SAFER TM Test for Shelters and Rescue Dogs
Does your shelter or organization have a dog you are a little unsure of? Do you want confirmation of the dog's temperament before placing for adoption? The SAFER Test is a standardized test in which we can use to properly evaluate the dog's behavior in a variety of situations.
Evaluator, Katie Weibel, is trained in conducting the SAFER TM Test, helping to identify dogs that are ready for adoption, in need obedience training, or dogs who would benefit from behavior training before adoption.
Getting the information you need will help to facilitate long term adoptions by allowing your shelter or organization to identify dogs who are ready to get adopted and also to identify dogs who need a little help to get ready for their adoption and living in the home with a family.
The SAFER TM Test written evaluation is provided for your organization's records. You will learn how the dog is scored and what the test results indicate. You will be amazed at the information shared, and how much you learn about complex dog behavior, communication and signals!
The SAFER TM Test is free for 501c's and fee assessed for County Animal Shelters.
Evaluator, Katie Weibel, is trained in conducting the SAFER TM Test, helping to identify dogs that are ready for adoption, in need obedience training, or dogs who would benefit from behavior training before adoption.
Getting the information you need will help to facilitate long term adoptions by allowing your shelter or organization to identify dogs who are ready to get adopted and also to identify dogs who need a little help to get ready for their adoption and living in the home with a family.
The SAFER TM Test written evaluation is provided for your organization's records. You will learn how the dog is scored and what the test results indicate. You will be amazed at the information shared, and how much you learn about complex dog behavior, communication and signals!
The SAFER TM Test is free for 501c's and fee assessed for County Animal Shelters.
Free Dog Training Resource
for 501c Rescue Dog Organizations and Animal Shelters
Appalachian Dog Training LLC wants to help your dog rescue organization by providing no-cost training services to help dogs with good temperaments get prepared for great homes.
Our Rescue Dog Training program is limited to Dog Rescue Organizations (501c's) to help the dogs in greatest need!
Benefits to Our Local Community
It is well-known that adopted dogs are most often returned for (1) unrealistic expectations, and (2) for behavior. Adopters can be surprised to find out just how much time their new dog takes while some adoptions are just a mismatch of energy and lifestyle. It happens through no fault of the dog, adopting family, or organization.
ADT aims to reduce the barriers to a successful dog adoption by providing in depth behavior and personality profiles of the dog and by providing essential house training and obedience training. To further ensure the success of your organization's adoption, we provide in depth training to the adopting family.
Board & Train provides all aspects of training to help prepare the dog for an smooth transition to their new home. This includes crate training, potty training, leash walking, socialization with dogs, people and animals. We also include training for bathing, grooming, handling and nail trimming to ensure the dog can safely receive the continued care they need and deserve.
Dogs learn essential obedience commands Place, Sit, Down, (implied) Stay, Come, Heel, Leave-it, Drop-it, Off, Crate, & Quiet. The Training Video & comprehensive Graduation Training is included for the adopting family. The new owner will have access to all of our Refresher Training programs to ensure years of responsible ownership.
How our Program Works
Your organization provides all food, medications, and veterinary care. We provide the crate during training, toys and treats. You will also receive report cards and social media exposure with our daily training posts on Instagram and Facebook.
Your organization is responsible for all adoption activities and practices. Our Trainers will provide in depth behavior and personality profiles of the dog to help you find the best home placement for the dog, helping to ensure a great match.
The dog will return to your organization or can go home directly to its new approved owner on Graduation Day. You are welcome and encouraged to attend Graduation Day!
The adopting family will receive a comprehensive training video and a specialized lesson for transitioning home. The adopter will also have access to our Refresher Training programs for life, further helping to encourage responsible ownership and a committed placement.
Get Started
Behavior Evaluation is required for admittance into our program. Training is offered as Board & Train for Puppy Head Start, On Leash, Off Leash or Behavior Training. The dog, pending acceptance, would start class on one of our regularly scheduled class start dates. Please Request A Call to learn about availability & application approval.
Vaccines required: DHPP, Rabies & Bordetella. Required veterinary tests are Heartworm, Fecal Float, and Giardia Antigen (all negative results). Age appropriate spay/neuter is required.
*This is a limited space-available program for 501c organizations, only. This program is not available for dogs already adopted.
Our Rescue Dog Training program is limited to Dog Rescue Organizations (501c's) to help the dogs in greatest need!
Benefits to Our Local Community
It is well-known that adopted dogs are most often returned for (1) unrealistic expectations, and (2) for behavior. Adopters can be surprised to find out just how much time their new dog takes while some adoptions are just a mismatch of energy and lifestyle. It happens through no fault of the dog, adopting family, or organization.
