from fearful to engaged: expanding the training conversationHow can you quickly transform a dog from growling and avoiding people to a willing participant in a training dialogue? The answer is skillful application of behavior science!
Animal control brought Misty into the shelter on a catch pole. She growled, tried to escape, and cowered in the back of her kennel—unable to greet people or even take food. An old, thick, tie-out rope was still attached to her collar.KPA faculty member and board certified applied animal behaviorist (ACAAB) Lindsay Wood, applied animal behaviorist at the shelter, recognized the need for swift intervention. She assembled a small team and a plan to support Misty. Lindsay’s goal was to teach Misty to willingly accept handling so that the tether could be removed and she could be leashed safely to walk outdoors. Lindsay wanted to accomplish all of this in less than 48 hours!
The first step was to establish Misty’s kennel as a safe, comfortable space where only pleasant experiences would occur. Lindsay’s team placed high-value, mini meals in Misty’s kennel throughout the first day. Lindsay looked for overt changes in behavior—tail wagging, eating, and approaching the front of the kennel—as indicators before she attempted interaction beyond meal delivery. Within 24 hours, Misty readily approached the kennel front, wagged her tail, wiggled her body, and licked her lips when she spotted one of her “friends”.
The next step was to begin a training conversation. Lindsay used a clicker and treats to teach Misty to touch her nose to Lindsay’s hand, a building block for training and tactile interaction that Misty mastered quickly. Within 48 hours, Misty accepted the removal of the tether and walked on a leash into the sunshine, well on her way on a successful journey toward adoption.
“Reinforcement history develops swiftly into a relationship and opens the door to a full training conversation. It’s fundamental to my behavior work in shelters and with private clients,” says Lindsay.Reinforcement history develops swiftly into a relationship and opens the door to a full training conversation.For more information about how to enrich the lives of animals in your care and help them get adopted faster, check out KPA’s Shelter Training & Enrichment course!BETTER BEHAVIOR, MORE ADOPTIONSEnrich the lives of animals in your care and solve common behavior problems with our online course, Shelter Training & Enrichment.Hurry, sale ends tonight at 11:59 pm (ET)LEARN MORESave 20% during Train Your Dog Month!Offer ends this Friday, January 31, at 11:59 pm (ET).Enrich the lives of animals in your care and solve common behavior problems with our online course, Shelter Training & Enrichment. Use coupon code TYD2025 and save $49!Hurry, sale ends tonight at 11:59 pm (ET)LEARN MORESAVE 20% DURING OUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL SALE!The sale ends on Tuesday, September 30, at 11:59 pm (ET).Enrich the lives of animals in your care and solve common behavior problems with our online course, Shelter Training & Enrichment. Use coupon code BTS2025 and save $49!LEARN MORECelebrate With Us! Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog MonthEnrich the lives of animals in your care and solve common behavior problems with our online course, Shelter Training & Enrichment. Enroll in October and save $50 with Coupon Code: STE2024 or apply for a Zoe scholarship.LEARN MORESale ends Tuesday, October 31, at 11:59 pm (ET).
The post From Fearful to Engaged: Expanding the Training Conversation appeared first on Karen Pryor Academy.
From Fearful to Engaged: Expanding the Training Conversation
