January is National Train Your Dog Month – Dog Training Isn’t Just for Puppies

It isn’t just puppies who can benefit from training! Dogs of all ages are capable of learning new behaviors or skills. Many dog owners think that after a puppy reaches a certain age you can’t break their bad habits or teach them new skills, which simply isn’t true. You just need to take the time to train them and have patience during the process.

Training your dog has so many benefits, from building their socialization skills to strengthening the bond between you and your dog. That is why in honor of National Train Your Dog Month, we want to share four reasons why this is the year you should start training your dog.

To Build a Stronger Bond

Training your dog will help you develop a deeper bond with each other, and you will have a better understanding of how your dog learns. Research has even shown that dogs will develop a more trusting relationship with their dog parents through shared activities, like learning new skills.

Positive reinforcement training is one of the best ways to build that relationship with your dog, and it’s also easy to teach some skills and behaviors on your own using this technique without the help of a professional dog trainer. However, to be successful, you need to put in the time to teach these skills to your dog, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes a day.

To Increase Socialization

When you teach your dog how to respond in certain social situations, your dog will find more enjoyment out of these experiences. If you show your dog new experiences by bringing them to different environments like the park or friend’s house, then you are helping them build their confidence and they will learn how they should behave in similar situations.

These experiences will also provide your dog with physical and mental stimulation, which will help decrease the chance of them displaying unwanted behaviors like anxiousness or excessive barking when they are in a new environment.

To Prevent Problem Behaviors

You can teach your dog not to jump on guests when they arrive or to not steal food, but it all starts with training, and making sure you are not accidentally reinforcing the bad behaviors at the same time.

What this means is that rewarding a behavior can be the same as training a behavior. For example, if you pet your dog when they jump on you then you are reinforcing the behavior as okay and they may continue to do it.

To Teach New Skills

Everyone knows about the basic obedience skills you should teach your dog, but really the possibilities are endless when it comes to the different tricks and skills your dog can learn. You can even teach your dog to dance with you!

If you’re ready to start training your dog, there are so many ways to get started! At the Arizona Animal Welfare League, we offer different options for everyone depending on your budget and schedule. We have a variety of training courses that we offer monthly, including

Basic Obedience
- Teach your dog all the basic skills that all “civilized canines” should know, including sit, stay, and loose leash walking.
Puppy Manners
- Designed for puppies between three to six months to help set them up for success to become the best pup they can be.
Feisty Fido
- It’s all in the name, if your dog is a little feisty and needs to some help refining their manners then this is the class for them.
Shy Pup
- This course is designed to help build your dog’s confidence, and teach them them how to react in new situations.

We also offer private dog training sessions if you would like one-on-one support with a professional trainer. If you don’t have the budget or the time to commit to several course, we also offer free online training guides to help you with common behavior issues and easy skills you can teach your dog.

With so many different options to help you get started, you have no reason not to take the plunge in to dog training!

Arizona Animal Welfare League Receives $167,000 Grant from PetSmart Charities to Gain Insight into Barriers to Affordable Vet Care in Phoenix Latinx Communities

PHOENIX (December 16, 2021) – The lack of affordable veterinary care, training and education programs are common reasons for pet surrenders back to shelters. Due to cost and other barriers, pets in under-resourced communities often do not have access to basic veterinary care such as spay/neuter services, vaccinations, dental care and other medical and preventative care.

With a $167,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) will team up with a Phoenix-based research team to conduct a multi-faceted, bi-lingual community assessment survey aims to change that, so people from all walks of life can enjoy the benefits of pet ownership. The survey will gather input from predominantly Spanish-speaking pet owners living and working near AAWL’s shelter about the barriers they face in accessing vet care. The survey will focus on Latinx pet owners in these targeted zip codes: 85034, 85006, 85008, and 85009.

“This research is intended to better understand the relationship between predominantly Spanish-speaking pet owners and their companion animals,” said Alessandra Navidad, President and CEO of the Arizona Animal Welfare League. “Rather than jumping immediately to problem solving, and risk trying to solve the “wrong problem,” this project will allow us to reflect, survey and really listen to what community members have to say when it comes to their needs and accessing vet care, then develop solutions and programs that will support our local community’s strengths, as well as empower them develop their own solutions to directly meet those needs.”