ADT aims to reduce the barriers to a successful dog adoption by providing in depth behavior and personality profiles of the dog and by providing essential house training and obedience training. To further ensure the success of your organization's adoption, we provide in depth training to the adopting family.
Board & Train provides all aspects of training to help prepare the dog for an smooth transition to their new home. This includes crate training, potty training, leash walking, socialization with dogs, people and animals. We also include training for bathing, grooming, handling and nail trimming to ensure the dog can safely receive the continued care they need and deserve.
Dogs learn essential obedience commands Place, Sit, Down, (implied) Stay, Come, Heel, Leave-it, Drop-it, Off, Crate, & Quiet. The Training Video & comprehensive Graduation Training is included for the adopting family. The new owner will have access to all of our Refresher Training programs to ensure years of responsible ownership.
How our Program Works
Your organization provides all food, medications, and veterinary care. We provide the crate during training, toys and treats. You will also receive report cards and social media exposure with our daily training posts on Instagram and Facebook.
Your organization is responsible for all adoption activities and practices. Our Trainers will provide in depth behavior and personality profiles of the dog to help you find the best home placement for the dog, helping to ensure a great match.
The dog will return to your organization or can go home directly to its new approved owner on Graduation Day. You are welcome and encouraged to attend Graduation Day!
The adopting family will receive a comprehensive training video and a specialized lesson for transitioning home. The adopter will also have access to our Refresher Training programs for life, further helping to encourage responsible ownership and a committed placement.
Get Started
Behavior Evaluation is required for admittance into our program. Training is offered as Board & Train for Puppy Head Start, On Leash, Off Leash or Behavior Training. The dog, pending acceptance, would start class on one of our regularly scheduled class start dates. Please Request A Call to learn about availability & application approval.
Vaccines required: DHPP, Rabies & Bordetella. Required veterinary tests are Heartworm, Fecal Float, and Giardia Antigen (all negative results). Age appropriate spay/neuter is required.
*This is a limited space-available program for 501c organizations, only. This program is not available for dogs already adopted.
Dogs Available for Adoption/Adopted Dogs
ADOPTED! Willow, Female Golden Retriever
DOB: December 2022
Breed: Golden Retriever
Energy level: Low
Dogs: Loves all of them!
People: yes, social
Kids: Yes, has met and been safe with them
On Leash Training:
Crate, Potty, Heel, Come, Place, Sit, Down & Stay
Tasha is a low energy young dog who was surrendered to us to be trained and adopted. We are completing her On Leash training and lots of socialization to get her ready for her new home. Tasha will come with her personalized training video and a training session for her new family to learn her commands, routines, and how to maintain her training.
She has received all of her vaccines and a health check and is in great health and ready for adoption. Tasha is not one of our bred golden retrievers, so she does not come with any certifications or health guarantee.
Tasha can be nervous waling into a new environment such as a pet friendly store, but she is willing and able to go new places and learn confidence! She gets on great with other dogs, kids & strangers. She is a young dog but does not require a lot of strenuous exercise since she is not high energy. Would make a great companion for a family or retired couple.
Breed: Golden Retriever
Energy level: Low
Dogs: Loves all of them!
People: yes, social
Kids: Yes, has met and been safe with them
On Leash Training:
Crate, Potty, Heel, Come, Place, Sit, Down & Stay
Tasha is a low energy young dog who was surrendered to us to be trained and adopted. We are completing her On Leash training and lots of socialization to get her ready for her new home. Tasha will come with her personalized training video and a training session for her new family to learn her commands, routines, and how to maintain her training.
She has received all of her vaccines and a health check and is in great health and ready for adoption. Tasha is not one of our bred golden retrievers, so she does not come with any certifications or health guarantee.
Tasha can be nervous waling into a new environment such as a pet friendly store, but she is willing and able to go new places and learn confidence! She gets on great with other dogs, kids & strangers. She is a young dog but does not require a lot of strenuous exercise since she is not high energy. Would make a great companion for a family or retired couple.
ADOPTED! Nori, Female Golden Retriever
DOB: December 2022
Breed: Golden Retriever
Energy level: Low
Dogs: Loves all of them!
People: Nervous with strangers but warms up quickly
Kids: Yes, has met and been safe with them
On Leash Training:
Crate, Potty, Heel, Come, Place, Sit, Down & Stay
Remi is a low energy young dog who was surrendered to us to be trained and adopted. We are completing her On Leash training and lots of socialization to get her ready for her new home. Remi will come with her personalized training video and a training session for her new family to learn her commands, routines, and how to maintain her training.
