The Hopeful Hounds Behavioral Foster Program focuses on providing dogs with the training and care they need while they await adoption. Many dogs in rescues face behavioral issues—fear, reactivity, or simply needing basic skills training—that can make them less likely to find homes. Our program steps in to provide:

* Force-free, positive reinforcement training to address behavior concerns like leash reactivity, fear, jumping, and resource guarding.

* Socialization and confidence-building exercises for shy, under-socialized dogs.

* Personalized training plans tailored to each dog’s needs, helping them become more adaptable and ready for a forever home.

By providing foster homes with structured training, we increase the chance that dogs will be adopted quickly and successfully, with the skills they need to thrive in their new lives.

Once our Behavioral Fosters have found their forever home, we don’t stop there! We understand that the transition to a new home can be challenging, and that’s where our follow-up Adoption Support comes in. After adoption, we offer:

Two FREE follow-up session to address any initial concerns and ensure a smooth transition.

* Pay-What-You-Can model for ongoing support: additional sessions are priced at whatever amount works for you, ensuring that financial barriers never prevent the support your dog may need.

* Phone/email support between sessions, providing you with the tools and confidence to continue your dog’s training.

We are committed to supporting adopters every step of the way, ensuring both you and your dog have the resources to succeed together.

We believe every dog has a story worth telling. The Shelter Songs initiative pairs my work as a songwriter and certified dog trainer with my passion for animal rescue. I visit local shelters and meet dogs waiting for their forever homes, learning about their personalities, quirks, and journeys. From there, I write original songs inspired by each dog’s story — heartfelt, hopeful tunes that capture who they are and what makes them special. These songs are shared through my social media and website, shining a light on adoptable dogs who might otherwise be overlooked. Through music, we’re building emotional bridges between rescue dogs and potential adopters, helping these hopeful hounds find loving homes.

Your donation helps us continue to provide life-changing behavioral support and foster care to dogs in need. Whether you contribute to the cost of a training session, help fund our foster program, or support our adoption follow-ups, your generosity goes directly to the dogs we serve.

$50: Provides one training session for a foster dog.

$100: Covers the cost of one dog’s initial training evaluation and a week of care.

$250: Helps a dog complete their full training plan before adoption.

Any amount: Supports ongoing behavioral support and training for rescue dogs.

No matter how much you give, your support makes a difference. We rely on donors like you to help create a better future for these dogs.