Teens in the West Midlands are being teamed up with RSPCA rescue dogs in an innovative course which aims to change the lives of both the animals and young people.
Paws for Change gives young people who are experiencing challenges the opportunity to bond with and train a rescue dog which has had a difficult start in life.
The RSPCA works closely with local youth centres, social services and council youth teams to offer week-long training sessions for young people, teaching skills like confidence, decision making and communication while fostering empathy and compassion for animals. At the same time, it gives neglected and abused dogs, rescued by the RSPCA, one-to-one care and training which helps them to find new homes.
Staff select dogs who need time outside of their kennel, have no basic training or are anxious or shutdown and need more one-on-one time to ensure they’re ready for rehoming. They’ll then be matched with a young person on the scheme who shares similar difficulties or qualities with the dog.
Under the guidance of a behaviour and welfare specialist, they’ll be tasked with training and caring for their new canine companion. The healing results, as they bond with their rescue dog, is outstanding and heartwarming to see.
Charlie Chan, RSPCA Community Engagement Manager who coordinated the course, said: “It has been such a great experience for the young people, our dogs, and the staff involved.
“This was our first Paws for Change course in Birmingham, and it was incredibly successful. The feedback from the young people was really positive. The young people were fantastic with the rescue dogs, and it was heartwarming to see their bonds develop over the four days. The final day was quite emotional!
“The young people achieved an AQA Unit Award in recognition of their achievement, and some are even in talks about potential volunteering opportunities as a result of the course!
“We will be delivering four Paws for Change courses at Birmingham each year.”
Rebecca, 15, from Droitwich, attended the previous course and was paired with Staffordshire bull terrier Hugo. “Before I started the course, I didn’t really understand how to train dogs,” said Rebecca. “I found the course fun, I learnt a lot about dogs and how to look after them as pets.
“I loved being with the dogs all week and teaching them to do things that they could not do before.
“Since finishing the course, I have more experience with dogs, I can train them and I know how to look after them. I think the course has helped me to have more confidence with dogs.
“I am now thinking that I might now want to work with animals in the future and perhaps an apprenticeship next year.”
The RSPCA’s Birmingham Animal Centre in Frankley Green will run its next course from 13th to 16th August following a successful course in May. Application for the course is by referral only. For more information, email birmingham.education@rspca.org.uk.
Paws for Change is part of the RSPCA’s ambitious new programme called Generation Kind, eight projects which focus on educating young people from all backgrounds about animal welfare and aims to reach two million children by 2030.
For more information about Paws for Change and Generation Kind, and to find out what you can do at home to be #GenerationKind, visit www.rspca.org.uk/GenerationKind
