RESCUE VILLAGE DOG PROGRAM

Training Principles & Behavior ModificationDog Behavior Coordinator BW 2009-2012

As The Dog Behavior Coordinator at Rescue Village it is my responsibility to keep our team progressive, comprehensive, and educated. After almost 4 years of shelter work and lead of RV’s dog program this compilation of training techniques was created as the Training and Behavior Modification Program for our shelter dogs.

Dog Behavior CoordinatorBarnee Woolf2009-2112

All animals at Rescue Village are to be treated kindly and professionally. Any rough handling is strictly forbidden. Any staff member or Volunteer charged with mishandling or inappropriate interaction with our dogs will be subject to a disciplinarian action and be placed on suspension while an investigation is conducted.

Treatment of our animals

There is no magic pill All dogs are a little different and respond

in different ways

Training and behavior modification is simple

To help reduce stress it becomes important for us to attend to our shelter dogs need for exercise, socialization, companionship, and mental stimulation.

For an animal to learnStress levels need to be minimized first and foremost

Cortisol is a natural hormone produced by the adrenal gland in response to stress.

Long term exposure to elevated levels of Cortisol damages cells in the brain of mammals. Studies show that this damage results in impaired learning.

Stress= high Cortisol levels

When Cortisol levels are elevated, dogs become physiologically resistant to new input and training.

This is the reason for relatively short focused training sessions for shelter dogs.

Cortisol and dogs

We’ve found that our socialization play groups have significantly reduced stress levels in some of our shelter dogs.

Reducing Stress

A major component of our Training & Behavior Modification Program (T&BMP) is that all dogs experience quality time outside their runs on a daily basis.

Exception: In extreme fear or aggression cases where the act of getting the dog out may be dangerous to staff or volunteers or taking the dog outside may be more stressful to the animal.

Its so important for dogs to experience quality time

outside their runs!!

Sticking to routines Ample resources like food, water, clean bedding Enrichment toys and treats Quiet time Music Massage/ reiki Rescue remedy, Thunder shirts, DAP collars or

infusers Training sessions Socialization

What are some other ways RV Staff and Volunteers help dogs to reduce stress ?

Cleaning routines Feeding routines Bark control Kennel aggression control Kennel enrichment Proper kennel management

The Possibilities are endless

Focusing on getting “clean dogs” out as early as possible to promote house-training.

Utilizing crates within the kennel to assist with house-training

Offering potty pads to tiny breed dogs

Cleaning routines

Waiting for rewardable behavior prior to placing the food bowl

Rescue Villages “food modification program”

Returning to kennel after play group

Feeding Routines

Arranging dogs accordingly so that they are less prone to set one another off barking and/or aggressing

Utilizing crates within the kennel to promote calm quiet behavior, when necessary

Reward for calm quiet behavior

Bark ControlA direct correlation to stress

reduction

Entering and exiting in such a way that dogs aren't able to aggress at kennels

Using positive reinforcement and effective training tools to promote calm behavior when entering and exiting runs.

Blocking/covering kennels Using “get acquainted” rooms

Kennel Aggression Controlextremely important to avoid the

rehearsal of this behavior

Interactive toys Bedding Music Pheromone treatments

Kennel Enrichment

Depending on facility staff and volunteers on hand, many changes can be made in daily routines that can have huge impact on our dogs in a very positive way!

By effectively managing the kennel environment there are more opportunities to reward and less opportunities for unwanted behaviors to be rehearsed.

Management of the Environment

Shelter Dogs verses Owned Dogs

Some have never been inside a building before Unfamiliar surroundings and care takers Can be malnourished Surgery (spay or neuter) Not sleeping or resting well in kennel Under socialized Grieving loss Been treated cruelly

Shelter dogs

Most have routines Sleep/rest is more adequate Familiar environment Familiar care takers

Owned dogs

Keeping the priority with both the dog and the community, evaluating shelter dogs can be tricky business.

Its important that a viable temperament evaluation be used.

The purpose of this evaluation is not to “pass” or “fail” a dog but to help identify behavioral issues that need attention.

Evaluating Shelter Dogs

Helps to identify behaviors that with some coaching can be easily corrected through different training methods.

Helps shelter staff report behaviors to new families.

Helps to monitor dogs for “shelter environment deterioration” with a base line snapshot.

Benefits to Temperament evaluations

Evaluations are not an exact science

There is a subjective component that has to be considered

Disadvantages of Temperament evaluations

We’re so lucky here at Rescue Village! We never euthanize for space.

However for the sake of space, resources, and the general well-being of the dogs its important that we move as swiftly as each dog will safely allow.

Time will always be of the essence

To limit euthanasia outcomes while remaining responsible to the community by doing our best to place well-tempered dogs into loving homes.

