BARKS from the Guild November 2019

BARKS from the Guild Issue 39 / November 2019

BARKSfromtheGuild.com

CANINE Integrating a New Dog TRAINING Working under Threshold FELINE Cats and Kids: Staying Safe CANINE Preparing for a New Puppy TRAINING Top Tips for Recall

© Can Stock Photo/Callipso88

FELINE PettingInduced Aggression BUSINESS Gaining Client Compliance

Training Horses with Positive Reinforcement: Taking Cues from the Dog World

f r o m t h e e d i t o r

BARKS from the Guild Published by the Pet Professional Guild 9122 Kenton Road, Wesley Chapel, Florida 33545, USA Tel: +1-844-462-6473 petprofessionalguild.com barksfromtheguild.com facebook.com/BARKSfromtheGuild Editor-in-Chief Susan Nilson barkseditor@petprofessionalguild.com Images © Can Stock Photo: canstockphoto.com (unless otherwise credited; uncredited images belong to Pet Professional Guild) Pet Professional Guild Steering Committee Kelly Fahey, Paula Garber, Kelly Lee, Debra Millikan, Susan Nilson, Mary Richards, Louise Stapleton-Frappell, Niki Tudge BARKS from the Guild Published bi-monthly, BARKS from the Guild presents a collection of valuable business and technical articles as well as reviews and news stories pertinent to our industry. BARKS is the official publication of the Pet Professional Guild.

Submissions BARKS encourages the submission of original written materials.

Please contact the Editor-in-Chief for contributor guidelines prior to sending manuscripts or see: barksfromtheguild.com/article-and-content-submission-policy-procedures Please submit all contributions via our submission form at: petprofessionalguild.com/bftgcontent Letters to the Editor To comment on an author’s work, or to let PPG know what topics you would like to see more of, contact the Editor-in-Chief via email putting BARKS in the subject line of your email. BARKS reserves the right to edit for length, grammar and clarity.

Subscriptions and Distribution BARKS is a digital publication. Print copies are available by monthly subscription. Register at barksfromtheguild.com/subscribe. Please contact Rebekah King at membership@petprofessionalguild.com for all subscription and distribution-related enquiries.

Advertising Please contact Kelly Fahey at kelly@petprofessionalguild.com to obtain a copy of rates, ad specifications, format requirements and deadlines.

Advertising information is also available at petprofessionalguild.com/s Pet Professional Guild does not endorse or guarantee any products, services or vendors mentioned in BARKS, nor can it be responsible for problems with vendors or their products and services. Pet Professional Guild reserves the right to reject, at its discretion, any advertising.

To be in any way affiliated with the Pet Professional Guild, all members must adhere to a strict code of conduct. Pet Professional Guild members understand force-free to mean that no pain, force or fear and no shock, choke or prong are ever employed to train or care for a pet. © All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the Pet Professional Guild, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, please email: barkseditor@petprofessionalguild.com.

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s anyone who has attended a chicken training camp will tell you, dogs can be the most forgiving of students. Other species, not so much. Which is why working with different types of animals is a surefire way to improve training skills and mechanics, as well as provide an in­ stant lesson in the identification of reinforcers and the nuances of species­specific body language. I recall PPG’s 2018 summit when tor­ toises were the featured animal in some of the workshops. By the end of the week, perhaps to the surprise of some of those present, a group of tortoises had been clicker trained to reliably target, station and recall, with high value reinforcers such as dandelion leaves and leg scratching having been successfully identified.

To paraphrase PPG corporate sponsor and sometimes blogger, Dr. Karolina Westlund, before all you non­dog people zoom out (see Resolv‐ ing Destructive Behaviour in Your Pet on the BARKS Blog: bit.ly/35o4HdN), this all leads me, albeit in a roundabout way, to the focus of our cover feature this month, Training Horses with Positive Re‐ inforcement: Taking Cues from the Dog World on pp.16‐21. As writer Kathie Gregory explains, “as with dogs, there is a lot of outdated, inac­ curate information regarding horses in the public domain” with talk of hierarchies and dominance still commonplace, as are the application of labels such as “disobedient” and “stubborn” and the use of physical pressure and pain in the guise of training “despite the growing body of scientific research and knowledge that tells us otherwise.” Our feature draws parallels with the dog training world and presents force­free al­ ternatives for training a number of common behaviors for both dogs and horses with the focus very much on forming a partnership. Whether you are a dog, cat, bird, or anything else person, I encourage you to have a read to find out how the equine world can draw on the progress being made by the dog world and work towards leaving outdated, scien­ tifically unsound training methods and labels behind once and for all.

On a similar theme, this issue also showcases PPG’s Pet Industry Ed­ ucation Mandate (see pp.12‐14). Based on the Key Charter and Guiding Principles that were set out at the time of the organization’s foundation in 2012, this position statement outlines PPG’s key goal, which is to drive and bring about change in the Pet Services Industry, i.e. the fields of training, behavior consulting and pet care, via the continued promo­ tion and education of scientific, humane and positive reinforcement­ based methods and skill application. PPG recognizes that to enact, promote and manage this scope of change, it needs to remain “at the forefront of shaping the industry” and, to do this, must help “guide, manage and, when necessary, reinforce small approximations of cultural shifts, behavior change or attitude adjustments towards the end goal when organizations, associations and individuals who are operating within the industry present them.” As well as in this issue, you can find the full statement online and download the pdf from petprofessional­ guild.com/PPGs­Pet­Industry­Education­Mandate.

Elsewhere this month, we talk thresholds in dog training, goose haz­ ing force­free style, introducing a new dog into the home, training a puppy to recall, and present an ABC Checklist for Puppy‐Proofing Your Home. We also delve into the areas of canine stress and PTSD, and pres­ ent a progress report on young Shih Tzu Minnie, who was struggling with storm phobia and a generalized anxiety to weather of all kinds (see Scared of Storms, BARKS from the Guild, September 2019, pp.34‐37: bit.ly/2kUouPC). In our feline section, we feature an intriguing mix of topics ranging from that oft misunderstood issue, petting­induced ag­ gression, to how to teach children how to safely interact with cats, to superfecundation, no less.

Finally, we close out proceedings with more sage business advice from our resident experts, and our regular member profile and book re­ view columns, plus an opinion piece that reflects on the changing lifestyles of dogs over the decades and wonders if some of the develop­ ments are for better or worse. Certainly food for thought, especially in the light of the ever increasing amount of research into the lives and be­ havior of street dogs worldwide.

n Susan Nilso

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

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contents 6

N EWS Pet loss certification workshop, Feline and Rescue & Shelter Committees update, professional credential transfer, Project Trade, podcasts, webinars, and more

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P OSITION STATEMENT

ON

P ET INDUSTRY E DUCATION MANDATE

PPG affirms its passion regarding informative, appropriate education in the pet industry

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T RAINING H ORSES WITH P OSITIVE R EINFORCEMENT : TAKING C UES FROM THE D OG W ORLD Kathie Gregory discusses the pervasiveness of “dominance” related training methods in the horse world, and explains how force-free, scientifically sound methods can be implemented instead

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T RIGGER WARNING !

Alex Walker examines the importance of working under threshold and the impact this has on the learning process

25

G OOSE B USTER

16

Gail Radtke relates the tale of how border collie Trixie Mae got herself a job as a force-free goose hazer

28

TOP T IPS

R ECALL

FOR

Sally Bradbury sets out the steps involved in training a puppy to reliably recall

30

P REPARING

FOR A

22

25

28

30

N EW P UPPY

Louise Stapleton-Frappell presents an ABC Checklist for Puppy-Proofing Your Home to ensure he stays safe

34

I NTEGRATING

N EW D OG

A

Anna Bradley highlights the measures new owners can take to ensure a calm and successful transition of a newly adopted dog

36

S TRESS M ATTERS Diane Garrod examines the signs of canine stress and explains how stress levels can be assessed

40

D OGS

AND

PTSD

Beth Napolitano explains what we have learned from military dogs about the existence of and manifestation of canine post-traumatic stress disorder

44

P ROGRESS R EPORT : P OSITIVE S TEPS Kelly McFarlane presents the second of a two-part case study featuring young Shih Tzu Minnie, who was struggling with a generalized anxiety to all kinds of weather

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Q UICK C AT B EHAVIOR T IPS : P ETTING -I NDUCED A GGRESSION The PPG Cat Committee explains why cats suddenly attack when being petted

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C ATS

AND

K IDS

48

Andrea Carne explains how to teach children how to safely interact with cats to ensure cats remain under threshold

52

F ELINE B EHAVIOR U NMASKED : S UPERFECUNDATION Beth Adelman explains the process whereby kittens from the same litter may all have different fathers

54

T HE N EED

FOR

T RUTHFUL M ARKETING

Niki Tudge discusses the significance of marketing ethics and consumer transparency in the pet industry

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A SK

THE

E XPERTS : G AINING C LIENT C OMPLIANCE

Veronica Boutelle of dog*biz responds to your business and marketing questions

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P ROFILE : I T ’ S A LL A BOUT

THE

A NIMALS

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52

Featuring Frania Shelley-Grielen of AnimalBehaviorist.us in New York City

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D OGS , P EOPLE

AND

C HANGING ATTITUDES

David Egan examines the changing lifestyles of dogs over the decades

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B OOK R EVIEW : R EFINING T RAINING S KILLS Breanna Norris reviews Awesome Obedience: A Positive Training Plan for Competition Success by Hannah Branigan

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BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

Pet Loss & Grief Companioning Certification 2 Day Workshop Join us for two robust days of diving deep into the emotional journey of the end-of-life walk with a beloved pet.

Certification program includes a two day workshop and two post workshop webinars: 1. The Finer Points of Marketing Pet Loss Services.

2. How to Conduct a Successful Pet Loss Support Group.

Presented by Coleen Ellis from the Two Hearts Pet Loss Center Certified Pet Loss Professional and Author of Pet Parents: A Journey Through Unconditional Love and Grief.

Saturday and Sunday, February 22 - 23, 2020 Tampa, Florida

Learn more about how to walk with those needing a companion, understanding what pet parents need during this time, the benefits of rituals, compassion fatigue, and so much more! Not only will this program bring you the learning needed to help pet lovers, it’s also a beautiful self-care workshop on understanding our own journeys and experiences with loss, grief, and our own authentic selves.

Register Today! petprofessionalguild.com/event-3530303

n e w s PPAB Issues New Guides for Transferring Credentials

PPG Membership for Rescues

P

PG’s Rescue and Shelter Division has a Rescue Membership classifi­ cation (petprofessionalguild.com/Annual­Professional­Membership) that gives partner organizations access to multiple membership bene­ fits, educational resources (petprofessionalguild.com/Rescue­ Resources) and other tools including some canine (petprofessionalguild .com/Canine­Rescue) and feline (petprofessionalguild.com/Feline­ Rescue) rescue collateral for adopters (see graphic, below).

“As a newly formed committee we are conducting some initial re­ search into the needs of [rescue] organizations, so our efforts best marry with your current goals and requirements,” said Dr. Kelly Lee, committee chair. The committee is also on Facebook as PPG Shelter & Rescue Division (facebook.com/groups/PPGshelterrescue) and anyone involved in shelters and rescues is invited to join the group.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lee’s committee is getting ready to roll out new res­ cue resources and launch a new website providing fabulous resources for all. For a sneak peak at what’s to come, see ‘Management and Be‐ havior Modification: Developing a Force‐Free Toolbox for Rescues and Shelters,’ BARKS from the Guild, May 2019, pp.14‐21 (bit.ly/2XV8UF2) and ‘Helping Fearful Cats,’ BARKS from the Guild, September 2019, pp.22‐25 (bit.ly/2oumLCa).

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he Pet Professional Accreditation Board (PPAB) currently offers the only Accredited Training Technician and Professional Canine Trainer certifications for professionals who believe there is no place for shock, choke, prong, pain, force or fear in pet training and behavior practices.

PPAB also offers the only psychometrically sound examination for Train­ ing and Behavior Consultants who support these same humane and sci­ entific ally sound practices (see also ad on facing page).

PPAB allows approved industry credentials from external parties to be transferred to its own credentialing program (provided they meet eli­ gibility and ethical criteria) and has recently issued new study guides (issuu.com/petprofessionalguild/docs/transferring_a_credential_guide) for each of its three levels to clarify the process. By transferring creden­ tials, canine training and behavior professionals who have already ob­ tained a professional qualification will be able to transfer their skills and knowledge without starting the process from scratch, while ensuring they hold a credential that echoes their ethical standpoint.

Join PPG on Twitter and in All about Cats, Horses Facebook Groups View the new study guides: • Level 1: Canine Training Technician (CTT‐A) (issuu.com /petprofessionalguild/docs/final_canine_training_technician_st) • Level 2: Professional Canine Trainer – Accredited (PCT‐A) (issuu.com/petprofessionalguild/docs/pct‐a_study_guide) • Level 3: Professional Canine Behavior Consultant – Accredited (PCBC‐A) (issuu.com/petprofessionalguild/docs/pcbc_study_guide)

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BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

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PG members are invited to join the PPG All about Cats (facebook.com/groups/512499695617190) and PPG All about Horses (facebook.com/groups/1079968692107997) Facebook groups to learn more about feline and equine behavior and ask questions on any­ thing related to cats or horses. PPG also has an active Twitter account and often tweets about new scientific research studies, plus blogs and videos that are of interest to pet professionals. Join us there: @PetGuild (twitter.com/PetGuild).

Become a Proud Accredited Professional

The ONLY psychometrically developed certification for professionals who believe there is no place for shock, choke, prong, fear or intimidation in canine training and behavior practices.

Pet Profe s sional Accreditation Board

Professional Canine Behavior Consultant (Accredited) Name: Alicia Foster Issued:06/01/2015 Expires:05/31/2017 Alicia Foster PCBC-A

Accreditation Number

PPAB - 00000001

Pet Profe s sional Accreditation Board Professional Canine Trainer (Accredited) Name: Jason Foster Issued:06/01/2015 Expires:05/31/2017 Jas�� Fos���

PCT-A

Accreditation Number

PPAB - 00000001

LAUNCH YOUR FUTURE TODAY! Transfer Your Existing Credential and/or Gain a New One! Pet Profe s sional Accreditation Board Canine Training Technician (Accredited)

Name: Vicki Foster Issued:06/01/2015 Expires:05/31/2017 Vicki Foster CTT-A

Accreditation Number

PPAB - 00000001

credentialingboard.com

n e w s Cat Committee Expands

PPG Workshops: Dr. Robert Hewings

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r. Liz Bales VMD (photo, right) has joined PPG’s Cat Commit­ tee. Dr. Bales is a graduate of the University of Penn­ sylvania School of Veteri­ nary Medicine with a special interest in the be­ havioral and wellness needs of cats, including behavior and environmen­ tal enrichment. She is a writer, speaker and fea­ tured expert in all things cat around the globe in­ cluding appearances on Fox and Friends, ABC News, The Dr. Katy Pet Show and Cheddar. She is also the founder of Doc and Phoebe’s Cat Company (docandphoebe.com), and the inventor of The Indoor Hunting Feeder for cats. Dr. Bales sits on the Dean’s Alumni Council at the University of Pennsylvania, the Advisory Board for AAFP Cat Friendly Practice, and the Advisory Board of Fear Free.

PPG Members’ Message Board

I

n addition to its popular members’ Facebook page (facebook.com/groups/PetProfessionalGuild), PPG has an online Dis­ cussion Forum (petprofessionalguild.com/Member­Discussion­Board) for members to ask questions, solicit advice, discuss pertinent issues and so on. You can join the discussion in the members’ area of the web­ site (petprofessionalguild.com/PPGMemberArea).

The group is designed to support communication across members, keep members in touch with what is going on in the organization and as a support tool for members.

Dr. Robert Hewings The UK College of Scent Dogs

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Two Great Events November No vember 9-13, 2019 Tampa, Tampa, am a Fl Fl

Accredited A ccredited Scent Scent IInstructor nstructor Program Program November No vember 18-19, 2019 Tampa, Tampa, a Fl Fl

PTSD PT SD - Assistance Assistance Dog T Training raining REGISTER REGISTER TODAY TODAY

Limited Limit ed Space Space Available CEUs A vailable Certification/Accreditation C ertification/Accreditation for Qualified Qualified Attendees Attendees

Payment Paymen yment Plans ym Plans AAvailable vailable il

PPetProfessionalGuild.com/November-2019-Accredited-Scent-Instructor-&-PTSD-Training etProfessionalGuild.com/November-2019-Accredited-Scent-Instructor-&-PTSD-Training

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r. Robert Hewings from the UK College of Scent Dogs is coming to PPG Headquarters in Tampa, Florida this month to present two pro­ grams: #1 Become an Accredited Scent Instructor (petprofessionalguild.com/event­3172679) Saturday, November 9 ­ Wednesday, November 13, 2019.

21 PPAB and CCPDT CEUs are available for this workshop. (see also ad on p.51). #2 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – Assistance Dog Training (petprofessionalguild.com/event­3172793) Monday, November 18 ­ Tuesday, November 19, 2019 15 PPAB and CCPDT CEUs are available for this workshop. (see also ad on p.43).

Working and auditor spots are available for both events.

Subscribe to the BARKS Blog

T

he BARKS Blog (barksfromtheguild.com/blog) posts on all topics re­ lated to dogs, cats, pet care, behavior, training, and consulting. Make sure you don’t miss new posts by subscribing (barksfromtheguild .com/subscribe). You can also order a print copy of BARKS and view the Contents page of upcoming issues (barksfromtheguild.com).

BARKS from the Guild

BARKS from the Guild is the 64-page bi-monthly pet industry trade magazine published by the Pet Professional Guild, available internationally to Pet Professional Guild members, supporters and the general public online (and in print, by monthly subscription).

Widely read by pet industry professionals and pet owners alike, BARKS covers a vast range of topics encompassing animal behavior, pet care, training, education, industry trends, business AND MUCH MORE! If you would like to reach your target audience, BARKS is the perfect vehicle to achieve that goal.

To contribute an article, please contact the editor, Susan Nilson: barkseditor@petprofessionalguild.com

barksfromtheguild.com 8

To advertise, please contact Kelly Fahey: Kelly@petprofessionalguild.com

BARKS BARKS from from the the Guild/November Guild/January 2019 2018

n e w s PPG Names August Project Trade Ambassador

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ongratulations to Monica Hanna of Latchkey Pets (Latchkeypets.mysite.com) in Maryland, USA for trading four prong collars for service discounts and who has been named Project Trade Am­ bassador for August 2019. Congratulations too to Janis Crary of All About The Dog (allaboutthedog.us) in Indiana, USA for trading three shock collars and one prong collar.

Janis Crary collected this selection of shock and prong collars as part of PPG’s Project Trade gear swap program

Monica Hanna traded four prong collars for dog training service discounts

Project Trade (projecttrade.org) is an international opt‐in advocacy program for PPG members that promotes the use of force‐free training equipment by asking pet guardians to swap choke, prong and shock collars (and any other devices that are designed to change behavior or care for pets through pain or fear) for service discounts. Join today!

Find out more about how Project Trade can help your business in ‘Helping Dogs, Helping Families,’ BARKS from the Guild, March 2017, pp.20‐25 (bit.ly/HelpingDogs).

BARKS Podcasts: Schedule Recent Podcasts: September 25, 2019: Amy C. Martin, owner of Conscious Companion™ (consciouscompanion.com) discusses Cats, Kids, and Compassion: youtube.com/watch?v=BrT_0ZBjBAE August 22, 2019: Tabitha Kucera, co­chair of PPG’s Feline Committee and owner of Chirrups and Chatter Cat Behavior Consulting and Training (chirrupsandchatter.com) and Positively Pawsitive Dog Behavior Consult­ ing and Training (facebook.com/Positvelypawsitivedogbehavior consultingandtraining) discusses kitten socialization: youtube.com/watch?v=XlQJiVbZiAs&t=1s August 7, 2019: Daniel Quagliozzi, owner of of Go, Cat, Go (gocatgosf.com), discusses cats and consent to petting, and how over­ stimulation and petting aggression can be avoided through the under­ standing of feline body language and thresholds: bit.ly/2yTgSQS. Tuesday, November 19, 2019: ­ 1 p.m. EST/6 p.m. GMT Guest: Sally Williams, cat behavior consultant, owner of The Contented Cat (thecontentedcat.net), founding director of The Brodie Fund (the­ brodiefund.org) and founder of The Feline Fine Project (facebook.com/thefelinefineproject).

Topic: Pet cancer and its impact on family members. The diagnosis of cancer in a pet can not only be financially challenging, but causes anxi­ ety, depression and can lead to feelings of isolation. The Brodie Fund can provide financial support and also offers counseling and a safe space so that those coping with the cancer of their pets know they are not alone.

Register to listen live: attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3157705436902962957

July 26, 2019: Adina Silberstein, CEO of Queenie’s Pets (queeniespets.com), discusses how how operating from fear can nega­ tively impact decision­making, while creating clear­cut, forward­thinking boundaries can positively impact work/life balance: bit.ly/335EWhw. June 6, 2019: Dr. Lynn Bahr, CEO of Dezi & Roo (deziroo.com) discusses the benefits of allowing cats to scratch and how to encourage them to scratch appropriately: bit.ly/2x5LoGp. Full podcast schedule: barksfromtheguild.com/category/show‐schedule.

Find and listen to all earlier BARKS Podcasts: barksfromtheguild.com/category/podcast.

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

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n e w s New PPG Workshop: Pet Loss and Grief Companioning Certification Course

P

PG is offering a two­day Pet Loss and Grief Companioning Certifica­ tion Course (petprofessionalguild.com/event­3530303) at its Tampa, Florida headquarters on Saturday, February 22 ­ Sunday, February 23, 2020. Presented by Coleen Ellis, founder of the Two Hearts Pet Loss Center (facebook.com/TwoHeartsPetLoss), the event will delve into the emotional journey of the end­of­life walk with a beloved pet. Attendees will learn more about how to support those needing a companion, un­ derstanding what pet parents need during this time, the benefits of ritu­ als, compassion fatigue, and more. Not only will this program bring participants the learning needed to help pet lovers, it will also act as a self­care workshop on understanding your own journey and experience with loss and grief. CEUs are available.

Note: Part of this certification program will be delivered via two webinars, which are covered by the program fee. See also ad on p.5.

© Can Stock Photo/okssi68

Earn Your CEUs via PPG’s Webinars, Workshops and Educational Summits!

Residential Workshops Become an Accredited Scent Instructor with Dr. Robert Hewings (see also ad on p.51) Saturday, November 9, 2019 ­ 9 a.m. (EST) ­ Wednesday, November 13, 2019 ­ 4:30 p.m. (EST) petprofessionalguild.com/event­3172679

Webinars Loose Leash Walking ­ Learn to Nail it Every Time Presented by Yvette Van Veen Thursday, November 14, 2019 / 2 p.m. ­ 3:30 p.m. (EST) petprofessionalguild.com/event­3525310 Debunking Compassion Fatigue: Being Mindful of The Stressors of Caring Presented by Coleen Ellis Wednesday, December 4, 2019 / Noon ­ 1 p.m. (EST) petprofessionalguild.com/event­3530297

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – Assistance Dog Training with Dr. Robert Hewings (see also ad on p.43) Monday, November 18, 2019 ­ 9 a.m. (EST) ­ Tuesday, November 19, 2019 ­ 4:30 p.m. (EST) petprofessionalguild.com/event­3172793 Pet Loss and Grief Companioning Certification Course with Coleen Ellis from the Pet Loss Center (see also ad on p.5) Saturday, February 22, 2020 ­ 8 a.m. (EST) ­ Sunday, February 23, 2020 ­ 3:30 p.m. (EST) petprofessionalguild.com/event­3530303

A Simple Recipe for Social Media Success Presented by Tracey Lee Davis Thursday, December 12, 2019 / 1 p.m. ­ 2:30 p.m. (EST) petprofessionalguild.com/event­3546207 C.A.T. with CATS – from Fearful to Friendly* Presented by Caroline Crevier­Chabot Friday, January 10, 2020 / 1 p.m. ­ 2:30 p.m. (EST) petprofessionalguild.com/event­3551911 * Free Member Webinar Emotional Dog Presented by Dr. Robert Falconer­Taylor Wednesday, January 29, 2020 / Noon ­ 1 p.m. (EST) petprofessionalguild.com/event­3367539

PPG Webinars On Demand Listen any time! (Scroll down to find all the latest additions): petprofessionalguild.com/Recorded­Webinars

• Details of all upcoming workshops: petprofessionalguild.com/events.

