This Army is…Going to the dogs

	“UNCLE MATTIE” Matthew Margolis teaches dog training.

Imagine a homeless woman progressing from the street to rewarding self-employment in a matter of weeks. A man who’s been out of a job for six months finding himself working as a successful entrepreneur. A young couple with no means of support suddenly running a small family business. A fantasy? Hardly. These miraculous lifestyle changes are a very real possibility, thanks to…dogs.

The Salvation Army in Los Angeles teamed with Matthew Margolis, host of the PBS series, “Woof! It’s a Dog’s Life,” to develop an innovative pilot program–W.O.O.F! (Work Opportunities for Outstanding Futures), providing low-income and no-income individuals with instruction in both dog training and business start-up.

Twenty-one people graduated from the first 10-week program, which concluded recently with a moving celebration. One by one, graduates walked across the stage to receive a certificate that acknowledged their hard work and successful completion of all of the required coursework. Family and friends gathered to show their support and honor each graduate’s accomplishment. Program participants were residents of the Southern California Division’s Bell Shelter, Harmony Hall, Santa Monica Shelter, and Santa Fe Springs Transitional Living Center.

Margolis, affectionately called “Uncle Matty,” is one of America’s favorite dog trainers. He is also a behaviorist, author, and television personality. A trainer for more than 30 years, he has co-authored 17 books about dogs and their behavior, and is well known for his training of celebrities’ pooches.

Program participants took part in 20 hours of instruction and hands-on training working with dogs, and between 25 and 30 hours of self-study per week. Participants followed “The Business of Dog Training,” the home-study version of Margolis’ highly successful

School for Dog Trainers. It is the only course of its kind available, and is divided into two segments: learning professional dog training methods based on love, praise, affection, and learning how to start and build a successful dog training business.

Much more than a skill-teaching program, this unique concept will open doors of independence, enabling participants to become professional trainers and build successful businesses. In addition to providing new employment opportunities, it affords a set of marketable skills to potential entrepreneurs. There are no geographical limits, and other units of The Salvation Army throughout the country can replicate the Los Angeles model.

Program participants found substantial support during the course. According to Lt. Colonel Alfred R. Van Cleef, Southern California divisional commander, “In keeping with our commitment to help people make a success of their lives, we provided a broad range of services to those in the pilot program. A rigorous screening process helped us identify people who exhibited a desire to enter and stay with the program’s very specific structure and expectations. Designated staff were on hand to help each participant meet their self-study goals.”

But the Army doesn’t stop there. During the post-course phase, participants will receive individual assistance with business start-up or placement in animal-related businesses where dog training is needed, such as veterinary practices, obedience-training schools, animal shelters and rescue organizations.

According to the National Occupational Employment Statistics (OES), jobs in the arena of animal care are expected to “grow faster than the average of all occupations through the year 2006.” As the need for trainers and caretakers expands in proportion, the OES report suggests that employment in this field

“is ideal for people seeking their first job.” Twenty-one Salvation Army program residents in Southern California, with Margolis’ assistance, are now at the head of the line.

-Reported by Laine Latimer –