Staff & Volunteer Training

Training on dog behavior, cat behavior, and feline handling for shelter and rescue staff, volunteers, and animal care teams.

In-Person Presentations and Workshops

Alana offers in-person and on-site training for animal shelters, rescues, and animal care teams within traveling distance. With extensive experience in dog behavior, cat behavior, behavior modification and dog training, Alana tailors instruction to the needs of staff, volunteers, and the dogs or cats in their care. She also provides in-person behavior case support for individual animals.

Online Training & Behavior Tutorials

Alana provides online training via live meetings and video platforms. There is no minimum number for staff or volunteers for online instruction. Behavior case support for individual animals is also available.

Pre-recorded dog behavior training and cat behavior training tutorials are available for shelters, rescues, and veterinary care teams to train and onboard staff or volunteers. Online tutorials are cost-effective, can be accessed anywhere and viewed an unlimited number of times.

Dog Behavior Topics

Kennel aggression — prevention and management
Understanding and interpreting body language
Safely handling defensive or reactive dogs
Excessive jumping on people and staff
Fear of touch or handling
Preventing bite injury
Fear of people or strangers
Accurately assessing behavior problems
Unsocialized and fearful dogs
Counter-conditioning timing
Desensitization techniques
Protocols for reactive dogs
Introducing dogs
Understanding dog-to-dog interactions
Managing play groups

Cat Behavior Topics

Humane feline handling
Preventing bite injury
Gentle, effective intake procedures
Behavior modification for feline aggression
Working with fearful or terrified cats
Unsocialized and feral cats
Cats afraid of touch and handling
Accurately assessing behavior problems
Kitten handling and care for foster programs
Kitten training classes
Housing multiple cats to prevent conflict
Feline enrichment and cat-friendly design

To request training for your shelter or animal care team, call 617–921–1224 or

EMAIL ALANA

Low Stress Handling for Dogs and Cats Certification

Staff Training Testimonials

“I was fortunate to attend Alana Stevenson’s seminar at Paws4Ever in Mebane, NC where I volunteer train for them. She provided great information and assistance on how to work with dogs who are fearful and leash reactive, and taught us leash techniques that are really effective. We loved her demonstrations.” ~ Kelley Neiderhiser, Gate City Animal Hospital, North Carolina

“Our front staff is still talking about your seminar, and applying what you’ve said to evaluate the way pets are behaving in the lobby!” ~ Shannon Nowak, LVT, Veterinary Specialty Hospital of the Carolinas

“Alana has worked to create comprehensive operating procedures for shelters that respect a cat’s natural behaviors, focus on reducing stress, and integrate feline-friendly handling techniques that are integral in working with cats.”
~ Heather O’Steen, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP)

“Alana Stevenson is an animal behaviorist with an up to date, science-based approach to reduce behavior problems presented in a heartfelt way. Her contributions to low-stress feline care have improved the shelter, veterinary and home care experience for many cats.” ~ Dr. Sally J. Foote, Veterinarian, Speaker DrSallyJFoote.com

“Alana worked with Homeward Bound in 2017 and her knowledge of behavioral challenges, their motivations, and how to address them was astounding. She was patient, detailed, and very attentive to the needs of the dogs and the questions of the staff.”
~ Jessica Danyow, Executive Director, Homeward Bound

“Excellent short videos like yours provide positive training expertise for all our volunteers and staff. ~ Shelley Thayer, Executive Director, Cat Depot, Sarasota, Florida