AUBURN – The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society will join the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to celebrate Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month during October.

The Humane Society invites the public to visit the shelter where many breeds, sizes and ages of dogs await homes.

The theme is “Sit, Stay, Love Adopt a Shelter Dog,” which highlights the importance of training a newly adopted shelter dog to ensure a lasting bond between owner and pet.

Interested persons can visit the dogs at the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society or at Petfinder.com, the ASPCA’s on-line adoption partner.

Across the nation, dogs wait for a second chance to learn the ropes in order to please their new masters. While some have graduated from puppy kindergarten or basic manners classes, studies show that most dogs relinquished to shelters did not have the opportunity to strengthen the bond with their former owners by attending obedience classes.

Some dogs have been “home schooled” and learned the basics: sit, stay, down, come, heel. Some have been taught the skills by volunteers while at the shelter. Others are blank slates, waiting for their opportunity to learn.

The Humane Society recommends seeking positive-reinforcement-based obedience classes taught by certified pet dog trainers to put the finishing touches on a new shelter adoptee’s education.

Other training tips can be accessed by visiting the Petfinder.com library at www.learn.petfinder.com or from the materials provided by the Humane Society to all adopters and visitors.

The society will celebrate Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month by hosting an open house throughout October. Everyone is invited to visit the shelter and help them put the dogs through their paces.

The shelter is located at 3312 Hotel Road. Anyone interested in learning more about what kinds of donations the shelter needs, volunteering or adopting an animal can call 783-2311 or visit the Web at www.gahumane.org.