Note: All dates and times are correct at time of going to press but are subject to change. Please check website for an updated list of all webinars, as well as discounted and on‐demand webinars: petprofessionalguild.com/GuildScheduledEvents.

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BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

Today’s PPG Junior Members are Tomorrow’s Pet Industry Leaders

The Journey Starts Here - Join the PPG Junior Membership Program Loads of Benefits Including: Individual level member badge Membership Certificate A moderated chat group on PPG’s website FREE Participation in the Pet Dog Ambassador Program FREE Junior Member PPAB credentialing Listing in Junior Membership Directory on PPG’s website A FREE e-book – A Kid’s Comprehensive Guide to Speaking Dog Participation in the Annual Training Deed Challenge

3 Membership Levels to Grow With as You Learn - Increasing Skills, Increasing Benefits: Provisional Junior Basic (8-12 years) Provisional Junior Advanced (13-17 years) Provisional Apprentice (18-20 years)

LET’ S GET STARTED

uild The Association for Force-Free Pet Professionals

PetProfessionalGuild.com/Junior-Members

education

Position Statement on PPG’s Pet Industry Education Mandate PPG affirms its passion regarding informative, appropriate education in the pet industry in its Position Statement, based on its Key Charter and Guiding Principles

© Can Stock Photo/focalpoint

Through effective educational programs and a constructive, impactful and influential communication vehicle, PPG can create a shared vision for the future of the Pet Industry

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he Pet Professional Guild (PPG) and its membership hold them­ selves accountable to a high standard of ethics, protocols and transparency. Since its inception in 2012, PPG has been unwaver­ ing and unequivocal about where it stands on equipment philosophy and training methods for pets. As such, its members are committed to the use, promotion and education of humane, scientific and effective training, care and management protocols, as espoused in PPG’s Guiding Principles (2012). While PPG has taken an exclusively force­free ap­ proach and a promise to “do no harm,” it also recognizes that no defini­ tion can be so expansive and explicit that every possible situation is addressed. This applies universally, perhaps most obviously in the US legal system, where very often courts cannot agree on a single interpre­ tation of what terms and definitions mean, including physical force. PPG considers, then, both in the context of its Guiding Principles and as a

The success of PPG’s Key Charter, Guiding Principles and educational programs, resources and message rely on the organization’s ability to remain credible and influential.

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BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

general framework, physical force to mean any intentional physical act against a pet that causes psychological or physical pain, harm or dam­ age. (Pet Professional Guild, 2019).

PPG’s Guiding Principles are “specific, measurable and forward thinking and provide a clear way ahead for the industry while support­ ing professional autonomy and without sacrificing unambiguous ethical guidelines. In a business environment where certifications are rife and new associations emerge annually, it is critical that professional organi­ zations representing professionals do so to the benefit of the profes­ sional, the client, and the industry as a whole, not just in the interests of the singular organization.” (Tudge & Nilson, 2019).

Shaping the Industry PPG’s key goal is to drive and bring about change in the Pet Services In­ dustry, specifically the fields of training, behavior consulting and pet care. The sought­after change promotes scientific, humane and positive reinforcement­based methods and skill application in order to reach training, behavior modification, and pet care goals for pets and their owners.

To enact, promote and manage this scope of change, PPG needs to be at the forefront of shaping the industry. This means, as an organiza­

education tion, it must help guide, manage and, when necessary, reinforce small approximations of cultural shifts, behavior change or attitude adjust­ ments towards the end goal when organizations, associations and indi­ viduals who are operating within the industry present them. Isolationist views, public criticism and punitive behavior aimed at those who choose differently are considered both unprofessional and counterproductive to PPG’s long­term goals. As outlined in its Mission, Vision and Values statement, which forms part of the Guiding Principles, PPG ensures that “all communications are professional and based on fact. When dis­ cussing industry practices, trends or issues, members will limit discus­ sion to practices and consequences rather than the individuals using them thereby ensuring informed, professional and civil exchanges that enrich members and the industry of force­free pet professionals.” (Pet Professional Guild, 2012).

Key Charter When PPG was officially inaugurated in January 2012, founder and pres­ ident Niki Tudge carefully crafted its Key Charter document to outline four key purposes: 1.

To serve the Pet Industry and act as an educational antidote to the scientifically unfounded and potentially dangerous methods and practices popularized by reality television and certain well­known personalities.

2.

To be a source of information where pet owners and professionals who are committed to the use of scientific, humane and positive reinforcement­based methods could share ideas, exchange best practices, continue their education, collaborate on efforts and find resources.

3.

To be an educational resource that would clarify the differences in the training and pet care methodologies available and where a pet owner could be confident that the information, services and products offered were at the fore front of both science and ethics.

4.

To establish a vehicle that would help further the cause and help educate local governments, pet professionals and the pet­owning community of the fundamental advantages of force­free training and pet care.

Through this Key Charter document, PPG members are encouraged to focus on: • Building a personal organization like an extended family, a place where everyone shares a part of themselves as well as their knowledge, skills and talents.

• Encouraging a dynamic organization full of entrepreneurial ideas that can be shared among members as best practices.

• Building an organization that is held together by a glue comprising loyalty, respect for fellow members and mutual trust.

• Shaping a collaborative model that exemplifies open, honest and nonaggressive communication both within the organization and to those who have not yet joined us.

If PPG is to meet the challenge of its Key Charter (2012), specifically in terms of emphasizing a “collaboration among force­free pet trainers and pet care providers” and advocating for “mutually agreed guiding principles for the pet care industry,” then the membership body must lead by example in each and every one of its interactions – be they with clients, fellow members or the pet industry at large.

Educational Impact Education can only be affected if, through these individual actions and high standards of conduct and performance, PPG can influence how the pet industry evolves. PPG will only be able to engage others to join the quest for improved standards if education can take place regarding in­ dustry science, practice, philosophy and skill application. There is no

PPG values an inclusionary approach, so it can provide affordable education and networking opportunities. This approach also includes a provisional membership option to address the need for open dialogue amongst practitioners and create a framework for future members. place for an uneducated but so­called commonsense approach; com­ mon sense is not grounded in science and is often “little more than a so­ cial record of folk wisdom, clichés and homilies about behavior.

Common sense maintains the status quo so we continue to do what we know best rather than seeking out the best we can do.” (Friedman, 2004).

PPG and the Pet Industry as a whole need to encourage agents of change, or “Change Masters,” a term coined by Kanter (1983), who states that “people and organizations adept at the art of anticipating the need for, and of leading, productive change.” If we prepare and an­ ticipate for the future, then, as Change Masters, we can have a positive and educational impact on the Pet Industry and influence the actions and intentions of others. Change can happen quickly, yet, when motivat­ ing, managing and shaping change across a large body, it can also ap­ pear painfully slow.

Nevertheless, through effective educational programs and a con­ structive, impactful and influential communication vehicle, PPG can cre­ ate a shared vision for the future of the Pet Industry. As an organization, it can help find strategic solutions in a rapidly changing operating envi­ ronment to support the business practices of its membership. Effective education programs can help narrow the disparities in knowledge and skill competency across industry professionals, which are often a reason for said professionals to resist change and embrace new philosophies.

Influential communication can support a reduction in industry fragmen­ tation while accelerating the circulation of educational resources. In­ deed, it is through impactful education that we can create a sense of purpose and equip professionals with the tools and resources they need, not only to shape their own lives in terms of the services they offer in their businesses, but the lives of pets and their owners too.

Industry Coalition Since its inauguration, PPG has worked diligently to form a coalition of schooled professionals who practice a humane, science­based method­ ology to support its Key Charter and help build the organization so its goals can be achieved. PPG holds that its Guiding Principles must be consistently and professionally communicated so that scientific princi­ ples, factual education and effective ethics can be presented in a man­ ner that is not stifled by emotional bias and unreasonableness. As such, PPG is committed to supporting organizations, groups, industry bodies and associations that seek change and also to reaching those who have not yet determined change is a priority. In this manner, PPG can focus on enacting systems that reinforce those who seek collaboration and who are open to education and networking.

Inclusionary Approach PPG values an inclusionary approach, so it can provide affordable edu­ cation and networking opportunities. This approach also includes a pro­ visional membership option to address the need for open dialogue amongst practitioners and create a framework for future members. Fur­ ther, PPG sets forth that an individual trainer’s choice of methods and equipment has a direct correlation to their skills and knowledge, mean­ ing that, the more skilled the trainer, the less they will rely on aversive tools and techniques due to their professional competence in the requi­ site knowledge and skills (Pet Professional Guild, 2019).

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

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education The success of PPG’s Key Charter, Guiding Principles and educational programs, resources and message rely on the organization’s ability to re­ main credible and influential. To be effective with its messaging, PPG recognizes that its audience will, broadly speaking, use three criteria to determine whether to respond to its communications, as per Reardon’s ACE theory (de Janasz, O’Dowd & Schneider, 2002); research indicates that verbal and rational influences, which are more effective than emo­ tive messages, focus heavily on appropriateness, consistency and effec­ tiveness of the relevant proposed ideas and actions, i.e.: a) The appropriateness of the message, how the is message delivered, and in what context. b) The consistency of the message and how much sense it makes. c) The effectiveness of the message, i.e. does it impact a desirable outcome? (de Janasz et al., 2002).

Summary PPG believes strongly in the principles and values that form its founda­ tion. As such, the organization contends that it has, and will continue to have, influence on the evolution of the Pet Industry as well as bring about change through educational programs and advocacy initiatives such as BARKS from the Guild, Pet Dog Ambassador, Shock­Free Coali­ tion, Project Trade, Pet Professional Accreditation Board, PPG Educa­ tional Committees, Educational Resources for members, and Annual Summits and Workshops. PPG is bringing about change and will con­ tinue to do so if, when engaging and educating industry professionals, it knows and recognizes its audience and how best to educate, influence and network with them to meet the larger and more critical goal.

Through a productive understanding of its audience, PPG is better able to communicate in an impactful manner.

In all its communications, PPG aims to present facts, data and logic given that overly passionate, doctrinaire and emotional demands risk scorching the potential to reach and influence others. As such, PPG seeks to carefully review its propositions before presenting them pub­ licly to ensure credibility is maintained and that the message is not neg­ atively impacted. As outlined in its Guiding Principles, PPG is committed to practicing appropriate, respectful and courteous communication, par­ ticularly in this era of social media. PPG continually strives to be struc­ tured and thoughtful in terms of how the written word is perceived to ensure audiences remain receptive to its educational message. In indi­ vidual communication and behavior, too, PPG endeavors to promote the philosophy of being kind, factful, informative, educational, humane, sci­ entific and effective at all times.

Finally, PPG recognizes that to request any third party to cease, de­ sist, or drop what has previously been a normal way of doing business, it

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BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

PPG is committed to supporting organizations, groups, industry bodies and associations that seek change and also to reaching those who have not yet determined change is a priority. In this manner, PPG can focus on enacting systems that reinforce those who seek collaboration and who are open to education and networking. must first provide feasible and sustainable alternatives and/or options.

In “Behavior Speak,” to promote behavior change, then, we, as an or­ ganization, must strive to provide access to reinforcement via a different route and, from there, help and support any implemented or prospec­ tive plans. By targeting one behavior for extinction while we positively build and reinforce a more appropriate alternative, we can thus reduce frustration and set up all parties for success by developing a collabora­ tive network of industry partners and supporters. n Read full statement online/download pdf: petprofessionalguild.com/PPGs‐Pet‐Industry‐Education‐Mandate

References De Janasz, S.C., O’Dowd, K., & Schneider, B.Z. (2002). Interpersonal Skills in Organizations. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Friedman, S. (2004, November). Straight Talk about Parrot Behavior.

Stop PDD Conference. Available at: bit.ly/2MYLdUJ Kanter, R.M. (1983). The Change Masters. Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the American Corporation. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster Pet Professional Guild. (2012). Guiding Principles. Available at: bit.ly/PPGGuidingPrinciples Pet Professional Guild. (2012). Key Charter. Available at: bit.ly/PPGKeyCharter Pet Professional Guild. (2019). Pet Professional Guild Response to Joint Industry Code of Conduct. Available at: bit.ly/31zHhPB Tudge, N.J., & Nilson, S.J. (2019). The Case for Scientifically-Informed, Kind Practices. BARKS from the Guild (34) 18-26. Available at: bit.ly/2D4Vl9r

Resources BARKS from the Guild: barksfromtheguild.com Pet Dog Ambassador: petdogambassador.com Pet Professional Accreditation Board: credentialingboard.com Project Trade: petprofessionalguild.com/Project-Trade Shock-Free Coalition: shockfree.org

TM

c o v e r

Training Horses with Positive Reinforcement: Taking Cues from the Dog World

Drawing on comparisons with the field of dog training, Kathie Gregory discusses the pervasiveness of “dominance” related training methods in the horse world, and explains how force-free, scientifically sound methods can be implemented instead to make the very best of your partnership with your horse (or dog)

Similar to in the dog world, misconceptions concerning “dominance’ are prevalent in the horse world despite the growing body of scientific research and knowledge that tells us otherwise © Can Stock Photo/ksuksa

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BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

c o v e r ...as with dogs, there is a lot of outdated, inaccurate information regarding horses in the public domain, particularly given that horses are large heavy animals and there is a huge potential for serious injury whether you are on the ground or riding.

be inappropriate and inaccurate in their application to pet dogs. In addi­ tion, many such trainers use training methods founded in aversive pro­ tocols deemed obsolete and damaging – both physically and psychologically.” And the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (2019) highlights the point that “[a]versive, punish­ ment­based techniques may alter behavior, but the methods fail to ad­ dress the underlying cause and, in the case of unwanted behavior, can lead to undue anxiety, fear, distress, pain or injury.”

W

Hierarchy? What Hierarchy?

hen I was a child, I always dreamed of having my own horse. I picked out a name, knew what color she would be, and the vision in my head was that we would be two halves of one, knowing and understanding each other completely. Eventually my dream came true but I quickly found that, in the real world, there was quite a discrepancy: far from being two halves of one, for many horses there is no partnership at all but rather a requirement simply to do as they are told. And that's a shame.

In this article, we will look at all the ways in which we can make the best of our partnership with our horse, or, indeed, any animal. To start with, as with dogs, there is a lot of outdated, inaccurate information re­ garding horses in the public domain, particularly given that horses are large heavy animals and there is a huge potential for serious injury whether you are on the ground or riding. Here are some examples: • “Horses have a strict hierarchy and will dominate you if you don't show them who is in charge.”

• “Horses respond to pressure and using physical pressure (pain) to achieve results is a cornerstone of horse training.”

• “If horses do something you don't want, then do something they don't like, and they won't do it again. This is how horses learn.”

• “In the wild horses kick and bite each other, so using physical violence to discipline them is normal and they understand it.”

• “If the horse does not respond to your cues immediately then he is not under control. The horse is being difficult, stubborn, or trying to dominate you if he does not respond as he should.”

• “Horses are already trained, if they do something wrong it is their fault and they are being intentionally disobedient.

Horses do not learn in the same way as dogs, so you can't do anything with them that you would do with a dog.”

I was told all of this by every single person I met who “knew about horses” when I got my first two horses. Sadly, this is what people are often still told, what they often still read, and how they often see others interacting with horses. Just to be clear, this is not how we should be training horses anymore. But still, as can still be found in the dog world, statements such as these are prevalent, despite the growing body of sci­ entific research and knowledge that tells us otherwise.

The Science For example, Tudge, Nilson, Millikan & Stapleton­Frappell (2019) explain that “much creditable scientific study has been given to dog training and behavior modification methods and their respective efficacy and consequences. The preponderance of the evidence shown by current research indicates that the implementation of training and/or behavior modification protocols predicated upon ‘dominance theory’ and social structures (‘alpha,’ or ‘pack leader’), and/or the implementation of physical or psychological intimidation, threats, coercion, or fear are em­ pirically less effective and risk creating problematic consequences, in­ cluding ‘fallout’ behaviors that may be dangerous to the human and animal involved such as growling, snapping and biting.”

Adds the Pet Professional Guild (2016): “Dog trainers who are still steeped in using punitive training methods are often known to use out­ dated terms such as “dominance,” “pack leader,” and “alpha dog,” all of which have been proven by canine behavior scientists and specialists to

With regard to horses specifically, as I discussed in my earlier article, Equine Social Structure (see BARKS from the Guild, September 2018, pp.39‐41), scientists have “long tried to establish clear hierarchies when observing groups of horses and other animals. Thus, any interaction be­ tween two horses may be interpreted as one being dominant, the other submissive, and dominance hierarchies emerge as a theory. However, this simple, tidy explanation for what is a very complex social structure is incorrect. Any group needs cohesion and give and take in order to function effectively, and the lack of understanding of what was being observed led to this incorrect interpretation. As far back as the 1970s, there were those who found problems with this theory (Kiley­Worthing­ ton, 1977; Syme & Syme, 1979), but they were largely ignored, and the neat, easily measured dominance hierarchies informed the majority of observational reports.

“A further issue is that the definition of the terms, dominance and submission, is not clear or definitive. Rather, it is open to the individual interpretation of the researcher. Some define dominant as having greater reproductive success, a higher ranking, or priority access to food and water. There is no evidence to support these types of dominance, and many studies have shown that these perceived goals horses are claimed to vie for simply do not exist. Time and time again, researchers report that there is no clear correlation between these supposed issues and dominance.”

Meanwhile, for anyone whose experiences are in line with those er­ roneous statements above, I'm here to tell you there is another way. A better way. A way to achieve the partnership you and your horse de­ serve. And it is easy. But first we need to address those statements.

Speaking in general terms, people are predisposed to believe that what they are told and that what they read is true. So, they accept whatever it is, and then go on to say the same thing when giving some­ one else information because they think they are repeating facts. It is a never­ending cycle, and, as such, information (or misinformation) be­ comes widely accepted as fact. When the mind hears something that does not fit in with or goes against this framework, it automatically dis­ misses it. How can it be true when it is the opposite of what a person knows to be “true?” The reality is that many of the things we see as facts are actually beliefs or personal opinions. In the mind, the differ­ ence between fact and belief is very small — but just because some­ thing is widely repeated and practiced, it does not make it factual.

Partnership Bearing all that in mind, we can now start to examine more closely how to attain a wonderful partnership with our horses. The first step is to not just take what I'm saying as fact. Do some research. If you search for “force­free horse training,” you will find a wealth of information. You will find that those statements (i.e. the misinformation) I mentioned earlier are not true. As I have explained, horses in the wild do not have a strict dominance hierarchy, and your horse is not trying to dominate you if he does something you don't want him to. Horses do not like physical pain any more than we do. This is not a good way to teach and horses, like any animal, are less likely to do something again if the result is pain.

Ask yourself why that is. Is it because they have learned a new behavior or is it simply because they are scared of being hurt?

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c o v e r Read about what others have achieved using positive, force­free methods: How much their horses can do, how much they understand, and how safe and reliable they are. Look at the partnership and how they understand and are in tune with each other. How the use of aids is minimal or not used at all. There are more and more professional and amateur riders competing in head collars and bitless bridles.

Control is an important word here. We may perceive that we have more “control” if a horse is more constrained, e.g. using more restrictive bits, but this is a belief, not a fact. Those with the most control have it not because they are subduing their horse with aids, pain, and fear, but because they have taught him to manage himself in new situations and make good choices. He has emotional resilience, and that will give you more safety and reliability than all the aids in the world.

Getting Started

© Andy Francis

As with some dogs, particularly the giant breeds, some horses may not know their own strength and should be taught to be gentle in their interactions with humans

...horses in the wild do not have a strict dominance hierarchy, and your horse is not trying to dominate you if he does something you don't want him to. Horses do not like physical pain any more than we do. This is not a good way to teach and horses, like any animal, are less likely to do something again if the result is pain.

One of the easiest ways to get started with force­free methods is to talk your horse through a routine. Use word association to teach him the names of things. You can apply this to objects such as saddle, head col­ lar, mounting block, rug, gate etc. Every time he encounters these items tell him their name. You can also use word association to his move­ ments (i.e. capturing), so you say what he is doing when he does it.

When he steps forward you say, “Step forward.” You do the same for when he steps back, turns around, picks up a foot, stops walking, starts walking, etc. Once your horse knows the names of things and names of his movements, start saying them as you go through a familiar routine.

You can keep it brief and just use the key words, or you can take it fur­ ther and give him more understanding by talking him through it to build up a behavior chain. For example, if you are heading to a mounting block, you can say, “Let's go to the mounting block, stand on that side, wait for me, okay, foot in, leg over, other foot in, okay, and we're ready.”

The benefit of this is that you are making him aware of your part as well as his, so he learns to associate the words “foot in” with the feel of you stepping into the first stirrup, and he knows that he needs to feel your other foot in the stirrup the other side before he starts moving, which is always useful!

It won't take long for the horse to understand this routine and how you both work together to achieve the result. You use whatever lan­ guage comes naturally to you. Praise him as you go. He needs feedback to tell him how he is doing, so don't forget to say, “Yes, well done, clever boy,” etc. as he learns. If he is unsure, go over things again. Learning does not happen instantly. This is a great way of building a friendship that you can develop and expand to involve all aspects of what you and your horse do together. When you are compassionate in teaching him, he will enjoy being with you. This leads to improved impulse control and self­restraint because the horse chooses to wait and be part of the rou­ tine you have created together, rather than move off before you are both ready.

Clicker Training

© Can Stock Photo/Ashva777

As with dogs, those with the most “control” of their horse have it not because they subdue him with aversive equipment, pain, and/or fear, but because they have taught him to make good choices

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BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

Another popular training method is the clicker. As many animal trainers already know, clicker training is where you use the sound of the clicker to tell the animal he has got it right paired with a reinforcer (usually food, but it can also be praise, petting, play etc.). If you have misgivings about using food in training, there are many articles that take you through using food the right way so you and your horse have a positive association with it (see Resources on p.21).

Remember that statement that says you can't train horses like dogs?

Well, that isn't a fact either, it's just a belief. The mammalian brain is es­ sentially the same. It has the same areas, functions and processes, so it follows that all mammals learn in the same way.

A good way of starting force­free training if you have not worked this way before is to practice the word associations when you are feed­ ing your horse or mucking out his area. That way you can start teaching

c o v e r

© Can Stock Photo/jeffclow

The ability to stand calmly is important for horses, e.g. for health checks, grooming, or waiting to cross a road. Teaching horses to manage their arousal levels is an essential part of this

him words without actually conducting a structured training session.

This takes the pressure off both of you and is very useful for the horse that finds direct contact or change difficult. As you both move around the area there will be plenty of word associations to take advantage of.

You will find that learning becomes easy as your partnership and friend­ ship develops.

•

•

Neural Pathways Ha and Campion (2019) point out that animals can learn through “both positive and negative learning, which operate on different brain path­ ways and use unique dopamine receptors…the DR1 receptors are gener­ ally viewed as ‘positive’ receptors, while the DR2 receptors are ‘negative’ receptors. Across multiple species, studies have shown that individuals will prefer to stimulate their DR1 receptors over their DR2.

While punishment, which stimulates the DR2 receptors, might appear to have an immediate result, stimulating the DR1 receptors is more effec­ tive for learning in the longer term. Combining positive and negative with one another neurologically and psychologically confuses the learn­ ing process.” In their discussion of dog training methods, Tudge et al.

(2019) highlight the importance of those who “live and work with dogs to have an understanding of basic behavioral science such as this as it makes ‘all the difference between effective and ineffective interac­ tions…including training.’ (Ha & Campion, 2019).” Tudge et al. (2019) cite the following as “just a few examples of positive reinforcement training protocols that may be used in place of aversive methods: • Rather than waiting for a dog to make a mistake so you can punish him, reinforce behavior you like to help the dog learn so both parties feel more positive about the relationship.

