The purpose of the adult speaker series is to provide our high school and adult community members (anyone 16 yrs. or older) with educational talks and presentations on animal welfare topics. The series is free, however there is a suggested $10 donation if possible (donation goes to HSTT).

This fall we have local dog trainer, Dan Tower Anderson, KPA-CTP, AD PDT, owner of Dog Pause dog training, giving a three-part series on tools to better communicate with your dog, trick training, and scent work. See below for more details and dates.

September 19th from 5:00-6:30 pm – Paws and Ponder – Understanding dog body language
In “Paws and Ponder,” Tower will guide you through the nuances of dog body language, helping you interpret your dog’s silent signals. Learn to recognize and understand key cues, from tail wags to ear positions. Whether you’re a seasoned dog guardian or new to canine care, this session offers valuable insights to deepen your understanding of your dog’s silent messages and improve your training techniques, including live demos with some of the shelter dogs.

October 17th from 5:00-6:30 pm – When Dog Training Gets Tricky – Trick Training for dogs and their people
Whether you’re facing challenges in traditional obedience training or just looking to add some fun to your dog’s routine, this presentation will guide you through innovative tricks and techniques. Learn how to overcome common training obstacles, enhance your bond with your canine companion, and turn tricky moments into triumphs. Get ready for practical tips, expert insights, and hands-on demonstrations with some of the shelter dogs that will transform your approach to dog training.

November 14th from 5:00-6:30 pm – Making Scents of Dog Training- Scent work for dogs and their people
Learn how to harness your dog’s natural sniffing abilities to enhance their training and build a stronger bond with them. This session includes live demonstrations with shelter dogs, showcasing practical techniques and tips to get started with scent work. Whether you’re a dog guardian looking to enrich your canine companion’s skills or just simply curious about scent work, this workshop will provide practical techniques and hands-on experience to deepen your understanding.

Presentations will take place at the Truckee shelter. Seating is limited. To sign up to attend one or more of the presentations, email, Erin Ellis, Community Engagement Director at, [email protected].

Meet the Trainer:
Dan “Tower” Anderson is a highly respected, double-certified professional dog trainer, holding prestigious certifications from the Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP) and Absolute Dogs (AD-PDT). Recognized multiple times as the “Best Animal Trainer” in Truckee and North Lake Tahoe, Tower has devoted his life to enhancing canine behavior and helping dog guardians forge strong, positive relationships with their pets. As the owner and operator of Dog Pause (DogPauseTraining.com), he continually broadens his expertise and applies his deep knowledge to every training session. Tower is also the proud guardian of two beloved dogs, Roo and Bagheera.