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Behavioral Ecology & Conservation

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BEC Research, Inc is a non-profit organization devoted to improving the planet through education and research. We currently have several ongoing projects that are briefly described below. Our overarching goal is to increase diversity and inclusion in the fields of conservation and sustainability science using behavioral ecology and other accessible and engaging research programs to attract students from all academic disciplines. Our planned strategy includes education, research, and scholarships for under-represented groups in STEM. For more information, please visit our project pages for details, photos, updates, and ways to get involved. Our current research program focuses on enrichment for shelter dogs to improve their quality of life and adoption rates.

Behavioral Enrichment for Canine:
Getting them out of the Shelters

What we do

Behavioral Enrichment for Canines: Getting Them out of the shelters

Through collaboration with our local humane society, we’re improving adoption chances for cats and dogs. Animals don’t always shine in cages, but they can be ideal pets once adopted. Our students gain valuable experience, enhancing resumes for pre-veterinary pursuits.

Bringing Equity Closer: Micro-Scholarships for underrepresented students in science

If you would like to support a student doing research or buying supplies such as books or technology, you can do that here. While a large donation to the university may accomplish the same, it is difficult to direct funds to a specific students. However, we will accept any amount that you are able to share, direct it to a specific student or project, and it will be tax deductible. Student profiles will be online soon if you need some help choosing a recipient.

Travel To Conferences

A critical aspect of academia is sharing ideas with others in our field and helping students to identify the next step in their education – whether that’s graduate school, professional school, or straight to the workforce. This networking often takes place at professional conferences of national organizations that bring together faculty and students from across the country or around the world. If you would like to help a student attend such a conference, you can find more information about them on the Conference Support Page.

Bridging Education Curicula: International Field course in sustainability

We are developing a program that will provide a semester of courses in a condensed summer program in Costa Rica. This program will be open to students of any major and will develop cultural and scientific literacy with the theme of sustainability. The summer of 2018 was spent in discussion with La Selva Biological Field Station to create an opportunity for students to learn Spanish via immersion, environmental science while living in a rainforest, and social science while visiting another culture. The program will include a service learning component and be focused on inclusion and diversity among the students.

Better Future Together

Elevating Lives, One Bark at a Time

At BEC Research, Inc., we are dedicated to improving the planet for both animals and people through education and research. Our overarching goal is to increase diversity and inclusion in the fields of behavior, conservation, and sustainability science, all while using accessible and engaging research programs to attract students from all academic disciplines. Currently, our largest research and outreach program is focused on improving the health and wellness of shelter animals through data-based approaches to enrichment. Join us in making a positive impact by supporting our mission to create a better world for animals and those who cherish them

Behavioral Enrichment for Canines

Better Future Together

Elevating Lives, One Bark at a Time

At BEC Research, Inc., we are dedicated to improving the planet for both animals and people through education and research. Our overarching goal is to increase diversity and inclusion in the fields of behavior, conservation, and sustainability science, all while using accessible and engaging research programs to attract students from all academic disciplines. Currently, our largest research and outreach program is focused on improving the health and wellness of shelter animals through data-based approaches to enrichment. Join us in making a positive impact by supporting our mission to create a better world for animals and those who cherish them

Behavioral Enrichment for Canines

Better Future Together

Elevating Lives, One Bark at a Time

Behavioral Enrichment for Canines

At BEC Research, Inc., we are dedicated to improving the planet for both animals and people through education and research. Our overarching goal is to increase diversity and inclusion in the fields of behavior, conservation, and sustainability science, all while using accessible and engaging research programs to attract students from all academic disciplines. Currently, our largest research and outreach program is focused on improving the health and wellness of shelter animals through data-based approaches to enrichment. Join us in making a positive impact by supporting our mission to create a better world for animals and those who cherish them

Volunteer

Help us with enriching dogs lives and learning how to help them.

