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/

CEUs: PPAB 1, CCPDT 1, IAABC 1, KPA 1

A blog can be a great way to share your expertise in dog training and improve search engine optimization for your website. Whether you simply want to improve your Google rankings or ultimately want to write books or feature articles for magazines, a blog gives you the opportunity to share your writing with the world.

This session will cover the basics of blogging, including reasons to include a blog on your business website, where to get topic ideas, and what a blog post should look like. Unfortunately, blog posts typically don’t arrive easily or neatly, and so rewriting is an essential part of the writing process. We’ll look at how to edit your writing, how to find photographs to accompany posts, and how to understand copyrights (and avoid problems). Sharing your content is important, and repurposing blog content into social media posts or other content can save you time and increase your reach. These methods can also help you to build a community around your blog.

Learning Objectives

• Understand how a blog can help your business, and how to get started with writing one.
• Apply a system for thinking of, writing, and editing blog posts.
• Understand copyright issues related to blogging and how to find appropriate images for your blog.
• Develop a strategy for social sharing and building community with your blog.

About Your Presenter

Zazie Todd Ph.D

Zazie Todd Ph.D is an animal behavior expert and award-winning author. Her book, Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, with a foreword by Dr. Marty Becker, won a Maxwell Medallion from the Dog Writer’s Association of America. Her premium newsletter, The Pawsitive Post, brings readers bimonthly tips on dog and cat behavior and the latest in canine and feline science.

Zazie is the creator of the Companion Animal Psychology blog and also has a blog, Fellow Creatures, at Psychology Today. Her writing has appeared in Modern Dog, Modern Cat, Inside Your Cat’s Mind, Pacific Standard, The Psychologist, and Reader’s Digest. She is the owner-operator of Blue Mountain Animal Behaviour in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, and is an affiliate member of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

She has a Ph.D in psychology, is an honors graduate of the prestigious Academy for Dog Trainers, and has an advanced certificate of feline behaviour (with distinction) from International Cat Care. Originally from the UK, she lives in Maple Ridge with her husband, dog, and two cats.

This was previously aired at Geek Week 2021.