• Rather than using a choke chain or prong collar which rely on punishing undesirable behavior, use targeting and a harness to train and reinforce good behavior while, at the same time,

•

•

•

•

ensuring less trauma to the dog’s neck.

Rather than positively punishing a dog for jumping on visitors at the door, train him to “go to mat,” “sit,” or “four on the floor” and reinforce nonjumping behavior. (Note: in technical terms, when adding an aversive to weaken or decrease a be­ havior, it is known as positive punishment).

Rather than using an electric fence or punishing a dog for crossing boundaries, e.g. on your property, teach him about boundaries and reinforce him for staying within the boundary.

Rather than positively punishing a growl, learn to read a dog’s body language and evaluate the situation to better under­ stand what he is trying to say.

Rather than positively punishing a dog for stealing something such as a shoe or something from the trash, teach him to ex­ change or swap and reinforce the exchange.

Rather than positively punishing a dog for being on the furni­ ture (if you do not want him there – this is a personal prefer­ ence), target or lure him down and reinforce him for being on his bed next to you.

Rather than positively punishing a dog for what you consider

We may perceive that we have more “control” if a horse is more constrained, e.g. using more restrictive bits, but this is a belief, not a fact.

Those with the most control have it not because they are subduing their horse with aids, pain, and fear, but because they have taught him to manage himself in new situations and make good choices.

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

19

c o v e r

© Can Stock Photo/mb_fotos

Activities such as trick training and agility are usually associated with dogs but are excellent for horses too, providing a way to teach many different movements and sequences that can be used in different contexts in everyday life

poor behavior, reconsider your expectations of him and whether they are realistic. Consider what alternative behav­ iors you can train instead. If you are not sure, seek more infor­ mation from an appropriate source.

• Rather than positively punishing a dog for not returning to you when called (i.e., in his eyes, giving up his freedom), teach him that it is valuable and worthwhile to come back to you and that it may not mean his freedom is restricted at all.

• Rather than put all the responsibility for the dog’s behavior on the dog, take it upon yourself to teach him alternative behav­ iors that can be reinforced and benefit the mutual relationship.”

In the same way, let’s now look at some examples of what we can teach horses and how to teach them in a manner that does not require the use of pain, force, or fear.

Stand Calmly: This is a very important thing for a horse to do be able to do, for several reasons. A calm horse is not trying to move away or nibble you. This cue makes it much easier to do all sorts of things, such as health checks and grooming, or waiting to cross a road when we are out and about. Being able to stand calmly requires stillness of body and mind. An aroused mind will result in the horse wanting to move, so

teaching him to manage his arousal level is part of this process. Tradi­ tionally, horses are forced to stand still. They are given no option and in­ creasing amounts of restraint and pain are used if they don't comply. A better approach is to start by teaching a stand when the horse is calm and feels safe, so the stand is associated with how he feels. You can gradually add in distractions and practice the stand in new places. The key here is ensuring the horse feels safe. If he is too close to something that worries him he will want to move away, so get to a safe distance to practice.

Build Confidence: To some extent, teaching the stand will address this issue. Additionally, be mindful that continued exposure to something scary can increase unease (i.e. flooding), rather than help the horse be­ come used to it. Traditionally, a horse would be made to confront what­ ever he finds scary, but this only teaches him to suppress his emotions and often results in an increase in fear. Instead, we can teach the horse to disengage, which is to assess the scary thing then move away and continue with whatever else he was doing. Again, teaching starts in a safe place so it is easier for him to learn that new things are not auto­ matically scary.

Coping with Loud and Unexpected Noises: When teaching dogs,

Trick training is an excellent way to teach many different movements and sequences that can be used in different contexts in everyday life.

Horses are clever animals and enjoy using their brains to solve problems and learn new things.

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BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

we work on desensitization to loud noises, so they are better equipped to deal with trucks, planes, and all sorts of other loud things they come across. We also teach gun dogs to be fine around guns firing. We may not always think of doing the equivalent with horses, but it's an impor­ tant part of teaching and can be done using the same principles as de­ scribed in “Building Confidence” above, i.e. desensitization and counterconditioning.

c o v e r Remember that statement that says you can't train horses like dogs? Well, that isn't a fact either, it's just a belief. The mammalian brain is essentially the same. It has the same areas, functions and processes, so it follows that all mammals learn in the same way.

Step Backwards: This is an obvious thing that all horses know. But do they really know it? And do we insist on it for the right reasons? There is a belief that your horse respects you if he steps back and that it is po­ lite. As such, many horses are made to do this every time a person inter­ acts with them. The canine equivalent is that a dog must sit before everything, e.g. getting his dinner, going out the door, getting a treat.

But really, this is a human thing. The animal is just performing a move­ ment; they do not think they are being “polite.” In the horse world there is also the perception that you are “in charge” if you make him step back, otherwise he will “dominate” you. Again, this is not true.

Traditionally, horses learn to go backwards because a person applies increasing pressure to their chest until they comply, so they move back to avoid the unpleasant or painful sensation. The equivalent would be pushing a dog’s rear end down until he complies and sits. These days, however, as we already know, positive, hands­off training methods based on positive reinforcement are more humane and longer lasting in terms of efficacy. For example, the sit can be taught by holding a treat above a dog’s nose and slowly moving it back so the dog follows it and is in the right position to drop his rear end to the floor. We can take a similar approach with our horse by holding out a handful of hay below his chest and close to the body. This is not the best position for him to reach the hay, so he will automatically adjust his position and take a step back. Add in the word association of “Step back” when he does this and before you know it you'll have it on cue. And the real reason for teaching this movement? There are times when we need our horses to go backwards, such as when they are at the stable door and stepping back creates enough space for us to get in. It is also useful when riding and opening and closing gates, or if a horse is about to step forward when it is not safe.

Step Forwards and Sideways: As with the step backwards, these skills are also very useful things to teach. Teaching movement makes horses more aware of their bodies and what they are doing with them, which is an extra advantage when around such large animals. Not all an­ imals are spatially aware to the same degree.

Carefully: Some horses may not know their own strength. With dogs, it is often the giant breeds who do not realize that their version of giving a paw is more like slamming a paw. Horses do love head rubs but they can end up almost knocking you off your feet, so teach them to be gentle and not push you as they rub. This is done by moving slightly back when they rub so that they are touching you but not pushing you. Adding your chosen word when doing this creates the association. Apply this for other times you need them to be gentle in their movements.

Horse Sports: Activities such as trick training and agility are usually as­ sociated with dogs but are fantastic for horses too. Trick training is an excellent way to teach many different movements and sequences that can be used in different contexts in everyday life. Horses are clever ani­ mals and enjoy using their brains to solve problems and learn new things. Horse agility, meanwhile, has been around for a while. You do it in your own space and submit videos if you want to compete. The courses you set up differ from dog agility in that they include sensory

experiences such as different types of flooring and things that move in the wind or touch the horse’s body as they go through them. Teaching agility gives your horse experience of a wide range of different things that again will be of benefit when he comes across something novel when out and about.

Enduring Partnership Patel (2018) points out that "[t]raining is no longer something we do to animals but something we do with animals. It is a conversation. We want participation rather than compliance.” And working with our horses using the force­free methods outlined above, will enable us to do exactly that. n Kathie Gregory is a qualified animal behavior consultant, presenter and author, specializing in advanced cognition and emotional intelligence. Passionate about raising standards and awareness in how we teach and work with animals, she has developed Free-Will TeachingTM (facebook.com/freewillteaching), a concept that provides the framework for animals to enjoy life without compromising their own free will. She has authored two books, A tale of two horses: a passion for free will teaching, and A Puppy Called Wolfie: a passion for free will teaching, and her work is currently divided between working with clients, mentoring, and writing.

References British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

(2019). Position Statement on Animal Training. Available at: bit.ly/2XEb8W2 Gregory. K. (2018, September). Equine Social Structure. BARKS from the Guild (32) 39-41. Available at: bit.ly/2NKZh6G Ha, J.C., & Campion, T.L. (2019). Dog Behavior: Modern Science and Our Canine Companions. London, UK: Elsevier Kiley-Worthington, M. (1997). Communication in Horses: Cooperation and Competition. Eco Research Centre, University of Exeter, United Kingdom: Publication 19 Patel, C. (2018, April). Rethinking Dog Training. Pet Professional Guild Training and Behavior Workshop Presentation, Kanab, UT. In S. Nilson. (2018, July). Lecture Notes: What They Said. BARKS from the Guild (31) 12-13. Available at: bit.ly/2W9pflX Pet Professional Guild. (2016). Open Letter to Veterinarians on Referrals to Training and Behavior Professionals. Available at: bit.ly/2KcMK84 Syme, G.T., & Syme, L.A. (1979). Social Structure in Farm Animals.

Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier Tudge, N.J, Nilson, S.J., Millikan, D.A., & Stapleton-Frappell, L.A. (2019). Pet Training and Behavior Consulting: A Model for Raising the Bar to Protect Professionals, Pets and Their People. (n.p.): DogNostics Career Center Publishing

Resources Gregory. K. (2018, May). From the Horse’s Perspective. BARKS from the Guild (30) 48-50. Available at: bit.ly/2n31QVZ King, C. (2016). Teaching Your Horse Good Food Manners. Available at: bit.ly/2n9UP5V Poppema, S. (2016). Myth Monday: Training with Food rewards causes pushy Horses. Available at: bit.ly/2l75q0S Skipper, L. (n.d.) The Myth of Dominance. Available at: bit.ly/2ltbHEm Wächter, T., Lungu, O.V., Liu, T., Willingham, D.T., & Ashe, J. (2009).

Differential Effect of Reward and Punishment on Procedural Learning. Journal of Neuroscience 14 29 (2) 436-443. Available at: bit.ly/2lFdJkB

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

21

training

Trigger Warning!

Alex Walker examines the importance of what it means to work under threshold and the impact this has on the learning process, based on a recent behavior consultation

W

e’re all familiar with the term “threshold,” the magical line where, when kept under it, our dogs can focus and learn.

During behavior consultations, the concept of a threshold and how to stay under it are, in my opinion, a trainer’s best friend. But how do we know that our dogs are actually under threshold? Certainly, we’ve all been in situations where progress, at times, looks like one step forward and two steps back. In this article, we will look at what one par­ ticular dog's threshold looked like and how this realization led to a dras­ tic increase in learning and behavior change.

Before we get started, let's take a look at our student, Stanley. Stan­ ley is 3­year­old cattle dog who had been adopted and returned after three days, then adopted again, this time by his forever family. Stanley was a dog who knew what he liked and that included his new home, his new cattle dog brother, and his mom. Everyone else could take a hike.

Visitors on the property? Forget it. Stanley was happy enough to tell them they were not welcome (through barking, growling, and the occa­ sional bite). He had found doggie heaven with his new mom and did not want any interruptions. It took less than a month for Stanley’s new owner to realize this couldn’t continue, so she contacted me and off we went with the goal of helping Stanley understand how to be comfort­ able and relaxed with guests on the property.

After an initial discussion and thorough history taking, it was de­ cided that our first appointment would take place on neutral territory.

This would allow me to talk to Stanley’s owner without the trigger of the property line and, hopefully, start the process of pairing myself with reinforcement. Knowing that Stanley was people reactive, I entered the building first and generously scattered treats across the room, keeping a good bit of distance so Stanley did not feel pressured. During the first session, it was clear he was uncomfortable. He was sniffing around, re­ fusing the food and watching every small movement I made. His owner was very engaged and we spent the majority of the time learning about Stanley and what made him tick, while talking and pairing small move­ ments with reinforcement and encouraging calm behavior in the train­ ing room. After about 10­15 minutes, he started to move from his spot on top of mom’s feet and began sniffing and searching for the treats.

By the end of the session and after a couple of inquisitive sniffs from Stanley, we had our starting point established and a detailed plan on how to start counterconditioning. First was the need for a location change. Despite the lack of reaction on neutral territory (Stanley did not bark or lunge once), it was immediately clear that he was not comfort­ able. His obvious tension and even the absence of behaviors we knew he practiced regularly at home told us that we had not yet found what “under threshold” looked like for Stanley.

Looking for Something?

The

© Alex Walker

Stanley (right) liked his new home, his new cattle dog brother, Tucker (left), and his new owner, but made it clear he wasn’t so keen on much else

Reactivity For our next appointment, we met in the home, which is a large prop­ erty that Stanley and his new brother, Tucker, had the run of along with two horses and a cow named Sprinkles. As I pulled up to the gate, Stan­ ley was there to greet me and, ah­ha! There was the barking and lung­ ing we had discussed. Mom quickly recalled him and he immediately returned to her and followed her inside to relax in his crate while we discussed the session outside.

We set our criteria ladder as follows: 1.

Stanley will relax in his crate while mom reinforces for relaxed body language and a calm demeanor as I enter through the front door (the crate is closed and is away from the door on the other side of the room).

2.

Stanley will be reinforced for a calm demeanor while I move around the room both in and out of his eyeline.

3.

Stanley will be reinforced for a calm demeanor while I move into his eyeline and finally take a seat on the couch in the living room.

With the plan now in place, we were quick to get into position, with me at the front door and mom inside next to Stanley. Now, the start of

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22

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

training Stanley was a dog who knew what he liked and that included his new home, his new cattle dog brother, and his mom. Everyone else could take a hike. Visitors on the property? Forget it. Stanley was happy enough to tell them they were not welcome (through barking, growling, and the occasional bite). He had found doggie heaven with his new mom and did not want any interruptions. the session was not without its missteps. Upon first entering the room Stanley did bark briefly, so I paused on step one and waited for mom to get the calm relaxed body language that we needed to move forward.

This was an important step and in our previous session it was this area where our session plateaued, i.e. one step forward and two steps back).

Now that we were in the home, we were able to see a much differ­ ent picture of Stanley and despite the initial alarm bark, he was quick to calm and was toggling back and forth between me seated on the couch and mom next to his crate in no time. Finally, we were starting to see a Stanley that was, in fact, under threshold.

From this point, we moved on and raised our criteria ladder as follows: 1.

I will remain seated on the couch while mom leashes up Stan­ ley and lets him out of his crate. From here we will reinforce a calm demeanor and body language without moving closer to the guest.

2.

Stanley and his owner will remain in their spot while I get up and down from the couch and move around the room (not di­ rectly towards him). Mom reinforces calm and happy body language.

3.

I will begin to approach Stanley and we play an engage and disengage game. For a calm demeanor, I toss treats away from Stanley. Stanley (on leash) is able to grab the treats and can now choose to engage again to earn another, or stay by mom and earn reinforcement there.

Under Threshold It is in this space that the magic really starts to happen. We start to see Stanley open up and take to learning like a fish to water. He sails through the criteria ladder and despite having reinforcement available next to mom he happily chooses to engage with me. It is in these mo­ ments that we see clearly what Stanley under threshold really looks like.

The remainder of the session proceeds quickly and it seems that Stanley has figured us out, allowing us to climb the criteria ladder until we are coming up with new approximations left and right. Off leash – check. He is happy and comfortable off leash. Guests sitting down vs. guests standing up – check. He is fine with this now too. What if we leave and re­enter? Superstar ­ he just sits nicely and asks for more cookies.

In the final minutes of the lesson, we decide to really build on our success. What if I drive off the property and then return five minutes later and work through the criteria again? I hopped in my car and did just this and, when I returned, there was Stanley happily relaxing in his crate next to mom and then working with lighting speed through the criteria we had outlined.

What precipitated this change? What variables allowed for such an uptake in learning? When I had initially set up the session outside the home, my goal was to prevent reactions by eliminating Stanley’s largest trigger, i.e. his property line. However, by removing Stanley from his home and meeting him on neutral territory, even though I had con­ trolled for this variable, I also had placed Stanley in a new environment where he was not fully able to relax. As such, although we did not see any barking or lunging in the first session, we did not see a happy and

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23

training relaxed Stanley either.

By moving the sessions to the home and designing small approxima­ tions to set up Stanley for success, not only were we able to work in the area where the problem behavior was occurring, but by building small successful approximations we finally saw what Stanley under threshold looked like, i.e. a happy and confident dog who, by the end of the ses­ sion, was relaxing and chewing on one of his favorite bones. We even had moments when Stanley was comfortable enough to solicit petting from me, the formerly scary stranger.

Since the start of training, we have successfully worked through our criteria ladder multiple times and have started to incorporate other guests into Stanley’s home. By truly working under Stanley's threshold, learning was quick; shockingly so. Because of this, we started to incor­ porate new guests by session three with about four weeks between our first meeting and our last session at the end of the following month.

Does this mean Stanley is an anomaly? A learning superstar who needed very little attention and direction from me? Perhaps. However, I believe that had we hosted all the sessions on neutral territory away from Stanley's biggest trigger (his property line), we may have con­ trolled for this variable, but we would not have seen a happy and re­ laxed Stanley so quickly and would have been spending valuable time acclimating him to neutral territory instead of his own home.

This is a useful lesson for all of us in behavior cases where progress seems to be taking one step forward then two steps back. Consider re­ examining your animal and that magical threshold and see if there are other variables that can ensure you remain working under it. n

24

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

© Alex Walker

By adapting her behavior change plan, author Alex Walker was able to keep Stanley under threshold so they could work more effectively on counterconditioning his reactivity to people

Alex Walker is a Professional Canine Trainer - Accredited, Certified Pet Care Technician (Level 2), AKC Canine Good Citizen and STAR Puppy Evaluator, TrickMeister Apprentice and Licensed Pet Dog Ambassador Instructor and Assessor. She currently works as a trainer at Courteous Canine Inc. Dog Smith of Tampa (courteouscanine.com).

Originally a trainer and keeper in the zoological community, she recently made the switch to focus on dogs full time.

training

Goose Buster Gail Radtke relates the tale of how her border collie Trixie Mae got herself a job as a force-free goose hazer

© Gail Radtke

© Gail Radtke

Border collie Trixie Mae passed the test and got a job as a goose hazer in a Vancouver area city park

Now, when author Gail Radtke and Trixie Mae arrive at the park, they have become the cue for the geese to leave

I

is currently no data regarding rates of infection, nor any indication of disease spikes around areas with geese (Humane Society of the United States, 2012). However, warmer months pose the greatest risk because they provide ideal bacterial growth conditions (Ray 2011; Kullas, Coles, Rhyan & Clark, 2002). Goose droppings can also “foul footpaths, docks, beaches and lawns, and may contribute to contamination of nearby water with parasites and coliform bacteria.” (Environment Canada ­ Canadian Wildlife Service, 2010.)

n the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia where I am grateful to call home, we have large numbers of beautiful parks, many of them along ocean and lake waterfronts. With a mild climate and ecosystem, we are fortunate to have diverse wildlife, marine life and birds – lots of them – and a growing population of majestic Canada Geese. And, due to the milder climate we enjoy on the west coast of Canada, we also have a situation where we have geese that are no longer migrating.

The Canada Geese that are now year­round residents in several areas in and around Vancouver are commonly referred to as ‘’resident’’ geese. According to the Canadian Wildlife Service, southern British Co­ lumbia currently hosts 37,828 Canada Geese, while regulatory goals for southern British Columbia have adopted a population objective of 10­ 15,000 geese. This will require a significant reduction in population (Pierce, 2016). The resident geese graze year­round and this can cause damage to ecosystems, waterways and park areas. There is also the problem with waste. A single goose produces 1 pound of waste per day and this is rendering some park areas unusable for people and domestic pets, given concerns regarding disease transmission. While diseases that are potentially infectious to humans may be found in goose feces, there

Hazing involves chasing geese away every time they arrive at a specific area and is reapplied until all birds have left that area. [Biologist Kurt] Frei refers to it as a “treatment” and it is considered to be the most humane, nonlethal method of population control in urban areas. At no time does Trixie get right up close to the geese.

Resident Geese Within the community, the large populations of resident geese in busy parks, especially near water, have become a growing concern. As such, measures to reduce conflict between geese and humans are now being conducted. One such project is taking place in Rocky Point Park, a 3.8 hectare waterfront park located in Port Moody, a city in Metro Vancouver.

Known as the Rocky Point Park Goose Management Plan, the city of Port Moody initiated the development of an official approach to ad­ dress issues with geese in the park. Staff retained the services of Kate Hagmeier, a registered biologist with expertise in the population dy­ namics and behavioral ecology of Canada Geese, who developed the management plan. Also involved is Kurt Frei, a registered biologist and the city’s environmental technician, who is tasked with overseeing the city’s wildlife programs and responding to environmental inquiries from the public. The city takes great care of Rocky Point Park and staff are on site daily to ensure it is pristine and ready for use. Consequently, they have already taken measures to deal with the large amount of goose droppings by adding an attachment to the large lawn mower that main­ tains the area. This acts as a vacuum for the droppings and is known as the Turf Vac 4000.

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

25

training Hagmeier and Frei ensure that the treatment schedule ensures the safety of the geese during their critical periods throughout the year and create their schedule around it. Once a year, geese grow new wing feathers, a process called molting, and they are unable to fly till May-June time. In addition, the geese lay their eggs at the end of March, so they have goslings who are also unable to fly until the last part of June.

If there were even a slight suspicion that any kind of prey drive might be activated during the chasing of the geese, Trixie Mae (circled) would not have been selected for the job

geese away every time they arrive at a specific area and is reapplied until all birds have left that area. Frei refers to it as a “treatment” and it is considered to be the most humane, nonlethal method of population control in urban areas. At no time does Trixie get right up close to the geese. If there had been even a slight suspicion that any kind of prey drive might be activated during the chasing of the geese, she would not have been chosen for the job.

Dog at Work

Data Collection

Lawn mower aside, another strategy of the Goose Management Plan in­ volves using a trained dog to “discourage” the geese, with the goal that they learn not to use specific areas. It is here that Trixie Mae enters the picture. Trixie Mae is a 4­year­old border collie who came into my life when she was 3 years old. She didn’t have a positive start to life, but I believe she is making up for it now. I received a call in October 2018 about a potential job for her if she were able to pass an “interview” with Hagmeier and Frei at the park.

Although Trixie and I were able to prepare for our meeting by prac­ ticing and solidifying her ability to come when called around high dis­ tractions, there were no opportunities to practice with actual geese. I had full confidence in her, however. Once at the park for our interview, we had a chat about what the job entailed and were then put to the test. A large group of about 25 geese were in a grassy location in a busy area of the park. I gave Trixie the cue to chase them away, which she willingly did. One whistle and a call of her name and she ran back to me like a champion. It was like she had read the job description and knew exactly what to do. The job was hers.

Although Trixie is, as a border collie, a natural herding dog, geese hazing, as it is known, is not herding. Herding involves systematically moving livestock or birds in different directions and to different loca­ tions. The dog does not chase the animals. Hazing involves chasing

Hagmeier and Frei ensure that the treatment schedule ensures the safety of the geese during their critical periods throughout the year and create their schedule around it. Once a year, geese grow new wing feathers, a process called molting, and they are unable to fly till May­ June time. In addition, the geese lay their eggs at the end of March, so they have goslings who are also unable to fly until the last part of June.

Once Frei has seen that all the geese have their flight feathers and are capable of flying, Trixie and I can get to work. My role is, of course, driv­ ing Trixie to work. I’m pretty sure she is living the ultimate dog dream being licensed to chase geese in a park. I also collect data for Hagmeier and Frei each time we are at work whereby I record the time, tempera­ ture, total number of geese, and the tidal levels. They have noted a cor­ relation between the daily tidal change with the arrival of the geese.

Other data I record is what direction the geese come from and which direction they fly off to. I’ve even started to add to my notes when I see large numbers of seagulls with the geese, as, possibly, there might be a pattern Hagmeier and Frei can establish with this informa­ tion. I find it fascinating to examine the variables that might be able to predict when the geese come to the park and the success of the treat­ ments. Meanwhile, I have observed a change in the geese and their will­ ingness to leave the park since Trixie has been visiting. There are times now that they start walking in the opposite direction and fly off as soon

© Gail Radtke

© Gail Radtke

Hazing is considered to be the most humane, nonlethal method of population control for geese in urban areas

26

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

training as we appear, even when she is still on the leash and not moving. We have become the cue for them to leave.

