SpokAnimal CARE would like to introduce you to Meet Your Match™ Canine-ality™, a program of the ASPCA® sponsored by Iams®! This exciting program offers an innovative approach to the pet adoption process. The program was developed and tested by Animal Behaviorist Dr. Emily Weiss for the Kansas Humane Society and includes observation of each dog's behavior through a “Canine-ality” Assessment. This gives shelter staff information about each dog's personality that can be shared with adopters.
As part of the Meet Your Match program, SpokAnimal CARE staff and volunteers attended an intensive training session with representatives from the ASPCA®. We found that the canine assessment shows us the current characteristics of each dog, including activity level, playfulness, ability to be left alone, and so on. Staff members did the adopter survey, too. It was quick and fun, and helped us see which of the adoptable dogs fit our expectations best and revealed challenges we would need to address in selecting a dog that didn't quite fit our lifestyle.
The Meet Your Match™ Canine-ality™ Adoption Program is designed to increase the likelihood that dogs aged six months and older adopted from SpokAnimal will be accepted into their new homes as welcome members of the family.
Meet Your Match™ helps form lasting bonds by matching your expectations of pet ownership to a dog's behavior. Matching the "canine-ality" of the dogs in the shelter with the type of dog you're looking for lays the foundation for the human-canine bond to develop, increasing the potential for a successful, permanent placement.
Each Dog has its own Canine-ality!The Meet Your Match™ Canine-ality Adoption Program is comprised of two parts. The first part, the Canine-ality Assessment, helps us determine the individual needs of each dog. Five tests help us determine their general canine-ality including friendliness, playfulness, energy level, motivation and drive. Each dog is then categorized into a personality color according to their scores. These categories are color-coded purple, orange and green, respectively. Three descriptions within each color category represent different motivation types: socially motivated, internally motivated, or externally motivated. The socially motivated dog is motivated by human contact and attention. This type of dog values human attention and will work for it. Descriptions for socially motivated dogs in each color category are Life of the Party (green), Goofball (orange), and Constant Companion (purple). The internally motivated dog is often motivated by stimuli that are difficult or impossible to control. This type of dog is often independent, and is not necessarily motivated by social contact, tennis balls or even food. Descriptions for internally motivated dogs in each category are Free Spirit (green), Wallflower (orange), and Couch Potato (purple). The externally motivated dog is motivated by a variety of stimuli including human contact, food, and toys. Descriptions for externally motivated dogs are Go-Getter (green), Busy Bee (orange) and Teacher's Pet (purple). Meet Your Match™ also has a Puppy-ality program that MCHS is part of too. As with the Canine-ality assessment, Puppy-ality also includes nine color descriptions representing socially, internally and externally motivated puppies in each maintenance category. What Color Dog are You Looking for?The second part of the program, the Dog Adopter Survey, helps us envision how your new dog will fit into your home and family. Adopters fill out a brief survey about their expectations for a new pet which results in a color-coded matchmaking system that indicates compatible people and pets. Based on the results of the survey, you'll receive a color-coded Guest Pass to help guide you to dogs that best meet your expectations and lifestyle. For example, if your pass is orange, look for dogs with an orange kennel card. The Meet Your Match™ Canine-ality Adoption Program helps you find the dog that's right for you. The program makes adopting fun and gives the pet owner lots of information about their new friend. |
Here's a look at the color-coded categories of Meet Your Match™
COUCH POTATO
Like the easy life? Then I'm the perfect match for you. I'm a relaxed, laid back kind of dog who enjoys long naps, watching movies, curling up on laps, and walking very short distances from the couch to the food bowl and back.
CONSTANT COMPANION
Looking for an emotionally secure, mutually satisfying, low maintenance relationship? I am all you need. Let me sit at your feet, walk by your side, and I'll be your devoted companion forever.
TEACHER'S PET
I've got the whole package — smart, fuzzy, four legs, love to learn and live to please. Go ahead, teach me anything. Sit, stay, balance your checkbook, I can do it all. Keep me entertained and I will be yours forever.
WALLFLOWER
Shy yet charming canine searching for patient owner with relaxed lifestyle. Looking for gentle guidance to help me come out of my shell. Treat me sweet and kind and I'll blossom.
BUSY BEE
I'm a naturally playful, curious and trusting canine. Take me for a big walk every day; give me something to do. After my job's done, I'll curl up in with you in the evenings. I'm a dog on a mission to please you and myself.
GOOFBALL
I'm a fun-loving, happy-all-the-time, glass-is-half-full kind of dog looking for someone who loves to laugh and play around. Must have a great sense of humor and a bunch of tennis balls.
LIFE OF THE PARTY
I think everything is fun, interesting and meant for play, especially you. Anything you do, I'll want to do too. With my own brand of surprise, life with me will keep you constantly on your toes, and the fun is guaranteed.
GO-GETTER
Want to get more exercise? Action is my middle name. My "Let's GO!" lifestyle will keep you motivated to get outside and move. I've got tons of energy; and just like the sun, I'm burning and working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I'll run for miles, chase a ball for hours, and still want to play at the end of the day.
FREE SPIRIT
Intelligent, independent, confident and clever, I prefer making my own decisions but will listen to you if you make a good case. We're partners in this adventure. Treat me like one and we'll both live happily ever after. Puppy-ality Color Descriptions
Thrill Seeker
WOO-HOO! This is so cool! Have you tried this ride called LIFE yet? It's got all these great twists and turns and so many neat things to play with like balls, fleece toys, rawhides, socks, pant legs, fingers—and so many neat people to meet—you, your friends, your friends' friends, and the friends of your friends' friends. Jump on board and we'll have a blast together!
King of the Mountain
I'm self-educated with a splash of ambition. As canine royalty, I like to set the rules. Explain a better way though, and I'll give you due consideration. I'm really looking to share my throne with a hard-working, confident, and full-of-pep human.
Super Hero
I'm an all-purpose pup ready to commit 110%. When there's a crumb dropped, I'll be there to pick it up for you. When there's a hole that needs to be dug, I'll be there with all four feet. When someone needs a buddy to run miles with, I'll be there with leash in tow. Commit 110% to me, and I'll be yours forever.
Bashful Tourist
So this is my first time on my own, and jeez, did you know the world is a really big and kind of scary place (especially when you don't speak the language)? With the right translator, I know I can learn my way around. Until a get familiar with the place, let me stay right by your side... or maybe just a little behind you.
Class Clown
Class clown seeks good-humored soulmate ready to let the good times roll. My playful jokes, love of all things chewable and slapstick comedy will keep you and your friends doubled over laughing for hours. When I hog the spotlight, just let me know the joke's over and I'll settle down.
The Rookie
Young self-starter looking for an inspirational coach to take us to the top. I've got the whole package—brains, good looks, and loads of raw talent—and I'm ready to use them. Teach me, praise me and I guarantee I'll make you proud at home, on walks, or competing in the field.
Day Dreamer
Easy-going, relaxed pup seeks laid-back human for mutually low stress relationship. Must see the bowl as half-full, enjoy leisurely games of fetch followed by a quick snack and two-hour nap, and be willing to explore the joys of relaxing together.
The Detective
It's elementary, my dear assistant... let's unravel the mysteries of the world together. I simply use my trusty nose and my natural taste for details. You simply offer any leads you might have. Together we'll solve every mystery that comes our way.
Kindergartner
It's the first day of school and, boy oh boy, am I nervous! I'm not sure where to sit, when we eat or even where the bathroom is. All I need is a person I can trust to show me the ropes. Will you be my mentor and show me around? |