Shelter Behavior Workshop

Dogs Out Loud

January 2016

Shelter Behavior Manual

https://www.dogsoutloud.org/training-handouts/shelter-behavior-manual/

Purpose

The purpose of this training is to improve life at the shelter for both the dogs and the humans! Knowledge is power and the more we understand about dog behavior, the more effective we can be as their handlers, trainers, and advocates, and the more positive & FUN our interactions will be!

OBJECTIVES

To learn clear and consistent techniques for handling our dogs, ensuring that staff and volunteers are trained in the same methods and approaches and veterans are able to help reinforce those methods for new volunteers & staff.
To use small changes to create big results. Quality of life is directly proportional to the behavior we see in our dogs. We will answer the questions, "What can staff do with the time they have to improve quality of life, positively influence behavior, and create more adoptable dogs?"" and "How can volunteers best use their time to focus on the dogs who need them and their particular skill set most?"
To provide clear and actionable information that enables staff and volunteers to safely and comfortably manage, support and adopt out dogs with varying behavioral needs.

Dog Body Language

What is the dog saying to you and how are you using that information?

Promote Appropriate Behavior
Redirect Unwanted Behavior
Reinforce Calming Signals
Recognize Eye Contact

Human Body Language

What are you saying to the dog and how is the dog using that information?

Model the behavior you want.
Establish and communicate clear boundaries.
Be present.
Speak their language.

Removing From and Returning to
Kennels & Pens

First impressions matter.

Approach
Entrance
Leashing
Exit
Repeat

Leash Skills

Good leash manners = adopted dogs.

Equipment
Handling the Leash
Engagement
Loose Leash Walking Techniques

Quality & Enrichment

There is no better way to prevent undesirable behaviors from developing and/or escalating than through providing enrichment and quality of life! So many of the behaviors we see in the shelter environment are due to stress. But the good news is, there’s much we can do to help!

Basic Needs
Quality Enrichment
Easy Training Games for Adoptability and Enrichment

Easy Training Games

Gate Games
Relaxation Protocol (RP)
Treat, Retreat
On/Off Game
Too Bad/Take It
Pattern Games
Tricks
Greeting Visitors to the Shelter

Safety

Table standing is only for special occasions.

Use the right equipment
Be prepared
Trapped in a kennel
Dog Fight
Loose dog

Behavior Modification

Naughty dogs need love too.

First: Do the least amount of work necessary to change or modify a behavior.

Before working with high-energy or Whoa Doggies!, you must have a thorough understanding of the basic concepts.

Threshold

"'Threshold' is the sweet spot, the place where learning and thinking occur, where choices are possible, where behavior changes (good ones!) can happen."
(Suzanne Clothier, "Understanding Thresholds: It's More than Under- or Over")

Dog Body Language

View a more complete list from Lily Chin of doggiedrawings.net.

Motivation & Goal

Before deciding on what action to take, assess the dog (maybe again) and follow the steps to solving unwanted behavior:

When and where does the behavior occur?
Why is the dog offering the behavior?
What do you want the dog to do instead? Set a goal.
What method you will use to change the behavior? Break the behavior down into the smallest pieces necessary to achieve success.

Focus on what you want your dog to do, not what you do not want your dog to do

Common, Unwanted Behaviors and How to Change Them

Jumping
Mouthing
Leash Biting
Reactivity
Fear-Based Reluctant/Shutdown Behavior
Barrier Frustration
Disengaged/Aloof/Non-Responsive

Meet & Greets and Facilitating Adoptions

Send those doggies home!

Adoption Matchmaking
Networking
Canine Meet & Greets

Resources, Programs, and Sharing Information

Diva says sharing is sweet! (Almost as sweet as donuts.)

Where to find info on dogs?
How to get more training?

THE END

Dogs Out Loud | www.dogsoutloud.org

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Resources

Articles

Shelter Behavior Manual
Miller, Pat. The Power of Positive Dog Training.
Paul Owens. The Dog Whisperer: A Compassionate, Nonviolent Approach to Dog Training.
Understanding Thresholds: It's More than Under- or Over
Lily Chin. Boggie: Doggie Language. doggiedrawings.net

Resources

Videos/How Tos

Treat/Retreat
Touch and Treat (or Pet and Pay)
Relaxation Protocol
Pattern Games
Tricks (Sit, Stay, Touch, Shake, Rollover, Come When Called, Leave It, etc.)
Nosework

Common Calming Signals - The Sophisticated Dog's Videos

Resources

Trainers

Kathy Cascade
Suzanne Clothier
Patricia McConnell
Leslie McDevitt
Turid Rugaas
Grisha Stewart
Nicole Wilde