Navidad is the daughter of immigrants and is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. She has extensive experience working with Latinx organizations in the Phoenix area over the past 15 years.

“PetSmart Charities is partnering with community innovators to build models of accessible veterinary care,” said Aimee Gilbreath, President of PetSmart Charities, which is headquartered in Phoenix. “This important research targets underserved communities and promises to reveal the barriers to affordable vet care that may not seem obvious, such as transportation. We’re proud of the AAWL team’s thoughtful approach — going directly to the neighborhoods they serve to listen and learn, and for making it easy for them to participate.”

The project study will reach a minimum of 600 community members through individual surveys, bi-lingual focus groups and in-person interviews with Latinx community leaders. Simultaneously eight complimentary community vaccine and microchip clinics will be offered with a goal of serving 600 new clients and their pets to inform a future community-directed solution for a veterinary service model and cost structure.

How to Prevent & Spot Infectious Diseases in Your Pets

As you bring your new pet home, you may want to bring them everywhere with you or have your friends bring over their furry friends to play with, but there are few things to keep in mind in order to keep your pet safe and healthy.

As you may know, vaccines are an important way to ensure your pet is protected against harmful diseases, like Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPV) and Parvo.

However, there may be a timeframe when your pet is too young or immune-compromised to be fully vaccinated. Or there may be infections, like Valley Fever, that can’t be prevented by a vaccine.

There are some tips that can help prevent your pet from catching these diseases along with ways to spot them early to help give your pet the best chance at a full recovery.

Canine Parvovirus and Feline Panleukopenia Virus

Parvo and FPV are both highly contagious and deadly viruses that present very similarly in dogs and cats. Fortunately, both viruses are preventable with a round of vaccines. However, young puppies and kittens may not be fully vaccinated, which can put them at a higher risk.

Until your pet has received all their vaccines, you should be mindful of their surroundings and avoid interactions with other animals outside of your home. This includes:

Avoiding dog parks or heavily populated parks.
No play dates with animals outside of your own vaccinated pets.
Washing your hands and removing your clothes after visiting other pets to avoid unknowingly spreading diseases.

If you think your pet was exposed, there a few symptoms to check for, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. If you suspect these symptoms, quarantine your pet from other animals in the house and bring them to your vet for diagnosis.

Parvo/FPV can remain viable in a space for months to years after exposure, and alcohol sanitizers do not kill the virus. Make sure to use gloves or wash hands well with soap and water when interacting with an exposed pet to avoid spreading the disease.

There is not a known treatment for either virus, but effected animals are treated with antibiotics and fluid therapy, among other treatments. These viruses can be deadly, and early detection is key to a good outcome.

And remember, the best way to protect your furry friends from these viruses is to ensure that they receive all their vaccinations on schedule.

Valley Fever

Although Valley Fever is not contagious among animals, it’s still important to be aware of your pet’s surroundings as the fungus is very prevalent in Arizona’s desert landscape, especially during the more wet months, like during Monsoon season.

Rain makes the fungus grow within the soil, and the tiny spores become airborne when disturbed by winds, construction, or digging. If the spores are inhaled, there is a chance that they can infect the lungs.

Unfortunately, there is no true way to prevent this disease, and there is yet to be a vaccine available to the public. However, there are a few precautions you can take to hopefully decrease your pet’s chances, which include:

Avoiding long durations outside or walks with your pet during windy weather or in a dust storm.
Keeping windows closed during windy weather to avoid spores entering your home.
Preventing your pet from digging and playing in dirt, especially if it has rained recently.

Only around 40% of animals and people who are infected become sick, but younger or senior pets tend to be more at risk since their immune systems may not be as strong. Valley Fever can take two main forms of disease in dogs and cats.

