Implementing Science-Based Training in Shelter and Rescue

With Dr. Zazie Todd

CEUs: PPAB 1.5, CCPDT (pending), IAABC (pending), KPA (pending)

Science has a lot to tell us about dog training (and a little about cat training too), but how can we use these ideas effectively in shelter and rescue? This webinar will begin with a user-friendly overview of the scientific research on dog training methods and what it says about the use of reward-based methods to train pet dogs. We will look at how this fits into the Five Freedoms and the Five Domains models of animal welfare, and how positive reinforcement training can be an enrichment activity as well as a solution to behaviour issues. We will also consider ways to deal with difficulties getting buy-in from stakeholders (including volunteers).

There is also some fascinating research on the importance of the timing of rewards, the quality of rewards, and on resource guarding issues. And for time-strapped shelters, we will look at the research on the effects of simply giving dogs a treat as you pass their kennel. For each of these topics we will look at practical tips and strategies that can help with the dogs in your care.  Finally, we will consider the research on the potential benefits of training shelter cats, and some tips on incorporating this into staff or volunteer practice.

Learning objectives

• Understand important points from the research on dog (and cat) training methods
• Consider how this fits in with models of animal welfare
• Appraise reward quality, timing, and how they relate to behaviour for dogs and cats in shelters
• Apply practical tips in shelter and rescue

Your Presenter

Dr. Zazie Todd

Zazie Todd is the creator of Companion Animal Psychology, a blog about how to have happier cats and dogs (according to science). She has a PhD in Psychology, an MFA Creative Writing, and is an honours graduate of the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers, and is the owner of Blue Mountain Animal Behaviour. She has a Psychology Today blog called Fellow Creatures, and has also written about pets for Pacific Standard, The Psychologist, and Reader’s Digest. Her book, Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, with a foreword by Dr. Marty Becker, has been called “a clear and compassionate guide to bringing out the best in your dog” by NYT-bestselling author Gregory Berns.

Website link: https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/