Professional dog trainer Cesar Millan, widely known for his television series The Dog Whisperer, has created the SHelter Animal Physical Enrichment Program (SHAPE) to assist shelters and rescue organizations in rehoming abused and abandoned dogs. The SPCA has been chosen as 1 of 6 locations nationwide to implement this pilot program which will be launched next year.

Using Cesar’s calm-assertive leadership approach, SHAPE aims to create a balanced and peaceful shelter environment. Training guides, DVDs and mentoring for staff, volunteers and adopting families will be provided to alleviate fear and anxiety for displaced animals, enabling them to be matched to forever homes.

Later this year, SPCA Operations Director Patt Glenn will fly to Burbank, California for a round table discussion with Cesar. Cesar will then schedule a visit to the SPCA’s Campus of Kindness so he can meet our staff and determine the needs of the shelter regarding the SHAPE Program.

The SPCA is also proud to be a Shelter Star, an animal shelter affiliation program created by the Millan Foundation. Shelter Stars promote positive, healthy relationships between families and the dogs they adopt. The SPCA is one of 400 Shelter Stars currently distributing copies of the most popular volume in Cesar Millan’s Mastering Leadership DVD series, People Training for Dogs, free of charge to families that adopt shelter dogs.

For more information about the SPCA and its programs, visit www.lovemyspca.com or call 863/646-7722.