PowerPoint Presentation

Animal Handling ~ Part 4

Introducing Yourself To DogsSpeaking Their LanguageRev. 1-20-16 ~ Kellie Snider

Introducing Yourself To Dogs. Speaking their language. 2

As we discuss in the Dog Body language slideshow, dogs communicate with us all the time through their body language. 3

As we discuss in the Dog Body language slideshow, dogs communicate with us all the time through their body language.

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But sometimes we communicate with them in ways we may not even be aware of. We may be trying to calm them down, sometimes, but what were doing amps them up. Or we might accidentally try to make them less fearful by doing things that worry them, like reaching for them or hugging them. 5

But sometimes we communicate with them in ways we may not even be aware of. We may be trying to calm them down, sometimes, but what were doing amps them up. Or we might accidentally try to make them less fearful by doing things that worry them, like reaching for them or hugging them.

Dogs are masters of reading body language, and overall they read humans pretty well. They can tell by how we act whether to snuggle 7

Dogs are masters of reading body language, and overall they read humans pretty well. They can tell by how we act whether to snuggle.

Frito, in the next slide, is not sure what is going to happen next, and you can tell this by his body language. Hes pulling back just a little, his muscles are tense and hes clearly worried.

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If you were to tease a dog by leaning forward with your hands on your hips and saying, I love you! theyre likely to respond as if youre threatening them, or to simply be confused about what to do. So practice matching your body language to what you want the dog to understand.

Its important to speak their language body languageand help them understand that we mean well and want the very best for them during their time in the shelter. 12

Its important to speak their language body languageand help them understand that we mean well and want the very best for them during their time in the shelter.

Approach all kenneled dogs in the way we describe in the next kennel. Always introduce yourself using non-threatening behaviors. Remember that this is their home for a while and we want them to be comfortable here.

Non-threatening behaviors

Present your sideSlouchAvert your eyesSpeak gentlyControl your handsOffer treats Offer your hand or a toy at a little distance to encourage the animal to approach you.Touch him on the shoulders or chest using a gentle stroke with the back of your hand.

We recommend that you approach all kenneled dogs in this way. Always introduce yourself using non-threatening behaviors. Remember that this is their home for a while and we want them to be comfortable there. ((Read screen)) 14

When you first approach a dog, turn your body to the side. This is what friendly dogs do when they greet other dogs, and its something they understand when we do it. It says, I respect your space. Then, if the dog is a bit insecure, kneel down so that youre not hovering over him.

When you first approach a dog, turn your body to the side. This is what friendly dogs do when they greet other dogs, and its something they understand when we do it. It says, I respect your space. Then, if the dog is a bit insecure, kneel down so that youre not hovering over him.

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Avert your eyes and avoid staring into the dogs face. Speak softly if the dog is fearful like this one, or be more animated with outgoing dogs. Offer a treat or a toy to see if it helps the dog engage with you. Some dogs will not play or eat when theyre nervous, so if you can, just leave the treat or toy in the kennel. They may decide to eat it or play with it later. Its a good way to start convincing them that humans are the bringers of the good things in life.

Avert your eyes and avoid staring into the dogs face. Speak softly if the dog is fearful like this one, or be more animated with outgoing dogs. Offer a treat or a toy to see if it helps the dog engage with you. Some dogs will not play or eat when theyre nervous, so if you can, just leave the treat or toy in the kennel. They may decide to eat it or play with it later. Its a good way to start convincing them that humans are the bringers of the good things in life. 18

Offer the back of your hand from a distance to allow them to sniff it. Dont move quickly or do anything that might startle them. This is especially true with fearful dogs, but it can affect more confident dogs, too. Our hands are right at some dogs face level so we may inadvertently surprise them.

Offer the back of your hand from a distance to allow them to sniff it. Dont move quickly or do anything that might startle them. This is especially true with fearful dogs, but it can affect more confident dogs, too. Our hands are right at some dogs face level so we may inadvertently surprise them.20

After hes comfortable enough, pet him on the chest or shoulders. Avoid patting on the top of the head-most of them dont like it, but you can pet some dogs there as you would stroke a cat.

After hes comfortable enough, pet him on the chest or shoulders. Avoid patting on the top of the head-most of them dont like it, but you can pet some dogs there as you would stroke a cat. 22

A Few Donts

Some dogs will be a little overwhelmed by hugging thats really a human thing so we ask that you keep it to a minimum in the shelter. As you saw in the Protect Us, Protect Them section, there is also the risk of sharing diseases, or being scratched on the face. We can show a lot of love without squeezing too tightly.