Become a Volunteer

Life changing experience for you and the pups
Volunteer

Donate

Donate and Help Dogs in Need

Give a Donation Today

A recurring donation means we can reliably stick to our plans
Donate

Shop

Every purchase helps support our cause

BUY

The innovative toys used in our research for our dogs
Shop

Our Happy Furry Friends

Where we help shelter dogs find their
smile

Our happy Stories

Stories of some of our dogs

Our Happy Furry Friends – Where We’ve Made Thousands of Dogs Smile

Jester

Month

5/5

“Description About How The Dog Improved or anything you would like to share”

Luigi

month

5/5

“Description About How The Dog Improved or anything you would like to share”

Shadow

month

5/5

“ Description About How The Dog Improved or anything you would like to share”

You ask, we answer

Your Source for Informed Responses

Shelters can be stressful environments for dogs. They can be overwhelmed by: 
 
  • Loud noises
  • Unfamiliar scents
  • The constant presence of other animals
  • Boredom from lack of activity
  • Excitement when they see people who may interact with them
  • Medical issues

Shelter dogs may experience

  • Fear, anxiety, and frustration
  • Kennel reactivity
  • Barrier reactivity
  • Repetitive behaviors
  • or vocalization
  • Destructive behavior
  • Urinating and defecating in their kennel

 

Some dogs may behave aggressively in response to stress. Other behaviors include: Circling, Self-licking, Drinking, Panting.

For more information read this blog.

Enrichment is essential for the physical and mental health of all dogs and allows them to engage in natural behavior’s (e.g., smelling things, playing, digging, running, exploring, and interacting socially). It allows dogs to do the things that are inherent to being a dog. Reference

There are many ways that individuals can make a meaningful difference in the lives of shelter dogs. Here are a few ideas:
  • Volunteer at a shelter.
    This is one of the most direct ways to help. Shelter dogs need people to walk them, play with them, and socialize them. You can also help with tasks like cleaning kennels, feeding dogs, and giving them baths.
  • Foster a dog.
    If you can’t commit to volunteering at a shelter, you can still help by fostering a dog. This means taking a shelter dog into your home temporarily until they can be adopted.
  • Donate to a shelter.
    Shelters need money to cover their operating costs, including food, medical care, and supplies. You can also donate items like leashes, collars, and toys.
  • Spread the word.
    One of the best ways to help shelter dogs is to raise awareness of their situation. Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about the importance of adopting from shelters. You can also post about shelter dogs on social media.
By taking even one of these actions, you can make a real difference in the life of a shelter dog.
Here are some additional tips for volunteering at an animal shelter:
  • Be aware of the shelter’s policies and procedures.
  • Be respectful of the animals’ space and needs.
  • Wash your hands before and after interacting with the animals.
  • Be patient and understanding.
  • Report any concerns you have to the shelter staff.
Volunteering at an animal shelter can be a rewarding experience for both you and the animals. By giving your time and energy, you can help to make a difference in the lives of these animals until they find their forever homes.

Reference

Getting involved with BEC Research, Inc. and contributing to our mission is both meaningful and straightforward. You can start by exploring the various opportunities we offer:

  1. Donate: Your financial support directly aids our research and education programs. Visit our donation page to make a one-time or recurring contribution. You can even specify which project or cause you’d like to support.

  2. Volunteer: We welcome passionate individuals who want to volunteer their time and expertise. Whether you’re interested in assisting with research, fundraising, or event coordination, your skills can make a significant impact.

  3. Foster or Adopt: If you’re looking for a more hands-on way to contribute, consider fostering or adopting one of our shelter dogs. By providing a loving home, you can help a dog transition to a permanent family.

  4. Spread the Word: Help us raise awareness by sharing our mission and successes with your friends and social networks. Follow us on social media and engage with our content to amplify our message.

  5. Attend Events: Keep an eye out for our upcoming events, workshops, and fundraisers. Your participation not only supports our initiatives but also helps create a stronger community of animal advocates.

  6. Collaborate: If you represent an educational institution, organization, or business, we’re open to collaborations that align with our mission. Together, we can create positive change.

  7. Stay Informed: Subscribe to our newsletter and stay informed about our latest research findings, stories of impact, and opportunities for involvement.

Your support, no matter how you choose to contribute, plays a vital role in our efforts to improve the lives of shelter dogs and advance diversity and inclusion in behavioral ecology, conservation, and sustainability science. Join us in making a positive difference today.

Ready to Make a Difference for Shelter Dogs? Donate Today!

Join us in our mission to transform the lives of shelter dogs – your donation today is a step toward a brighter future for our furry friends.