Organization: We are a non-profit, 501 (3)(c-), on a mission. Specifically, our mission is to:


  1. Bulletenhance shelter dogs’ adoptability;

  2. Bulletmaximize shelter dog’s quality of life; and,

  3. Bullethelp dogs reach their potential.

Our focus is on teaching and learning how to exist harmoniously with dogs, particularly shelter dogs. To accomplish our objectives, we use a variety of methods that include: working on-site at animal shelters, creating video materials, and writing about dogs and their connection to people through articles, blogs, etc.


Intern: Kara M. BA.:

  1. Bulletcame to Redefining Dogs having been a long-time volunteer of local animal shelter, Animal Adoption Foundation (AAF); Kara has fostered numerous dogs and is one of AAF’s Adoption Counselors.

  2. Bulletis working on her undergraduate degree at Miami University. She recently transferred back to the area from Ohio State. Lucky for us!


Founder and Director: Eileen Udry, Ph.D.:

  1. Bulletis a Certified Pet Dog Trainer-KA through the Association of Pet Dog Trainers  (APDT) and a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants; she writes for various dog training publications;

  2. Bulletis a former college professor, who left a tenured position so she could work more intensively with dogs and the people who care about them. She continues to have a passion for teaching people and dogs;

  3. Bullethas worked in and with various animal shelters for nearly a decade as a volunteer. Additionally, for a number of years, Eileen taught university service-learning classes that included significant student involvement at a Indianapolis animal shelter;

  4. Bullettaught pet dog classes (6 years) and provided in-home consultations for pet dogs through Indianapolis-based Doggone Connection;

  5. Bulletis the former Director of Training and Client Services for a prison-based service dog training program (ICAN);

  6. Bulletlives with her husband and their two dogs: The One, The Only, The Original Pointer Sisters (OK, they may not have pointer in them but they really like to get around and have a good time; see picture above); and,

  7. Bulletcan only function with any semblance of competence with the help of Redefining Dogs’ interns.



Our name, stems from several concepts related to “reciprocal influence”:

  1. BulletWe’re redefining dogs: Recent studies of canine behavior and cognition have resulted in  many scientists having to “redefine” their notions of dogs based on  a heightened appreciation of dogs’ rich emotional lives and mental capacities. What an exciting time! (Of course, dedicated pet dog owners already knew on an intuitive level what is now being documented scientifically :) In our work we strive to integrate these research findings into their practical applications into our work.

  2. BulletDogs are redefining us: Each dog provides us with the opportunity to redefine ourselves based on what the dog teaches us. The need for patience and humility are recent lessons that come to mind.

 

Pictured: Wonder-Intern Kara M. with shelter dog, Sampson (upper right)