To be honest, I never imagined that I would spend a lot of time among Canada Geese, but I am now starting to notice the differences in their vocalizations. They definitely change when we enter the park, but I’m not sure if they are communicating with each other or perhaps say­ ing something uncomplimentary about Trixie! Now, when I see a gaggle of geese flying overhead, I can’t help but start to count them. I wonder where they are headed and if Trixie and I have already met them. n

References Environment Canada - Canadian Wildlife Service. (2010). Handbook: Canada and Cackling Geese: Management and Population Control in Southern Canada. Available at: bit.ly/2kV7GYW Humane Society of the United States. (2019). Solving Problems with Canada Geese: A management plan and information guide. Available at: bit.ly/2kWDI6J Kullas, H., Coles, M., Rhyan, J., & Clark, L. (2002). Prevalence of Escherichia coli serogroups and human virulence factors in faeces of urban Canada geese (Branta canadensis).” International Journal of Environmental Health Research 12 (2): 153-62. Available at: bit.ly/2kTKJoQ Pierce, J.R. (2016). Understanding and Managing Resident Canada Geese in Vancouver. Available at: bit.ly/2kV7UiK Ray, E. (2011). Population dynamics and habitat selection of resident urban Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) in Scottsdale, Arizona.

M.Sc. Thesis. Tempe, AZ: Arizona State University

Resources Canada Goose: on.natgeo.com/2kWvpYy Rocky Point Park: bit.ly/2msB5tZ Turf Vac 4000: bit.ly/2lZmDt8

© SydneyKeira

Trixie Mae did not have a positive start to life, but is making up for it now

Gail Radtke owns and operates Cedar Valley K9 (cedarvalleyk9.ca) in Pitt Meadows, British Columbia. She is a certified fear free animal trainer and certified professional dog trainer and holds a diploma in canine behavior and science technology. She is also a DogSafe canine first aid authorized instructor, FitPAWS master trainer and certified canine fitness trainer.

The A-Z of Training and Behavior Brought to you by F is for...

Fading: Fading is how stimulus control is transferred from the prompt, verbal prompt, environmental prompt or physical prompt, to the final stimulus. The existing prompt, stimulus that exerts control over the behavior, is gradually faded away as the stimulus control is passed to the new stimulus. The old stimulus is faded away while the behavior has a high probability of reinforcement to avoid SΔ, the extinction stimulus, and to eliminate errors. This is called errorless learning.

During the fading procedure stimulus control is transferred by decreasing the level of prompts and by delaying the timing for presenting prompts.

Fixed Interval Schedule: A schedule of reinforcement that dictates that the first correct response after a set amount of time has passed is reinforced (i.e., a consequence is delivered). The time period required is always the same, therefore predictable to the pet.

Fixed Ratio Schedule: A schedule of reinforcement that is intermittent which makes use of a contingency such as the pet emitting a certain number of responses prior to being reinforced.

Ex. The pet touches his nose to the palm of your

hand five times before you click and treat. This is a fixed ratio schedule of reinforcement FR 5:1.

Flooding: Flooding is used in exposure therapy.

The term refers to exposing the pet to a stimulus they are actively avoiding or seeking to escape.

Flooding should always be avoided as it can lead to fear, anxiety, stress and learned helplessness.

Systematic desensitization is the preferred method for altering a pet’s response to a stimulus.

Functional Assessment: The Functional Assessment is the behavior analytical approach to explaining, describing and controlling behavior. The behavior analytical approach does not rely on guess work, trial and error tactics or anecdotal recommendations but systematically identifies the functional relationship the behavior has with the environment. When these relationships have been identified then efficient and effective solutions can be developed. The intended final product of the Functional Assessment is a contingency statement that the behaviorist has confidence in. The contingency statement details in simple terms the antecedents, behaviors and consequences in measurable terms.

From: A Lexicon of Practical Terms for Pet Trainers & Behavior Consultants: The language you need to know!

by DogNostics Career Center. Available from: bit.ly/DogNosticsLexicon

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

27

training

Top Tips for Recall Sally Bradbury sets out the steps involved in training a puppy, or indeed any dog, to reliably recall

A

solid recall is a key life skill for dogs and their owners and in this article I will set out the steps to train this essential behavior. The first three steps are:

#1. Use a Long Line: A long line (Note: this is not the same as a re­ tractable leash, which are not recommended) can be used to give dogs freedom but ensures they can’t get into trouble, run away or get lost. It is ideal for young puppies, dogs going through adolescence, and essen­ tial for newly adopted rescue dogs. Always attach a line to a harness. #2. Teach an Automatic Check‐In: Teaching a check­in and rein­ forcing desirable behaviors start indoors. Set yourself a challenge. Put 20 treats in a pot on the kitchen counter and every time your puppy looks at you (not when you ask him to) give him a treat. Count the treats left at the end of the day. The next day, try and beat your record.

Then take it to the garden. Lower your expectations for this. And, of course, then eventually take it out and about. #3. Be Fun to Be With: When you get to the field/park start toss­ ing treats for your puppy to catch, get a tug toy from your pocket and have a game for 10­20 seconds, then run about and have him chase you. More treats, more play, drop the leash, pick up the leash, unclip the leash, put the leash back on all while feeding and playing. Do this for a minute or two and finish with the leash off, put the long line on, put toys and treats back in your pocket and tell him, “off you go.”

Whichever way he goes, you go the other way. Give him some sniff time, then start cheering and whooping and running again, get the toy and treats out again and repeat ad infinitum.

When you get to the field/park start tossing treats for your puppy to catch, get a tug toy from your pocket and have a game for 10-20 seconds, then run about and have him chase you.

Recall Games Following on from that, here are some games that you can play at any time that will have a positive impact on your dog's recall. #1. Collar Touch: Simply take hold of your dog's flat collar or har­ ness gently, palm towards the side of his neck, every single time before you give him a treat, open the door to let him out, throw him a toy, put his leash on, take his leash off, give him his dinner and everything else that is a pleasurable experience for him. Before you know it, he will be pushing his neck into your palm in anticipation of the reward. Add a ver­ bal cue and you have a great recall trick. #2. Retrieve: If a dog is bringing a toy back to you, then you've got a recall. If your dog enjoys a game of tug, then use a rope ball with a handle so he can chase, fetch and then enjoy a tug game with you. You can keep the game interesting by throwing the toy into long grass and sending him to find it with lots of whooping and cheering when he finds it and returns to you.

28

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

© Can Stock Photo/Kalypso

A solid recall is an essential life skill for all dogs and there are a variety of tools and techniques available to ensure the training is fun and reliable

#3. Chase the Kibble: Send him away by tossing a treat for him to find. Cheer when he finds it and give him a really yummy treat for com­ ing back to you ready to go again. Stage 2 of this game is to change posi­ tion each time he goes away so that part of the fun is turning around and looking for you. All of these games can be done at home, indoors, in the garden and out and about. They can also be done on a long line or off leash where it is safe to do so.

Next, let’s talk about the do’s and don’t’s for teaching recall.

• DON’T call your dog if he is busy and is not looking at you.

• DO call your dog excitedly when he is heading your way.

• DON’T call your dog back to you when you are walking towards him.

• DO change direction and encourage your dog to follow you and catch up with you.

• DON’T chase your dog • DO run away and get him to chase you.

• DON’T call your dog only at the end of the walk.

• DO call him and, if off leash, put the leash on randomly during the walk.

• DON’T ever tell your dog off for a slow recall. It will be slower next time.

• DO praise and reward your dog for coming back, even if it took a while, but consider grading the rewards so that the quicker the recall the better the reward.

• DON’T use the line to make him return to you. The training is far more effective if it’s his choice to return.

• DO use all these tips to make your dog want to return to you.

The Clever Stuff If you have followed all these steps, you now have a dog that can recall perfectly, unless something puts a spanner in the works. This may in­

training One reason for teaching a dog to check in with you is when you encounter other dogs. He checks in before being given the okay to greet.

This ensures that all four parties, both dogs and both humans, are mutually agreeable to the interaction before you release your dog. If it's not appropriate, then you can reward him with something else and walk politely past. clude another dog, a squirrel, seagulls, and countless other distractions.

Here, then, are my advanced recall tips: #1. Auto Check‐In When Seeing Another Dog: One reason for teaching a dog to check in with you is when you encounter other dogs.

He checks in before being given the okay to greet. This ensures that all four parties, both dogs and both humans, are mutually agreeable to the interaction before you release your dog. If it's not appropriate, then you can reward him with something else and walk politely past. If it is, then what better reward than being able to say “hi” to a canine friend. If your dog enthusiastically greets every dog he sees without checking if it's okay first, then this will inevitably get him into trouble at some point and may also lead to reactivity when on leash because of the frustration of not being free to meet and greet (as well as potentially upset other dogs and/or their owners). #2. Teaching a Predictive Cue: This is done using a thrown toy (or food) for the dog to chase and adding a verbal cue. For this example, we'll use “TOY!” Over several sessions, every single time you throw the toy for him to chase you, give the cue. Now for the clever bit. Throw a different toy (boringly to start with) and say nothing, then immediately throw his favorite toy as you shout “TOY!” in the other direction. He should immedi­ ately be distracted from chasing the first thing he saw moving and go

after the second one simply because of the power of the word “toy.” #3. Teach an Instant Down at a Distance: There are various ways to teach this once your dog understands the verbal cue to lie down and it can often halt a dog in his tracks where recall has failed. #4. Food and Toys: If your dog is not motivated by food or toys outdoors, then you can increase the value of both quite easily. Put his food bowl away and put all of his meal in a food pouch and hand feed him outdoors, in the garden to start with before taking it out and about.

He doesn't have to do anything for it other than step toward you and eat from your hand as you step back and say his name excitedly. This is very effective if you can do it for all or most meals over a period of time.

Obviously, no running about if he is eating. Just stroll to the park or the woods, eat dinner and walk home. From there, food treats can be used as a reward on walks. To make toys motivating rewards, even with out­ side distractions, pick up and put away all of the interactive toys indoors and at every opportunity take a toy from the cupboard and run out to the garden and play for two minutes. No playing indoors if you want toys outdoors to be high value rewards. n

Resources Baragona, K. (2014). Teaching My Hound NOT To Hunt. BARKS Blog.

Available at: bit.ly/2kEmMC0 Sally Bradbury has worked with dogs all her adult life, from RSPCA kennel maid in her teens to founding and running her own very successful dog training business for 20 years. She was also a founding member of the APDT (United Kingdom). Her passion is helping and supporting new puppy owners raise their puppies to avoid the many pitfalls that result in so many youngsters being handed into rescues in their first year. She is now retired and living in Wales and has recently published the children’s book, Jack and Billy: Puppy Tales, featuring two puppies who experience vastly different journeys in their new homes (jackandbillypuppytales.com).

Jump-Start or Expand Your Pet Training Business Join the DogSmith and add these great benefits to your Pet Business’s tool box: Branded website Branded business forms Private training applications Group training applications Branded marketing collateral 24 hour Toll-Free telephone number Branded customer service documents Extensive ‘best practices’ knowledge database And much more...

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Preparing for a New Puppy Louise Stapleton-Frappell presents an ‘ABC Checklist for Puppy-Proofing Your Home’ to ensure he stays safe and happy

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o you have a puppy in your family or are you Curtain and blind cords should be thinking of adding one? The best time to secured at a high level and/or puppy­proof your home is before your new any loops cut. puppy actually arrives, but even if he has been in your home for a few weeks, it is still worth tak­ Doors, stairs and windows. Be ing the time to have a good crawl around on careful when closing doors as the floor to see things from his point of view. your puppy could easily get Puppies love to explore with their caught in the door as you close it mouths, so it is essential you move any or may surge ahead without you potentially hazardous noticing and get locked in as you items out of reach. leave. Close off stairwells with baby In this article, listed gates and make sure any low windows in alphabetical order, remain securely closed. you will find some of the “dangers” you need Electrical cords should be out of reach to look out for. Please note or securely covered. that this is not an exhaustive list, but it will, hopefully, give you Fire pits, barbecues, and other © Can Stock Photo/dosecreative an idea of the sort of things I rec­ heat or fire sources could cause se­ Puppies use their mouths to explore, to play and to relieve teething discomfort so rious burns. Puppies should be ommend you should be checking teaching good chewing habits may help save rugs, furniture, clothing, shoes etc. and/or doing for optimum success. kept away from or closely super­ A few extra tips have also been included to help you and your vised around open fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters, firepits and puppy get off to a great start together. barbecues.

Active supervision is essential. Make good use of crates, gates and barri­ ers whenever you are unable to actively supervise your puppy. Whether you are entertaining visitors, relaxing near your pool, having a barbecue or chatting with your neighbors, if the puppy is free, it is a good idea to allocate supervision to a specific person. When that person needs a break, they pass on active supervision of the puppy to another specific person or place the puppy back in the crate or behind the baby gate. A general “Can you watch the puppy as I just need to…” often means that everyone says “yes,” but, as nobody in particular has specifically been allocated the task, each person may think that someone else is keeping an eye on the puppy.

Bah, humbug. Your first holiday season with your puppy may necessi­ tate a rethink of your usual holiday decorations. For example, your Christmas tree may need to be elevated to a new position and watch out for the cords on your holiday lights, as anything within reach is a po­ tential hazard.

Please choose your training professional carefully and make sure they only use sciencebased, rewards-based, force-free training methods. Check the trainer’s credentials. Don’t just take it for granted that because they are open for business they will have the requisite skills and knowledge needed to help you and your puppy, as, unfortunately, anyone can call themselves a dog trainer.

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Gates and fences should be checked regularly. Safe, secure fences with gates that your puppy cannot jump over, dig under or simply walk through, are an absolute must. You might even wish to consider putting “Please Close the Gate/Door” signs on all your exterior doors and gates as this acts as a quick reminder for friends, family and others that visit your home.

Household cleaners, detergents and other toxic substances such as chewing gum, cigarettes, e­cigarette liquid, antifreeze, petrol, oil, paint, insecticides, pesticides, slug baits, fertilizers, batteries, solvents and glue, should all be kept out of reach, as should any device that contains batteries. Always move your puppy to another room whenever you are using liquid or spray cleaners as the vapors can be harmful to lungs and eyes, or consider pet­safe, nontoxic options where possible.

Installing calming aids, such as plug­in pheromone diffusers, may help your puppy relax in his new home.

Jewelry, tiny toys, coins, needles and thread, paper clips, pens, staples… the list goes on. Potentially dangerous items, such as sharp objects or things that might seem appealing to an inquisitive puppy and find their way into the puppy’s mouth, should be safely stored out of reach. This may mean temporarily removing items from low tables and other sur­ faces. It also means that you need to regularly sweep and check your floor to make sure there aren't any items left lying around that your puppy will try to eat.

Keep food and any potentially dangerous items safely stored away. You should beware of spoiled foods, food that is toxic to dogs, and sharp ob­

canine Reinforce coming when called with super highvalue treats, toys, games, praise, petting and fun, so that you are able to call your puppy away from any potential hazard. It’s also a good idea to teach puppies a lovely “drop (it)” on cue so that, if they do pick something up that they shouldn’t, you can quickly ask them to release the item.

Offer your puppy a variety of toys to provide mental and physical stimu­ lation. Interactive puzzle games, tugs, balls, snuggly teddies etc. Al­ though my dogs always had one snuggly, comforting toy that I never rotated, I advise rotating other toys and chews. Perhaps put half of them away in a cupboard and swap them over every few days. This should ensure your puppy doesn’t get bored with them.

Pools, ponds, hot tubs, fountains and even full sinks, bathtubs, and toi­ lets with open lids can all be a drowning hazard, so make sure your puppy cannot access them.

© Can Stock Photo/kadmy

The best time to puppy­proof your home is before he actually arrives, but even if your pup has been in your home for a few weeks it is still worth taking the time to crawl around on the floor to see things from his point of view and remove any potential hazards

jects in your kitchen and elsewhere around the home. Remember to keep your dishwasher closed and don’t make things tempting or easily accessible by leaving them on the edge of the countertop.

Put your purse, handbag or briefcase safely away out of reach. You would be amazed at how quickly a puppy can become a pick pocket and at how many choking hazards or toxic substances, such as headache tablets, your bag probably holds. Rubbish bins should have secure lids or be placed in a cupboard or out of reach. The smallest of puppies can quickly overturn a trash can!

Qualified? A qualified trainer is not only going to be instrumental in helping you teach your puppy how to become a well­mannered mem­

Learn which common foods can be toxic to dogs. Foods such as choco­ late, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins, and the artifi­ cial sweetener xylitol (see the letter X towards the end of this article) can cause serious problems if ingested. See Help Keep Rover Safe – Foods that may be toxic for pets! for more information.

Make sure your puppy’s crate is roomy but also cozy and attractive, so he enjoys spending time there. The crate should have a comfortable mattress and a selection of safe puppy chews and toys to keep puppy busy when he or she isn’t sleeping. There are lots of brands available but my personal favorites are KONG puppy toys and chews. See Keep Fido Mentally and Physically Active – Boredom Busters, Enrichment Exer‐ cises & More! to learn how a bored dog, lacking appropriate mental and physical stimulation, may get himself into trouble and what you can do to help ensure this doesn’t happen.

Nylabones are a great choice, in my experience, if you wish to avoid de­ structive chewing. Puppies use their mouths to explore, to play and to relieve teething discomfort so teaching good chewing habits may help save the corners of your furniture. Please select appropriately sized puppy chews. They are available in lots of different flavors including chicken, beef, bacon and cheese. Please do bear in mind that chews such as Nylabones are not to be consumed. As your puppy chews a Ny­ labone, tiny raised projections will appear. These can help clean your puppy’s teeth and if swallowed should be passed through, but your puppy should not be able to break off larger pieces as this could present a choking or blockage hazard. If you see the Nylabone (or any other non­edible chew) is starting to look worn, please replace it with a new one. Watch the video How to Select the Right Nylabone Chew Toy for your Dog to help you make sure you get it right.

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31

canine Reinforce coming when called with super high­value treats, toys, games, praise, petting and fun, so that you are able to call your puppy away from any potential hazard. It’s also a good idea to teach puppies a lovely “drop (it)” on cue so that, if they do pick something up that they should­ n’t, you can quickly ask them to release the item.

Store medications and supplements safely.

Take care! As well as being cute and wriggly, puppies are clumsy and have fragile bones. Please keep your puppy off high furniture. It is also a good idea to ask young children to sit when holding the puppy.

Underwear can be hazardous (believe it or not!) Place your laundry bas­ ket in a location where it cannot be accessed by your puppy. Remember to let everyone know they need to be tidy. Clothes should be put away and dirty washing should not be left on the floor. Those “smalls” have huge potential to create big blockages.

© Louise Stapleton­Frappell

German shepherd puppy Naia enjoys a short break in a crate with a stuffed KONG, a cuddly dog toy, a Nylabone, a comfortable bed and a bowl of water.

Author Louise Stapleton­Frappell recommends owners ‘undress’ their puppy when crated by removing the leash, collar, harness and any other item that could potentially get caught on the crate. Note: Naia was being actively supervised

Various plants and flowers may pose a risk to your pet. One example is the Bird of Paradise Flower, also known as the Bird's Tongue Flower or Crane Flower (Scientific Name: Strelitzia reginae) which is toxic to dogs, cats and horses. See the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center list of poi‐ sonous plants for more information.

Workers such as cleaners, gardeners, maintenance and pool people should all be advised not to leave hazardous objects on the floor or leave doors ajar.

ber of your family, some will also be willing to visit your home and do a house check with you. Please choose your training professional carefully Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used in foods as a sugar substitute. While xyli­ tol, which is found naturally in berries, plums, corn, oats, mushrooms, and make sure they only use science­based, rewards­based, force­free lettuce, trees, and some other fruits, is harmless to humans, it can be training methods. Check the trainer’s credentials. Don’t just take it for deadly for dogs. Xylitol is increasingly being granted that because they are open for business they will used in products like sugar­free gum, have the requisite skills and knowl­ breath mints, baked goods, cough edge needed to help you and your syrup, mouthwash, toothpaste, puppy, as, unfortunately, anyone nasal sprays and more. It is even can call themselves a dog trainer. If sometimes present in some you would like to learn more about brands of that high­value reward the lack of credentials, formal edu­ used by many trainers and pet cation, knowledge or skills held by dog guardians, peanut butter. many of the individuals offering pet “Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. training and behavior consulting serv­ Even small amounts of xylitol can ices, I recommend Pet Training and cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), Behavior Consulting: A Model for Rais‐ seizures, liver failure or even death in ing the Bar to Protect Professionals, Pets dogs.” (Brutlag, 2016). Please and Their People (see petindustryregu‐ © Can Stock Photo/Anke read all food label ingredi­ lation.com for more information and Rubbish bins should have secure lids or be placed in a cupboard or out of reach as ents with extreme care. also ad on p.39). the smallest of puppies can quickly overturn a trash can

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canine Your puppy’s crate should be a safe haven. It should be placed in a loca­ tion that is going to help him feel safe and secure. I like to place puppy crates away from the general hustle and bustle of the home but not in an isolated location. When my own dogs were puppies, their crates were positioned at the end of my kitchen behind a baby gate. This meant they were able to relax away from the general bedlam of a family home but that there would always be some foot traffic to help them feel they weren’t alone. It also meant that when I was unable to actively supervise, I was able to put them in a closed crate or give them more freedom by leaving the crate door open but closing the baby gate.

Zillions of potty breaks. Your puppy should never be crated for extended periods of time and initially will even need to have toilet breaks during the night. Late nights and early starts are going to be part of your new routine together. Restricting your puppy so he has no unsupervised freedom in the house is not only essential for safety, it is also critical if you do not want him to develop a habit of going to the bathroom inside the house. If he does begin to relieve himself inside, you should inter­ rupt by getting his attention and quickly take him outside to his toilet area, where the behavior of going to the bathroom can be rewarded.

Think of your puppy as a baby and a toddler all rolled into one cute little bundle. Just like babies, puppies poop a lot, eat a lot and sleep a lot but perhaps not always when you would like them to. Just like tod­ dlers, puppies are amazingly quick at getting into things you wish they wouldn’t, but they are also an absolute joy. Puppyhood ends all too quickly but following this ABC Checklist for Puppy‐Proofing your Home should help ensure that all your memories are happy ones. n

Resources ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. (2019). Poisonous Plants. Available at: bit.ly/2kwcOm1 Brutlag, A. (2016). Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs. VCA Hospitals. Available at: bit.ly/2mopBrc Nylabone Products - Dog Chews, Toys & Treats! (2012, March 21).

How to Select the Right Nylabone Chew Toy for your Dog [Video File]. Available at: bit.ly/2m3v076 Pet Training and Behavior Consulting: petindustryregulation.com The DogSmith. (2019, March 19). Keep Fido Mentally and Physically Active – Boredom Busters, Enrichment Exercises & More! Available at: bit.ly/2kPfz2c The DogSmith. (2019, April 20). Help Keep Rover Safe – Foods that may be toxic for pets! Available at: bit.ly/2mwGccB Tudge, N.J, Nilson, S.J., Millikan, D.A., & Stapleton-Frappell, L.A. (2019). Pet Training and Behavior Consulting: A Model for Raising the Bar to Protect Professionals, Pets and Their People. (n.p.): DogNostics Career Center Publishing Louise Stapleton-Frappell BA (Hons) PCBC-A PCT-A CTDI CAP3 CWRI DN-FSG1 DN-CPCT2 is a professional canine behavior consultant, accredited through PPAB. She is also a certified trick dog and fun scent games instructor, a certified whistle recall instructor and a Pet Dog Ambassador instructor and assessor who owns and operates The DogSmith of Estepona, Spain (dogsmith.com/dogsmithestepona). She works hard to promote a positive image of the "bully" breeds and advocate against Breed Specific Legislation in favor of breed neutral laws. Her Staffordshire bull terrier, Jambo (facebook.com/StaffyChampion) is a trick dog champion, the first of his breed to earn the title. She is also the author and instructor of the DogNostics TrickMeister Titles and the DogNostics Dog Training Program. She is a PPG and PPGBI steering committee member, PPGBI membership manager, Doggone Safe regional coordinator (Spain) and steering committee member, co-presenter of the PPG World Service radio show and faculty member of DogNostics Career Center.