She has received all of her vaccines and a health check and is in great health and ready for adoption. Remi is not one of our bred golden retrievers, so she does not come with any certifications or health guarantee.
Remi can be nervous meeting a new person, but she warms up quickly and loves her main crew! She gets on great with other dogs, kids and is more confident walking into new environments such as the park or a pet friendly store. She is a young dog but does not require a lot of strenuous exercise since she is not high energy. Would make a great companion for a family or retired couple.
Breed: Golden Retriever
Energy level: Low
Dogs: Loves all of them!
People: Nervous with strangers but warms up quickly
Kids: Yes, has met and been safe with them
On Leash Training:
Crate, Potty, Heel, Come, Place, Sit, Down & Stay
Remi is a low energy young dog who was surrendered to us to be trained and adopted. We are completing her On Leash training and lots of socialization to get her ready for her new home. Remi will come with her personalized training video and a training session for her new family to learn her commands, routines, and how to maintain her training.
She has received all of her vaccines and a health check and is in great health and ready for adoption. Remi is not one of our bred golden retrievers, so she does not come with any certifications or health guarantee.
Remi can be nervous meeting a new person, but she warms up quickly and loves her main crew! She gets on great with other dogs, kids and is more confident walking into new environments such as the park or a pet friendly store. She is a young dog but does not require a lot of strenuous exercise since she is not high energy. Would make a great companion for a family or retired couple.
Pisgah Pete, Jack Russel Terrier X
Pete is available for adoption through Marlow's Mutts-n-More. You may apply with this organization directly.
Pete is 17 lbs, mostly white with a little yellowish color on his back. He is 1 year old and is neutered, vaccinated, and negative fecal test. Pete is a JRT mix. He looks and acts like a (mild) JRT. He is medium to medium high energy and requires daily walks. He gets on very well with other dogs, our resident cat, and farm animals. He loves to hike and likes the water.
Pete has completed his On & Off Leash training and we are seeking an applicant willing and able to continue his training as it is his learned system of communication with people. He has turned into a lovely dog in our program. He just needed the opportunity to be a dog and learn how to love life. We are all amazed at how far he has come and how enjoyable he is in the home and at the training center with multiple dogs, people and animals.
Pete never got to be a dog the 1st year of his life, so while we have provided that opportunity for him, he needs continued socialization with events, people, and just plain living in the house as a family companion. He has the foundation and needs a committed human to carry on his progress.
He comes with a training video, Dogtra e-collar, comprehensive training lesson, and access to refresher training for life.
Pisgah Pete has turned into a cool little dog with a love and zest for life. He would do best with a family with preteen kids or older kids, or as a companion to an active retired couple, or as a buddy to an active single adventurous person. He will most likely do well with dogs, cats and other animals, however his rescue organization will evaluate existing animals further to ensure it is a match for all.
Pete is 17 lbs, mostly white with a little yellowish color on his back. He is 1 year old and is neutered, vaccinated, and negative fecal test. Pete is a JRT mix. He looks and acts like a (mild) JRT. He is medium to medium high energy and requires daily walks. He gets on very well with other dogs, our resident cat, and farm animals. He loves to hike and likes the water.
Pete has completed his On & Off Leash training and we are seeking an applicant willing and able to continue his training as it is his learned system of communication with people. He has turned into a lovely dog in our program. He just needed the opportunity to be a dog and learn how to love life. We are all amazed at how far he has come and how enjoyable he is in the home and at the training center with multiple dogs, people and animals.
Pete never got to be a dog the 1st year of his life, so while we have provided that opportunity for him, he needs continued socialization with events, people, and just plain living in the house as a family companion. He has the foundation and needs a committed human to carry on his progress.
He comes with a training video, Dogtra e-collar, comprehensive training lesson, and access to refresher training for life.
Pisgah Pete has turned into a cool little dog with a love and zest for life. He would do best with a family with preteen kids or older kids, or as a companion to an active retired couple, or as a buddy to an active single adventurous person. He will most likely do well with dogs, cats and other animals, however his rescue organization will evaluate existing animals further to ensure it is a match for all.
Vortex, German Shepherd Dog
Vortex has been ADOPTED!!! He loves his new family and is enjoying breweries, concerts, and outdoor dining with the 'fam. Life is good
VORTEX is a 1 year old male German Shepherd Dog. He is a striking, powerful all black GSD at 70lbs. He has a thin, single flat coat. He is fully grown and his personality matches his size. He is an expert in Basic On Leash and Advanced Off Leash commands, walking side by side, step by step like a perfect, flashy show dog. Vortex is for PET HOME, only.
