Sheeva the Shih Tzu
Reinforcers aren't always in the form of food... Sometimes they are hugs!! ๐พ๐๐ค๐ฉถ
Sheeva the Shih Tzu had her first visit with Canine Cosmuttology today and she was a brave girl who found comfort in hugs!
Sheeva typically has trazadone for grooming as her anxiety gets so high through the process but we had a very successful first session without it today! We were able to keep her calm and build trust today by listening to her individual needs and comforting her how she needed it. Cooperative Care can do so much for these sweet little souls! ๐พ๐๐ค๐ฉถ
#shihtzusofinstagram #CompassionateCare #fearfreecertifiedprofessional #mgbsstudent
Sammy's Nail Trim
Sammy used to go to the vet to have his toenails trimmed and would be held down by 4... that's correct, 4 vet technicians to get his nails cut. ๐ฑ
Sometimes if we as pet professionals don't understand or consider canine behavior or take time to help dogs understand and get through a process, we can actually cause problems that aren't necessary. We have to be open to doing things differently if we want a different result.
Sammy LOVES treats, but he does NOT LIKE being held firmly or against his will when he is uncomfortable or afraid. We take our time with Sammy, giving him treats for toes, making sure he feels comfortable every step of the way. Sammy deserves a Fear Free experience, and that's all he'll ever have with Canine Cosmuttology. ๐๐ฉถ๐ค
#fearfreecertifiedprofessional #mgbsstudent #comfortgrooms #doggroomer #seniorpets #CompassionateCare
Canine Cosmuttology is more than just a haircutting service for dogs. We are Cooperative Care Specialists and Fear Free Certified Professionals combining training and grooming into one experience. ๐
Here we have a demo of "The Bucket Game" with Spin, the mini goldendoodle. ๐พ Spin is one of our more fearful pups but has made TREMENDOUS progress over the past three years using Fear Free and Cooperative Care training techniques during the grooming process, such as The Bucket Game.
How the bucket game works: ๐ชฃ
The groomer starts by putting a pile or "bucket" of treats in front of the dog just out of reach.
The goal is to have the dog excited and focused on the "bucket". All dog behaviors work through the ABC's. (Antecedent: what happens before the behavior, Behavior: what the actual behavior is, and the Consequence: what happens after the behavior) With each nail, we use a cue as the Antecedent prior to trimming the nail, so you will hear the groomer in the video say "ready, and" just before trimming the nail to let the dog know the clipping of the nail is about to happen so they can prepare themselves. When the dog is holding still and telling us they are okay with us proceeding (ideally staring at the bucket) we then clip the nail with the dog ideally remaining calm for the clipping, which is the Behavior part of this training session. We then reward the dog with a yummy treat immediately after which is the Consequence for the dogs good behavior. ๐ฆด
The bucket game is a Cooperative Care training technique, giving the dog freedom of choice and participation in their grooming experience. You will notice in the video, Spin is not hooked into the Hound Hook on the grooming arm and is thus free to turn around and back away if she isn't comfortable proceeding with the behavior.
You will see a few times where her FAS (Fear, Anxiety, and Stress) level rises and she needs a moment to return to calm before proceeding with the behavior.
Canine Cosmuttology h
Getting to take time and play with the pups we take care of is so rewarding for us ๐พ๐ Ace loves getting treats and playing with his toys with us! #shihtzu #housecallgrooming
Emmy loves to show off her dance moves for a treato ๐พ๐๐ช
#shihtzusofinstagram #housecallgrooming #grooming #groomers #dogsofinstagram #caninecosmuttology