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Integrating a New Dog Anna Bradley highlights the measures new owners can take to ensure a calm and successful transition of a newly adopted dog into the home

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would say, in general, there is a much greater awareness these days concerning the plight of dogs who, for whatever reason, need new, caring homes. Some of these dogs may have been rescued — either in their resident country or from overseas — from circumstances of neg­ lect, abuse, abandonment, or as victims of local traditions. Whatever the circumstances, some animals, through no fault of their own, may be accompanied by “behavioral baggage” of some sort. If we are to provide them with a loving and stable home, then it is our duty to understand this and to fully commit to the process of assisting them to integrate into their new environments. Too often, I think, we wait until there is a problem. With rehomed dogs, there may be something akin to a “hon­ eymoon” period, i.e. a charmed few weeks where everything seems to be going great, but is actually associated with the new dog feeling un­ sure and insecure. Gradually though, behavior issues that were previ­ ously suppressed may begin to appear, and it is only then that we may think about taking action. If we really want to do our best for these dogs, however, it would be far better to plan well before they arrive in our homes. That way their behavioral adjustment should be far more rapid. © Can Stock Photo/cynoclub

Keeping it Cool Before we even get to considering the home itself, it’s worth talking about actually meeting your new dog. It’s natural to be super excited, but not all rehomed dogs may feel the same – yet. Talk to your family members, especially children, about how your dog may feel, i.e. shy, overwhelmed, nervous, afraid etc. He may have been in a kenneled en­ vironment for many weeks or months. He may have transitioned from another country, met many different people, or experienced many dif­ ferent environmental changes. These are all huge. Always allow the dog to dictate the pace and do not force interactions. If you have friends and other family who are keen to come and say hello, you have means such as photos, video etc. to do this remotely to begin with.

Quiet Corner In the home, make sure your dog has a calm and quiet corner to retreat to, away from the hustle and bustle and somewhere he won’t be dis­ turbed. Try to make sure this area is also away from household appli­ ances, lights and other disruption. This is especially important if you have a busy household. You might even build a cozy den, a high­sided area filled with cushions and lots of squashy toys. You may be lucky and receive some background information regarding where your dog was previously found/kept etc. but many owners do not. Think that your dog may have been kept in a noisy kenneled environment or overpopulated pound, so try to compensate for this with calm and quiet.

Equipment New owners may simply attach a leash, collar or harness without con­ sidering that the dog may never have worn or even seen any of these items before. The consequence may be that the dog “acts crazy,” “shuts down,” “freaks out” etc. when they are applied. Think also about the in­ escapable clatter of dog tags as the dog walks around. For some, this may be very frightening, especially if the tags clink on a bowl at drink­ ing/feeding times. You may have to start extra slowly with calm, gentle touch desensitization around the dog’s body. Acclimatize him to the feel of your hands, then add gentle pressure, then gradually introduce the 34

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There may be lots of new things for a dog to have to get used to when he is adopted into a new home, and there are a number of steps owners can take to ensure a smooth transition

equipment on the body, rewarding every step as you go over a period of time. Some dogs will also need desensitization to the pop of the clasp noise on a collar or harness, or the clipping on of a leash. Just take it slowly. It goes without saying, avoid any use of aversive training equip­ ment or methods that provide “no effective strategy for an animal to learn a new or alternative behavior” but, instead, inflict pain and risk making a dog more fearful, anxious and/or aggressive. (Pet Professional Guild, 2018).

Outdoors to Indoors Many dogs simply have not been house pets before, so you may be starting from scratch here. This means housetraining will probably be your first task. Be patient, your dog is not “naughty.” Rather, he may just take a little time to understand that your hard­tiled kitchen flooring, which feels like the yard he may have been previously kept in, is no longer appropriate for eliminating.

These days we have lovely contemporary flooring in our houses, such as gloss tiles, wood, laminate etc., which tends to be quite slippery.

Be aware that these surfaces can be quite anxiety provoking if your dog cannot get a foothold as he once did on grass or concrete. It’s all new. You may have to temporarily place rugs to help your dog gain confidence.

And soft, nonslip floor coverings may also help if there are any subtle mo­ bility or pain­related issues (arthritis, old or healing injuries, etc.).

Household appliances, such as washing machines, vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, hairdryers etc. and their associated noise, may also be completely alien. If your dog has never lived in a house, he will never have habituated to any of these sounds. If his reaction is extreme, sys­ tematic desensitization and counterconditioning approaches may be re­ quired.

Sometimes reactions are less obvious. Some dogs may have been kept in compromised spaces, e.g. kennels, or even cages in the case of puppy mill dogs and dogs rescued from abhorrent conditions by inter­

canine Think also about the inescapable clatter of dog tags as the dog walks around. For some, this may be very frightening, especially if it clinks on a bowl at drinking/feeding times...Some dogs will also need desensitization to the pop of the clasp noise on a collar or harness, or the clipping on of a leash. national organizations (the dog meat industry is one example). Such dogs may have difficulty with hallways and narrow passageways in houses or gateways. When closely passing other people or dogs, their advance may be construed as challenging and threat provoking, and un­ derstandably so. In such cases, it’s wise to learn how and what your dog is communicating. If you notice subtle posturing such as lip licking, yawning, gaze avoidance, staring or more overt signaling such as hackle raising, growling etc., then you must understand that your dog is simply trying to communicate with you. Something in the environment or something you are doing is making him uncomfortable and it needs to stop immediately. Listen to what he is saying and seek qualified advice from a behavior professional if necessary (see petprofessionalguild.com /Zip‐Code‐Search).

Other, less obvious anxiety provoking stimuli can include back­ ground noise, e.g. maybe you have music playing at a level you enjoy, but dogs’ hearing is superlative (somewhere in the spectrum of 67­ 45,000 hertz in comparison to humans, which is 64­23,000 hertz). Dogs are also able to detect very low frequencies at 15 CPS and ultrasound, both of which are imperceptible to humans (Lindsay 2000). Keeping this incredible ability in mind, you will want to ensure that bleeping, buzzing and any other appliance noise is reduced or eliminated as a source of potential stress. Bear in mind too that some rescue dogs have been "trained" to associate beeping with an impending electric shock. In such cases, beeps are worse than unfamiliar; they are clear trigger for fear, anxiety and stress.

Think also about light, such as flashing lamps. Other sources of scary lights can include glare, reflections, shadows and the flicker from can­ dlelight, stoves and heating sources. All can be potential sources of stress and anxiety and you may want to gradually introduce a new dog to each. Be aware too that smells may evoke particular memories. In the context of rescue dogs, this may involve smells such as traffic fumes, other dogs, smoke, or fluids used to clean the environment they resided in previously.

and join in when he’s ready. Always remove him if you think the interac­ tion is a little unbalanced on either side. Remember, he may never have had any interaction with other dogs, or he may have been a street dog and have been used to living in groups with a fluid social hierarchy.

Sometimes, meeting other dogs is a highly valued and important form of enrichment. Of course, incorporating enrichment games into your dog's day will provide essential mental stimulation and also help to in­ crease your bond.

Deciding to adopt a dog is a fabulous thing to do and we can think how we can make his life the very best it can be before he comes home, rather than wait until any issues are upon us. In this way, surely we are providing our new dog with the optimum chance of success and lessen­ ing the awful possibility of having to relinquish him once more into an­ other uncertain future. If we choose to adopt a dog, I believe that, at the very least, we owe him this. n

References Lindsay, S.R. (2000). Handbook of Applied Dog Training and Behavior Vol 1: Adaptation and Learning. Ames, IA: Iowa State University Press Pet Professional Guild. (2018). Open Letter Regarding the Use of Shock in Animal Training. Available at: bit.ly/2mUEj4Q

Resources Pet Professional Guild - Find a Professional: petprofessionalguild.com/Zip‐Code‐Search Anna Francesca Bradley MSc BSc (Hons) is a United Kingdomebased provisional clinical, certified IAABC animal behavior consultant and ABTC accredited behavior consultant. She owns Perfect Pawz! Training and Behavior Practice (perfectpawz.co.uk) in Hexham, Northumberland, where the aim is always to create and restore happy relationships between dog and owner in a relaxed way, using methods based on sound scientific principles, which are both force-free and fun.

Outside the Home The reverse is true outdoors. Some dogs may have never seen the light of day and require gradual acclimatization. I have seen several puppy mill dogs who have, sadly, never experienced grass and who were terri­ fied of standing on it.

Metallic noises such as gates shutting may frighten dogs and large objects may remind them of aversive objects in their past, so pick up larger objects such as sticks, gardening equipment, brushes etc. with care and don’t raise your hand too quickly in front of these, or indeed any, dogs. Approach from the side and speak first. If you have play items for children, these are often brightly colored and may look strange or in­ timidating to the dog. Also, street and traffic noise may combine, mak­ ing it difficult for some dogs to actually venture into the garden. Be careful to avoid flooding or overstimulation in these situations. Go very slowly and, again, seek professional advice if needed.

Meeting other Dogs Take any meetings with other dogs slowly. As with social encounters with people, allow your dog the choice. Some rehomed dogs are partic­ ularly exuberant, but many are especially anxious. Don’t force socializa­ tion. Allow your dog to watch other dogs and learn from observation

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Stress Matters In the first part of a new series, Diane Garrod examines the signs of canine stress and explains how the level of stress can be assessed

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tress is a very real issue in dogs. It can cause them to go on autopi­ lot, so to speak, where they are just going through the motions of daily life while their reactivity or aggression increases. Such dogs may be on information overload and, in our busy, noisy human world, stress can be a daily occurrence for our dogs. By understanding what stress is, recognizing the outward signs, and being aware of what goes on internally, we can target our behavior modification programs to be results­oriented and create long­lasting change.

We can say that, generally, stress is present as a dog learns how to cope with real life. We have all seen many examples of stress signals ap­ pearing, such as on car rides, during vet visits, and in interactions with other dogs or unfamiliar people. Along with the bad stress, there is, of course, good stress, known as eustress. Eustress is defined as “a positive form of stress having a beneficial effect on health, motivation, perform­ ance, and emotional well­being” (Merriam­Webster, 2019). Indeed, stress is natural, a means of survival.

Separation anxiety cases are good examples of nonadaptive re­ sponses to what some dogs find stressful. The guardian leaves the dog home alone because they must go out to work so they can feed and care for the dog amongst other things. But the dog has other ideas.

When the guardian gets ready to leave, the clues, or pre­departure cues, are evident. These may include picking up the car keys, putting on shoes or sunglasses, putting on a coat and/or picking up a purse or briefcase. These antecedents (ie. everything that typically happens be­ fore the stressful event) set the stage for panic. This state of panic can occur before, during and/or after the guardian's actual disappearing act.

The dog may whine for hours, resulting in complaints from the neigh­ bors. Sometimes the whining may turn into howling or incessant bark­ ing and the neighbor, who has had enough, will make a recording of it.

The guardian, who may previously have been unaware, is now paying full attention. The signs of stress, including whining, howling, chewing, destruction, panting and excessive greeting behavior, cannot be ig­ nored. This is just one of many scenarios where stress is revealed.

Photo © Diane Garrod

A walk is stressful for this dog as indicated by the tense body, tail up, hard stare, ears forward, paw up, pulling on leash, and inattentiveness to his guardian; guardians need to take care not to put their dogs in such situations

•

What Is Stress?

As previously stated, stress is a life function and necessary for survival, yet,as in the example above, too much stress can cause behavior, learn­ ing and health problems.

There are three main stress chemicals: adrenaline (epinephrine), cortisol and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) (Klein, 2014). When en­ countering a stressful event, these chemicals are released to help the dog get through it. However, if the stressful events occur close to each other, it becomes harder and takes longer for the dog to come down from them, the chemicals build up, and reactivity and/or aggression can become more frequent and perhaps more intense. Internally, it looks like this:

States O'Heare (2017): "In order for behavior change procedures to influence what the dog learns, the dog's level of stress must be reduced.”

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•

Adrenaline (epinephrine) is a hormone produced by the adrenal medulla when the body prepares for survival, i.e. fight or flight.

Indications that adrenaline has been triggered include a dog that is overenergetic, extremely alert, doesn’t take treats or doesn’t eat his food. Adrenaline can build when there is stress but not necessarily actual danger. In such situations, a dog may outwardly become restless and irritable. He should be removed or redirected because he is indicating he is not comfortable with something in the environment. High levels of adrenaline can lead to chronic stress which may be manifested as insomnia, pacing, whining, aggressive behavior, obsessive compulsive dis­ order behaviors, and/or an inability to relax. This already sounds quite typical of many of the behavior cases we may see.

Cortisol is a “steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, that regulates carbohydrate metabolism, maintains blood pres­ sure, and is released in response to stress.” (The American Her­ itage Medical Dictionary, 2007). In survival mode, “the optimal amounts of cortisol can be life saving,” but when the body “con­ tinuously releases cortisol, chronic elevated levels can lead to serious issues.” (Klein, 2014). Cortisol levels “increase each time a stressful event occurs” (Bradley, 2019) and have a “half­life of 70 – 110 minutes. This means it can take five to eight hours for the body to completely remove it. If only a short time goes by between events, hormones from the previous events have not had time to clear and there is an additive effect.” (Hill, 2013).

canine •

Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) is an “adrenergic hormone (cat­ echolamine) that acts to increase blood pressure by vasocon­ striction but does not affect cardiac output. It is synthesized by the adrenal medulla, the peripheral sympathetic nerves, and the central nervous system.” (Mosby's Medical Dictionary, 2009). The primary role of noradrenaline, like adrenaline, is arousal. It helps to shift blood flow away from areas where it might not be so crucial at that moment, such as the skin, and toward more essential areas, including the muscles (Klein, 2014), so the dog can flee the stressful scene.

Signs of Stress When these internal mechanisms are at work, there are a number of visible signs that a dog is stressed. Tudge, Millikan, Nilson and Staple­ ton­Frappell (2019) cite the following: • Tail between the legs.

• Tail low and only the end is wagging.

• Tail between the legs and wagging.

• Tail down or straight for curly­tailed dogs (husky, malamute, pug, chow, spits­type dogs etc.)

• Ears sideways for an erect­eared dog.

• Ears back and very rapid panting.

• The dog goes into another room away from the person.

• The dog goes into another room away from the person and urinates or defecates.

• Freezing.

Tudge et al. (2019) also cite a raised paw and whale eye as examples of “more subtle or commonly misinterpreted signs a dog may give when feeling stressed or anxious” and note that dogs “may also vocalize stress, fear or anxiety in the form of a whine, growl or bark, a tongue flick, looking away, yawning, or by licking his lips.”

Other physical manifestations of stress can include excessive shed­ ding and increased dandruff. Excessive shaking might go hand­in­hand, indicating an adrenaline rush. Stress can also have an impact on the gas­ trointestinal tract resulting in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and/or consti­ pation. This is one reason that elimination accidents can occur with a stressed dog. Selye (1956), considered by many to be the father of the study of stress, developed the idea that a direct relationship exists be­ tween chronic stress and excessive wear and tear throughout the body.

(Note: Any physical or health issues should first be referred to a veteri‐ narian to rule out possible medical causes.)

In my earlier example of separation stress, destructive behavior can show the depth or level of stress but those behaviors can also be seen in dogs who become frustrated, have little to no enrichment, or hold a lot of mouth tension. When anxious or stressed, then, the dog looks for other outlets to alleviate these tensions. These outlets can include ex­ cessive licking, or biting of the underbelly, legs and/or paws. Frustrated, bored or tense dogs may also demonstrate avoidance behaviors such as hiding, looking or turning away and aggression directed toward dogs or people.

Paying attention to early signals like yawning out of context, dis­ placement sniffing, lip licking, shake­offs, paw lifts, and head or body turns can go a long way in helping a dog to cope with real life. Recogniz­ ing and addressing these signals early allows dogs to trust and gain con­ fidence, which contributes to keeping them safe, healthy and engaged.

As an example, observation of a dog’s tail position in conjunction with context and other emotional cues, such as drooling, tucked ears, and panting, can help decide the next steps in a behavior modification plan.

...stress is natural, a means of survival. Stress is present as a dog learns how to cope with real life and we have all seen many examples of stress signals appearing, such as on car rides, during vet visits, and in interactions with other dogs or unfamiliar people. in, what level of stress he has, and what his background has been (ie. frequency and duration of stressful stimuli). Let’s recap.

Effects of Immediate Stress: The immediate effects of stress activate the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Epinephrine and norepinephrine are released. The release happens quickly, within two to three seconds.

The dog can come down from distress quickly; the stress spikes up and then goes back down.

Effects of Intermediate Stress: The intermediate effects of stress cause an adrenal response where epinephrine and norepinephrine are released, taking about 20 to 30 seconds to spike. The spikes are higher, but the dog can still come down from the stress.

Effects of Prolonged Stress: Stress has leveled out, becoming chronic (continuous), i.e. the dog is constantly stressed. This type of prolonged stress can affect various metabolic processes and can cause various health issues to occur. Chronic stress lingers minutes, hours, days, weeks, or months. It takes longer to get rid of but occurs in only a small percentage of cases, in my experience.

Stress and Learning According to DogNostics (2018), stress can be defined as a “psychologi­ cal and physiological state that results from a pet being exposed to a real or perceived environmental stimulus that threatens the pet’s ability to meet his needs including safety which results in the pet’s inability or greatly decreased ability to learn. Ex. The pet was unable to learn sit be­

Effects of Stress My research over the years has indicated to me that, while there are standard stress signals to look for, these are highly individualized and may present differently depending on the context the dog finds himself

Photo © Diane Garrod

This dog is showing the stress of separation from her guardian in her body language, specifically the tightness at the base of her tail, ears back, wrinkle in her forehead, mouth closed and tight, and the whole body tense and stiff

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

37

canine Cortisol levels “increase each time a stressful event occurs” (Bradley, 2019) and “has a half-life of 70 – 110 minutes. This means it can take five to eight hours for the body to completely remove it. If only a short time goes by between events, hormones from the previous events have not had time to clear and there is an additive effect.”

(Hill, 2013).

Stress Test • • • • •

Photo © Diane Garrod

• • •

This dog has a very long tail (not visible here because it is tucked tightly), along with an arch near the hindquarters, a tense body, wide eyes, and mouth closed ­ something in the environment is making her uncomfortable

cause the trash can was blowing in the wind and he was exhibiting fear behaviors while repeatedly glancing at the moving trash can. Stress and fear are huge driving forces of aggression so minimizing stress, pain and fear are critical to aggression prevention.”

States O'Heare (2017): "In order for behavior change procedures to influence what the dog learns, the dog's level of stress must be re­ duced.” Stress, then, very much matters. As such, stress release allows for successful and long­lasting behavior modification. When external signals are recognized, then technique can be refined, a break can be taken, or a session can be aborted.

What is a good starting point to assess stress and its severity? In my practice, I apply the Stress Test detailed here. It helps determine how stressed a dog is at that moment. If one of the behaviors listed here is seen, it will indicate a dog is distressed; exhibiting three to five of the behaviors means a dog may be acutely stressed; engaging in over five of the behaviors shows the dog could be chronically stressed. Predictably, it will take more time to reduce stress levels if a dog is in a chronic state of stress.

• • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

Does the dog go into fight mode when his trigger(s)/stimuli ap­ pear?

Does he flee or try to escape when trigger(s)/stimuli appear?

Does he panic?

Is the dog overly energetic? Does he get overexcited, overstimu­ lated, or hyperaroused easily?

Is the dog hyperalert or extremely alert to the environment and unable to focus?

Is the dog refusing treats? Do you find client saying, “My dog doesn't take treats” or “My dog doesn't like treats"? Not taking rewards can indicate the dog is at a high level of stress and the body may be in survival mode.

Does the dog become irritable and restless even though there seems to be no danger?

Is the client removing or redirecting the dog many times per day?

Does the dog have a hard time sleeping through the night? Is sleep easily interrupted? When the client moves, does the dog move?

Does the dog pace, whine, or display obsessive compulsive behav­ iors (tail chasing, shadow chasing etc.)?

Has the dog had recent pain, stress, infection, surgery, or trauma?

Does the dog have increases in heart rate, respiration, blood pres­ sure or metabolism that are noticeable and long­lasting?

Is the dog tense? Are the muscles stiff and tight?

Are the pupils dilated?

Does the dog pant a lot in the absence of warm ambient tempera­ tures or when he has not been exercising? Does the dog sweat from the pads of the feet making paw marks on flooring?

Does the dog react quickly to triggers?

Could the dog be described as “moody?”

Are there issues with food/eating (too fast, too slow, walks away from, won’t eat in presence of guardian, resource guarding)?

Does the dog appear depressed?

Is the dog aggressive (intent to do harm)?

Does the dog have any other “over­the­top” behaviors?

Does the client make excuses for the dog?

Does the dog have health issues?

Does the dog show any of the indicators below of excessive or un­

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BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

canine healthy stress? The behaviors in the list should be very noticeable and occur daily or many times weekly. Check all that apply: ­ Diarrhea ­ Vomiting ­ Panting ­ Excessive barking, whining ­ Aggression ­ Pacing ­ Excessive licking ­ Digging ­ Chewing ­ Biting the leash ­ Shedding ­ Dandruff ­ Sweaty paws ­ Red eyes ­ Foam drool ­ Tense muscles ­ Bloating ­ Dilated pupils ­ Excessive tail wagging ­ Shivering (when it's not cold) Understanding a dog’s emotional state is the first step to alleviating unwanted symptoms and helping him feel more at ease. But remember, dogs should undergo a veterinary checkup first to eliminate any medical causes for certain behaviors or symptoms. n The second part of this article will explore further the science of stress and why and how it applies in the behavior modification process.

References Bradley, A. (2019, May). A Better Awareness of Overarousal. BARKS from the Guild (36) 30-31. Available at: bit.ly/2kUbrOk Cortisol [Def.] (2007). The American Heritage Medical Dictionary.

Available at: bit.ly/2mqwTe7 DogNostics Career Center. (2018). A Practical Lexicon for Pet Trainers & Behavior Consultants! The Language You Need to Know. (n.p.): Authors Eustress [Def]. (2019). Merriam-Webster. Available at: bit.ly/2mtL5D2 Hill, D. (2013, June 22). Trigger Stacking and Stress Hormones [Video File]. Available at: youtu.be/IFGIRPAWcSM Klein, H. (2014). The Three Major Stress Hormones: Adrenaline, Cortisol, Norepinephrine. Available at: bit.ly/2myc9RV Norepinephrine [Def.]. (2009). Mosby's Medical Dictionary. Available at: bit.ly/2mo0sNy O’Heare, J. (2017). Aggression in Dogs. Ottawa, ON: BehaveTech Publishing Selye, H. (1956). The Stress of Life. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Book Company Tudge, N.J, Nilson, S.J., Millikan, D.A., & Stapleton-Frappell, L.A. (2019). Pet Training and Behavior Consulting: A Model for Raising the Bar to Protect Professionals, Pets and Their People. (n.p.): DogNostics Career Center Publishing Diane Garrod BSc PCT-A CA1 FF1 is the owner of Canine Transformations (caninetlc.com) based in Langley, Washington, where she conducts Treibball workshops, classes and private consults, specializing in canine aggression and reactivity.

Pet Training and Behavior Consulting: A Model for Raising the Bar to Protect Professionals, Pets and Their People Pet Training and Behavior Consulting: A Model for Raising the Bar to Protect Professionals, Pets and Their People is a newly published book in which the authors present their views on: • •

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The need for a level and model of oversight in the fields of pet training and behavior consulting and for those choosing to practice within them.

The prevalence of individuals who hold no credentials, formal education, knowledge or skills, yet who are today working across the nation with full responsibility for the well-being and welfare of their unknowing clients’ treasured pets.

The lack of consumer protection and transparency across the marketing and operations platforms of many pet-related businesses.

The inherent weakness in how pets are legally classified.

How the current lack of reported and enforced animal cruelty laws means there is insufficient protection when it comes to holding pet professionals accountable for their methods, approach and philosophies toward their craft and the pets they serve.

The authors advise on the pertinence of all these issues to the development of an infrastructure for oversight to support the professional evolution of the pet training and behavior industry while providing a complete recommended implementation model from which to do so.

