appointments of interest. Let’s change this status and get Thor out of the shelter and into his well deserved home❤️🐾

29/12/2023

Like many dogs in the shelter environment, Harry has been overlooked. He was dumped at the shelter with no information, in need of medical attention due to the absence of fur around his neck. Look at Harry's before and now transformation thanks to the care of The Athens County Dog Shelter and Friends of the Shelter Dogs. Harry is between 1-1.5 years young and has a playful, puppylike, affectionate personality.

Harry has had it hard for such a young guy, but it has not made him hard in spirit. As he defines his imperfect/perfect self, he waits for his human who is looking for the same. Call The Athens County Dog Shelter to meet this wispy wonder of a dog!❤️🐾

27/12/2023

Taylor waits for her meet and greet but patience is waning. She is soft in touch and so sweet in nature. Taylor would love to sit at your feet with a squishy toy in paws, enjoying the moments of life together. ❤️🐾 As her name signifies, Taylor is sure to bring beauty to life. To set up a meet, reach out to The Athens County Dog Shelter.

25/12/2023

Words could never adequately describe the gratitude we feel for this community. For those who go above and beyond to support our dream of sustainable adoption.

With your help we have been able to help so many amazing beings as they have passed through our shelters on their journey to their forever home 🐾

Wishing you the very best holiday season❤️✨️

The Athens County Dog Shelter

23/12/2023

As we commented directly on Friendly Paws Pet Supplies & Grooming post, Athens is like nowhere else❤️🐾🍻 

$20 donation to buy beds for the Vinton County Ohio Dog Shelter will get you a $10 gift card to Jackie O's Brewery and a fun dog toy.

Open til 4pm today and 10-1pm Sunday.

22/12/2023

The Dude…Dale. He has spent plenty of time in the shelter, it’s his turn. ❤️🐾

20/12/2023

Angel 😇. Read her description…she’s quite heavenly❤️🐾

20/12/2023

Highlight of the night! Vinton County Ohio Dog Shelter reached out and said that 6 of the beds have been purchased! When you have nothing, this is something…something real special. Please consider helping them fulfill their wish list which provides a comfortable spot to lay. ❤️🐾

https://shelterbeds.org/donate/387765

19/12/2023

Plan ahead for needs and gifts. An excellent selection, ask for our top 5 favorites!😉❤️🐾

We will be CLOSED FOR A WEEK. Please help us get the word out so everyone has the food they need.

18/12/2023

Thor is a true example of a bounce back dog where he does not let past experiences ruin new opportunities. He knows of some of the hardships of life, but definitely projects a newfound appreciation for the future. Let’s help get Thor his new home as he continues his new life. ❤️🐾

17/12/2023

Recently Trinity has been on the minds of her friends, not surprisingly because she is one of the most awesome dogs. How did she stay so long at the shelter?!? A question we will never have an answer for. Here is a pupdate from her amazing Parents:

“Trinity, the queen of side eye!! 😂. Trinity is such a good girl. She is such a big part of our lives. ❤️ She’s also doing great around our new grand daughter who is 7 months old now. Heaven knows that it took a while and lots of patience and love for Trinity to form that special bond with my husband, but now she loves him completely!!!”

Much credit is due to Trinity‘s owners as they have worked hard to put strategies in place to ensure sustainable adoption. Thank you for the time you have given her to adjust and learn, time is one of the most critical components❤️🐾 

16/12/2023

*This Sunday 8AM-1PM. ❤️🐾
Vinton County Ohio Dog Shelter

This SUNDAY!!!! 8am-1pm Don’t buy ADOPT!

14/12/2023

A high five day for Hayden! We went to the vet today for treatment for an ear infection and he generalized his skills perfectly, offering settling behaviors as opposed to jumping and overstimulated behaviors. He was literally the perfect patient. Thank you Athens Veterinary Clinic for your continued care and compassion for our Shelter dogs❤️. Hayden has had a hard time finding consistency in life, being surrendered twice. He is strong, so will need someone that can help him understand the value of a loose leash while walking. Hayden desperately wants to give love and find forever connection. For sustainable adoption, BARC is happily willing to provide free training to make sure this takes place. All we want for the Holidays is Hayden to have a home.
Side note; check out that wagging tail while getting his ears cleaned❤️🐾.

14/12/2023

Mama is a treasure! We spent about six hours together one day tracking her boy Casper after he had gotten off leash. She was perfect in the car, wonderful on the leash and was a  key participant to the search. Casper returned home safely as she continues to wait for her home. Mama’s name describes her perfectly. Such a loving and amazing girl❤️🐾

13/12/2023

Handsome Harey! A beautiful personality as well as unique and stunning markings❤️🐾 

12/12/2023

The Gift that Keeps Giving! https://shelterbeds.org/donate/387765

The week is off to a busy start as BARC works to support the shelter environment of the Vinton County Ohio Dog Shelter. Initial resources have been ordered but the greatest need are durable and sturdy beds for the dogs to rest during their stay. The video shows the current environment, supporting the need for these beds:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsY68E0AWYo

With your kindness, your donation will purchase a bed that will be directly shipped to the Vinton County Ohio Dog Shelter. BARC's first consideration is always environmental as it directly influences behavior. Your donation will not only enhance the shelter environment, but also the quality of life for the dogs as they wait for their forever homes. Please donate, your help is needed for our neighboring friends.

https://shelterbeds.org/donate/387765