Vortex gets on great with our OLDER in-house dogs, client dogs, and cat. Puppies annoy him. He can certainly be powerful, and hence, needs to be directed and managed with obedience commands. He is best suited for a young, active and strong handler.
Vortex loves to walk, run, train and play during the day, but after 4pm its lights out! He will sneak off to his crate and go to sleep all on his own. At night he waits patiently on the foot of the bed for you to retire.
Vortex is active outside in the yard, but always calm, quiet and restful in the house. He is crate trained and has been very trustworthy in the house unattended for short periods of time. He goes potty outside reliably and doesn't chew things up. Easy keeper!
VORTEX is a 1 year old male German Shepherd Dog. He is a striking, powerful all black GSD at 70lbs. He has a thin, single flat coat. He is fully grown and his personality matches his size. He is an expert in Basic On Leash and Advanced Off Leash commands, walking side by side, step by step like a perfect, flashy show dog. Vortex is for PET HOME, only.
Vortex gets on great with our OLDER in-house dogs, client dogs, and cat. Puppies annoy him. He can certainly be powerful, and hence, needs to be directed and managed with obedience commands. He is best suited for a young, active and strong handler.
Vortex loves to walk, run, train and play during the day, but after 4pm its lights out! He will sneak off to his crate and go to sleep all on his own. At night he waits patiently on the foot of the bed for you to retire.
Vortex is active outside in the yard, but always calm, quiet and restful in the house. He is crate trained and has been very trustworthy in the house unattended for short periods of time. He goes potty outside reliably and doesn't chew things up. Easy keeper!
Luna, Adopted by Trainer Morgan!
Stella Luna was selected from Henderson County Animal Services for our Rescue Dog Training program. This chihuahua X pug has to be wrapped up like a burrito when we selected her. We knew the noisy environment was causing her extreme fear and that she would be safe & adoptable after completing our training program.
Now only did Luna become friendly and able to be held, brushed, and petted (amazing for any chihuahua!) but she fell in love with Trainer Morgan. Morgan had been on the search for the perfect dog. And while Luna is far from perfect, she was perfect for Morgan.
Luna works with Trainer Morgan everyday, running alongside the client dog while they are in training or holding a stay for socialization work around them. Luna is little but mighty and is an amazing addition to our team of doggie trainers!
Now only did Luna become friendly and able to be held, brushed, and petted (amazing for any chihuahua!) but she fell in love with Trainer Morgan. Morgan had been on the search for the perfect dog. And while Luna is far from perfect, she was perfect for Morgan.
Luna works with Trainer Morgan everyday, running alongside the client dog while they are in training or holding a stay for socialization work around them. Luna is little but mighty and is an amazing addition to our team of doggie trainers!
Ringo Finds His Twin
Ringo was a Jack Russel x pug rescue dog. He was quite fearful and was also an intact male with zero house training.
Ringo was definitely a challenge for potty training and teaching him not to lift his leg, but we succeeded! He did amazing with On and Off Leash obedience training and one of our client dog families fell in love with him and adopted him as a buddy for their dog Murphy. The two dogs look identical although they are of no relation whatsoever. How neat! We held a meet and greet with them both and they actually hit it off. The rest is happy tails!
Ringo & Murphy's humans are both well-known professional comic writers and occasionally Ringo (or Murphy??) appears in their comics! They are national stars!!
Liberty Bell's Buddy is "Buddy"
Liberty Bell was selected on the anniversary of 9-11. Evaluated at Henderson County Animal Shelter, this 6 month female German shepherd was selected for her sound socialization and calm demeanor.
Liberty Bell learned both On Leash and Off Leash training. During her time with us, Liberty Bell would help socialize our Board & Train client dogs. On of those dogs was named Buddy, a 6 month old border collie mix.
Buddy and Liberty Bell were instant friends and such an amazing match of 2 wonderful personalities. We were elated when Buddy's owner told us she had been looking for a buddy for her Buddy once he had completed training.
When Buddy's family met Liberty Bell, she was an instant fit for the young children and is still Buddy's best buddy!
Liberty Bell learned both On Leash and Off Leash training. During her time with us, Liberty Bell would help socialize our Board & Train client dogs. On of those dogs was named Buddy, a 6 month old border collie mix.
Buddy and Liberty Bell were instant friends and such an amazing match of 2 wonderful personalities. We were elated when Buddy's owner told us she had been looking for a buddy for her Buddy once he had completed training.
When Buddy's family met Liberty Bell, she was an instant fit for the young children and is still Buddy's best buddy!