"I would urge anyone interested in the direction of the industry to get a copy. It has been invaluable for a project I am involved in, and identifies and clarifies really important aspects of the industry that desperately need addressing. Even as an individual practitioner it provides a great resource for identifying best practice." - Andrew Hale, chair of association of INTOdogs "Check out this groundbreaking new resource for the pet training and behavior consulting industry written by the best in the business." - Paula Garber, owner of LIFELINE Cat Behavior Solutions and chairwoman of the Pet Professional Guild Feline Committee "Reliable, scientifically accurate behavioral information from experts in the field."

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BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

39

canine

Dogs and PTSD Beth Napolitano explains what we have learned from military dogs about the existence of and manifestation of canine post-traumatic stress disorder, how to recognize it, and how it can be treated

T

he Mayo Clinic (2018) defines post­traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a “mental health condition that's triggered by a terrify­ ing event — either experiencing it or witnessing it.” While both humans and dogs experience traumatic events that may result in tem­ porary difficulty adjusting and coping with daily life, these feelings should, generally speaking, subside. Sometimes, however, symptoms get worse and may last for months or even years, interfering with an in­ dividual’s ability to deal with daily life. When the ability to function is disrupted, PTSD is usually suspected, and symptoms may worsen or fluctuate over time.

According to Friedman, Keane and Resick (2007), PTSD was once re­ ferred to as “fright neurosis” but later became recognized as an extreme personal stress reaction following events such as accidents, injuries, rape, abuse and war. Friedman et al. also note that early biological re­ search on PTSD began with animal subjects. However, the concept of ca­ nine PTSD (C­PTSD) was only recently recognized by the military during the Afghanistan War ca. 2010 (Dao, 2011). Dogs who had been trained to deal with the extreme stress of combat started to show signs such as severe aggression, cowering under cots, or timidity, clinging to their handlers.

Combat dogs who started to avoid areas they had been trained to enter with ease or who showed sudden changes in temperament were given time off from combat so they could heal. Some eventually re­ turned to their jobs, but others had to be retired and returned home due to the lasting effects of the trauma they had endured. As a result, the civilian world, including those working in the field of animal behav­ ior, has now begun to recognize the symptoms of C­PTSD in pet dogs who have endured either chronic abuse or sudden trauma. Even when they are not the victim of the trauma themselves, witnessing a stressful event or living with domestic violence as part of their everyday lives can also be the cause.

© Can Stock Photo/ryhor

Canine PTSD was first recognized by the military and dogs would be given time off from combat so they could heal; some went back to work, others had to go home

Wag! (n.d.). lists three types of PTSD in dogs: 1) Acute PTSD: Symptoms usually subside within three months after the traumatic event.

2) Chronic PTSD: Symptoms are persistent and usually last longer than three months.

3) Delayed onset PTSD: Symptoms occur six months or later after the traumatic event. Experts think the symptoms are initially so mild as to go unnoticed but worsen over time and eventually become obvious enough to be recognized as PTSD.

Fight or Flight

© Can Stock Photo/Prazis

Symptoms of C­PTSD commonly seen include changes in temperament, extreme reactions to sudden or loud noises, increased stress and anxiety, avoiding familiar areas, and either sudden aggression or timidity for no apparent cause

40

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

Drobney and Miller (2016) state that dogs with C­PTSD are “more fear­ ful and/or aggressive and have hyperarousal, which can include obses­ sive behaviors and hyperactivity. Hyperarousal, in simple terms, is a chronic state of fight or flight.” Since these behaviors are similar to those displayed by dogs with a known history of abuse, Drobney and Miller (2016) suggest a possible link between abuse and C­PTSD. How­ ever, dogs who have suffered any form of trauma or stressful event are also at risk for developing C­PTSD. The greatest indicator of this is a dog who is no longer able to perform tasks or behaviors for which he was previously trained.

While research on C­PTSD is, to date, still limited, it shows so far that C­PTSD not only exists but also shares many of the same character­ istics as PTSD in humans. Wag! (n.d.) lists numerous causes of C­PTSD, including abuse (whether chronic or following a severe single event), ac­ cidents, attacks by other animals, natural disasters and military/police careers. Notably, physical pain and chronic, severe infections may cause PTSD­like symptoms such as withdrawal from social interaction, so a vet­ erinary exam is always advised to rule out any possible medical or physi­

canine cal causes. Hickey (2015) notes that symptoms of C­PTSD are not univer­ sal and can vary widely between dogs. Symptoms commonly seen in­ clude changes in temperament, extreme reactions to sudden or loud noises, increased stress and anxiety, avoiding familiar areas, and either sudden aggression or timidity for no apparent cause.

Genetics Dodman (2016) explains that some dogs seem to be genetically pro­ grammed to be more susceptible to developing C­PTSD. The interaction between genes and environment is, however, complicated. In addition, dysfunctional early life experiences are known to cause PTSD in both children and dogs. Dodman (2016) references U.S. Army research that indicates that at that about 5­10% of all military dogs who experience a traumatic event will develop C­PTSD. Trauma results in a “vivid imprinting of memories” as shown in re­ search with mice and humans (Dodman, 2016). During highly emotional reactions or when an animal is feeling threatened, norepinephrine is re­ leased, increasing heart rate and stimulating the fight or flight response.

Norepinephrine “boosts heart rate and controls the fight­or­flight re­ sponse, commonly rising when individuals feel threatened or experi­ ence highly emotional reactions. It is chemically similar to the hormone epinephrine – better known as adrenaline. In the brain, norepinephrine in turn functions as a powerful neurotransmitter or chemical messenger that can enhance memory.” (Coulombe, 2014).

Another hormone, cortisol, is also released in response to a stressful trigger and has been demonstrated to strengthen and enhance memo­ ries. Interestingly, though, the memories are imprinted and strength­ ened only when norepinephrine is present at the same time as cortisol.

Studies with rats and humans have shown that lowering the norepi­ nephrine levels immediately after a stressful event may actually prevent the storage of negative memories. Although further studies are needed, this research is a step "toward a better understanding of neurobiological mechanisms that underlie traumatic disorders, such as PTSD.”

...the concept of canine PTSD (C-PTSD) was only recently recognized by the military during the Afghanistan War ca. 2010 (Dao, 2011). Dogs who had been trained to deal with the extreme stress of combat started to show signs such as severe aggression, cowering under cots, or timidity, clinging to their handlers.

(Coulombe, 2014). (For more on the three main stress chemicals, see also ‘Stress Matters’ on pp.36‐39).

Defining Abuse Pierce (2012), referencing a lecture she had attended by veterinarian Dr. Franklin McMillan on what kinds of psychological harm animals suffer, notes that, when forced, animals tend to choose physical pain over emotional pain; in the laboratory, they will take a shock in order to get to their young. The emotional pain of abuse, trauma, or social isolation is not always visible, yet the evidence shows that it does exist and sometimes even persist.

The definition of what constitutes abuse is different based on indi­ vidual opinion. Animal cruelty laws typically recognize physical abuse and suffering, but while emotional scars are less obvious and draw less attention, they may endure far longer than a physical injury. Pierce (2012) again references McMillan, who, in the aforementioned lecture, described the following types of emotional abuse: 1) Rejection ­ refusal to offer emotional support.

2) Terrorizing ­ creating a climate of fear and unpredictable threats.

3) Taunting ­ teasing, harassing.

4) Isolating ­ prevention of social interaction.

5) Abandonment ­ termination of care, desertion.

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BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

41

canine Drobney and Miller (2016) state that dogs with C-PTSD are “more fearful and/or aggressive and have hyperarousal, which can include obsessive behaviors and hyperactivity. Hyperarousal, in simple terms, is a chronic state of fight or flight.”

© Can Stock Photo/vectorass

Drobney and Miller (2016) suggest a possible link between abuse and C­PTSD; the greatest indicator of this is a dog who is no longer able to perform tasks or behaviors for which he was previously trained

6) Over pressuring ­ placing excessive demands to perform.

According to Pierce (2012), one of the central lessons from McMil­ lan’s lecture was “how very little we really know about the psychological impacts of abuse, and how important it is to come to a better under­ standing, so that we can better prevent and treat abuse and neglect in our animal companions."

combat trained dogs, we are now more informed about this mental health disorder and know that it can also affect the dogs who live in our homes. Our dogs, particularly those we adopt from rescues or shelters, may have unknown histories and are unable to tell us about their past experiences, including abuse or traumatic events. We may want to con­ sider C­PTSD when their ability to function in daily life is disrupted by severe anxiety and fear.

C­PTSD is currently not considered to be curable but requires man­ agement for the life of the dog, although some dogs may show greater improvement following treatment than others. Treatment may include behavior change programs and prescription medications, as well as a focus on “retraining techniques that help the dog feel that the world is a safe place again. These methods could include: keeping a stricter rou­ tine so the dog knows what to expect, exercise and play therapies, and dog pheromone collars and infusers.” (Wag!, n.d.). However, as Hunting­ ford (2013) warns: “Treatment for any dog that suffers from PTSD can be very difficult and depends on the individual patient… In some cases, [the dogs] seem to return to normal. In other cases, the dog’s problems need to be managed throughout his life.” n

References

Treatment Thanks to the military and its recognition of the symptoms of C­PTSD in

Coulombe, M. (2014). ASU Researcher Shows how Stress Hormones Promote Brain’s Building Negative Memories. Arizona State University. Available at: bit.ly/2kUREhG Dao, J. (2011, December 1). After Duty, Dogs Suffer like Soldiers.

New York Times. Available at: nyti.ms/2kLJbgT Dodman, N. (2016). Canine PTSD. Psychology Today. Available at: bit.ly/2kKFhF3 Drobney, S., & Miller, L. (2016). Inside the Mind of a Traumatized Dog. Does Canine PTSD exist, and if so, is it similar to PTSD in humans? Available at: bit.ly/2m1y9UZ Friedman, M.J., Keane, T.M., & Resick, P.A. (2007). Handbook of PTSD Science and Practice. New York, NY: Guilford Press Hickey, L. (2015). 12 Facts About Canine PTSD. Available at: bit.ly/2ksaeO1 Huntingford, J. (2013). Post traumatic stress disorder in dogs. Innovative Veterinary Care. Available at: bit.ly/2kv0kv5 Mayo Clinic. (2018). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Available at: mayocl.in/2kLKA79 Pierce, J. (2012). Emotional Pain in Animals: An Invisible World of Hurt. Psychology Today. Available at: bit.ly/2kx7IGk Wag! (n.d.). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Dogs. Available at: bit.ly/2kUSQBG

Resources Hekman, J. (2015). The Rough Guide to the Stress Response. The Dog Zombie. Available at: bit.ly/2lZlYrK LeDoux, J.E. (2015). The Amygdala is NOT the Brain’s Fear Center.

Psychology Today. Available at: bit.ly/2lZVOoE Richards, R. (2017). Effects of Stress on the Hippocampus and Memory. Sanesco. Available at: bit.ly/2knzR2i Beth Napolitano worked as a staff nurse in hospitals for 40 years.

Since retirement, she obtained certification as a pet care technician, level 2, and is currently working for certification as a dog trainer.

She volunteers at Courteous Canine, Inc. DogSmith of Tampa (courteouscanine.com/Florida) and is an AKC Star puppy kindergarten instructor.

42

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

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case study

Progress Report: Positive Steps Kelly McFarlane presents the second of a two-part case study featuring young Shih Tzu Minnie, who was struggling with storm phobia and a generalized anxiety to all kinds of weather

© Kelly McFarlane

© Kelly McFarlane

Four weeks after the initial behavior consult, Minnie, who was initially fearful of storms and then all kinds of weather, was far more relaxed

A Thundershirt (pictured, above) was an integral part of Minnie’s behavior change plan

A

Discussion/Recommendations: • It is great that that the relaxing music is really helping Minnie. I did remind Suz to make sure she puts on the music on at different times and not just when Minnie is showing signs of anxiety. When the music does play when Minnie is anxious, she stops shaking and goes to sleep.

• The ThunderShirt also seems to help. However, I reminded Suz to not only use it prior to bad weather so Minnie doesn’t associate it with storms. Suz should also let her wear it when the weather is good, let her play in it etc. Suz has also made sure it is fitted tighter, so it puts pres­ sure on Minnie’s pressure points.

• Minnie is doing great at day care. I advised Suz to have her wear the ThunderShirt there for a short period of time also.

• The mat work is working really well. I advised Suz she doesn’t al­ ways have to feed Minnie when on the mat. She could also have the mat next to her on the couch and give Minnie attention there. Minnie has a positive association to the mat.

• Now that Minnie is a lot happier and relaxed, I recommended try­ ing sound desensitization to see if she reacts to the sound of rain etc. I explained to Suz that it can help with some dogs while others just know it is not “real” rain and so, if that is the case, not continue with the exer­ cise.

• Minnie is now chasing her treat ball for her dinner, playing with her interactive slider toy and also her squeaky toys.

s I reported in Part I of this article (see Scared of Storms, BARKS from the Guild, September 2019, pp. 34‐37), this case study fea­ tures 3½­year­old spayed Shih Tzu Minnie who presented with storm phobia, which, after a particularly bad storm, developed into gen­ eral anxiety even when the weather had improved again.

To recap, Minnie is the only pet in the household and she lives with her devoted owner, Suz. In Part I, I outlined details of the initial behavior consult, my assessment and recommended treatment plan. Now, in Part II, I will report on Minnie’s progress.

Follow­up Consultation Observations: This second consult took place approximately four weeks after the initial consultation. When I arrived, Minnie was very happy to greet me. She was playful, responsive and looked very relaxed. She was playing with one of her new toys and lay chewing it on the carpet in the living area.

This past week Minnie has been hanging out with Suz and not hiding in the bathroom and Suz feels like she finally has the real Minnie back.

Minnie only went to hide in the wardrobe once but she came straight out instead of staying in there like she has in the past. The last time she went to hide in the bathroom was a week ago.

Suz spoke with her vet and the medication prescribed for Minnie is half a Clomicalm tablet, twice daily. Minnie is not showing the signs of sleepiness (as she was initially when taking the medication) and Suz will stay in touch with her vet to discuss any dosage changes. If Minnie does become anxious, she now just trembles. She is no longer panting or pac­ ing like she was previously, so this is a huge improvement.

44

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

Adaptil Collar: Suz wanted to check how long Minnie should continue with the Adaptil collar, so I advised her to make small changes and see if and/or how her

case study Minnie has greatly improved from when I first met her and is now much happier and relaxed.

Her owner now has knowledge of what to look for in terms of the subtle signs Minnie displays when she is becoming anxious and is thus able to help her settle. I shouldn’t need to see Minnie again unless there is a regression in her behavior or Suz has any concerns. behavior changes: • Keep the collar on for another month as she is making great progress.

• Once the collar is removed look for any possible slight changes in behavior.

• Make sure that, when the collar is being removed, it does not occur at the same time as any other changes, e.g. a change of dosage in medication.

Ancillary Support: • Continue with relaxing music.

• Continue with the ThunderShirt.

• Continue with the Adaptil collar for at least another month.

• Start to add in canine massage as I feel Minnie will really enjoy this. I made recommendations accordingly.

• I have also provided some information about TTouchTM. Summary: Minnie has greatly improved from when I first met her and is now much happier and relaxed. Her owner now has knowledge of what to look for in terms of the subtle signs Minnie displays when she is becoming anx­ ious and is thus able to help her settle. I shouldn’t need to see Minnie again unless there is a regression in her behavior or Suz has any con­ cerns. Minnie is such a lovely dog and it is so great to see her back to her playful happy self. Keep up the good work.

Email update ‐ April 30: On a very bright note, last night Minnie was shaking heaps as she went to bed and would not settle, so I got the You Tube [relaxing] music link going and in less than five minutes she was asleep. To be honest, I was gobsmacked and kicking myself for not trying it earlier. ‐ Suz, Minnie’s owner. n

Resources McFarlane, K. (2019, September). Scared of Storms. BARKS from the Guild (38) 34-37. Available at: bit.ly/2kUouPC PPG Templates for Canine and Feline Case Studies: petprofessionalguild.com/CaseStudyTemplate (Note: You must be logged in to the member area)

Kelly McFarlane CSAT CDBC VN (kellymcfarlane.co.nz) is a New Zealand based canine behavior consultant with over 20 years of hands-on experience. As a teenager growing up in the U.K., she volunteered at a kennel before she went knocking on veterinary clinic doors to gain work experience. She went on to become a veterinary technician and eventually head nurse at a 24-hour veterinary emergency hospital in Central London. When she moved to New Zealand in 2007, she was appointed head veterinary nurse at the Ponsonby Veterinary Clinic. She has completed the acclaimed Delta Training Course in Australia, is accredited as an animal trainer, is a certified dog behavior consultant through the IAABC, and recently became a certified separation anxiety trainer through Malena DeMartini, the only person, to date, in New Zealand to do so. Although she is still practice manager at a veterinary emergency and critical care clinic, these days she spends most of her time helping dogs with separation anxiety, phobias and fear issues, barking complaints, destructive behavior, and puppy training issues. She shares her expertise on the TV show, The Café on THREE.

Any Other Relevant Details/Comments: Email update ‐ April 25: Minnie has been lot better last couple of days. I think the sunshine helped but we are doing the mat work pretty regu­ larly and last night she stayed out in the lounge with me, so progress there. ‐ Suz, Minnie’s owner.

Email update – April 29: Mat work has been on and off. If she starts to get scared, she won’t do the mat work at all or take any treats any­ where in the house. Over the weekend she has continued to stay with me when she has been scared which is a change. It was quite hard with the weather and last night she was spooked by something at 4 a.m. I am not sure what as it was not raining then. Perhaps some wind, but it took a good hour and a half before she settled. She also kept pawing the floor which she does not do very often. I spoke to the vet and they sug­ gested that we keep the same dose as she is not as sleepy now. They have given me a month’s supply with the hope we won’t need all that.

However, even with the meds and Adaptil collar I thought she might not be so anxious. I guess time will tell. – Suz, Minnie’s owner.

My response to above email: Really great to hear Minnie is staying with you. This is a massive improvement and heading in the right direc­ tion. It is too soon for her to do mat work in a storm as it has only been a week, but it is great to hear she is hanging out more with you. Don't worry too much that, even though she is on the medication and has the collar, she still displays anxiety. She will still do this as it is [an emotional response], but the aim is to reduce the anxiety. The current issue we are up against is that the weather is not good on a weekly basis. [This means] the work we do will take a little longer for her to adjust as you are not getting a long enough break in the weather.

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

45

f e l i n e

Quick Cat Behavior Tips: Petting-Induced Aggression Why, when being petted, do cats suddenly switch from purring their heads off and lapping up the attention, to scratching and biting the very same hand that pets them? The

PPG Cat Committee has the answer

P

etting­induced aggression is a commonly reported feline behavior issue whereby adoring owners often find themselves at a loss to understand why their beloved kitty is so accepting of their affec­ tion one moment, only to go completely on the offensive the next.

Important Reminders about the Behavior •

•

•

•

•

As both a predator and prey species, cats need to be highly sensitive to their environments to survive, which includes being sensitive to touch. Cats have touch receptors all over their bodies, some of which are continually stimulated during petting.

Cats typically give subtle signals of overstimulation during petting that may be missed or ignored, which may result in a bite or scratch. When these signals are repeatedly missed, some cats learn to forego the subtle signals and quickly escalate to biting or scratching when touched.

Every cat has individual preferences for petting and physical contact, and it is the humans’ job to determine how much of each a cat wants, in what forms, and when, and to allow the choice to always be the cat’s.

Most cats prefer brief but frequent petting sessions focused around the head and neck, similar to the active friendly contact they may have with other cats called allogrooming (mutual grooming), which takes place in very short sessions on the head and neck only.

If a cat who usually enjoys being pet suddenly starts to react aggressively when approached appropriately, perhaps an underlying, possibly painful, medical condition has developed or is developing. Cats hide these things, but a sudden behavioral change can be a clue.

Management and Safety Information:* •

• • •

Avoid petting cats when they are eating or drinking, sleeping, grooming, using the litter box, hiding, playing, excited or stimulated.

Always pay attention to the cat’s body language when petting.

If you are unable to pay attention, don’t touch the cat.

Never pick up or hold a cat still for petting.

A cat showing her tummy is not issuing an invitation to pet it.

Grabbing and biting you when you touch a cat’s tummy is a

© Can Stock Photo/dmitrimaruta

Cats typically give subtle signals of overstimulation during petting that may be missed or ignored, which may result in a bite or scratch

reflex; she cannot help herself.

Never tease, provoke, or roughhouse with a cat. Even though a cat might engage in this sort of play, it is likely to eventually trigger fear and defensive behavior that often results in biting or scratching any time a hand approaches.

• Never discipline or punish a cat for grabbing, biting, or scratching during petting. She will not understand, and it could harm your relationship with her. Instead, assess what caused her to react that way and change your behavior. *These management techniques and the behavior modification skills outlined below must be implemented simultaneously.

•

Behavior Modification Skills As both a predator and prey species, cats need to be highly sensitive to their environments to survive, which includes being sensitive to touch.

Cats have touch receptors all over their bodies, some of which are continually stimulated during petting.

46

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

•

With petting­induced aggression, it is the humans who must change their behavior to accommodate the cat’s preferences and choices. The cat must be allowed to control the type and amount of physical contact.

Assess what the cat is doing and her energy level and body lan­ guage. If the cat is calm and relaxed and not engaged in one of the activ­ ities listed in the first bullet in the previous section, it is okay to “ask the cat permission” to pet (aka a consent test):

f e l i n e Cats typically give subtle signals of overstimulation during petting that may be missed or ignored, which may result in a bite or scratch. When these signals are repeatedly missed, some cats learn to forego the subtle signals and quickly escalate to biting or scratching when touched.

• • •

• •

•

•

Remain calm and talk to the cat in a soft, quiet tone of voice.

Avoid direct eye contact. Slowly blink and turn your head away from the cat.

Extend a relaxed finger or hand toward the cat’s nose. o If the cat makes contact and rubs on and leans into our hand, she is saying, “Yes, please,” to some petting. o If the cat does not make contact or sniffs and pulls her head away or walks away, she is saying, “No, thank you.” Don’t be insulted! It’s just information.

She is not interested in engaging at that time. In that case, simply leave her alone.

Use one hand to gently pet the cat around the head, cheeks, neck, and shoulders in the same direction as the fur.

Pet very briefly (three or four strokes) and pay attention to the cat’s body language. Cats will signal when they are overstimulated or have had enough. Stop petting when you see it, or even before you see it—simply take your hand off the cat.

Common signs of overstimulation (typically, you’ll just see one): o Vocalization other than purring. o Ears back, sideways, or flat. o Tail flicking or lashing. o Skin twitching or rippling. o Head turns toward the hand that’s petting. o Pupils slit or very dilated. o Claws out. o Whiskers forward. o Head, legs, or shoulders stiffen. o Paw raises. o Body is repositioned away from the hand or moved into a crouch position.

If the cat moves away, walks away, or otherwise ends the interaction, don’t pursue.

Timeline •

•

•

The timeline for resolving petting­induced aggression depends on how well and consistently everyone who comes into contact with the cat follows the above guidelines. If everyone in the home adheres to the guidelines except one person, who continues to roughhouse with the cat, the aggression will persist.

As a cat learns that she will not be petted when or where she doesn’t want to be petted, she will learn to trust you and will gradually allow more petting.

You must be aware of and respect your cat’s “stop­petting” signal for the life of the cat. n A printable PDF version of this document is available as a handout on the PPG website.

See petprofessionalguild.com/Feline‐Education.

Note: Every cat is an individual, and behavior is complex.

If you need help training your cat, please seek out a qualified feline behavior professional: petprofessionalguild.com/Find‐Your‐Feline‐Professional.

Rewards are Better than Punishment: Here's Why

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uild

Proud Member

Positive Reinforcement (+R) = Happy Pets The basic principles or laws of learning apply across all species – from tarantulas to cats to dogs to horses to humans.

