puppy mill rehabilitationdog behavior and training how to behave so your dog behaves (yin) parenting...

Presented by

Tracy Buck, B.S.

Certified Professional Dog Trainer

KPA- Certified Training Partner

Puppy Mill

Rehabilitation

Three Key Areas:

3

BEFORE & DURING INTAKE

REHABILITATION & FOSTER CARE

PLACEMENT IN ADOPTIVE

HOME

Shadow

Copyright 2011 Tracy Buck www.TracyBuck.com

4

1. Decision for Intake

2. Evaluation and Assessment of

Dogs for Intake

3. Minimizing Stress for Basic Care




HOME


5

1. Foster Care Requirements and

Educational Resources

2. Building a Rehabilitation Team

3. Relationship Building with the

Puppy Mill Survivor

4. Tools/Supplies for Rehabilitation

5. 5 Foundation Skills for Puppy Mill

Survivors

6. 4 Week Training Outline

7. Shy Dog Group Class Overview

8. Understanding Canine

Communication




HOME


6

1. Is dog ready for placement?

2. Screening adoption applicants

3. Ensuring success during first visit

4. Education of adoptive home

5. Transition to adoptive home




HOME


„Puppy Mill‟ Survivors

7

Originate from a variety of circumstances and

levels of care – each rescue is different…

Generally come from commercial breeders, but

hoarders and hobby breeders can also be a

source

CHEYENNEHW+, breeder release,was pet at one

time


„Puppy Mill‟ Survivors

8

Common Factors

Little to no socialization

Puppyhood - „sensitive‟ period is prior to 16-18 weeks

Adolescence – „sensitive‟ period at ~8 months

Adulthood – social maturity generally at 2 years of age

Deprived environment (cages, kennel runs, pen,

etc)

Inadequate exercise, enrichment and interaction

Generally no abuse, but often rough handling

Abused dogs have different needs


Decision to RescueWhy Rescue at All?

9

1. Improved QUALITY of life for the dog

Quality of life is subjective

Humane euthanasia may be the kindest option

for some puppy mill dogs


Decision to RescueWhy Rescue at All?

10

2. Support and Protect the Human/Animal Bond

Expectations of adopters for the breed

Expectations of adopters for the particular dog

– clear understanding and acceptance that the

dog is a „Special Needs‟ dog

Not about saving the life of every dog


Decision to Rescue

11

Do we have the resources to help at this time?

1. Availability of funds

2. Availability of foster care


Selection of DogsBefore Meeting the Dogs

14

1. Decide how many dogs your organization can

handle.

2. Obtain as much information as possible as to the

original housing and care situation

Speak directly to the owner if possible, or ask the

shelter to obtain the information for you

Speak directly to someone who participated in the

seizure/intake of the dogs into the shelter


Selection of DogsBefore Meeting the Dogs

15

3. Evaluate each dog individually as the level of

socialization may be different per dog

Don‟t rule out the entire group based upon the behavior

of just one dog

Individual dogs may have been obtained from pet

homes

Some older dogs may have been „favorites‟ and treated

as pets

Individual dogs may have been socialized if children

were present (especially if coloration is different)

Some dogs may have been kept in large pens on dirt

with lots of enrichment (junk) in the penCopyright 2011 Tracy Buck www.TracyBuck.com

Selection of Dogs

Evaluation/Assessment

16

Age should be a consideration,

but not the deciding factor.

Younger isn‟t always better.

Personality

Observe the dog‟s behavior in a

group situation. If possible,

complete observation from a

hidden area.

Select dogs that appear to be

confident and slightly pushy with

the other dogs


Selection of Dogs


17

Social Affiliation

Observe the dog‟s behavior when you approach the

dog in confinement

Select dogs that approach the barrier, especially

ones that jump on the barrier and attempt to make

contact

Select dogs that seek eye contact


Selection of Dogs


18

Formal Behavior Assessments

SAFER test is a standard evaluation that most

shelters conduct.

Most puppy mill dogs will not pass this test.


Selection of Dogs


19

Informal Assessment

Observe dog‟s behavior while in a

kennel run and other person

approaches to leash the dog.

Carefully note the body language

to evaluate whether the dog is

considering a snap or bite

Observe the dog‟s behavior during

handling and average level of

restraint


Selection of Dogs


20

Four possible reactions during highly pressured,

fearful encounter:

1. FREEZE

2. FLIGHT

3. FIGHT

4. FOOL Around (rarely see in puppy mill dogs)

Decide prior to the assessment which behaviors

will be acceptable based upon the resources of

your rescue. (I personally would not accept dogs that

exhibited a FIGHT response due to our limited resources).