The primary disease means it most likely was caught early and is limited to the lungs. Signs include a harsh dry cough, a fever, a lack of appetite, and lethargy or depression. Some may misdiagnose this in dogs as kennel cough. These signs usually occur around 3 weeks after infection, but sometimes the disease can lay dormant in the body for years before signs occur. Usually, in these cases, the fungus has spread to different parts of the body, which can impact their bones and joints. Symptoms usually include lameness and swelling of the joints.

Valley Fever can be detected by a blood test, but a positive test doesn’t always mean an animal needs to be treated. If there is a high level of antibodies then treatment will most likely be needed. Fungal infections can take a long time to cure, but the prognosis is good if the infection remains in the lungs.

The best way to protect your pets is to make sure they receive regular vet visits and receive all their vaccinations. Remember Arizona Animal Welfare League offers a low-cost vet clinic and monthly vaccination clinics to help your keep your pets safe and healthy!

Learn more about Parvo prevention from our Medical Director, Dr. Sullivan, below:

Beemer’s Drive rescues animals, donates supplies to Rural Rescue!

This week, we partnered with Chapman BMW on Camelback for “Beemer’s Drive” to one of our Rural Rescue partners! Beemer was rescued from a Rural Partner in northern Arizona in 2019, where she was found in an abandoned house with two other dogs (one with two broken legs) and chickens living in an overturned truck camper. After some TLC from our medical team, she spent her days living at Chapman BMW on Camelback where she was promptly adopted by the general manager and is now living her best life.

Besides sponsoring 791 adoptions over two years (!), they wanted to give back even more by raising money and collecting supplies for our partner. Our two teams drove over 200 miles to one of our oldest Rural Rescue partners, Gila County Animal Care & Control, and took in 9 amazing dogs, as well as dropped off much needed supplies. The Chapman team helped our team evaluate the dogs, load them into our transport truck, and even named a few! Two of the dogs were also seniors, Gerald(getting the medical exam) and Pepper(shaggy black pupper), like Beemer.

With over 32 Rural Rescue partners, AAWL has saved over 10,000 homeless animals from outside Maricopa County since 2016. These communities sometimes have limited resources, an overpopulation of animals, and few outlets for adoptions. What they always have in abundance is the dedication of good people to save the lives of homeless animals in their community. We are proud to make that difference together.

Thank you Chapman BMW on Camelback for your amazing longtime support, thank you Gila for being such incredible rescue partners and making a difference in your community, and thank you to our supporters that donated to Beemer’s drive! Want to keep helping our partners and rescued animals? DONATE HERE!

Sidenote: Gila has a really neat wall of their favorite adoptions and dogs, and four of them were adopted from AAWL!!

4 dogs live in motel with traveling savior!

A wonderful woman was working as a traveling healthcare worker in a remote part of Arizona helping the Rural community. One night when she came home from work, she saw four dogs living near her motel. Realizing it was going to be below freezing at night, she opened her door and they all ran inside! They curled right up on the extra bed and fell asleep The next morning, she opened the door and they all ran out to go live outside as they had done for years. When she came home the next night, they were all waiting for her at her motel! For weeks, she would come home, let them in, feed them, sleep all night together, then let them back out when she left for work. When her contract was ending, she contacted a local rescue that knew AAWL could take them in, including one of the dogs with an injured leg. The woman even donated to help with the surgery!

The dogs were then driven hundreds of miles to AAWL, given full medical exams by our team (their savior did an amazing job caring for them), and then placed up for adoption to find their new furever families! Mistletoe, who had an injured leg, was scheduled for surgery and spent a lot of time getting love from our Vet techs.

This is another example of why AAWL’s Rural Rescue network is vital to homeless animals across the Southwest. AAWL’s partners are incredibly hard working and passionate people, but sometimes they need a little help to continue their mission. Since 2016, AAWL has been offering them a helping hand.

On January 18th, our intake team and @camelbackbmw will drive hundreds of miles to deliver supplies, rescue homeless animals needing a second chance, just like our furry friends here. With Beemer’s Drive, you can help pay for a Rural Rescue. Your donations will provide transportation, medical care, and support to help rescue and find these animals a loving home. Donate today HERE.

Watch their story below or click here!

