Matt Beisner’s Visit to BMHS Highlights a Shelter Getting It Right

Matt Beisner knows shelters. He’s worked with them across the country, trained their staff, guided their toughest cases, and for years, essentially ran one of his own in Los Angeles. His specialty is behavior—especially in dogs that don’t fit the mold. Fearful dogs. Loud dogs. Shut-down dogs. The ones that leave others unsure of what to do next. 

He’s also known to millions of viewers for Dog: Impossible, the Nat Geo Wild series that followed his work with reactive and misunderstood dogs. But Beisner’s expertise goes far beyond TV. His approach is grounded in empathy, personal recovery, and a belief that behavior—whether in dogs or people—is never random. It’s always information. 

So when Beisner spent a late afternoon at Blue Mountain Humane Society earlier this year, his observations mattered. 

“This place is so well run,” he said early in the visit. “It’s really impressive. And rare.” 

That comment followed a conversation in the shelter’s medical suite, where he met Dr. Ashley Rice, BMHS’s Medical Director and only veterinarian. She explained how the shelter balances high-volume surgery with individualized medical care, working within tight resources and timeframes. 

“We live for this work,” said Dr. Rice. “It’s what we love to do.” 

Beisner, who once lived inside the facility he and his wife built in LA, noticed the details—cleanliness, workflow, calm energy. “We paid more for a non-porous floor than anything else,” he told her. “Because if the place stinks, everything else breaks down.” 

Matt Beisner sits with Phoebus during his visit to BMHS.

He was joined during the visit by Shelter Operations Director Hannah Granchukoff and Surgery Assistant Shonee Turner. Turner, who previously coordinated BMHS’s enrichment programming and managed the shelter’s partnership with the Washington State Penitentiary, gave Beisner context for the behavior systems in place. 

“We’ve always looked for ways to give dogs routine, structure, and stimulation,” Turner said. “Especially when we know they’re under stress.” 

Beisner responded with affirmation. “That’s a really good place for dogs to get de-stressed,” he said of the WSP program. “It’s rehabilitation on both sides.” 

Granchukoff led Beisner through the shelter’s kennels, cat housing, and public areas. She spoke candidly about the balance between structure and flexibility, and how the team holds space for both daily operations and inevitable unpredictability. 

“We try to keep things structured,” she said, “but we also have fun. It’s the only way to stay sane.” 

As they moved through the facility, Beisner asked about how the team evaluates behavior, responds to stress signals, and navigates difficult decisions. He didn’t offer a presentation. He asked questions—and listened to the answers. 

Eventually, they stepped into the play yard to meet Phoebus. 

Phoebus has been at BMHS for over a year, making him the shelter’s longest-stay resident. He’s big, striking, and complex. In the kennel, his energy can read as intense. Outside, he shows something else. 

Beisner gave Phoebus time—no leash, no commands, just space. At first, the dog moved in wide circles. He sniffed, barked once, picked up a ball. After several minutes, he began to shift—moving closer, pausing, then returning again. Eventually, he calmly lay down next to Matt—a behavior staff hadn’t seen from him often. 

“He’s a lot more sensitive than somebody might give him credit for,” Beisner said. “He wants to engage, but it’s in tension with his nervous system. He’s trying to make sense of what’s happening.” 

He pointed out that most adopters won’t wait long enough to see that shift. “Your average adopter is not going to allow ten minutes,” he said. “But that’s what he needs. And when he gets it, something changes.” 

For Beisner, Phoebus’s behavior wasn’t a problem. It was communication. “His behavior is 100% appropriate based on the experience in the moment,” he said. “So we don’t ask how to stop it. We ask why it’s happening. That’s where progress starts.” 

Before leaving, Beisner made an offer: monthly virtual sessions with the BMHS team, starting this spring. They’ll focus on behavior cases, staff development, and long-term support. 

“I’d be happy to do a monthly Zoom with the team,” he said. “You’ve got a great place, great staff, great dogs. I’d be happy to help with that.” 

The offer wasn’t expected—but it made an impact. 

“We didn’t just get a visit,” said Steve Lenz, BMHS Development Manager. “We gained a supporter. Matt saw what we’re doing here, and he offered to stay in it with us. That means something.” 

And for Phoebus, the takeaway is just as meaningful. He doesn’t need to be fixed—he needs to be understood. Thanks to Beisner’s visit, that understanding might now be easier to share. 

To learn more about Blue Mountain Humane Society or to meet Phoebus, visit bluemountainhumane.org. 
 
To learn more about Matt Beisner, visit thezendog.com. 

Watch as dog behavior expert Matt Beisner tours Blue Mountain Humane Society, meets our team, and shares his insights on sheltering, behavior, and connection.