Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter, serving Fayette County Texas

Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter, serving Fayette County Texas We are a small rural shelter that takes in 1,500-1,600 stray, unwanted, dogs and cats each year. VISIT OUR AMAZON WISH LIST: https://a.co/3ZmhUea

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08/19/2025

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08/19/2025

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Copied from another post but this is 100% on point! We decide what is high value to us as individuals… so do dogs!

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the dog gets to decide what’s rewarding.

That’s not me being soft or letting the dog run the show—it’s just how learning works. If your dog doesn’t think something is worth their time, then it’s not a reward, it’s just… something you keep handing them while they stare off wishing for something better.

And here’s where handlers often get it wrong:
• The “but it’s good food!” mistake.
You’ve bought the expensive treats. They smell like they could knock a buzzard off a gut wagon. But your dog? Your dog is more interested in sniffing the grass where a squirrel was three days ago. It’s not that they’re ungrateful—it’s just that in that moment, squirrel-scent is a stronger currency than even your stinky salmon snacks.
• The “play is always fun” assumption.
You toss the toy, expecting your dog to burst into Olympic-level sprints… and they trot after it like they’re auditioning for a slow-motion commercial. Some dogs find toys exciting, some think they’re just odd chewable projectiles that interrupt their day.
• The “praise fixes everything” trap.
You’re gushing “Good dog! GOOD DOG!!” and your dog’s body language is politely saying, “Ma’am… please. I am in the middle of something.” Praise can be powerful—if your dog actually values it in that moment.

So how do we get it right?
Start by observing. Watch what lights your dog up. The way their eyes brighten. The little bounce in their step. The “heck yes, let’s do more of that” energy. That might be a certain type of treat, a particular tug toy, a sniff break, the chance to chase you, or simply being allowed to figure something out without interruption.

Then—here’s the trick—use the right reward for the right situation. High distraction? Bring out the big guns. Low distraction? Keep it simple. Match the currency to the value of the work you’re asking for.

Why does this matter? Because training isn’t just about teaching skills—it’s about building a relationship where your dog thinks, working with you is the best part of my day. And when they feel that way? Suddenly, the skills stick faster, the focus lasts longer, and you stop feeling like you’re bribing your dog and start feeling like you’re in a partnership.

So no matter how much you paid for those artisanal, grain-free, gently hand-massaged yak milk chews—if your dog isn’t into them, they’re not a reward. Let your dog have a say. They’re the ones doing the work, after all.

🐾 Please Share to help Rax find a home 🏡 Video in first comment Rax is a young, smart, Red Ridgeback mix male, around 11...
08/18/2025

🐾 Please Share to help Rax find a home 🏡 Video in first comment

Rax is a young, smart, Red Ridgeback mix male, around 11–12 months old, bursting with energy and affection!

❤️ With Humans:
Rax LOVES people! He’s gentle, enjoys kisses, and will happily lean in for pets. He’s quiet when in a room with humans, enjoys touching and being near you, and shows his affection in the sweetest ways. He can be a little mouthy when nervous, but that’s just his way of interacting at the shelter.

🐕 With Dogs:
Rax can be selective with other dogs and may react with barriers in the kennel run, even to dogs he plays nicely with in the yard. He has a confident alpha-male friend (Leon) who helps him learn boundaries.

🏡 At Home & Alone:
Rax is still learning to be alone—he may whine or howl initially, but he settles with treats and toys. He’s motivated by food, toys, and affection, and can self-entertain once he’s comfortable.

🌳 Outside Adventures:
Rax is curious but sometimes cautious around new sights and sounds. He handled seeing livestock and children beautifully, even leaning in for pets from a young girl!

📝 Training recommendations & Home Needs:

Separation anxiety: Will benefit from a slow, positive crate training.

Handling preferences: Doesn’t like to be hugged or picked up till he knows you.

Rax is looking for a patient, loving home with guidance, training, and lots of positive reinforcement. If you’re ready for a smart, affectionate, playful companion, Rax might just be your perfect match!

📅 Adoption Info
Open: Tues–Sat, 10am–4pm
📍 La Grange, TX
📞 979-966-0021
🌐 janssenanimalshelter.org

Weekly Post! To all those who adopt, THANK YOU!!! 🥰🩵🐾🩵🐾501(c)3 Animal Shelter. Please do not delete! 🩵🐾🐾🩵PLEASE SHARE🩵...
08/18/2025

Weekly Post! To all those who adopt, THANK YOU!!! 🥰🩵🐾

🩵🐾501(c)3 Animal Shelter.
Please do not delete! 🩵🐾

🐾🩵PLEASE SHARE🩵🐾
Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter
Come adopt your new BFF this week! We are open, Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm.
240 Svoboda
La Grange, Tx 78945
979-966-0021
https://janssenanimalshelter.org
































💜🐾PLEASE SHARE💜🐾979-966-0021Janssenanimalshelter.orgWant to help us save lives? We need YOU! Fostering is a tremendous...
08/16/2025

💜🐾PLEASE SHARE💜🐾
979-966-0021
Janssenanimalshelter.org

Want to help us save lives? We need YOU! Fostering is a tremendously rewarding experience and we cannot continue this important mission without you! Each year by late summer we have exhausted our limited foster team. Here’s what you need to know:
✅ The shelter will provide everything!
‼️You get all the loves and cuddles without the lifetime commitment😻
👍🏻 What you learn and share w/us about the dog or cat will help us make the best placement🐶
⭐️ We will always help introduce potential fosters with your family pets.
💜🐾Fostering saves 2 lives: the one you foster and the one that takes the kennel you just opened… by fostering!

💔 Please Share 💔 It’s not their fault — and all they want is love. In Texas, so many shelter dogs are unwanted and overl...
08/15/2025

💔 Please Share 💔 It’s not their fault — and all they want is love.
In Texas, so many shelter dogs are unwanted and overlooked.

Our longest-stay dogs are usually big, mixed-breed sweethearts that no one seems to want. They might not be the “prettiest” or most in-demand, but they are:

🌞Loving and eager to please.

🌞Friendly (with humans and even with other dogs)

🌞Deserving of the same chance as any other dog

🌞Just need a food, water and a soft doggie bed

🚨 Living in a kennel for weeks or months is stressful. You can help — even if you can’t adopt:

✅ Foster — even for a few nights, to give them a break.

✅ Trial Adoption — if it doesn’t work out, we’ll use your insights to help place them.

✅ Volunteer — take one for a walk, or spend time with them outside the noisy kennels.

Every moment you give them builds hope and increases their adoptability.
Can you be the person who makes their world a little brighter?

📅 Adoption Info
Open: Tues–Sat, 10am–4pm
📍 La Grange, TX
📞 979-966-0021
🌐 janssenanimalshelter.org

(Left to right: Handy, Abby, Roosevelt, Shellie, Orion, Marv, Elise, Ryder and Cutie Pie).

💜🐾PLEASE SHARE💜🐾La Grange, Tx979-966-0021Two sad skinny faces roaming around a ranch in Serbin… any info please contact ...
08/14/2025

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La Grange, Tx
979-966-0021

Two sad skinny faces roaming around a ranch in Serbin… any info please contact 979-540-7164.

Address

240 Svoboda Ln
La Grange, TX
78945

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+19799660021

Website

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Our History

Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter was formed in 1994 as Fayette County Animal Shelter. The current facility was built in 2000, in large part, thanks to a generous donation from Gardenia E. Janssen. In 2008, the Shelter was renamed in her honor. The Shelter works with Fayette County & the cities within the county in sheltering animals from the area.