Introducing AAWL’s Incoming President and CEO: Alessandra Navidad

AAWL Welcomes Alessandra Navidad as President and CEO

Former ACLU of Arizona Executive Director Brings Passion for Animals, Nonprofit Leadership to State’s Largest and Oldest No-Kill Shelter

The Arizona Animal Welfare League is proud to announce that Alessandra Navidad will join its executive team as its President and CEO, replacing current President and CEO Judith Gardner as she retires in April. Navidad, most recently the Executive Director of the ACLU of Arizona, brings extensive experience in policy advocacy, executive leadership, strategic planning and fundraising to the state’s largest and oldest no-kill shelter.

“I’m excited to join AAWL/SPCA as it celebrates 50 years of saving the lives of homeless animals,” Navidad said. “Judith has been an extraordinary leader in Arizona’s animal welfare community over the past 13 years, and I look forward to leading AAWL/SPCA in its next phase of growth to meet the changing needs of our community.”

Navidad joined ACLU of Arizona in 2006, transforming the organization from a local affiliate to a national powerhouse. Before her tenure at the ACLU of Arizona, working for an animal welfare organization was a long-held dream. In 1999, Navidad quit her job as a local government and environmental reporter for the Miami Herald to pursue her dream of going to veterinarian school. She worked as a vet assistant in Miami until her career took a different path and she joined the ACLU in Louisiana and Florida.

Navidad looks forward to using her coalition building and leadership development experience as a force for good for pets in Arizona, especially as challenges continue to arise during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When people suffer, pets suffer, and this pandemic has placed additional burdens on animal welfare organizations like AAWL/SPCA that are working hard to help people care for their pets and reduce the number of animal surrenders,” Navidad said. “By focusing on growing our low-cost veterinary practice, I hope to be able to realize AAWL’s vision of becoming the leading organization that needy families turn to for pet adoptions and affordable veterinary services in Arizona.”

AAWL rehomes and rehabilitates more than 4,000 rescue animals across Arizona each year – a number Navidad hopes to grow in her role. As part of its Rural Rescue program, AAWL drives thousands of miles to save hoarded, homeless and abandoned animals in partnership with its Rural Rescue shelters. Animals in dire need of medical care receive high quality medical attention thanks to AAWL’s Medical Miracle Fund. In addition to adopting homeless animals into loving forever homes, AAWL offers youth education, low-cost clinics, animal foster programs and more.

“I have full confidence in Alessandra’s leadership and know I am leaving AAWL in good hands,” Gardner said. “I look forward to watching our organization grow and continue its work to save the lives of pets in need throughout Arizona.”

The Pet Housing Help Taskforce

Supporting Pets and People During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is putting thousands of pets in Arizona at risk of being surrendered to animal shelters by the families who love them, but may be forced to choose between finding a place to live and keeping their pets. It is estimated that between 22 to 39 percent of renters will be affected, along with an estimated 5,000 pets each month over a four-month period once the eviction moratorium lifts at the end of December.

Pets are family, and as a founding member of Pet Housing Help AZ, AAWL is committed to helping both our four- and two-legged friends who have been impacted by COVID-19. The top animal welfare organizations in the Valley have teamed up to provide information, resources and a community rehoming/temporary foster network for struggling pet owners impacted by the COVID-19 housing crisis. If you’re a pet owner in need or a pet lover who wants to assist those in need, we have solutions for you.

learn more about rehoming your pet during this difficult time.

Lessons of gratitude from the Marvelous Mrs. Midge

Gratefulness is something hard to explain, yet it affects every aspect of my life. Nothing has come easy for anyone this year, but that is the best time to reflect, take stock of your life, and be grateful for what you have. If I have spent half of the last two years in a shelter, losing my family three times, and am still grateful for every day of my life with everything happening in the world, you too can find a way with help from your new friend Midge.