-American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior

More effective learning occurs with Positive Reinforcement Training Positive Reinforcement releases brain chemicals that promote happiness and motivation Positive Punishment releases brain chemicals that are involved in stress or danger “Patients (your cat) cannot have a good behavioral relationship with you if they fear you and vice versa” -Dr. Karen Overall

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

47

f e l i n e

Cats and Kids Andrea Carne explains how to teach children how to safely interact with cats to ensure cats remain under threshold and enhance the feline-human bond

“

And in breaking news … a child was left scratched and in tears after a play session with his pet cat went horribly wrong…” Ever heard that on the nightly news bulletin? No, of course not. We may hear about dog bites from time to time and much has been written over the years about children and dogs. Indeed, many pages of books, articles and blogs have been dedicated to the topic and some fabulous commu­ nity education and classroom programs have been developed to edu­ cate children – and their parents – on how to ensure interactions between children and dogs are safe for all parties concerned.

The same cannot be said for children and cats. Why? Well, as I illus­ trated in my opening jest, bad cat interactions rarely result in serious in­ jury – or worse – that make the evening news. A few scratches, the occasional bite and some tears are usually recovered from quickly and life moves on.

But (and this is a big but from me as a cat behavior consultant) this does not mean we shouldn’t take the subject seriously. Far from it, in fact, and my reasoning is this: regardless of the species, interactions be­ tween a child and an animal that are unhealthy and unwelcome can cause a great deal of stress to that animal. This, in turn, can lead to any number of health and behavioral issues which may not only shorten the animal’s life, but can also result in them being surrendered to a shelter and/or euthanized for something that could have been avoided in the first place.

I recently visited a client’s home for a consultation involving inap­ propriate toileting of two young cats adopted from a shelter a few months earlier. What I was confronted with was a very busy household that included three young boys aged under eight, the youngest just a toddler. There was no doubt these young boys LOVED their new feline friends but, unfortunately, they loved them a little too much – from the cats’ perspective at least.

While looking around the home and gathering the background infor­ mation, I quickly realized the cats had nowhere to escape the obvious noise and chaos of this young family and, most importantly, the parents had no idea how to manage their children’s interactions with the cats which were frequently forced and overly exuberant. Even a lovely out­ door catio setup had a door and a seat inside so the children could get in with the cats. Suffice to say the cats were stressed, the inappropriate toileting was a cry for help, and I am thankful the client called me sooner rather than later.

If you think this sounds all too familiar, you are right, and it’s no­

…regardless of the species, interactions between a child and an animal that are unhealthy and unwelcome can cause a great deal of stress to that animal. This, in turn, can lead to any number of health and behavioral issues which may not only shorten the animal’s life but can also result in them being surrendered to a shelter and/or euthanized for something that could have been avoided in the first place.

48

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

© Can Stock Photo/Ulianna19970

Interactions between children and pet cats should be carefully managed to ensure they are not stressful for the animal

body’s “fault.” This client was an awesome mom who desperately wanted her children to have a beautiful, healthy, loving relationship with their pet cats, just as she had had as a child. She just didn’t realize that relationships between children and cats sometimes take time, extra special care, and cannot be forced. Every cat is different, and each will have a different tolerance level for human interaction depending on age, background and life experience – which is all a little hard for a young child to understand when they just want a pet they can play with and cuddle.

Animal Magic We know that, in general, children love animals. Several studies have found that children will choose living creatures over toys. They love spending time with another living, breathing creature they can interact with and which will interact with them in return. However, while this all sounds warm and fuzzy (and it is to a point), it is also this innate need for a child to have reciprocal interaction with an animal that can create problems, especially with cats.

Hart et al. (2018) examined a study by A.H. Kidd and R.M. Kidd (1987) and surmised the following: “The 12­30­month­old children [in the study] preferred dogs to cats, presumably because the dogs were in­ teractive and more likely to approach the children, whereas the cats often walked away, thus limiting reciprocal interaction.”

Now in an ideal world of stress­free companion animal ownership, the child would recognize the cat walking away as a sign he doesn’t want to engage and leave it at that. Unfortunately, in my experience, the opposite scenario tends to be more common, wherein the child tries to force the interaction by chasing the cat and attempting to grab him by the tail or fur. Parents will know this rarely has a happy ending, with scratches, tears and an angry, stressed cat left in the aftermath.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. If cat owners were to dedicate the same amount of energy to teaching children how to safely interact with cats as they do with other children and adults (and even dogs), there would most likely be far fewer scratches and much happier cats all round.

f e l i n e Checklist So, in saying that, here’s my 10­point checklist for encouraging healthy interactions between children and cats: 1.

Child­cat interactions should always be supervised, particu­ larly when the children are very young.

2.

Allow the cat choice and teach children the importance of choice at a level they can understand. A cat should always be given the choice of whether to interact or not, whether to play or not and when to leave the interaction of his own accord. Just as children grow tired of a game or activity and want to do something else, cats should also be given that choice and never be forced into continuing. Teach children to sit on the floor and gently hold out a finger towards the cat or gently hold out a toy for the cat to sniff. This is all about asking for the cat’s consent to in­ teract and it is vitally important to building a healthy relationship. If the cat chooses to come in and sniff the outheld finger or toy, then interac­ tion can commence. If he chooses not to interact, try again later.

3.

Keep interactive sessions gentle, calm and short – and allow the cat to finish on his own terms and before things get out of control.

Lengthy, high­energy play sessions can lead to a cat becoming overly stimulated which can result in aggressive play. Ensure children use toys to play with the cat and not their own hands. Toys on rods or poles are perfect for keeping little hands out of the way.

4.

Not all interactions need to involve play. Teach children how to gently stroke a cat and which parts of the body to stroke (head, neck, shoulders, under chin) and bear in mind each individual cat will have his own preferences. Discourage children from picking up the cat unless they are old enough to do so and have been shown how to lift the cat and put him down safely (and with the cat’s consent). Instead, have them sit on the floor to pat the cat and teach them how to use a brush to help with grooming. Encourage children to relax and read a book aloud to the cat as an alternative to play.

5.

Provide lots of places for the cat to escape to when he needs time out – resting areas high up on tops of cupboards, book cases or a cat tree that are out of reach of the children and where the cat can ob­ serve the goings­on without being a part of it are essential. When the cat retreats to these areas, the children need to know they are not to disturb him.

6.

In addition to resting areas, create some kid­free zones for the cat to have some sanctuary. Teach the children that the cat is not to be disturbed if he is eating, sleeping, grooming, hiding, or toileting. If there’s a catio arrangement, let that be a sanctuary where the cat can relax without the children.

7.

When the children are old enough, teach them about cat body language so they can see for themselves whether the cat is happy or

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© Can Stock Photo/RuthBlack

Interactive play sessions should be gentle, calm and short; toys on rods or poles are perfect for keeping little hands out of the way of a cat’s teeth and claws

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f e l i n e I recently visited a client’s home for a consultation involving inappropriate toileting of two young cats adopted from a shelter a few months earlier. What I was confronted with was a very busy household that included three young boys aged under eight, the youngest just a toddler. There was no doubt these young boys LOVED their new feline friends but, unfortunately, they loved them a little too much – from the cats’ perspective at least. not. If a cat moves in towards the child and rubs his head or body on them, purrs, and holds his tail upright, he is happy. If he is crouched, ears back, tail down and swishing, growling, he should be left alone.

8.

Older children can also divert some of their energy into teach­ ing the cat tricks like “high five” using positive reinforcement. There are numerous books and online videos that can help with this (see Re‐ sources on this page).

9.

Keep a check on your cat’s health. Cats that are unwell or in pain can have behavioral changes and less tolerance for human interac­ tion – and even less for children.

10. Lead by example – children will follow the adult’s lead in inter­ acting with the cat so make sure your interactions mirror how you’d like your children’s to be. Aversive interactions such as shouting or squirting the cat with a water bottle should be avoided at all costs.

As a cat behavior consultant, I know that stress is a number one cause of a wide range of health and behavioral problems in our feline family members. Stress comes in many forms and the average cat owner may not even realize it is present until behavioral changes start impact­ ing on them (most commonly, inappropriate toileting).

If we can spend more time educating our younger generations how to interact with cats in a way that builds bonds and strengthens rela­ tionships – and if we do this from an early age – we will be setting our beloved felines up for much happier, stress­free lives that will be of huge benefit both to them and their loving humans. n

References Hart, L.A., Hart, B.L., Thigpen, A.P., Willits, N.H., Lyons, L.A., & Hundenski, S. (2018). Compatibility of Cats with Children in the Family.

Frontiers of Veterinary Science 5:278. Available at: bit.ly/2kqfuSh

Resources Doggone Safe: doggonesafe.com Family Paws Parent Education: familypaws.com/resources IamCasper. (2016). Clicker training videos for cats - beginner & advanced tutorials. Available at: bit.ly/2mr54m3 Karen Pryor Clicker Training/Cat Training: clickertraining.com /cat-training Kidd, A.H., & Kidd, R.M. (1987). Reactions of Infants and Toddlers to Live and Toy Animals. Psychological Reports (61) 2 455-464. Available at: bit.ly/2mnlOKN Pryor, K. (2001). Getting Started: Clicker Training for Cats. Waltham, MA: Karen Pryor Clicker Training Yin, S. (2011). Kids and Dogs: How Kids Should and Should Not Interact with Dogs. Available at: bit.ly/2kSW60o Andrea Carne is a graduate of the University of Southern Queensland, Australia where she majored in journalism and drama before, later in life, following her dream to work in the field of animal behavior. She is a qualified veterinary nurse and dog trainer and member of PPG Australia. Her special area of interest is cat behavior and her passion for it led to the establishment of her own cat behavior consultancy Cattitude (cattitude.com.au), based in southern Tasmania, through which she offers private in-home consultations.

Redstone Media Group, in partnership with the Pet Professional Guild (PPG), is delighted to announce that all PPG members are now eligible for 50% OFF ($12 for six issues) a oneyear subscription to Animal Wellness or Equine Wellness magazines.

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Become an Accredited Scent Instructor!

Presented by Dr. Robert Hewings of The UK College of Scent Dogs

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f e l i n e

Feline Behavior Unmasked: Superfecundation Beth Adelman explains the process whereby kittens from the same litter may all have different fathers

Q

: I recently adopted two young cats that the shelter told me are littermates. But one is a black shorthair and the other is orange and kind of fluffy, and they’re actually not much alike.

If they were really siblings, wouldn’t they be more like each other?

A: Cats from the same litter are not twins or triplets or quadruplets. In fact, while they all have the same mother, it’s possible none of them have the same father. That’s why you can see littermates with different coat colors, patterns, and lengths, and also somewhat different tem­ peraments.

Let’s review the birds and the bees as they pertain to cats. Cats are induced ovulators (Bradshaw, Casey, & Brown, 2012, p.15). That means the queen does not automatically ovulate when she enters a fertile cycle (the way, for instance, human females do). Instead, the act of mat­ ing with a tom releases a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH), which causes ovulation. Eggs simply do not mature unless there is copulation (Bradshaw, Casey & Brown, 2012, p.145).

But once is not enough. The queen must have multiple matings to release enough LH to cause ovulation. Three breedings a day during the first three days of the heat cycle will usually get the job done (Eldredge, Carlson, Carlson & Giffin, 2008, p.410). That’s nine possible sperm donors!

Ovulation actually happens about 24 to 30 hours after all that copu­ lation (Case, 2003, p.57). Between three and seven eggs are released during a typical heat cycle, and their trip to the uterus takes about five or six days (Case, 2003, p.58). Fertilization occurs in the fallopian tubes during the journey (Eldredge, et al., 2008, p.411).

Of course, one sperm fertilizes one egg. But a queen who mates with more than one tom has a mixture of sperm in her reproductive tract, and a single sperm from any one of them can fertilize any given egg. Ergo, with perhaps nine possible sperm donors, every kitten in a lit­ ter could theoretically have a different father.

Town Cat vs. Country Cat How often does that theoretical possibility become reality? It depends on where and how the cat lives. Researchers in France studied a group

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BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

Cats from the same litter are not twins or triplets or quadruplets. In fact, while they all have the same mother, it’s possible none of them have the same father. That’s why you can see littermates with different coat colors, patterns, and lengths, and also somewhat different temperaments. © Can Stock Photo/IuriiSokolov

Kittens may have different fathers even though they are from the same litter, hence they may vary in appearance and temperament

of urban cats and rural cats (about 26 adult males and 35 adult females in each group) and did paternity tests on all 312 kittens they produced (Say, Pontier & Natoli, 2009). Among the city cats, 70% to 83% of litters had more than one father. Among the country cats, 0% to 22% of litters had more than one father. When you parse those statistics a different way, the country toms had a 78% to 100% chance of being the father of all the kittens in a single litter, while the city toms had a less than 30% chance.

The researchers suggested that population density and behavior pressures accounted for the results. The country cats lived in the village of Barisey­la­Côte in rural northeastern France and were owned cats who spent their days free­roaming the countryside. Both males and fe­ males were highly territorial, and the queens in season were monopo­ lized by just a handful of resident males. Outsiders, and even the younger local males, rarely got a chance to mate.

The city cats were a single colony of strays living on the grounds of a hospital in the city of Lyon, where they were fed by hospital staff. The population density of the city cat colony was more than nine times greater than that of the country cats. The researchers speculated that in such dense living conditions, with so many males nearby, trying to mo­ nopolize a single female was simply too much work. Instead, the city toms tried to mate with as many females as possible.

This study makes it sound as if the males make all the decisions about who mates with whom. But researchers in Japan found that the

f e l i n e queens often have the upper paw (Ishida, Yahara, Kasuya & Yamane, 2001). They observed eight feral queens in season, who were courted by between 9 and 19 males but ended up mating with 3 to 9 of them.

The top criterion for rejecting a male was that he was a close rela­ tive (distant relatives were accepted). But comfort and experience— among the queens—also seemed to matter. Older and lighter females tended to accept copulation more frequently than younger and heavier females. n For further assistance with feline behavior issues, see PPG Feline Resources: petprofessionalguild.com/Feline‐Resources.

Do you have a question for the PPG Cat Committee?

Submit your question for consideration to: barkseditor@petprofessionalguild.com

References Bradshaw, J., Casey, R., & Brown, S. (2012). The Behavior of the Domestic Cat (2nd edn). Oxon, U.K.: CABI Case, L. (2003). The Cat: Its Behavior, Nutrition & Health. Ames, Iowa: Blackwell Publishing Eldredge, D., Carlson, D., Carlson, L., & Giffin, J. (2008). Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook (3rd edn). Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley Publishing Ishida, Y., Yahara, T., Kasuya, E., & Yamane, A. (2001). Female Control of Paternity During Copulation: Inbreeding Avoidance in Feral Cats.

Behaviour 138 (2) 235–250. Available at: bit.ly/2ku0QJM Say, L., Pontier, D., & Natoli, E. (2009). High variation in multiple paternity of domestic cats (Felis catus L.) in relation to environmental conditions. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London (266) 2071– 2074. Available at: bit.ly/2mqzt41 Beth Adelman is a feline behavior consultant based in New York, New York, and is a member of PPG’s Cat Committee. She is a frequent speaker on feline behavior topics at industry conferences and public events.

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business

The Need for Truthful Marketing in the Pet Services Industry In the second of a two-part article, Niki Tudge discusses the significance of marketing ethics and consumer transparency in the pet industry, given the current lack of regulation

I

n the first part of this article, I And, if course, it's discussed how, as the pet serv­ not a little secret at ices industry is currently unreg­ all, but rather a huge ulated in the United States and one, because of the in­ many other parts of the world, any credible damage that can Dog training professionals are not single individual can set them­ be done by someone who legally bound to disclose the methods and equipment they use while pet selves up to work as a dog trainer isn't trained to be a dog owners may not even be aware this is regardless of qualifications, knowl­ trainer…Dog training can be abusive, something they should be asking edge, skills, or experience. In dog and we must do all we can to make about training specifically, it is not un­ sure it is not.” common to see misleading ad­ Service Product Clarity vertisements or a In the service industry specifically, misrepresentation of the serv­ the service delivery cannot be ices provided, including a lack separated from the service of transparency about meth­ provider or the end user. Rather, ods and equipment used and/or it is a continuous process where an outdated approach that pro­ © Can Stock Photo/halfpoint the consumer meets the person motes the concept of dominance, representing the actual product. For example, the alpha dog, pack leader etc. These, as we already know given the professional dog trainers cannot deliver their services without interact­ mounting body of scientific research now available, are labels at best ing directly with their clients throughout the service delivery process. and factually inaccurate at worst.

The product the client purchases is the actual service delivery, i.e. the In the public domain, whether online or in print, there are many ex­ private appointment, the training session or group class, and the profes­ amples of misleading, inaccurate, or blatant mistruth intended to mis­ sional’s ability to deliver on a marketed promise. In the case of dog guide a dog owner. For example, articles about how to be “alpha” are a training, however, the service product is not just the physical product, dime a dozen despite being factually inaccurate, outdated and mislead­ i.e. the training service that is purchased. It is far more complicated ing, and can be potentially dangerous to both people and their pets. The than that (Tudge, 2015). most cursory of Google searches will bring up thousands of articles. In­ Unlike retail items or inventory, the services and products offered by deed, the misrepresentation of training methods and fallout from those a professional trainer or behavior consultant are multilayered. The first methods is rampant across the worldwide web. At the same time, there layer is the core product. This refers to the user­benefit, problem­solv­ are numerous situations where pet owners have reported that dog train­ ing service the customer is purchasing. In dog training, customers pur­ ing professionals have used aversive tools or methods on their pets with­ chase solutions to their problems and invest in what will – hopefully – out prior approval, some of which ended in the death of a family pet: become a well­mannered dog. It is here where product misinformation • Midstate woman says kennel used shock collar on her dog. is often used in the marketing message, whereby promises are made • Dog Day Care Put A Shock Collar On My Dog Without and false statements induce customers to make the purchase (Tudge, Permission, Owner Says.

2015).

• Dog owner finds anti­bark collar on pet after daycare visit.

The second layer is the actual product. This is the tangible product • $60,000 Awarded In Death Of Dog. or service and is the method by which a client receives the core product • A Dog Died Today. Because of a Trainer. benefits. For a dog trainer or behavior consultant, this means the con­ • "That shock collar had embedded in his neck:" Vet describes sultation or dog training session. The third, and final, layer is known as dog boarded by Off Leash K9 Training. the augmented product. This contains all the actions taken by the pro­ The Professional Is the Service! fessional to help the customer put the actual product, i.e. the training lesson, to sustained use. These actions can include how the product is In an article published in Psychology Today, Dr. Marc Bekoff (2017), pro­ fessor emeritus of ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Colorado, expressed his shock that, “in the United States anyone can ...there are numerous situations where pet call themself [sic] a ‘dog trainer.’ I went online and did many different owners have reported that dog training searches, and while there are many excellent certification programs, it is professionals have used aversive tools or the case that anyone can legally hang up a shingle that says ‘Dog methods on their pets without prior approval, Trainer’ and begin to work with dogs and their humans. I also queried a some of which ended in the death of a family pet. number of trainers and they also agreed that there really is a ‘dirty little secret’ about which many, perhaps most, people are unaware, as I was.

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BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

business In the public domain, whether online or in print, there are many examples of misleading, inaccurate, or blatant mistruth intended to misguide a dog owner. For example, articles about how to be “alpha” are a dime a dozen despite being factually inaccurate, outdated and misleading, and can be potentially dangerous to both people and their pets.

services currently on offer (examples of which we have detailed) have already negatively impacted the physical and emotional health of too many sentient beings and will continue to do so. If a trainer implements aversive methods, then a detailed summary of their philosophical ap­ proach and system methodology plus the risks of potential fallout should also be provided, along with an honest account of what a pet may experience in terms of pain, fear and/or punishment during a train­ ing session or behavior change program. Today’s dog training profes­ sionals must rely on science rather than hearsay, myth, misperception and misinformation to lead the charge on how they should be perform­ ing their services. n

delivered, what is provided in terms of educational handouts, recom­ mendations of equipment to use, and post­session email and telephone support. This all makes for a very complicated product and it requires strategic thought to determine how the various product layers should be developed, implemented, and managed. Because these service prod­ ucts are multilayered, it also allows for a great deal of confusion, misin­ formation, or false advertising, which can – and does – hinder clients from making the best purchase decision for their pets (Tudge, 2015).

There are a number of resources available to help pet owners make such decisions, including: • Doggone Safe (2019): Ten Questions to Ask Your Dog Training Professional ­ Before You Hire Them.

• Companion Animal Psychology (2016): How to Choose a Dog Trainer.

• iSpeakDog (n.d.): How to Choose a Dog Trainer.

However, the onus is still on the pet owner to find the right person amongst all the other misinformation available. States Bekoff (2017): “All dogs who need training depend on their humans to make the best choice possible. We owe it to them to do the best we can and to be sure that when we entrust our dogs' well­being and lives to someone who calls themself [sic] a trainer, that they really are qualified to work with these highly sentient beings and their human guardians.”

Article adapted from ‘Pet Training and Behavior Consulting: A Model for Raising the Bar to Protect Professionals, Pets and Their People’ by Niki J. Tudge, Susan J. Nilson, Debra A. Millikan and Louise A. Stapleton‐Frappell (see ad on p.39).

Full Disclosure State Masson et al. (2018): “The importance of ethical issues in engen­ dering client compliance should not be underestimated.” The marketing and business practices implemented by pet professionals can signifi­ cantly impact pet owners and their pets – emotionally, environmentally, physically, and psychologically. As such, it is imperative that pet profes­ sionals operate to a high standard of moral code in terms of business transparency and consumer protection. Professional dog trainers and pet industry practitioners should have a specialized knowledge advan­ tage over the ordinary person, their clients. This knowledge should be used honestly and with full transparency. Professionals should avoid clouding a pet owner’s decision­making process with inaccuracies, pseudo­science and outdated information. A professional’s knowledge and education should be based on current scientific study and not ar­ chaic, scientifically unsound methods that enable them to exploit clients and their pets through unfounded and misleading marketing and/or sales information regarding their products and services, not to mention any resulting behavioral fallout from implementing said methods. The consequences can be severely damaging for dogs, and, thus their own­ ers too.

According to The Academy for Dog Trainers (2017), the most impor­ tant thing to look for in a dog trainer is transparency: “If a dog trainer is not willing to fully disclose, in clear language, exactly what will happen to your dog (in the physical world) during the training process, keep shopping. Look for verbs, not adjectives. Demand to know what specific methods will be employed in what specific situations.”

In the pet industry, consumer transparency, supported by honest and truthful marketing and accurate descriptions of how a pet will be trained or cared for, is essential. As it stands, some of the products and

References Bekoff, M. (2017). Dog Training's Dirty Little Secret: Anyone Can Legally Do It. Available at: bit.ly/2kQ3v0k Crosby, J. (n.d.). A Dog Died Today. Because of a Trainer. Available at: bit.ly/2ko3IYB Fuller, J. (2019, May 20). "That shock collar had embedded in his neck:" Vet describes dog boarded by Off Leash K9 Training. News Channel 11 WJHL Johnson City, TN. Available at: bit.ly/2knYlsh Goudie, C. & Weidner, R. (2017, March 27). Dog owner finds anti-bark collar on pet after daycare visit. ABC News 7 WLS Chicago, IL. Available at: abc7.ws/2kGGQ6U London, K. (2019, March). $60,000 Awarded In Death Of Dog. Available at: bit.ly/2klRUWE Ludwig, H. (2017, March 23). Dog Day Care Put A Shock Collar on My Dog Without Permission, Owner Says. DNA Info Chicago. Available at: bit.ly/2qP8UnV Masson, S., La Vega, S., Gazzano, A., Mariti, C., Da Graça Pereira, G., Halsberghe, C.,…Schoening, B. (2018). Electronic training devices: Discussion on the pros and cons of their use in dogs as a basis for the position statement of the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 25 71-75. Available at: bit.ly/2kGNj1E The Academy for Dog Trainers. (2017, June 16). Transparency in Dog Training [Video File]. Available at: youtube.com/watch?v=XKyLqv4Q5kI Tudge, N.J. (2015). People Training Skills for Pet Professionals: Your Essential Guide to Engaging, Educating and Empowering Your Human Clients. (n.p.): Lulu Publishing Services Wilson, L. (2019, March 27). Midstate woman says kennel used shock collar on her dog. ABC7 News. Available at: bit.ly/2kGACE5

Resources Companion Animal Psychology. (2016). How to Choose a Dog Trainer. Available at: bit.ly/2kQ63vq Doggone Safe (n.d.). Ten Questions to Ask Your Dog Training Professional - Before You Hire Them. Available at: bit.ly/2lVIu4G iSpeakDog (n.d.). How to Choose a Dog Trainer. Available at: bit.ly/2kGBMzr Niki Tudge PCBC-A AABP-CDBT AAPB – CDT is founder and president of the Pet Professional Guild (petprofessionalguild.com), The DogSmith (dogsmith.com), a national dog training and pet care license, and DogNostics Career College (dognosticselearning.com), and president of Doggone Safe (doggonesafe.com). She has business degrees from Oxford Brookes University, UK and has achieved her DipABT and DipCBST. Recently, she has published People Training Skills for Pet Professionals – Your essential guide to engaging, educating and empowering your human clients, Training Big for Small Businesses, and A Kid’s Comprehensive Guide to Speaking Dog.

