Training and Enrichment Stories

Annie the dog on a large cushion with two children who are smiling and holding tablets

Faces of No-Kill: Shelter dog now living on easy street

Annie overcame her challenges with time, support, and lots of broccoli.
She continues to make amazing progress
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Rydell the German shepherd mix with his tongue out being scratched on the hind end by a person

Faces of No-Kill: Water-loving pooch finds his flow

Rydell made a splash during training sessions at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary — and landed right where he belonged.
He just needed structure and patience
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Boo the dog wearing a red bow tie collar with a winter background

How training one dog inspired shelter-wide change

Boo’s successful training plan sparked a shift in a rural Arkansas shelter that will support all their dogs in going to new homes.
All interactions with animals are learning opportunities
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Licorice the cat lying on a blanket

The magic of one very lucky black cat

At Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, caregivers turn mobility challenges into magic for Licorice — a little black cat who's all good luck and endless love.
Living a charmed life
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Kansas and Twister, the merle-patterned dogs, standing on sand

A remarkable dog friendship built on trust and treats

A blind dog and deaf dog enjoy the good life in their home-between-homes at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
They're perfect complements to each other
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A couple adventure buddy program participants with a pug wearing a bandanna

Adventures abound for adoptable dogs

Dogs from the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in L.A. share fun-filled outings to help them get adopted.
Adventuring with purpose
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Blanche the dog standing outside

Extra-bubbly dog goes from chaos to calm

How the behavior team at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary helped Blanche turn her over-the-top enthusiasm into excellent manners.
She now serves as “demo dog” for the behavior team
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Multiple black dogs on a red rock outcropping

Desert dogs find new hope

Dogs found in a remote Utah area are now safe and settling into foster homes in Salt Lake City.
Enjoying new beginnings
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Taquito the dog playing with a young puppy while a person watches

Faces of No-Kill: Meet Taquito, the puppy coach

Taquito the dog is teaching puppies at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary how to play, love, and live like champions.
Everyone loves him
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Karen the pig outside being trained by two people with her belt and a target stick

Meet the deaf pet pig who wears a ‘magic belt’

See how caregivers at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary found a creative solution to train a pig who can’t hear.
Now she sunbathes safely
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Leo Decatmeow the cat in a person's lap and looking very happy

Faces of No-Kill: Cat goes from scared to superstar

When Leo Decatmeow came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, he was scared and a bit overwhelmed. Now, he’s living the life of the star he’s named after.
Daily outings in the stroller helped him adjust
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Priscilla training Lucky the mule to smile

Tricks, treats, and love help mule find her smile

Caregivers at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary prove you can teach an old mule new tricks.
Lucky learns a new trick
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The two cavies, Hip and Hup, with one of them eating some fresh green grass

Spicing up life for wild ambassadors at Best Friends

See how caregivers at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary bring joy to wildlife who can’t be released.
Ways to enrich their lives
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Bonito the dog smiling wide in a playgroup with another dog

Faces of No-Kill: Nervous dog becomes ambassador of fun

Bonito came to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary as an anxious pup. Now he’s helping other dogs find their confidence through the power of play.
Now he's an ambassador of fun
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Swing the dog lying and the floor wearing sunglasses getting his pretend laser treatment

Dog’s no-laser therapy is almost as good as the real thing

When Swing was diagnosed with cancer, he had to stop laser therapy for arthritis. But that didn’t mean the therapy sessions he loved so much had to stop.
He still enjoys all the attention and love
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