Basic Care with Minimal Stress

21

Communicate to veterinarian and staff prior to rescue

Complete fecal / blood panel (dogs raised in group

confinement in breeding situations have increased risk

of health issues not usually found in pet dogs)

No leash walks for elimination; use kennel runs

Kennel compatible dogs together if possible

Initial bathing should take place at vet or shelter if

possible

Hold on these until the dog is under sedation for

neuter/dental:

Nail clipping, ear cleaning

Body clipping if the dog requires extensive grooming



22

Communicate to veterinarian and staff prior to rescue

Most vets no longer use „Ace‟ for anxiety (provide vet

with current research findings if needed)

Recommend Dr. Sophia Yin‟s Low Stress Handling book

Is the clinic interested in behavior? If not, are they

willing to partner with other vets who have expertise in

this area?

If the vet diagnoses a generalized anxiety disorder, the

dog will most likely be placed on medication during the

rehabilitation period (canine equivalent of Zanax, Paxil,

Prozac, etc)



23

Grooming

Delay grooming for the

first week in foster

care, if possible

If absolutely necessary,

someone other than

the foster home should

bathe/trim nails


Foster Care Requirements

24

Household is calm

All human and canine

members are supportive

Availability to spend

minimum of 30 minutes per

day training the dog


Foster Care Requirements

25

Foster care will last a

minimum of 3-6 months;

12-18 months until

placement isn‟t unusual

Availability and willingness

to take the dog on regular

field trips

Knowledge about canine

communication and

behavior

SHADOW: HW+, breeder release,

was pet at one time


Educational Resources

26

Conferences:Clicker Expo

Association of Pet

Dog Trainers

Seminars/DVDs: Sue Sternberg

Patricia McConnell (Both Ends of the Leash, Other End of the Leash)

Nicole Wilde (Fearful Dog book & seminar)

L - Danny: mill release 4 months

R - Stoney: hoarder rescue 7-8 years


Educational Resources www.DogWise.com www.ClickerTraining.com

27

Understanding Dogs

The Language of Dogs (Kalnajs)

On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals (Book

& DVD - Rugaas)

What is My Dog Saying? (DVD – Byrnes)

Canine Behavior: A Photo Illustrated Handbook (Handelman)

Animals Make Us Human (Grandin)

Animals in Translation (Grandin)

For the Love of a Dog (McConnell)

Inside of a Dog (Horowitz)

Penny & Candy – born in woods,

adopted as puppies from Sheltie Rescue Copyright 2011 Tracy Buck www.TracyBuck.com

http://www.dogwise.com/

http://www.clickertraining.com/

Education Resources www.DogWise.com www.ClickerTraining.com

28

Dog Behavior and Training

How to Behave so Your Dog

Behaves (Yin)

Parenting Your Dog (King)

The Cautious Canine; <$10 booklet

(McConnell)

Reaching the Animal Mind; Chapter 7 on Fear (Pryor)

Getting Started: Clicker Training

for Dogs (Pryor)

Low Stress Handling, Restraint

and Behavior Modification of

Dogs & Cats; >$100 w/DVD (Yin)


http://www.dogwise.com/

http://www.clickertraining.com/

Support During the Rehabilitation Process

29

Not a training book; provides a realistic account of the „journey‟

Provides foster homes and adopters with key emotional support

Authored by Janice Mitchell, volunteer with St. Louis SCSR


Lucy Blue (Janice Mitchell)

30

12/98

4 months later

Therapy Dog!

10/01 – 3 years later


Support During the Rehabilitation Process

31

The Diary of Lucy Blue (Mitchell)

www.Sheltie4Me.com

Click on „Lucy Blue/Puppy Mill Survivor

Book‟ to get several other links

Brand New „Puppy Mill Survivor

Rehabilitation‟ Yahoo group

(sign up on feedback form)


http://www.sheltie4me.com/

Rehabilitation: A Team Effort

Traditional Model

32

Foster Home

Veterinarian

(General)



Current Model

33

Behavior Specialist

Veterinarian

(General)

Foster Home


Behavior Specialist

34

Behaviorist

• Dr. Dodman, DVM

• Dr. Lore Haug, DVM

• Dr. McConnell, Phd

• <48 in U.S.

Trainer

with Behavior Knowledge

and

Experience

• IAABC-certified

• KPA-CTP

• >3 years experience


Veterinarian Behavior Specialist

35

Board Certified (ACVB) VETERINARIAN Behaviorist Diagnoses anxiety/fear and prescribes medication

Collaborates with behavior specialist

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior www.avsabonline.org

Veterinary Behaviorist: www.dacvb.org/resources/find/

Online Behavior Consults: www.tufts.edu/vet/petfax

Purdue Veterinary School: Dr. Luescher or Dr. Bennett at 765-494-1107 will confer with veterinarians

Animal Behavior Society Diplomat (ABS) Behaviorist May not be a veterinarian (cannot diagnose or

prescribe meds)

Generally a Phd

www.animalbehaviorsociety.org Copyright 2011 Tracy Buck www.TracyBuck.com

http://www.avsabonline.org/

http://www.dacvb.org/resources/find/

http://www.tufts.edu/vet/petfax

http://www.animalbehaviorsociety.org/

Trainer with Behavior Knowledge

36

Approach Reward-based training approach using a marker

signal Absolutely no verbal or physical punishment

Education/Qualifications: No independent, standardized test that assesses

practical skills today Karen Pryor Academy-Certified Training Partner (KPA-

CTP) www.findagreatdogtrainer.com International Association of Animal Behavior

Consultants (IAABC) www.iaabc.org

Experience: Minimum 3 years with anxiety/fear issues


http://www.findagreatdogtrainer.com/

http://www.iaabc.org/

Trainer must have….

