Check out Aaron McDonald’s interview with NCR concerning dog-friendly businesses. https://www.ncrsilver.com/how-to-safely-make-your-store-dog-friendly/
“In some cases, a cute pet in your shop may actually be a draw. But not every human customer appreciates encountering a pooch where they least expect one. And if you decide to allow dogs in, you’ll need to institute some policies and protocols — and be prepared to do some cleanup on aisle 5.” 
A big thank you to the Vestavia Voice for featuring MK-9 and helping to promote healthy relationships with dogs.
http://vestaviavoice.com/businesses/business-spotlights/mcdonald-canine-academy/
Dogs have always been a major part of Aaron McDonald’s life, and he’s always found them to be excellent teachers. As a canine behavior specialist and pet owner, he has learned relationship skills, persistence, consistency, focus and how to be transparent and honest in communication. In return, Aaron has spent 14 years seeking to improve dog-human relationships through the company he co-owns with his brother Kevin McDonald. Read on…
Congratulations to our latest graduating class of the Transitional Partners Program. A huge thank you to all of our friends and clients who made the program possible. The students were walking tall with their new-found dog handling skills!
By Alan Collins – bio | email
Students at the Eastside Mental Health Center are learning how to be dog handlers as part of a dog-assisted work therapy program. Source: Alan Collins Students at the Eastside Mental Health Center are learning how to be dog handlers as part of a dog-assisted work therapy program. Source: Alan Collins
Thursday, the first group of students graduated from the Transitional Partners Program. Source: Alan Collins Thursday, the first group of students graduated from the Transitional Partners Program. Source: Alan Collins
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) –
Today those with mental illness graduated from a unique training program that could lead to jobs.
It’s called the Transitional Partners Program, a groundbreaking dog-assisted work therapy for those with severe mental illness. Students at the Eastside Mental Health Center are trained to be dog handlers. This is the first graduation class for the program.
“They can also benefit from increased confidence. A feeling of responsibility, just like everyone else would. It increases the quality of their lives,” clinical psychologist Dr. Joseph Schumacher said.
Aaron McDonald with the McDonald Canine Academy says in this program, everyone benefits.
“Dogs will qualify as therapy dogs. They will go through an extensive training, 12 weeks, 24 hour training program,” he said.
McDonald hopes to see the program expanded if addition funding can be found through donations or grants.
Copyright 2012 WBRC. All rights reserved.
Newly trained therapy dog, “Wookie” saying hello to his trainer, Vaughn. Vaughn is one of seven certified “dog handler” students who is a part of the exciting Transitional Partners Program at Eastside Mental Health Center.
We are pleased to announce that our student K-9, “Ollie” is now an officer with Brookside Police Department and was quickly credited with tracking down two fleeing criminals. Way to go, Ollie!
Our annual totals are in! We are pleased to announce that our Dollars for Dogs program has raised $2260.80 in 2011 for some outstanding local dog charities.
These include:
Bama Bully Rescue, Peace Love & Dog Paws Rescue, & Hand In Paw.
Please join us in helping to support these wonderful causes!
Aaron McDonald
We would like to thank the National Alliance on Mental Illness for hearing our presentation of “Companion Dogs – A New Approach” at their 2011 Annual Conference in Montgomery. We had a great time. And keep up the good work!
We would like to thank the Alabama Council of Community Mental Health Boards for hearing our presentation of “Companion Dogs: A New Approach”. We had a packed house that was standing room only. We look forward to implementing this innovative new approach and helping individuals achieve mental wellness using companion dogs.
We had a great time meeting all of the mental health consumers and professionals at the annual Shocco Springs conference. We would like to thank Dr. Schumacher, James Harris, and David Williams with NAMI for working with McDonald Canine and helping to further this worthy cause.
Canine Behaviorist Aaron McDonald demonstrating the effectiveness of "Sparkle" as a balance assist Service Dog.
Dr. Schumacher presenting
I have had the privilege of receiving services from the McDonald Canine Academy as the result of an injury to my boxer (“Doc”) resulting in the complete loss of his sight. As a behavioral psychologist myself, I was attracted to and impressed with Aaron’s emphasis on behavioral strategies.
Aaron not only facilitated Doc’s adaptation and return of confidence and personality after the accident, but encouraged me to view dogs and dog training as a viable psychotherapeutic and vocational rehabilitation resource in my own profession.
Aaron and Kevin are not only passionate about their work and compassionate people, but offer theory-based and proven strategies to dog training and rehabilitation.
I recommend them to my dog loving friends.
Dr. (Joe) Schumacher, Ph.D.
Professor, Psychologist and Behavioral Scientist