Some dogs will be a little overwhelmed by hugging thats really a human thing so we ask that you keep it to a minimum in the shelter. As you saw in the Protect Us, Protect Them slide show, there is also the risk of sharing diseases, or being scratched on the face. We can show a lot of love without squeezing too tightly. 25

Never straddle or lean over a dog. This can cause some to buck or even whip around and bite. It could cause you to fall. Its tempting to hold them still like this for adjusting a collar or giving medicine, but it can also cause problems for you and for them, for example, if they have to go to quarantine as a result.

And never straddle or lean over a dog. This can cause some to buck or even whip around and bite. It could cause you to fall. Its tempting to hold them still like this for adjusting a collar or giving medicine, but it can also cause problems for you and for them, for example, if they have to go to quarantine as a result. 27

Never lean over or toward a dog, and dont stare at him. We humans can really be scary sometimes, even when we have the best intentions!

Never lean over or toward a dog, and dont stare at him. We humans can really be scary sometimes, even when we have the best intentions! 29

These few guidelines will help you interact safely and successfully with shelter animals. We look forward to working with you!

These few guidelines will help you interact safely and successfully with shelter animals. We look forward to working with you! 31

Managing Rowdy DogsWhile waiting for training to happenRev. 12-30-15 ~ Kellie Snider

Managing Rowdy Dogs While Waiting for Training to Happen. 32

We get a lot of dogs in our shelters that could use a little help with their handling manners. Many of them are young adults with lots of energy but they dont always know just what to do with it, especially now that theyre spending much of each day in a shelter kennel.

We get a lot of dogs in our shelters that could use a little help with their handling manners. Many of them are young adults with lots of energy but they dont always know just what to do with it, especially now that theyre spending much of each day in a shelter kennel.

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Their challenging behavior can make it difficult for personnel to take them out to get the exercise they really need, and there can be a tendency to avoid working with them. But they really need to get outside, to smell the world and exercise and play. Its an essential part of their wellbeing and dramatically improves their quality of life while living in the shelter.

Their challenging behavior can make it difficult for personnel to take them out to get the exercise they really need, and there can be a tendency to avoid working with them. But they really need to get outside, to smell the world and exercise and play. Its an essential part of their wellbeing and dramatically improves their quality of life while living in the shelter.

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One of the challenges we have is getting the dogs out of the kennel and where we need them to go. Left to their own devices these guys will jump on us, tug their leashes or even tug our clothing. So we have to plan ahead and think about what we might need to gain their cooperation.

One of the challenges we have is getting the dogs out of the kennel and where we need them to go. Left to their own devices these guys will jump on us, tug their leashes or even tug our clothing. So we have to plan ahead and think about what we might need to gain their cooperation. 38

Dont hesitate to write a BVAL or behavior evaluation and turn it into the supervisor pronto. Watch the slideshow to learn how that works. We need your information as soon as possible. The job of the behavior specialist is to create training and behavior modification plans to help our animals succeed, but they cant do it if they dont hear from you! You are the behavior scouts that see the behavior first. Let us know what you saw as soon as you can!

Dont hesitate to write a BVAL or behavior evaluation and turn it into the supervisor pronto. Watch the slideshow to learn how that works. We need your information as soon as possible. The job of the behavior specialist is to create training and behavior modification plans to help our animals succeed, but they cant do it if they dont hear from you! You are the behavior scouts that see the behavior first. Let us know what you saw as soon as you can! 40

As the Behavior Team works on creating a plan and implementing training, the goal is to manage the behavior the dog is giving us without making it worse.

As the Behavior Team works on creating a plan and implementing training, the goal is to manage the behavior the dog is giving us without making it worse. 42

Big dogs jumping roughly on people is a frequent issue in our shelters. Our instinct is to push the dog down. However, if we shove a dog thats jumping on us, he may think were asking him to play. A lot of the strong, muscular breeds like to play by pushing and shoving so thats simply not going to work as a way to make them stop pushing and shoving.