Learn to be grateful for the simple things. I love how my volunteer friend Susan always has the best treats, a simple break in my day to stop and smell the bacon bits. No matter how hard my day has been, I’m grateful for the moment I spend with someone who makes me feel important to her. I’m grateful for the way Ann scratches my ears. My tongue lolling about as she hits the perfect spot. I smile at her, she smiles back. I like to think my happiness makes her happy. Find a way to share your happiness with others; a frown is as infectious as a smile, but I get more belly rubs with my smile. I’m grateful when my friend Nicole says “hi” as she walks by. She took my picture once, she made me wear a party hat, now she always says hi. She doesn’t have to, she meets dozens of dogs every week, but she always makes me feel good to be me; cherish the times those around you make you feel special.

Today could be the day I find a home. It could be tomorrow. Until then, I wait; I’m grateful for patience. When the puppy in the kennel next to me discovered a squeaky toy for the first time, god help us all. When I’m lounging in the sun, Squeak, or eating dinner, squeaky squeak. He tests my patience every day, but it’s important to see things from someone else’s perspective when you’re feeling frustrated. I remember being him, I remember that same happy innocence. Granted, if I have the chance, I am stealing that squeaker during my nap times.

I’m grateful for those who help. When AAWL modified their volunteering to keep everyone safe, but still spend lots of time with dogs and cats, I had friends come at 6am for walks. I’m barely awake at 6am, but they dedicated their free time to spend time with me. People asked how they could help. They never fostered before, but knew it was important and wanted to learn. Some of my closest friends spent weeks in homes relaxing, recuperating from surgery, or taking day trips up North. Other people knew the struggles of a shelter when donations started to dwindle and brought bags of food, sanitizer, and toys every day. For a place that dedicates their lives to rescuing homeless animals and relies on donations to keep their doors open, there were days AAWL wanted for nothing. When you’re sad, helping others will give you the happiness you’ve been looking for.

I’m grateful for my warm bed every night and a full belly (maybe more than full, I think I gained that COVID-19 lbs…). Not everyone, or every dog, is as lucky as me. I only look into other dog’s kennels to see if they have enough toys or snacks, not to see if they have more than me. Even things that may seem trivial to you could mean the world to someone else. If you have enough, share with those who may not. Unless it’s a squeaky ball, do not share with that puppy.

I’m grateful to know life is too short to not be happy. I may be in a shelter and not a home, but I have people here who love me. I may not have a family, but I have friends that make me laugh. I may not have been adopted yet, but I have the chance at a new life soon, maybe with you?. There will always be hard times in your life, there will always be times of sadness, but be grateful for the silver linings. If your gal Midge can do it, so can you.

AMAZING UPDATE: Midge has found her furever home!

How one rescue dog drove me to save thousands more

Bob Colabianchi is the general manager of Chapman BMW on Camelback.

As the general manager of a luxury car dealership, it was always important for me to support my community as they have supported us, but I never thought a rescued cattle dog I met through our annual promotion would change my life.

My dealership, Chapman BMW on Camelback, has partnered with the Arizona Animal Welfare League on charitable promotions in the past. However, I wanted to do something that would create a dynamic impact for our next initiative; for every car we sold during the last two months of 2019, we would sponsor the adoption fee of a homeless animal. I thought having a rescue dog in our showroom would help spread the word and help more animals find families, so I offered to foster an adoptable dog during this promotion. What started as a marketing idea became so much more. It was the beginning of my life with Beemer.

A grey speckled dog smiles with its tongue out in front of the Chapman BMW on Camelback dealership sign.

Beemer’s story is filled with sadness, but also second chances. Found abandoned at a derelict home in northern Arizona, she was surviving with two other dogs looking for the kindness of a helping hand to save them. Through AAWL’s network of Rural Rescue partners, they were rescued and driven hundreds of miles for medical attention and to find the families they deserve.

When she first arrived at my dealership, I set up a fluffy bed next to my desk, gave her a pile of toys, and continued my day of phone calls and meetings. Within an hour, she was nudging my hand for pets and leaning against me while I was working. It was almost human like; she could sense when I was stressed and gave me all she had to offer, love. She offered that love to everyone who met her: the customers who proudly showed me pictures of their rescued animals, the staff who would stop by for Beemer’s affection, and my family.

An overhead view of a speckled dog lying on its back in a dog bed surrounded by plush toys.

