WARRIOR! Warrior has been at the shelter for over two years, looking for his unicorn forever home, and we want to get him out, about, and seen by potential adopters!
The rescue has received donated wheelchairs, but they don’t fit him well and he really needs a custom-built one for his particular physical situation. Meanwhile, though, we’re going to desensitize Warrior to his triggers (other dogs, cars, unfamiliar people) with the help of a kids’ wagon and get him out in the world!
www.benevolentsundogs.com 🌅
Canine Behavior Modification & Training
Broward & Palm Beach Counties
▶️ See more of our videos on our YouTube channel @benevolentsundogs
#dogtraining #dogtrainer #rescuedog #shelterdog #ufarescue #unitedforanimalsrescue #dogobedience #bullybreed #pitbull #amstaff #staffordshireterrier #sciencebaseddogtraining #functionalanalysis #applieddogbehavior #southfloridadogtrainer #positivereinforcementdogtraining #gooddog #bullybreed #endbsl #certifiedprofessionaldogtrainer #foryou #fyp #cpdtka #benevolentsundogs #adoptdontshop
C BARQ assessment for Warrior, paralyzed shelter dog
The Canine Behavior Assessment Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) is a standardized test that has been in use for over twenty years, which helps track behavioral modification goals and progress. It was originally designed to be used for dogs in private homes with behavioral issues to help keep them from being surrendered. However, I love to use it for shelter and foster dogs, as it gives a multi-faceted picture of a dog’s personality, rather than just focusing on the problematic areas.
Here is the assessment I conducted yesterday with the employees and volunteers at UFAR’s shelter facility (United For Animals Rescue) in Margate. Warrior is one of their longest-term residents, and his back legs are paralyzed. We would like to raise awareness for shelter dogs with special needs. If you would like to contribute towards Warrior’s ongoing physical rehabilitation, equipment and training costs, you can donate directly through UFAR’s website:
www.ufarescue.org
C-BARQ Assessment
(Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire):
1. Stranger-directed aggression: hostile/threatening responses toward an unknown person
2. Owner-directed aggression
3. Dog directed aggression against unfamiliar dog(s)
4. Dog directed rivalry, against other dog(s) in the home (resource guarding, bullying, fighting)
5. Stranger-directed fear: anxiety and stressful body language in the presence of unfamiliar people
6. Non-social fear: wary/fearful responses to unexpected noises or other novel stimuli (noise- or neo-phobia)
7. Dog directed fear: wary/fearful responses to unfamiliar dogs
8. Separation-related behavior: observable isolation distress when removed from the owner/primary caretaker
9. Attachment and attention-seeking behavior: while owner/primary caregiver is present
10. Trainability: willingness to work for reinforcement
11. Chasing/prey drive
12. Excitability: measuring arousal levels and ability to disengage from potential triggers
13. Touch sensitivity: measuring coope
C-BARQ Assessment for Warrior, paralyzed shelter dog
The Canine Behavior Assessment Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) is a standardized test that has been in use for over twenty years, which helps track behavioral modification goals and progress. It was originally designed to be used for dogs in private homes with behavioral issues to help keep them from being surrendered. However, I love to use it for shelter and foster dogs, as it gives a multi-faceted picture of a dog’s personality, rather than just focusing on the problematic areas.
Here is the assessment I conducted yesterday with the employees and volunteers at UFAR’s shelter facility (United For Animals Rescue) in Margate. Warrior is one of their longest-term residents, and his back legs are paralyzed. We would like to raise awareness for shelter dogs with special needs. If you would like to contribute towards Warrior’s ongoing physical rehabilitation, equipment and training costs, you can donate directly through UFAR’s website:
www.ufarescue.org
C-BARQ Assessment
(Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire):
1. Stranger-directed aggression: hostile/threatening responses toward an unknown person
2. Owner-directed aggression
3. Dog directed aggression against unfamiliar dog(s)
4. Dog directed rivalry, against other dog(s) in the home (resource guarding, bullying, fighting)
5. Stranger-directed fear: anxiety and stressful body language in the presence of unfamiliar people
6. Non-social fear: wary/fearful responses to unexpected noises or other novel stimuli (noise- or neo-phobia)
7. Dog directed fear: wary/fearful responses to unfamiliar dogs
8. Separation-related behavior: observable isolation distress when removed from the owner/primary caretaker
9. Attachment and attention-seeking behavior: while owner/primary caregiver is present
10. Trainability: willingness to work for reinforcement
11. Chasing/prey drive
12. Excitability: measuring arousal levels and ability to disengage from potential triggers
13. Touch sensitivity: measuring coope
INITIAL MEETINGS: SHELTER/RESCUE DOGS
INTRODUCING 2 RESCUE DOGS: Initial two meetings, using the “Traffic Game”
🚦It’s really important to allow two unfamiliar dogs the time to get to observe each other first, and let them check each other out, before we put them together in a play situation. Especially the “bully breeds” and rescue/shelter dogs (my faves!)
