EMPATHY, INSPIRATION, TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE
Everything K9 Youth Alliance does is fueled by the restorative, inspirational power of the human-animal bond. Our model is collaborative, working with area shelters and youth organizations to build community and create lasting change.
Our programs - rooted in empathy, clear communication and kindness - empower kids, dogs and the adults who work with them, to learn from each other and grow together.
We use rewards-based force free dog training methods as a model for promoting empathy, self-discovery and non-violence. We believe that ALL kids deserve to feel the love of a dog, and ALL dogs deserve the chance to be loved.
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OUR PROGRAMS
Pawsitive Youth Development Series
The Positive Youth Development Series (PYDS) provides youth from under-resourced communities (ages 11-18) with over 34 hours of experiential, one-to-one learning and enrichment as they learn to handle, train, and advocate for dogs living in animal shelters.
Video Storytellers
This program takes K9YA Video Storytellers on a three-week journey alongside Teen Dog Trainers. The Storytellers document the experiences of all participants and the shelter dogs in the Positive Development Program. Students learn to storyboard, interview, shoot, edit and promote videos.
Positive Enrichment Series
The Positive Enrichment Series (PES) launched in 2022 in response to the overpopulation crisis in animal shelters. In this program, over 25 dogs living in animal shelters receive daily training and enrichment by our team of professional dog trainers and behavior consultants and trained adult volunteers.
K9YA Internship
As a branch of the Positive Youth Development Series, the K9YA internship program creates an opportunity for more seasoned K9YA students to expand upon their leadership skills, engage in project management, and establish a deeper meaning of responsibility, ownership and accountability for their work.