I would have thought her hard life formed an armor of distrust and fear, but from the moment I met her she exuded this love and compassion I had never seen before in a dog. It showed me rescue dogs have a different connection to people because of what they went through. Less than 24 hours with Beemer in my life, and I had already fallen in love.

We went everywhere together, inseparable for months. I would joke it was all part of the promotion, but in truth, I hated being away from her. Corporate meetings, customer support, sharing fries on our way back to the office; everything was better with Beemer. She was my copilot, my right-hand girl, and I didn’t want it any other way.

A man rides an orange ATV up a hillside trail with a speckled dog perched in the rear basket seat.

I’ve had dogs my whole life, but Beemer was my first adopted dog. In the past, we would visit pet stores and buy a puppy, not knowing about the terrible conditions of puppy mills and the plight of homeless animals. She opened my eyes to the power of rescue, of the incredible animals in shelters waiting for the new homes. It became my mission to spread the message of saving lives through rescue, finding families for animals like Beemer needing a second chance.

Since she joined my family, Chapman BMW on Camelback raised enough money to pay for 400 adoption fees, I joined the board of AAWL to help save the lives of thousands more animals in need, yet still I feel the need to do more to help the Beemers of the world and to give others the happiness I feel every day with her.

A three-panel photo shows a speckled dog at a lake, resting in a car, and wearing bunny ears beside a blue BMW.

What began as an important partnership to help my community has grown into a passion in my life. I may have given Beemer a home, but she has done more for me than I have done for her.

I encourage those in my community to visit the Arizona Animal Welfare League; see the animals who you can help save, learn their stories of survival and hope, and make a difference in their lives through either adoption, donation, or volunteering. Your life may change like mine, but the support you give to these animals will definitely change theirs.

For the second year in a row, Chapman BMW on Camelback is sponsoring the adoption fee of a homeless animal For every car they sell in November AND December of 2020! Learn more HERE!

Watch Beemer’s Road Home!

Great Trails And Hikes For Your Four Legged Friend!

With the weather finally cooling down and AAWL’s Walk to Save Animals right around the corner, we thought it would be helpful to highlight a few dog-friendly walking trails around the valley. Our list includes hiking and walking paths that range from easy to moderate as well as a handful of scenic paths that are surprisingly easy to access.

Easy Hikes

Dreamy Draw

3.7 miles; dog leash required
Located at 2421 E. Northern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85020
Centrally located within the Phoenix Mountain Preserve
Face masks are required

Phoenix Mountain Preserve

Located at 2701 E. Squaw Peak Drive
Besides the Dreamy Draw trail, the Phoenix Mountain Preserve offers multiple dog-friendly trails
Face masks are required
Click here for more information

Moderate Hikes

Tom’s Thumb

4.0 miles; dog leash required
Located at 23015 N. 128^th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Panoramic views of the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve

Shaw Butte Trail

4.2 miles; dog leash required
Located at 12950 N. 7^th St, Phoenix, AZ 85022
Click here for more information

Scenic Hikes

Holbert Trail to Dobbins Lookout

4.6 miles; dog leash required
Located at 10919 S. Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042
Considered a moderate trail that is relatively flat until the last mile
Offers expansive views of the Phoenix area

Sunrise Mountain

4.0 miles; dog leash required
Located at the Peoria Sunrise Mountain Preserve
Considered a moderate trail
Offers panoramic views of the Peoria area

Walking Paths

Tempe Town Lakes

The original home of AAWL’s Walk to Save Animals
Located at 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281
Bordering the lake are 12-foot concrete paths which are connected by the Mill Avenue bridges and the Rural Road bridge.
Scenic views with a multitude of amenities
Click here for an interactive map

Scottsdale Greenbelt

11-mile paved recreational trail
The path will take you through multiple parks and golf courses
Scenic views with a multitude of amenities
Click here for an interactive map

Just a friendly reminder to always check the weather before heading out the door with your furry companion and always pack the proper gear. Most trails offer water stations and ramadas for shade relief, but we recommend packing plenty of water and wearing the appropriate attire for your walking adventure.

Happy Trails!