enrichment as important as training
typical shelter dog: adolescent (6 months - 2 years), energetic, untrained, medical status - undervaccinated
length of stay for dogs and cats increasing with popularity of no-kill shelters; increased need for trainers
benefits of clicker training for dogs and cats: promotes humane treatment; prevents frustrations and stereotypies
what to teach to benefit new owners: sit, crate training, handling, eye contact (not to name, since may change), taking treats gently
to benefit staff: barking-quiet in kennel, jumping up
in house behaviors: hand targeting, barrier frustration-alternate behaviors, in kennel shaping
jumping and mouthing - common and persistant behavior in shelter dogs - always work on it
platform training - helpful for dogs who jump and mouth
jumping dog:
give treats as dog approaches
ask for sit as dog approaches
call dog, ask for sit
initial assessment training
look for offering behaviors the dog already knows (makes dog happy to get known behavior rewarded - comforting, familiar)
watch out for poisoned cues
c/t eye contact, hand target, platform, LLW, interacting with objects
They brought in a handful of shelter dogs and did quick assessments of the dog's emotional state and personality while C/Ting any of the above behaviors.
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