🚦Watch as we introduce Lucy, my foster from Milo’s Dog Rescue of South Florida, to Kit Kat, who is at United For Animal Rescue’s shelter facility. These dogs just want to have fun!
🚦You’ll see, at one point about halfway through the video, the dogs had a little “tiff,” when Kit Kat was too much in Lucy’s face, and she let him know. When this happens (and it’s normal for new acquaintances trying to figure each other out), WE humans must keep OUR emotions in check and project a confident, calm demeanor. It’s also important, if possible, to let the dogs continue to interact, so the play doesn’t end leaving a “bad association.”
ufarescue.org
milosdogrescue.com
www.benevolentsundogs.com 🌅
Canine Behavior Modification & Training
Broward & Palm Beach Counties
▶️ See more of our videos on our YouTube channel @benevolentsundogs
#dogtraining #dogtrainer #rescuedog #shelterdog #ufarescue #milosdogrescue #dogobedience #bullybreed #pitbull #amstaff #staffordshireterrier #sciencebaseddogtraining #functionalanalysis #applieddogbehavior #southfloridadogtrainer #trafficgame #positivereinforcementdogtraining #gooddog #bullybreed #endbsl #certifiedprofessionaldogtrainer #foryou #fyp #cpdtka #benevolentsundogs #adoptdontshop
Deaf Dog Beginning Obedience: Sheba
#dogtraining #deafdog #dogtraining #positivereinforcementdogtraining #certifiedprofessionaldogtrainer #southfloridadogtrainer #dogbehavior #operantconditioning #benevolentsundogs
STATION WORK: Go to your “Place” or “Mat:”
“Place” (or “mat” or “bed”) is one of my favorite cues to teach. It has so many applications and is useful in countless real-life scenarios, such as preventing door-dashing, allowing you to eat (or work or rest) in peace, feeling comfortable that your guests can enter your home without being “mugged” by your dog, and helping your over-excited pup calm down. Its more advanced applications include having your pup relax while out in public at dog-friendly restaurants and bars, at the vet’s office, and while traveling.
I want to be upfront now that this a complex behavior chain that takes time, dedication, and practice to get right. By “chain” I mean it is several behaviors rolled into one cue— we want your dog to go to the mat, sit, lie down, settle, and stay there, no matter what other exciting things are happening in the environment. But we must work towards this final goal by reinforcing small successes along the way. We call this “splitting,” as in rewarding for increments of compliance along the way and not asking for behavior which is above your dog’s current skill set. If your dog has trouble staying on the mat longer than a few seconds, don’t worry! Just reinforce (treat) as soon as you see them about to get up, and stay at that level. Split, don’t lump!
Beginning Steps:
If you want to be able to use this skill in any room and out in public, I suggest you use a portable bed or yoga mat that you can easily move and carry. You will also need a handful of yummy, yummy treats for reinforcement.
Decide on the word you want to use. “Place" is frequently used, but "bed" or "mat" work fine if they already have a “place.”
Start off by standing close to the bed or mat that will serve as your dog's station. Use a treat to lure the dog onto the spot. As soon as all four feet are on the mat, praise your dog or click the clicker and give a treat. Repeat this several times. Most do
LONG LINE SKILLS
📿 Working your dog on a long line (leash) is a great way to improve basic obedience skills AND your relationship! It’s a safe way to let them have more freedom in public.
📿 My favorite part (and Quint’s) is the ability to sniff and explore new environments. Both of these activities are extremely rewarding for dogs.