Big dogs jumping roughly on people is a frequent issue in our shelters. Our instinct is to push the dog down. However, if we shove a dog thats jumping on us, he may think were asking him to play. A lot of the strong, muscular breeds like to play by pushing and shoving so thats simply not going to work as a way to make them stop pushing and shoving. 44

So if hes jumping on you, one choice may be to simply leave the area. Step outside the kennel if youre indoors, or walk away if youre with the dog in the play yards. If you are walking him on leash, it may be necessary to put him back in the kennel. If youre in a play yard and you walk away, you may find

So if hes jumping on you, one choice may be to simply leave the area. Step outside the kennel if youre indoors, or walk away if youre with the dog in the play yards. If you are walking him on leash, it may be necessary to put him back in the kennel. If youre in a play yard and you walk away, you may find46

hes happy to walk along side you. Just keep walking at a quick but steady pace. If youre in the play yard you can drop the leash and let him choose to stay near you or romp around. These little choices can be really important for our shelter animals.

hes happy to walk along side you. Just keep walking at a quick but steady pace. If youre in the play yard you can drop the leash and let him choose to stay near you or romp around. These little choices can be really important for our shelter animals. 48

Of course, when youre in the kennel leashing him up or walking him from point A to point B, you cant drop the leash and walk away as easily. If he is being completely difficult in the kennel you should step out of the kennel and wait for a better behavior. Other times you can offer a toy to keep him occupied. Some dogs will just carry a toy while you go on your walk, but others will need your engagement. Sometimes you have to carry a long toy like a rope toy and continuously entice the dog to play with it while you tug the opposite end. The reason many dogs tug is because they want that interaction with you so just giving those guys a toy isnt going to be as satisfying as pulling on the leash youre pulling on. So, keep him excited, use your high, silly voice, and keep moving. This takes practice, but youll get the hang of it! 49

Of course, when youre in the kennel leashing him up or walking him from point A to point B, you cant drop the leash and walk away as easily. If he is being completely difficult in the kennel you should step out of the kennel and wait for a better behavior. Other times you can offer a toy to keep him occupied. Some dogs will just carry a toy while you go on your walk, but others will need your engagement. Sometimes you have to carry a long toy like a rope toy and continuously entice the dog to play with it while you tug the opposite end. The reason many dogs tug is because they want that interaction with you so just giving those guys a toy isnt going to be as satisfying as pulling on the leash youre pulling on. So, keep him excited, use your high, silly voice, and keep moving. This takes practice, but youll get the hang of it!

Another thing you can do is toss treats on the ground in front of the dog where you want him or her to go. Any dog that likes his food will be looking for the next piece! This can help distract him from jumping up, tugging the leash and from doing the freight engine pull on leash. 51

Another thing you can do is toss treats on the ground in front of the dog where you want him or her to go. Any dog that likes his food will be looking for the next piece! This can help distract him from jumping up, tugging the leash and from doing the freight engine pull on leash.

When youre walking one of these freight train dogs, ask yourself, What do I want this dog to do instead? If the answer is Walk beside me with a loose leash, the key is to stop moving if the leash is tight and move only when the leash is loose. This means youll do a bunch of stopping and going while a dog is learning the rules.

If a dog doesnt seem to be getting it with this technique, change directions slightly to make the dog pay attention to what youre doing. Continue the rule of Tight leash- No Go, Loose Leash Go, but now toss in some gentle direction changes. This will help the dog pay attention to where youre leading. Do not suddenly and abruptly change directions we arent trying to trick him. We just want him to learn that paying attention to you pays off, and the way it pays off is that he gets to keep moving.

This is one of those things where EVERYONE that walks an animal needs to do this or the dogs dont learn how to walk on a loose leash. We need EVERYONE to walk them this way!

When youre walking one of these freight train dogs, ask yourself, What do I want this dog to do instead? If the answer is Walk beside me with a loose leash, the key is to stop moving if the leash is tight and move only when the leash is loose. This means youll do a bunch of stopping and going while a dog is learning the rules. If a dog doesnt seem to be getting it with this technique, change directions slightly to make the dog pay attention to what youre doing. Continue the rule of Tight leash- No Go, Loose Leash Go, but now toss in some gentle direction changes. This will help the dog pay attention to where youre leading. Do not suddenly and abruptly change directions we arent trying to trick him. We just want him to learn that paying attention to you pays off, and the way it pays off is that he gets to keep moving. This is one of those things where EVERYONE that walks an animal needs to do this or the dogs dont learn how to walk on a loose leash. We need EVERYONE to walk them this way! 54

Some dogs are so big and so strong that we must have immediate tools that are more effective than the flat leash. And even some smaller dogs are crazy hard pullers. We have found a few tools that help us work with them. The simple leash and harness combo in the photo is called a Weiss Walkie. The leash clips to the flat collar the dog is wearing as normal, then it wraps around the dogs chest and loops back through a big silver ring.

