Your animal’s behavior has you considering a trainer – great idea! You want the best for your animal, but how do you know if a trainer’s approach is humane? Trainers typically refer to themselves as either “positive reinforcement” or “balanced.” Positive reinforcement rewards the good and ignores the bad. To effectively change behavior, we need to identify the behavior(s) we …
Now Enrolling for Alexandria Animal Academy
Cost-Effective Canine Behavior and Training for the Community: Enrolling Now! We are now enrolling for the October cohort of our Alexandria Animal Academy – a cost-efficient option for dog behavior and training courses for our community! However, the course is open to anyone in need – you do NOT have to be an Alexandria resident. The canine courses have been crafted …
Now Enrolling for Alexandria Animal Academy
Cost-Effective Canine Behavior and Training for the Community: Enrolling Now! We are now enrolling for the May cohort of our Alexandria Animal Academy – a cost-efficient option for dog behavior and training courses for our community! However, the course is open to anyone in need – you do NOT have to be an Alexandria resident. The canine courses have been …
It’s Hip to Snip! Spay and Neuter Promotes Animal and Community Wellbeing
For many creatures, spring signals the breeding season. While this is certainly true for wildlife, it can also be true for unsterilized dogs and cats. If you’ve ever heard of “kitten season,” which typically begins in the spring and runs through the summer, you probably know what we mean. During this time, animal shelters across the U.S. can be overwhelmed …
Plan to Adopt this Holiday Season? Be Prepared as a New Adopter
Pet adoption during the holidays can be a heartwarming experience that not only transforms the life of an animal in need, but also enriches your own life in ways you may never have imagined. Here at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s (AWLA), the holidays are a peak time for pet adoption and it’s important for new pet parents …
Introducing Alexandria Animal Academy
Cost-Effective Canine Behavior and Training for the Community We are thrilled to announce the creation of Alexandria Animal Academy – a cost-efficient option for dog behavior and training courses for our community! However, the course is open to anyone in need – you do NOT have to be an Alexandria resident. The canine courses have been crafted to teach pets …
Enrichment Toy Round-up: Never a Dull Moment for Your Pet
Between walks, naps and meals, how do our pets spend their time? Mental enrichment is an essential part of every pet’s day, helping alleviate boredom to keep our best friends happy and healthy. Just like people who seek new activities and experiences to add novelty to our day-to-day routine, pets enjoy learning new things and working their brain, especially when …
Training Your Dog During Unprecedented Times
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nearly every aspect of our day-to-day lives, and that is true for our pets as well. Pets may see their family more often than they’re used to or during different times of day, but when the day comes that it is safe to return to old schedules and routines, your pet will likely need more …
Repost: Summer Safety for Your Pet
As summer heats up, it’s important to keep your pets safe and cool so they can enjoy the season too! How your pet responds to heat and humidity varies between species, breeds and individual animals. Here are a few tips to help your furry friend stay safe all summer long: We’re Not All Built the Same Dogs and cats have …
Polite Pups and Proud Volunteers
“Yes! Good job! That’s it!” It’s not always the animals who get to enjoy a training class at the AWLA. Our amazing volunteers are in on the fun too! Volunteers at the AWLA help with everything from caring for animals to doing laundry and now helping pups put their most polite paw forward. While our amazing volunteers spend so much …