The Power of Training: How Shelby Semel Dog Training Supports Rescue Dogs at Animal Haven
/At Shelby Semel Dog Training, we believe that every dog deserves a chance to thrive, and that’s why we’ve partnered with Animal Haven, a leading rescue organization in New York City. Since 2018, I’ve served as the Head of Training and Behavior at Animal Haven, and our team has expanded to include four of the SSDT trainers who dedicate their expertise to helping rescue dogs find and stay in loving homes.
Through our partnership, we provide training services to the dogs at Animal Haven, ensuring they receive the behavioral support they need while in the shelter. But our work doesn’t stop there—we continue to assist adopters, providing post-adoption training to help these dogs successfully transition into their forever homes.
Why Training Matters for Rescue Dogs
Many rescue dogs come from difficult backgrounds. Some struggle with fear, reactivity, or other behavioral challenges. Rather than simply hoping for the right adopter, we develop customized behavior plans for each dog that needs extra help. These training plans are implemented while the dogs are still at Animal Haven, giving them a head start before they even step into their new homes.
But it doesn’t stop there. We continue to offer guidance and training even after adoption. In fact, Animal Haven goes above and beyond by gifting training sessions—often with one of our trainers—to adopters of dogs that require more support. This ensures that adopters aren’t just handed a dog—they’re set up for success with professional training guidance.
The Challenges of Rescue Dogs in Urban Environments
For many rescue dogs, transitioning from a shelter to a home is already a big adjustment—but doing so in a busy, urban environment like New York City presents an entirely new set of challenges. The constant noise, dense population, and lack of green space can be overwhelming, especially for dogs who may have never lived in a city before.
Common challenges include:
Leash Reactivity – Tight sidewalks and crowded streets mean dogs often encounter unfamiliar people and other dogs up close, triggering fear or aggression.
Noise Sensitivity – Sirens, honking cars, and construction noises can be overwhelming for dogs who haven’t been exposed to loud urban sounds.
Limited Outdoor Space – Many dogs go from having a backyard or rural space to limited walks on pavement, requiring structured training to adjust.
Elevators & Stairs – Dogs who have never been in high-rise buildings often struggle with elevators or navigating long stairwells.
This is why professional training is crucial. Training helps dogs build confidence in their new environment, teaching them how to stay calm in the face of city stressors. Through our partnership with Animal Haven, we work with dogs to desensitize them to noise, improve leash manners, and create positive associations with their surroundings, setting them up for success in an urban home.
A Special Place for Puppies—and Lifelong Residents
Over the past few years, we’ve had the incredible opportunity to raise multiple litters of puppies at Animal Haven. From birth, these puppies are nurtured using Puppy Culture, a science-backed program designed to shape well-adjusted, confident adult dogs. Watching them grow and thrive, then find their forever homes, is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
Of course, not every dog finds a home quickly. Some become long-term residents, and a few have become particularly special to me.
Meet Sadie: The Underdog Who Deserves a Unicorn
One of my all-time favorites (yes, I play favorites) is Sadie, a German Shepherd mix who has been at Animal Haven for quite some time. Like many shepherds, she can be reactive and a bit territorial, which has made it harder for her to find the right adopter. But underneath that, she’s a total love bug.
I’ve even introduced Sadie to my daughter, Bradlee, and she’s proven to be gentle and affectionate. She thrives on connection and is a true cuddler once she feels safe. What she really needs is a home outside of the city—somewhere she can decompress and truly be herself. The perfect adopter for Sadie is what we call a “unicorn”—a gem of a human who understands her and will give her the life she deserves.
How You Can Help
At Shelby Semel Dog Training, we’re proud to support Animal Haven by donating our time and expertise to help these incredible dogs. But rescue work takes a village, and you can help, too! If you’re looking for a new four-legged family member, consider adopting from Animal Haven. If you’re not in a position to adopt, you can still support their work by donating, fostering, or volunteering. Every bit of support helps ensure that dogs like Sadie—and so many others—get the training, love, and second chance they need.
If you’re interested in adopting, fostering, or donating, visit Animal Haven’s website to learn more!
And if you need training support—whether you’re adopting a rescue or want to work on behavior challenges with your own dog—Shelby Semel Dog Training is here to help!