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Americas Dog: Spotlight on Pit Bull Terrier Adoptability Jean Keating

Best Friends National Conference October 2326, 2014 1

Credits are available Give your name and

certificate number to someone at the registration desk and it will be submitted after the event

CPDT CEUs:6 (K) + 0 (S)

= 6 CEUs CBCC CEUs:12 (K) + 0

(S) = 12 CEUs



Shes taken Wendys happy Ciara is happy

Jean Kea4ng [email protected] Special Education Teacher Executive Director of the Lucas County Pit Crew Co-Founder of the Ohio Coalition of Dog Advocates 5 children, 2 grandchildren, motley crew of dogs and cats



Success is a journey, not a des4na4on.

2010= 4 adoptions 2011=39 adoptions 2014=86 adoptions

Two things to always remember

Dogs are dogs

Happiness sells



What is a pit bull terrier like dog?

Admit it-we dont know



Why are shelters full of PBTLDs

Over identification Breed discrimination Rental refusals Insurance concerns Media bias Over population

We love these dogs! We cant define them We cant identify them We cant find adopters

WHAT ARE WE DOING WRONG?



Ques4ons?

Marke4ng Label them appropriately Prepare dogs for

adoption Names are important Photos! Photos! Videos! Language is key Write great profiles First impressions seal

the deal Do great deeds



North American Tail Waggers

Prepara4on for a home life Foster homes Training/playgroups Puppy socialization CGC ready program Group walks Get the basics down so

you can sell the dog and also so you can make the right match



Names evoke emo4ons Diablo Lady Godiva

Photos! Photos! Photos!



Which puppy makes you smile?

Luntz Study BFAS paid for marketing

research No teeth Nothing in the mouth With other animals,

especially other species Kids are awesome Humans always higher Multiple views (me)



Videos capture what photos can not Harlem Shake Mister Jenkins

Ques4ons?



Language maPers. Bullies Pitties, pibbles, etc Lovers, not fighters My vicious pit bull will

lick your face DO NOT ASSOCIATE

NEGATIVE IMAGES WITH DOGS!

Draw people in, not out! About Althena Im a very smart, cuddly boxer/pittie mix. I think Im about 1-2 yrs and go potty outside like a good girl. I can be pretty shy at first, especially around males, but Im a lover not a fighter. Im just very curious about everybody/thing new and just want to make sure youre going to be friendly to me first. Once I know youre nice, Im a big lover full of kissed and hugs. I live with a foster family who is very busy all the time but that doesnt bother me. I have a skin brother, something called a teenager and I wasnt shy at all with him! My foster mama calls my skin sister a drama queen (10). I dont know what that is, but it must mean fun because we play ball a lot and cuddle when we watch T.V. I also have 3 (older) fur sisters and 1 (same age) fur brother who has A LOT of energy! I like playing with him a lot. Sometimes I have to tell him to chill out, but Im real nice about it. I like having sisters and brothers but like it when its just me and Mama at work too! If I cant go to work with Mama I go in my crate and dont mind it at all. I LOVE riding in the car; I sit like a big girl and just like to feel the wind in my fur while I ride. Mama said Im the best foster puppy shes had and any family will be very lucky to add me to their pack. Are you my fur-ever pack? If you are interested in adopting Athena, please complete our adoption application,

Spayed? Cost? Vaccines? Skin brother Not a fighter Add to the pack Human voice Foster family is very

busy Chill out



We all want to be happy Do you like cuddling on

the couch? Enjoy an evening walk? Looking for someone to

welcome you home? Need a lap warmer, ear

cleaner, sloppy kisser? Working out is better

together? Dont you want to tickle

my tummy?

Great bios focus on characteris4cs Silly Curious Playful Cuddly Eager to please Social butterfly Goofball Agility master



Great Profiles Need a snuggle buddy? Meet DeNiro! This dark brindle, strikingly handsome young dog is looking for a best friend to nap with. DeNiro is living in a foster home with kids, cats, and another dog. He enjoys playing with other dogs, but loves snuggling on the couch. He is neutered, micro-chipped, and fully vaccinated. He LOVES CGC ready classes and is house trained, crate trained, and ready for love. His adoption fee is

Applica4ons start conversa4ons Springboard to talk

Find a match Relationships are key



Introduc4ons seal the deal Tell people what to

expect Get the dog ready Never rush to hello Have a plan Know when to stop You have to have good

handling skills and know the dog well

Do great work Group walks Community days Dog safety

education Help your

neighbors Celebrate events MEDIA!



Promo4ons Join the BFAS network! Back in Black Girls Just Wanna Have

Fun Senior Dogs Rock Final Four Puppy Palooza FREE training, food,

leash, toys

Thank You! Happy Adopting Shes taken

4 america's dog keating - 815678169699-bfas-files.s3-us...

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