📿 Standard lengths on Amazon are 15’, 20’, 33’, and 50’. Pair with a sturdy back-clip harness (make sure your dog has mastered loose leash walking and is not overly reactive to environmental triggers), then learn how to “wrap” the line in your hands. Now go have fun!
www.benevolentsundogs.com 🌅
Canine Behavior Modification & Training
Broward & Palm Beach Counties
▶️ See more of our videos on our YouTube channel @benevolentsundogs
#dogtraining #dogtrainer #leashskills #dogobedience #sciencebaseddogtraining #functionalanalysis #applieddogbehavior #southfloridadogtrainer #positivereinforcementdogtraining #rescuedog #gooddog #bullybreed #endbsl #certifiedprofessionaldogtrainer #foryou #fyp #cpdtka #benevolentsundogs #adoptdontshop
DESENSITIZATION for DOG REACTIVE DOGS:
🔗 What is desensitization? It is a technique whereby we slowly and carefully expose a dog to her trigger(s) in order to decrease her emotional and physical response to it/them. Simply, she “gets used” to the trigger(s) over time.
🔗 Let’s say you move into a house near the railroad tracks. In the beginning, you’re going to be very aware of every passing train, but after a while, you no longer notice. Or you decide to cash in on the latest craze of starting your day with a freezing cold shower. Those first few days aren’t going to be very easy🥶 but you do get used to it. In my case, I have white noise machines playing 24/7 in my house (you can hear them in my home videos). Occasionally I come home, and there’s something not quite right in the house but I can’t put my finger on it. Then I realize the power went out or one of the dogs unplugged the noise machine by mistake and there’s no background noise. I have become so desensitized to the sound that I only notice when it’s not playing.
🔗 In the case of dog reactivity desensitization, it’s super important that we recognize when we have pushed the dog close to or over threshold and use time and distance to bring her back below threshold. Equally important is allowing the dog freedom of movement, so she can advance/retreat and engage/disengage with the other dog at will. Choice is a very powerful reinforcer and puts the dog in control of what is usually a very stressful and scary situation.
www.benevolentsundogs.com 🌅
Canine Behavior Modification & Training
Broward & Palm Beach Counties
▶️ See more of our videos on our YouTube channel @benevolentsundogs
#reactivedog #fearfuldog #anxiousdog #desensitization #behaviormodification #dogtraining #sciencebaseddogtraining #functionalanalysis #applieddogbehavior #southfloridadogtrainer #positivereinforcementdogtraining #rescuedog #gooddog #bullybreed #endbsl #certifiedprofessionaldogtrainer #la
LUCY: 3
DOG TRAINING: Beginning Basic Obedience using Luring & Shaping, Lucy (part 3)
www.benevolentsundogs.com 🌅
Canine Behavior Modification & Training
Broward & Palm Beach Counties
▶️ See more of our videos on our YouTube channel @benevolentsundogs
#dogtraining #dogtrainingtips #southfloridadogtrainer #positivereinforcementdogtraining #rescuedog #dogobediencetraining #gooddog #bullybreed #endbsl #certifiedprofessionaldogtrainer #luring #shaping #operantconditioning #foryou #fyp #cpdtka #sciencebaseddogtraining #milosdogrescueofsouthflorida #benevolentsundogs #adoptdontshop
COUNTER CONDITIONING DOG-REACTIVE DOGS:
😫 Treating reactivity is a specialized field within the dog training profession. It requires many hours devoted to education in the latest scientific research and techniques, studying the top practitioners in the subject, and many hours of practical experience in the field. A competent professional will choose the appropriate protocol(s) which address each client’s individual needs.
😫 In my case, focusing on reactivity also required countless hours of training, shaping, and tailoring several of my own dogs to become “demo” or “decoy” dogs to use in different protocols with clients’ dog-reactive dogs. All six of my dogs that I use are rescues, and with the exception of Brandy, they ALL had reactivity issues of their own at some point or another. (I’m convinced that Brandy was just born with the perfect temperament, although she was pretty neglected by her original owners before I got her at 8 months).
😫 Unfortunately, many dog owners believe that reactivity means their dogs are being disrespectful to them as owners—-if only their dogs could stop trying to be the “alpha” and obey when they’re asked to sit, down, and stay when another dog goes by… But here’s the deal: reactivity is not an obedience issue. REACTIVITY is NOT an OBEDIENCE ISSUE! Your reactive dog is not stubborn, is not misbehaving, is not dumb, and is not executing “revenge” for you going away last weekend.
😫 Reactivity is an emotional issue, and every dog has his own unique history and set of lifestyle/learning circumstances that contributed to his behavior around certain triggers. You cannot “train” reactivity out of a dog (or any learner, for that matter). It takes a qualified professional to get to the emotional root of your dog’s conditioned emotional response. And don’t fall for a “quick fix” promise—-treating reactivity is almost always a long journey, not an immediate destination. A competent, ethical professional will help you realistic
