Community Spotlight: Beltrami Humane Society Mod Squad

Bear is a 5-year-old pitbull mastiff mix at the Beltrami Humane Society, but something sets him apart from the other pets. Bear is one of two dogs in the humane society’s new Mod Squad program, a volunteer-driven, behavior modification program for shelter dogs. Volunteers work with Bear and Pepper, a chihuhua terrier mix, each day to help correct behavioral issues like jumping, barking, and being timid. Volunteers take the dogs through a variety of training exercises using positive reinforcement, and most importantly show them lots of love. The Mod Squad program is new to Beltrami County, but members say they’ve already seen success. Since the program’s start in June, six dogs have been adopted.