Pawsitive Reinforcement: Adopters Get Free Training Class & Dog Food Incentive

Indianapolis, Indiana (August 9th, 2005) – It can be a challenge to bring a new dog into your
life. Behavior problems, often caused by anxiety and fear, are a significant reason for the
relinquishment of animals to shelters. However, Indianapolis Animal Care & Control (IACC)
and Move to ACT (mtA) are working to give new adopters the tools they need to get off on the
right paw.

MtA is partnering with IACC to encourage participation in a behavior modification training
program for dogs and their owners. From now through December 31st, anyone who adopts a dog
from IACC and participates in IACC’s “1st Thursdays” four-week long behavior training class
will receive a special treat – a free, 40 pound bag of dog food from mtA! And, if the new
adopter completes the class with their pooch, they’ll receive a second free 40 pound bag of dog
food!

Warren Patitz, of Doggone Connection and trainer for IACC, says IACC’s “1st Thursdays”
program is designed to provide new adopters the opportunity to learn how they can positively
influence their dog’s behavior, to assure the dog a successful transition into their new home and
reduce the risk of resurrender. According to Patitz, “People often take the drastic step of
relinquishing their dogs for minor behavior problems that we can address through simple
education.” Patitz says IACC’s “1st Thursdays” course serves to reduce the likelihood that newly
adopted dogs will wind up back at a shelter.

“1st Thursdays” classes begin the first Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm at IACC (located at
2600 South Harding Street, near the Eli Lilly campus). New adopters may attend the first class
without their dog for FREE. The first class covers basic information about how dogs learn and
includes time for questions and answers. If participants would like to attend the remaining three
classes with their dog, the cost is just $36. New adopters can simply show up for the class – they
just need to bring the “1st Thursdays” flyer they will receive in their IACC adoption packet.

Move to ACT’s mission is to foster an environment for the animals of central Indiana that is safe
and humane by engaging members of the community into action. For more information, call
Move to ACT at 317-298-0992, or visit them on the web at http://www.movetoact.org/.