The Purpose of our T&BMP

92%

1% 2% 2% 2%

2011

AdoptionDiedMedical EuthanasiaBehavior EuthanasiaRTOTransfer Out

Dogs are responsible for their actions and behavior....handlers are responsible for reinforcement

Remember

All tools and techniques can be utilized when the basic principles are embraced

Tools for training sessions

Practicing consistency and clear communication is key!

The Key to success is consistency and the key to consistency starts with YOU!

Success

DO WHAT WORKS! The goal is to combine overall performance

with stress reduction. Both should happen simultaneously and one should not be at the expense of the other

Individual temperaments dictate what techniques are to be used

All training techniques should be considered to bring out the most stable response from the dog

The purpose of training is always to raise the dogs quality of life

Training philosophy is relatively straight forward

Especially in a stressful environment such as a shelter, no one way is going to get every dog trained well. For some dogs, training serves as positive interaction with people it helps alleviate stress and can increase adopt-ability. For other dogs, training can make a difference between life or death.

Training in a shelter environment

A strong knowledge of both allows for better comprehension of why and how dogs respond to their environment and what they learn as a result.

These theories are at the core of properly understanding dog behavior while diminishing anthropomorphism when determining why a dog behaves the way they do.

Understanding Operant and Classical Conditioning (OC and CC)

Is the attribution of human characteristics (or characteristics assumed to belong to only humans) to animals, or non-living things.

Anthropomorphism

hallway door opens….(stimulus)

person enters kennel area….(consequence)

possibility of interaction/walk/food

WHAT HAS THE DOG LEARNED?

Classical Conditioning (dogs behavior is insignificant)

dog is barking and spinning….(behavior)

food bowl is presented…. ( +R)

Barking and spinning brings food

WHAT HAS THE DOG LEARNED?

Operant Conditioning(dogs behavior is

significant)

Whenever possible, through our understanding of the principles of conditioning, changing the association the dog has with a particular stimulus is the first step in modifying behavior

Counter Conditioning

other dog approaches….(stimulus)treats appear….(consequence)“dogs make treats appear and I like that, so I

like them”

WHAT HAS THE DOG LEARNED?

Example: Counter conditioning

other dog approaches….(stimulus)

heavy correction/punishment….(consequence)

“dogs are a threat and I must defend myself”

WHAT HAS THE DOG LEARNED?

Rather than

Ideally when a dog is brought out to meet an adopter they will be calm and not pull on the leash. The dog will offer a nice “sit” to elicit attention. The goal is to have our shelter dogs act as good if not better than the average owned dog!

RV’s dog T&BMP goal

There are countless ways to teach our dogs behaviors. Any training tool that assists in setting the dog up for success, with a high rate of positive reinforcement, should be considered. When choosing training tools the dogs response, and the amount of effort needed to affect their behavior, should also be taken into consideration. As a general rule...

“when in training, the dog should be working harder than the handler”

Countless ways to get our message across to the dog

Volunteers specially trained by Rescue Village as well as outside continuing education, who work closely with the behavior department and with dogs that have mild to moderate behavior issues

Provide structured training sessions Support training efforts of Behavior Dept. Provide reinforcement of basic obedience Will work with dogs or puppies of all sizes, shapes,

ages, & levels Work towards our CGC goals (record progress in CGC book)

Read and Record all training sessions in H.B. Canine Coaches Log book

Report behavior concerns directly to Behavior Dept. staff

HB Canine Coaches

Sit- to get handler into their run, to be leashed, to be petted, to have doors open, and on cue

Down-on cue, pressure down Stay-frozen in a specific place until released Wait-before exiting rooms or going through doors, before exiting kennel, on cue Come-with auto sit in front Here-in close enough to be touched With Me-to be lead by collar Watch-eye contact Bed-go to a place and stay until given a new command Loose leash walking-for casual walks without a heel position Heel/Working walk- walk with attention to the handler Leave it-complete avoidance of a specific person, animal, object, etc. In-go into a crate, go into a play yard Hand signals- sit , down , stay Hup-to jump up or load up (in a car for example) on cue Tricks-for mental stimulation and appeal to adopters Agility –for mental stimulation, and appeal to adopters

Behaviors taught in this program

(but not limited to)

6 foot leash Long line 12ft, 20ft, or longer Treats Clickers Bait bags Toys Martingale collars Saucier collar Slip leads Head halters Good dog collar Muzzles Spray bottles Shake cans Air horns

Suggested list of training/ safety tools for shelter

Eye contact: is the most rewardable behavior… it trumps everything else!

Most Rewardable Behavior!

If your dog is looking at you, your dog is thinking about you and is connected to you-you are relevant!

While looking at you and concentrating on you they have no time to be practicing any of those naughty, undesirable behaviors

Rewards Corrections

*Treats *squirt bottle*petting *shake can*toys/play *petting???*release of pressure *pressure*squirt bottle??? *verbal displeasureOther things the dog finds rewarding Other things the dog finds unpleasant

Reinforcement examples

Your opinion doesn’t matter!