When the dog pulls in this outfit it will squeeze the rib cage reminding the dog not to pull. This tool is excellent for use before training can take place, and for some dogs well continue to use them throughout their stay in the shelter. The same thing can be accomplished by using an ordinary long leash, wrapping it around the ribs and pulling it through itself on the dogs back. It is not quite as effective as the real Weiss Walkie but can work if you dont have one handy.

Some dogs are so big and so strong that we must have immediate tools that are more effective than the flat leash. And even some smaller dogs are crazy hard pullers. We have found a few tools that help us work with them. The simple leash and harness combo in the photo is called a Weiss Walkie. (Thats W-E-I-S-S). The leash clips to the flat collar the dog is wearing as normal, then it wraps around the dogs chest and loops back through a big silver ring. When the dog pulls in this outfit it will squeeze the rib cage reminding the dog not to pull. This tool is excellent for use before training can take place, and for some dogs well continue to use them throughout their stay in the shelter. The same thing can be accompliashed by using an ordinary long leash, wrapping it around the ribs and pulling it through itself on the dogs back. It is not quite as effective as the real Weiss Walkie but can work if you dont have one handy. 56

Some dogs are inveterate pullers and pull so hard we choose to use a front clip harness with them. While big dogs may be assigned these harnesses, a surprising number of little dogs are also dreadful pullers. There have been quite a few in the shelters that will walk on their back legs they pull so hard! We want to protect their throats from this kind of assault, so we may opt to use a front clip harness. The leash is clipped to a loop on the dogs chest so that if he pulls hes turned to the side.

Most dogs learn that pulling isnt as fun wearing these so they allow the leash to remain slack. Youll learn how to apply them in your hands-on training or you can ask a volunteer supervisor or behavior specialist to show you how.

Some dogs are inveterate pullers and pull so hard we choose to use a front clip harness with them. While big dogs may be assigned these harnesses, a surprising number of little dogs are also dreadful pullers. There have been quite a few in the shelters that will walk on their back legs they pull so hard! We want to protect their throats from this kind of assault, so we may opt to use a front clip harness. The leash is clipped to a loop on the dogs chest so that if he pulls hes turned to the side. Most dogs learn that pulling isnt as fun wearing these so they allow the leash to remain slack. Youll learn how to apply them in your hands-on training or you can ask a volunteer supervisor or behavior specialist to show you how. 58

Remember that while it can be a bit of a pain to work through some of these challenges, the big goal is to get them out where the fun happens. Thank you so much for your cooperation and the important, vital job you do.

Remember that while it can be a bit of a pain to work through some of these challenges, the big goal is to get them out where the fun happens. Thank you so much for your cooperation and the important, vital job you do. 60

These techniques and others will be included in your Animal Handling Hands On class once youve finished the slides shows youve been assigned to watch. This overview should send you to class with a good foundation so that youre ready to handle the dogs in class. Your instructor will be there to guide you through it, and soon youll be able to handle our shelter dogs each time you come in to volunteer!

These techniques and others will be included in your Animal Handling Hands On class once youve finished the slides shows youve been assigned to watch. This overview should send you to class with a good foundation so that youre ready to handle the dogs in class. Your instructor will be there to guide you through it, and soon youll be able to handle our shelter dogs each time you come in to volunteer!62

Next & Last Slideshow:http://www.slideshare.net/secret/1ntCbxb03Og2Ni

Thanks for participating in this section of the SPCA of Texas Animal Handling Series. 63

BEHAVIOR EVALUATION (BVAL) v3.1Animal Name: _______________________ Animal Number: ____________________ Date: _________________Species: Dog Cat Other Breed: ________________ Color: _______________ Age: _________ Sex: M F Property where behavior occurred: Rees Jones ACC - Perry ACC - Perry Clinic - Village Fair - Martin Clinic - Private home - Other: ______________________Area where the animal is currently housed: ______________ Animals current Shape: Describe what happened: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Staff/Volunteer: ___________________ Date: ________Time: ___ am/pm ACC Supervisor Approval:______________ ANIMAL BEHAVIOR PROGRAMS DEPARTMENT OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS:See Socialization Questions in Shelter Buddy.

Entered in Shelter Buddy by: _____________________________ Date: _________________Time: ____:____ am pm

Version 3.1 7-06-15, Kellie Snider