MaxFund CHAMPS Orientation Session PRESENTED BY LAURA MCGAUGHEY, CPDT-KA, ABCDT, RVA OWNER, DELIGHTFUL DOGGIES, LLC

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1 About the Instructor MaxFund CHAMPS Orientation Session PRESENTED BY LAURA MCGAUGHEY, CPDT-KA, ABCDT, RVA OWNER, DELIGHTFUL DOGGIES, LLC Owner of Delightful Doggies, LLC CPDT-KA certified Graduate of Animal Behavior College s dog obedience and veterinary assistant programs TAGteach certified primary level Volunteer since October, 2010 Current foster of MaxFund dog, Uma Most excited by clicker training! Life pretty much revolves around dogs Motivated by others enthusiasm There are other trainers who will be working with you! CHAMPS Class Topics Registering for Classes Tier One: Orientation Tier Two: Basic Manners & Obedience: Handling and Conditioning, Basic Cues Training, Redirecting Problem Behaviors, Enrichment Hands-on with APPROVED dogs in the Rehab Range Length: 1 to 1 ½ hours (arrive minutes early to walk dogs) Pre-requisite: Orientation Tier Three: Advanced Topic Seminars & Workshops Problem Behaviors, Fearful Dogs, Reactive Dogs, Relaxation, Harnessing Drive Seminar/Workshop format with demo dogs as needed minutes in length, depending on topic Prerequisite: Orientation and select Tier Two classes as outlined by syllabus Train-to-Train Program Become the trainer for Tier Two classes! See provided schedule for classes. These may be subject to change. To register, Lois Wiersma, Registrar: lw16053@comcast.net Remember to check for pre-requisites per the syllabi Lois will confirm your registration via Equipment Rules Front-clip harness (back-clip, martingale or flat collars only for NON-pulling dogs) 6 lead Treat pouch A variety of lots of yummy treats (all-natural, no additives/preservatives, no larger than a pea) Mat or towel Poop bags Marker (clicker or verbal) Great, positive attitude! ALWAYS WEAR your MaxFund ID badge so we may identify you! Maintain space between dogs and handlers 10 feet at all times when doing hands-on in the Rehab Range Enter the training space one dog at a time Ensure your equipment is properly fitted The dog sets the pace! If at any time the dog is showing signs of stress, or if you feel frustrated, take a break. Raise hand to ask questions. Please do not interrupt others and be respectful. Have fun!!! 1

2 Basics of Training: Four Quadrants Basics of Training: Steps The Four Quadrants of Training We use Positive Reinforcement/Negative Punishment There can be fallout when using Positive Punishment/Negative Reinforcement Remember, the dog determines what is reinforcement! Capture or lure behavior Capture watch for the dog to do it! Dog takes the initiative. Lure using a baited hand, get the dog to follow you to do the behavior. Mark and reward! A mark is the click from the clicker or your verbal yes or good A reward is a treat, toy, praise whatever the DOG likes naturally. The reward is an unconditioned reinforcer; the mark is a conditioned reinforcer. A click ALWAYS precedes a treat! Once the behavior is reliable (9 out of 10 times the dog does the behavior), start adding the cue Cues can be visual AND verbal (hand signal vs. word for the behavior) Basics of Training: Important Principles Small steps ensure success! Get the behavior and mark/reward BEFORE adding cues, particularly verbal Timing is important Use only one specific cue for each behavior Don t overuse cues Begin fading lures after five trials and opt for hand signals High rate of reinforcement for new behaviors; remove marker and begin intermittent reinforcement as the dog learns Consistency is key Take breaks as needed do short sessions that end on a high note Remember the D s when training: duration, distance, distractions/different environments, delivery of reward Relaxed Body Posture Tail neither too high nor too low Relaxed ears Corners of mouth relaxed Everything is very fluid and relaxed 2

3 Playful stance Play bow Wagging tail Mouth may open with visible tongue Sometimes dogs will growl and sound a little aggressive in play but the body stance will help you determine if it s a threat or cue to back off, as opposed to play Alert stance Ears pricked up/forward Up on toes Tail up/out Mouth closed Offensive threat stance Tail up and stiff Ears forward Hackles up Leaning forward on toes Corners of mouth forward; May be growing and snarling, or lunging/snapping A FIGHT response back away slowly and give space 3

4 Defensive threat posture stance Lowered body Tucked tail Hackles up Wrinkled nose Dilated pupils Ears and corners of mouth back May be growling or lunging, snapping FLIGHT response give space! Active/passive submission: aka appeasement gestures or calming signals Lowered body Paw up Licking lips Tail down/tucked Ears back Averting gaze Dog may be stressed or confused so take a break from training Canine Communication: Stress Signs Canine Communication: Stress Signs Lip and nose licking Stress yawn Excessive panting Ears back Avoidance Low tail carriage/tucked tail Shaking off Sweating through paw pads Pacing Hypervigilance Excessive shedding, whining Dilated pupils, whale eye Tension in mouth and around eyes Slow or tense movements Weight shifted to back of legs Inattentiveness Refusal of food Watch out for the freeze! 4

5 Wrap up/q&a Supplemental material review Facebook Group: Colorado 4-1-Woof Choosing dogs what if my dog gets adopted? Make sure to log yourself on our sign-in sheet Questions? My contact information: Check out my resources page at for other great information Thank you for being a volunteer! 5