*some dogs find being squirted in the face to be rewarding!

*Some dogs find petting to be annoying or unpleasant when they are concentrating on something else!

Dogs dictate if its rewarding or not

Reinforcement

Reminding

Re-Commanding

Reward or correction from the handler after ONE command to strengthen the behavior they want or weaken the behavior they don’t want

Reinforcement

Supporting the dog in understanding that they need to continue doing what's being asked of them even though something else is going to change around them. (this helps with distractions, distance, and duration.

Reminding

Potential for teaching a series:

*Give a command, reward behavior, dog breaks, give the command, reward behavior= Having to tell the dog over and over to do the same thing whenever faced with distraction, distance, or duration.

Re-commanding should be used sparingly and only when a behavior is brand new

Re-Commanding

Pressure/Release with the leash is the most consistent ,and is key in communication……

*When treats are not available or are uninteresting to the dog. Leash work has to be clear and leaves little to no room for error.

This is the Handlers # 1 responsibility!!!

LEASH WORK

If you want the dog closer to you, your HANDS SHOULD BE STILL AND YOUR FEET SHOULD DO THE MOVING. This allows clear pressure /release for moving closer to the handler.

If your FEET ARE STILL AND YOU PULL WITH YOUR HANDS you are correcting the dog for moving closer, which translates to the dog that being closer to the handler is somehow wrong or unpleasant-not a reward.

Leash pulling issues can be resolved with the FEET more than the HANDS!

Leash work Technique

Hold the handle in your right hand… Hold like a handle, do not wear it like a bracelet!

Find the working length of the leash that will allow your dog to walk comfortably next to you without pressure on the leash. Do not give the dog enough length to sniff the ground, get in front of you or wander behind you.

Relax your shoulders and walk like nothing is in your hands.

Walk briskly like your on a mission If the dog pulls, use the “Drop and Go”

WORKING WALK (dog walking next to handler on left side= proper position)

When you are in a working walk Holding the working length of the leash in

your left hand and your dog is pulling (forward, backward, or sideways)

Let go of the working length of the leash with your left hand only (keep holding onto the handle of the leash in your right hand)

Walk in the opposite direction that your dog was pulling. “Drop with the hand… Go with your feet!

DROP AND GO

D&G

modified by a proper: DROP AND GO

Pulling

modified by: LEFT CIRCLES or CLOSING THE DOOR (half circle in front of the door to block them from continuing forward)

Forging ahead(cutting in front of the handler)

Modified by: Backing into Leash (big step with right leg, invite dog back into proper position)

Ducking behind

Handlers only allowed to hold the handle on the leash

Only proceed when leash is soft If dog is pulling handler should use their

FEET to fix the problem…. Not their hands!! Do this by moving in the opposite direction the dog is pulling until the dog moves towards them softening the leash…. Then the handler can proceed forward with the dog again. (for example, if the dog pulls forward, walk backward)

LLW = Loose Leash Walking(dog is given the full length of the leash, Leash must be loose

From a Working Walk handlers will ask their dogs to “sit” then stop walking. Dogs will sit next to handlers facing forward. Reward the dog!!!!!

common errors:>handlers say “sit” after they’ve stopped

(instead of saying it and then stopping) which encourages the dog to lead out and face front.

>handlers reward the dogs in front of them instead of in proper position. (on left side of handler, facing forward) Initially handlers should lure dogs into proper position then reward.

Stop and Sit

All dogs are asked to sit at the “Man Door” on the north side of the building to earn the privilege to come back inside.

“Sit” to re-enter the building

Dogs are responsible for behavior….

Handlers are responsible for reinforcement….

REMEMBER

Remember you are working with shelter dogs at Rescue Village!

Stress levels are high Training sessions should be short

Shelter dogs/ owned dogs

KEEP IT FUN!!!

From this-to this

Despite all best efforts, sadly, there are times when it is not possible to save every dog through training and behavior modification.

Some dogs, even if they do well with trainers and shelter workers, are too dangerous to be placed into the public

Every dog is treated as an individual in all stages of its experience here at the shelter….from the initial behavior evaluation to the dogs final determination, be put up for adoption or not.

Not every dog has “quality of life” when kenneled long term

Sometimes things don’t go as well as we would like

When all options have been exhausted, there is a support system in place at Rescue Village for the implementation of a humane euthanasia.

We encourage you to attend the next “Behind Staff doors” class to help answer those sometimes frightening questions pertaining to euthanasia.

Euthanasia

Shelters serve their communities in different capacities. As a result, the time, space, resources, staff, policies and programs differ.

Operating as a team, with the utmost respect for all parties involved, is imperative for success in the training and behavior program.

Conclusion

We all share a common thread in our work with shelter dogs…. Our love of dogs and our desire to lessen their plight.

More can be done on behalf of our dogs when resources, experience and talents are combined.

Please remember…..

Questions?