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

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business

Ask the Experts: Gaining Client Compliance Veronica Boutelle of PPG corporate partner dog*biz responds to pet professionals’ questions on all things business and marketing

Q

: I’ve heard you talk about day training and I’m tempted to try it, for many reasons. For one thing, I’ve got school‐aged kids I’d like to be home with at night! I’m concerned about making client compliance worse, though. Clients not doing their homework and following my advice is my biggest training frustration. If I let them off the hook for training their own dogs, it feels like they’ll blow off their part of the deal even more. Please tell me that won’t happen…

A: We rarely teach about day training without hearing a version of this question. And no wonder. Find me a dog trainer who hasn’t experienced frustration with clients not holding up their end of the training bargain, so to speak. Whether for lack of skill or time or inclination, clients often fall short of what we’d ideally like them to do during the training process.

But you can rest easy as you switch to day training. “A typical day­ training program consists of an initial consult and then a number of weeks (determined by the trainer based on the needs and goals of the case) in which the trainer sees the dog several times, wrapping up each week with a transition session to show the client what Fido has learned and to ‘proof’ or transfer the training to the owners, including teaching them how to ask for and reinforce new behaviors, and what to do if they don’t get a requested behavior or if they experience an unwanted one popping back up." (dog*biz, 2018).

Over and over we’ve found that trainers who day train (in other words, doing the training for the client, rather than teaching the client to do it themselves) encounter far fewer compliance frustrations. There are good reasons for this. For one thing, clients are asked to develop fewer mechanical skills. Because you’re doing the heavy training lifting, clients don’t need to learn how to install new behaviors or phase out unwanted ones. This allows you to spend your time helping clients de­ velop the understanding and skills they need to take advantage of your training—things like situational awareness, the role of distraction, work­ ing at the dog’s level (criteria setting), and problem solving novel situa­ tions. And when you do that, clients become better real­world handlers.

Over and over we’ve found that trainers who day train (in other words, doing the training for the client, rather than teaching the client to do it themselves) encounter far fewer compliance frustrations.

Groundwork Compliance also improves because clients are generally more motivated to take action to protect results than they are to achieve them. It’s eas­ ier to maintain progress made than it is to make the progress. It’s also more immediately reinforcing—and we all know how that impacts be­ havior!

Now, there’s still work to be done to support compliance when you day train. It’s important, for example, to clearly outline the client’s role 56

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

© Can Stock Photo/noonie

Author Veronica Boutelle has found that trainers who conduct day training classes often encounter fewer issues with client compliance

in training success during the initial consult. And your cancellation poli­ cies must reflect the importance of showing up for transfer sessions to learn how to play their role.

That said, if you do the groundwork to set up client expectations, create packages that give you, your clients, and their dogs the time needed to succeed, and focus transfer sessions on building the knowl­ edge and skills clients need to put your training to work, I think you’ll find client compliance largely a frustration of the past. n

References dog*biz. (2018). The Case for Day Training. Available at: bit.ly/2oPdIfg Veronica Boutelle MA Ed CTC is founder and co-president of dog*biz (dogbizsuccess.com), and author of How to Run Your Dog Business and co-author of Minding Your Dog Business. dog*biz offers professionally designed positive reinforcement dog training class curricula, including Open-Enrollment Puppy, Open-Enrollment Basic Manners, and short Topics classes built for retention.

Do you have a question for the business experts at dog*biz?

Submit your question for consideration to: barkseditor@petprofessionalguild.com

Learn how

can help your business:

www.dogbizsuccess.com (On this subject, we particularly recommend the dogbiz University course Mastering Day Training. See also ad on p.2 - Ed.)

We Invite You to Become a PPG Corporate Partner If you are aligned with our Guiding Principles. No shock, No pain, No choke, No fear, No physical force, No compulsion based methods are ever employed to train or care for a pet.

If you want to help shape the future of the pet industry with the Pet Professional Guild and enjoy numerous benefits and discounts.

If you want to expand your reach and grow your customer base through access to a core targeted market of pet industry business professionals.Â

Three Options to Suit Your Business Goals Ambassador $850 Annual Partner Membership

Diplomat

Delegate

$650 Annual Partner Membership

$450 Annual Partner Membership

We are the only membership organization for professionals who subscribe to the view that aversive methods should never be used - or even deemed necessary - in the training, care or behavior modification of any pet.

Great benefits at every level

1

Ambassador

2

Diplomat

3 Delegate

Let’s Work Together Creating a better life for our pets as a Pet Professional Guild Corporate Partner. Become a Pet Professional Guild Corporate Partner today!

For more information please contact Kelly Fahey Kelly@PetProfessionalGuild.com www.PetProfessionalGuild.com/Corporate-Partnerships

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It’s All About the Animals In our ongoing series of PPG member profiles, this month BARKS features

Frania Shelley-Grielen of AnimalBehaviorist.us in New York City

F

rania Shelley­Grielen has always been fascinated about how ani­ mals experience the world and how that experience is both differ­ ent from and similar to our own. Based in New York City, she owns and operates AnimalBehaviorist.us.

Q: Can you tell us a bit more about yourself, how you first got into animal behavior and training and what you are doing now?

A: I have a master’s in urban planning and for many years worked with real estate transactions until I decided to follow my heart and go back to school to study animal behavior. I really wanted to learn as much as I could in a formal accredited academic program. I needed to be sure I was reading the right material and learning what the deeper questions and conclusions were from the researchers and scientists themselves. I completed the graduate program in animal behavior and conservation at Hunter College, City University of New York and, in 2009, I received my master’s. I started writing about behavior for several websites and doing some behavior and training work while at Hunter.

When I graduated, I worked at anything that involved animals: pet sitting, dog walking, vet practice assistant, I even demo'ed dog food at pet stores. I then qualified and took a full­time position as a licensed pet care technician teacher, developing and teaching that course at a post­ secondary vocational school for five years. When I started the pet care technician program, they were working without any animals in the classroom. Because the course was taught in an office building down­ town that was not dog friendly, I trained and tested as a registered ther­ apy animal handler with my dog, Daisy, which the building responded to (I also brought a cat in at times but she came in a carrier). The book I wrote, my YouTube Channel, and my website all started from research­ ing material for my course and answering client and student questions.

My work in the classroom and in the field, including behind the scenes preparing students and evaluating internship sites in the pet services industry, didn’t just teach me more about companion animal behavior. It also taught me how people best learn to work with animals, as well as what is really happening in doggy day cares, grooming salons and shelters. I saw first­hand the need to have practical, applied skills taught by experts and what the impact is on animals when this does not happen. So I left my position to found PetCenterEd, Inc., a not for profit 501(c)3 corporation that would address the need for higher training for pet care service providers and higher standards for pet care services by offering expert­led, academic education and practical training under one roof. I continue to offer behavior and training services and write.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your own pets.

A: Cats were my first love because that's who I grew up with. So many of our pets are our best teachers if we listen and try to re­ spond and mine were no exception.

Cinnamon, a for­ mer feral, wonder­ fully gentle and quite shy around new people, was perfect to help with teaching approach and handling in the classroom (we al­ ways started with a stuffed cat and pro­ gressed very slowly). Julie, my other kitty, older, and my best teacher for how to © Frania Shelley­Grielen integrate new cats Frania Shelley­Grielen with her cocker spaniel Daisy, with resident cats. who assists in client training sessions and in the And there was classroom Daisy, my cocker spaniel, best friend ever, and teammate. We taught people how to walk with dogs, what play looks like, what to do in dog parks, and how to pet a dog. She also allowed grooming demonstrations, anatomy lessons and more.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?

A: Getting to work with animals and the people who care enough about them to work with you.

Write for BARKS from the Guild or the BARKS Blog!

We are always on the lookout for interesting features, member profiles, case studies and training tips to feature in BARKS from the Guild and on the BARKS Blog. If you’d like to join the growing band of member contributors, please get in touch.

barksfromtheguild.com

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BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

BARKS BARKS from the Guild blog Email: barkseditor@petprofessionalguild.com

p r o f i l e “...the science shows us that force and punishment negatively impact learning, welfare, relationships and results. From an empathy perspective, it's non-negotiable.” - Frania Shelley-Grielen

Q: What is the funniest or craziest situation you have been in with a pet and their owner?

A: I had a client who wanted me to help her train her cat to come down trees so she would not have to climb up to retrieve her, which is what she had been doing thus far.

Q: How has PPG helped you to become a more complete trainer?

Q: Are you a crossover trainer or have you always been a force‐free trainer?

A: I have always been force­free, but until I formally studied the science I did not fully grasp how much more humane and effective force­free is for relationships, long­lasting results, and welfare.

Q: What drives you to be a force‐free professional and why is it important to you?

A: Again, the science shows us that force and punishment negatively im­ pact learning, welfare, relationships and results. From an empathy per­ spective, it's non­negotiable.

A: The support that comes from knowing just how many of us there are in this force­free organization.

Q: What advice would you give to a new trainer starting out?

A: Never think you have it all figured out. Avoid the "rock star" mental­ ity. Avoid personal attacks and keep any exchanges on the merits of an approach or concept.

Keep reading the science and know the author’s bias. Make sure you understand body language and what play looks like. Keep watching animals and always think about what might be happening from their point of view. Remember it's about the animal and the client and not you. n

Q: Why did you become a dog trainer or pet care provider?

A: If you want to make animal lives better, you have to start with their people.

Q: What reward do you get out of a day's training?

AnimalBehaviorist.us (animalbehaviorist.us) is located in New York City, New York.

To be featured in the BARKS Profile section, please complete this form: bit.ly/2y9plS1

A: When the clients put it all together for the animals; the text or email that tells you it’s working for their pets.

Q: Who has most influenced your career and how?

A: Dr. Ian Dunbar and Dr. Sophia Yin. Dr. Dunbar is the grand master of putting the dog’s perspective out there without artifice and knowing how to work with people to do it. And Dr. Yin, for coming to realize how cruel the entire pet services industry was to animals and going back to school to study behavior and giving us the tools to change it. They in­ spire me every day.

Q: What do you consider to be your area of expertise?

A: Dog behavior, cat behavior and animal welfare.

Q: What are some of your favorite positive reinforcement techniques for the most commonly encountered client‐dog problems?

A: Two things: Increasing the rate of reinforcement. And overcoming the resistance to reinforcement by reinforcing. People get praise, not treats, but you knew that already (see what I did there?).

Q: What awards or competition placements have you and your dog(s) achieved using force‐free methods?

A: I have only “competed” against outdated methods. I once brought Daisy along to a lesson with a client who insisted that physical “correc­ tion” was what dogs did “naturally.” When the rambunctious puppy pushed and pushed for over­the­top play, Daisy first looked away, then turned and walked away (at one point lifting a lip), "explaining" what was welcome and what wasn’t. Daisy's demonstration of no force dis­ pelled the belief that physical correction was necessary and the client was convinced. It was a major achievement.

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

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comment

Dogs, People and Changing Attitudes David Egan examines the changing lifestyles of dogs over the decades and wonders if some of the developments are for better or worse

I

have worked in the dog industry a long time. When I first started out, the information available now was nonexistent, so the accepted way of training was what we would now describe as aversive. Thankfully, science has taught us there is a better way, a way that I personally em­ braced whole heartedly right from the outset. However, it is not just our understanding and the techniques employed in dog training that have changed. In my opinion, there has also been a gradual shift in attitudes towards dogs – and not always for the better.

Now I’ve always had a thing about German shepherd dogs (GSD). I just love the majesty, intelligence, and loyalty of the breed and my cur­ rent dog, Flynn, encompasses all those qualities. He is a 17­month­old working line GSD who is a perfect ambassador for the breed. However, given that most of the dogs that have been in my life have also been GSDs, I am no longer surprised when people hurriedly cross the street instead of walking directly past us. And I get it, some people just don’t like dogs, while others are worried by the sight of a large dog.

I have gone to great lengths to ensure Flynn’s continued socializa­ tion is as complete as it can be, exposing him to, but not necessarily in­ teracting with, all kinds of distractions, including children, and he is generally excellent most of the time. I say “most of the time” because he is, after all, a dog with his own mind, and just like people, can be startled by something, or may sometimes just be having a bad day.

Therefore, as any responsible dog owner should know, it is essential to be able to read your dog and to protect him from anything that could cause him to react negatively.

While out with Flynn one day, we were waiting at the curb to cross a busy road to get to the park to do some distraction work. Flynn was sit­ ting quietly just taking everything in without any outward signs that he was feeling stressed when, all of a sudden, there was a loud scream.

Running as fast as her little legs could carry her was a young child who, upon seeing Flynn, was waddling up to him as fast as she could, scream­ ing excitedly. The mother was a little way behind, pushing a stroller while talking on her phone. In any case, the sight of a small human, which, to a lot of dogs, may be unfamiliar and perhaps somewhat scary, screaming excitably and moving erratically towards him was enough to convince Flynn that he was about to become the next victim in Revenge of the Toddler. This was way too much for him to handle and before I knew it, he was backing away and barking nervously, which had the ef­ fect of stopping the toddler in her tracks. I called to the mother while turning Flynn around to get him to focus back on me, which he did im­ mediately. She then awoke to the presence of a large, barking dog and screamed at the child to come back which, thankfully, she did. The mother then started to berate me at high volume for being an irrespon­ sible dog owner bringing a dangerous dog out in public.

I wouldn’t be surprised that, when the mother relates this story, it will be something along the lines of how she saved her child from the jaws of a giant, vicious Alsatian. I doubt very much she will stop and think that, just maybe, she wasn’t being as responsible as she could have been. After all, Flynn was under control and minding his own busi­ ness while she was busy talking on her phone and not paying attention to what her child was doing alongside a busy main road.

If this had been an isolated incident, then I wouldn’t have given it

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BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

© Can Stock Photo/Mik122

Author David Egan believes that, back in the day, it was common knowledge not to disturb the dog when he was eating or chewing on a bone, whereas today dogs risk being labeled “aggressive” simply because they guard their resources

much thought, but it wasn’t. Over the years there have been a number of them. A friend of mine with the most gentle of dogs, who happens to be a Staffy, has had people scream at him to keep “that killer” away from their dog. It brought to mind an article I read a while ago suggest­ ing there was a subtle change in people’s attitudes towards dogs. This change, it was argued, risked leading people to view dogs either as rabid wolves or furry humans. If anything, the encounter I had with Flynn and the mother was that of the former.

Back in the Day I remember as a child growing up on the back streets of Stoke­on­Trent, England in the 1960s that it wasn’t uncommon for people to let their dogs out of the house to roam the streets each day. Life for dogs at that time seemed to be a more relaxed affair than it is today. They ate, slept, played, and eliminated when and where they chose. They chose their friends too. Going back even further to the turn of the century, many dogs had a job, which tended to address their genetic impulses. Unfor­ tunately, we have since made many of these jobs, and thus the dogs that do them, redundant – though their drives remain the same. In any case, as a consequence of this more relaxed lifestyle I believe our dogs enjoyed, I became dog savvy at an early age. I knew which dogs were friendly and which dogs to give a wide berth to and, more importantly, how to behave around them. In fact, if I went home complaining about a dog, the first question from my parents was always, “Well, what did YOU do to the dog?” If it was a case of the dog chewing on a bone and the dog growled at me for getting too close, I, in turn, was scolded by

comment my parents for not leaving the dog alone when he was eating. This was a far cry from today’s attitudes where some automatically classify a dog’s growling as aggression, providing reason enough to be rehomed – or worse.

In comparison, I believe life today for many of our dogs is strictly controlled with many of them living in social isolation. When they do get out, their activities are on a tight schedule. Owner expectations and de­ mands may also be extremely high. While some dogs are lucky and get the choice of what to do and where to go, others are told what to do from the moment they are allowed to get up in the morning until they are put to bed at night, including when and where they are permitted to toilet. During any free time they may have, they are expected just to lie around and be “well­behaved” (by human standards, not theirs). So it’s hardly surprising that stress and arousal levels may be on the higher side.

Interestingly, going back to when I was growing up, you never heard of fatal dog attacks on children even though the streets were filled with dogs running free. The question is, then, why? It’s not as if there was no media to report such things, because there was. We had television, radio, and national and local newspapers, so there was certainly no media black hole. The only differences were that the internet and social media did not exist, but even so, it wasn’t as if there was no way of re­ porting incidents.

In my case, it was my parents who taught me to respect a dog and not to approach unless the dog wanted to interact. It was the same for all my friends. I didn’t grow up with a dog in the house but my father had and it was his knowledge and experience that was passed down. It was a valuable life lesson, especially given my chosen career path. I’m certainly not saying dogs were better trained in those days. In fact, it was almost the opposite. Dog training classes were few and far be­ tween, and besides, there were “more important” things to spend your hard­earned cash on, like food for instance. As such, dogs were either trained or untrained. Seemingly, the only people who actually did train their dogs were those interested in dog sports or showing.

I believe life today for many of our dogs is strictly controlled with many of them living in social isolation. When they do get out, their activities are on a tight schedule. Owner expectations and demands may also be extremely high. While some dogs are lucky and get the choice of what to do and where to go, others are told what to do from the moment they are allowed to get up in the morning until they are put to bed at night.

It appears to me, looking back, that there was more in the way of common sense and respect where dogs were concerned. As such, I wonder what has happened to people’s dog savviness over the years and why that previous knowledge is not being passed down. As far as I can see, there are a number external factors which may have con­ tributed towards what I see as a decline and I will have more to say on that topic in the second part of this piece, coming up in the January 2020 issue of BARKS. Stay tuned! n David Egan DipDogPsy (Dist) BSc (Hons) is based in Haslemere, Surrey, England and operates Living with Wolves (livingwithwolves.co .uk/1-2-1-dog-training.html#) with a focus on behavior consults, puppy and dog training, and confidence building, all on a one-to-one basis. He started out working in a security kennel training German shepherds in obedience, bite work and tracking and has also trained breeds such as English springers and Labradors in drug and explosive detection work. The accepted method of training when he started out did not sit well with him so, searching for a better way to train, he started upon a path of education. He has since completed a course in canine psychology and a bachelor’s in canine behavior and is a proud member of PPG.

Pet Professional Guild has partnered with BarkBox to provide all members with a 20% discount. * Order a monthly box of dog goodies for your canine friend! * Special rates available for gifts for dog friends * A portion of proceeds from each box will go to help dogs in need The promocode can be found in the Member Area of the PPG website: PetProfessionalGuild.com /benefitinformation

www.barkbox.com BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

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b o o k s

Refining Training Skills Breanna Norris reviews Awesome Obedience: A Positive Training Plan for Competition Success by Hannah Branigan

I

picked up a copy of Awesome Obedience at the 2018 Clicker Expo in D.C. but you can now find it in the Karen Pryor Clicker Training Store, au­ thor Hannah Branigan’s own website (hannahbranigan.dog) or Amazon.

At the time of going to press, it was also due to become available on Kin­ dle.

Hannah Branigan, in case you are unaware, is a professional dog trainer, Karen Pryor faculty member, and host of a popular podcast, Drink‐ ing from the Toilet (hannahbranigan.dog/dog­training­podcast) — I recom­ mend you take a listen if you have not already. Branigan’s new book is not for the complete novice and she makes this clear in the introduction: “I’m writing for the reader who is already committed to R+ methods, has foun­ dation training skills and exposure to clicker training/R+ concepts and wants to apply those skills to the sport of obedience.”

While the book is obedience focused, do not let that scare you if you are not an obedience competitor. I do not compete but found the book in­ credibly useful nonetheless. In fact, I incorporated some of Branigan’s training methods into my classes. Her focus is on training through games, which means you can begin incorporating some of her methods into your training plan immediately. She writes of high energy games and what she calls Cool Yer Jets: Control Games. “Motivational games,” Branigan writes, “have a specific rule structure. You need to be able to turn the game on and off reliably in order to use it as a tool for reinforcement.” She also puts a special Branigan twist on popular Zen games such as Zen Bowl. Overall, she breaks down the games in an easy­to­read format covering the name of the game, an overview, objectives, why teach it, and preparation, com­ plete with clearly explained steps to teach each behavior.

Enjoying the Process There are also chapters on changing positions, fluency, heeling, stays, retrieving, going out, jumping, and discrimination tasks, among others.

Branigan takes these behaviors and training concepts and turns them on their head: release cues, for example, which Branigan notes are often misunderstood. “Ultimately, many dogs have trouble learning to stay because they haven’t learned to release,” she writes. “So instead of defining the release as ‘OK to stop staying,’ let’s define the release as a specific, easy positive behavior itself ­ a reinforcer.” If you have ever re­ ferred to yourself as a ‘behavior nerd,’ then this is the stuff your dreams may be made of.

In Chapter 2, How to Win at the Sport of Obedience, Branigan suc­ cinctly sums up who this book is for: “You are like me. The process matters.

You care exactly how the score is earned. You want to enjoy the training process as much as, if not more than, the title. And you want your dog to

“Ultimately, many dogs have trouble learning to stay because they haven’t learned to release,” [Branigan] writes. “So instead of defining the release as ‘OK to stop staying,’ let’s define the release as a specific, easy positive behavior itself - a reinforcer.” If you have ever referred to yourself as a ‘behavior nerd,’ then this is the stuff your dreams may be made of.

62

BARKS from the Guild/November 2019

Branigan’s focus on training through games means trainers can incorporate some of her methods into their training plans immediately, regardless of whether they compete in obedience or not

enjoy the process as well! If anything, the means justify the end...not the other way around.” If you do not compete, I believe this book may still in­ spire you in that it can help you hone your training skills and speak to your inner training nerd or behavior geek. And, if you do already compete, Branigan’s book might well help you refine your training skills.

I do have one issue with the book, however. The first time I opened it the binding cracked and now I have loose pages flapping about which I am sure to lose if I sit out on my deck and read it. I hope the publisher will opt for a higher quality binding in ensuing print runs. That said, binding issues notwithstanding, the content is outstanding and well worth becoming ac­ quainted with. n

Awesome Obedience: A Positive Training Plan for Competition Success Author: Hannah Branigan Karen Pryor Clicker Training/Sunshine Books, Inc./2019 250 pages ISBN: 9781890948856

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There Is No Excuse

FOR ABUSE

It’s time to ban shock collars I would say that, as with any helping professional, your first and primary obligation is to do no harm, and we have compelling evidence that applying shock, either systematically or randomly, to domestic dogs increases their general level of stress and discomfort. So given that knowledge, there simply is no ethical rationale for using it.

Janis Bradley,

Director of Communications and Publications, National Canine Research Council

If there’s a tool which causes pain or discomfort, it has the potential of creating other problems. As animal care professionals, I feel that if we...can’t find kinder, gentler ways of doing something, then maybe we are in the wrong profession.

Ken Ramirez, Executive VP and CTO, Karen Pryor Clicker Training

“Until these devices are illegal, consumers must protect themselves and their dogs by looking beyond the marketing messages of those who profit from their sale and use. It is not necessary to use electric shock to change behavior.

It is not necessary in humans, in zoo species, in marine mammals or in dogs.”

Jean Donaldson,

Author, Train Your Dog Like a Pro

ShockFree.org