37

Traditional techniques:

Drawback is that it requires the learner to experience the scary thing over and over until: Habituation (learn to ignore) Desensitization (learn to

accept) Flooding (retreat into

learned helplessness –avoid using this technique!)

Modern techniques used by

behavior specialists and

progressive trainers:

Counter conditioning

/desensitization (CC/DS)

Operant CC/DS

Operant Conditioning &

Classical Conditioning:

• Shaping (mark/reward)

• Targeting (mark/reward)

Knowledge of basic behavior modification techniques and

experience in using appropriate techniques:



38

Behavior Specialist

Veterinarian

(General)

Foster Home


Foster Home Role

39

Voice of the Dog / Advocate: provide information back to the team regarding progress, specific fears, any new learning (i.e. fear of thunderstorms)

Understand Guiding Principles

Build Relationship Based on Trust

Teach 5 Foundation Skills


Training/Relationship

- Guiding Principles

40

Empowerment Give choices to the dog

Dr. Susan Friedman articleshttp://www.behaviorworks.org/htm/articles_behavior_change.html

Click on „He Said She Said, Science Says‟ – just substitute „puppy mill dog‟ for parrot when you read the article

Enrichment Introduce food-dispensing toys

Introduce toys for play (place treats in a soft toy with stuffing removed)

Introduce appropriate chewing items (bully sticks, antlers)


http://www.behaviorworks.org/htm/articles_behavior_change.html

http://www.behaviorworks.org/htm/articles_behavior_change.html

Training/Relationship- Guiding Principles

41

Expectations Realistic Goals: It takes as

long as it takes. Have a plan, but be willing to make adjustments.

Regression: Three steps forward, two steps back

Reality: Forgive yourself for mistakes; learn, do better next time


Training/Relationship - Guiding Principles

42

Dogs Do

What Works!


43

Practiced behaviors

will get stronger

Whatever behavior is

rewarded will be

repeated.

1. REWARD desired

behavior

2. Ignore or Manage

undesired behavior

Dogs Do What Works!


Dogs Do What Works!

44

The DOG determines

the value of the reward


Dogs Do What Works!

45

For Puppy Mill Survivors:

Food may not have enough

value

Distance – you leaving the

area

Access – to outdoors,

indoors, crate, other dogs

Lucy Blue

does NOT

find this

rewarding!


46

You are Training

Every Single Time

You Interact!

Training/Relationship - Guiding Principles


Establishing „Trust‟ Account

47

Negative Experience

Positive Experience



48

Negative Experience

Positive Experience



49

Negative Experience

Positive Experience



50

LOVE

LANGUAGE

LEADERSHIP


LOVE

51

Definition: giving of yourself without

expecting anything in return*.

Not affection. Not necessarily reciprocal.

Empowerment – allowing the dog to make

choices

* (M. SCOTT PECK – The Road Less Traveled) Copyright 2011 Tracy Buck www.TracyBuck.com

LANGUAGE: Listen to the Dog

52

Continual observation of dog‟s body

language

Slow, patient interactions

Avoid triggering anxious behavior (keep below threshold)


LEADERSHIP: Benevolence

53

Dominance / pack theory is outdated and irrelevant



54

LEADERSHIP: Benevolent leadership

Leaders control access to resources, and seldom raise their voices

Avoid physical punishment and threats

Use positive reinforcement in all interactions Treats / food

Distance (you going away from the dog is rewarding!)

Access to other dogs, crate, outdoors, indoors (anything the DOG finds desirable)

Use appropriate tools


Basic Tools Overview

55

Drag line: several 6‟ lightweight leashes with the

handle removed that can be easily washed

Standard collar: buckle collar with identification

Long line: 30‟ or longer

Walking management tools: Martingale collar /

Premier EasyWalk harness

Confinement/housetraining: crates / exercise pens /

secure gates / enzymatic cleaners /belly band

Food: high quality, no corn

Other supporting tools


Supporting Tools

56

Anti-anxiety drugs prescribed by veterinarian

Supplements recommended by veterinarian

• L-theanine, Composure, etc

Tools that MUST be properly introduced:

• Visual: Calming Cap

• Tactile: ThunderShirt

• Olfactory: Comfort Zone (DAP)

• Auditory: Dog's Ear CD

Other appropriate dogs


YOUR Behavior – Most Critical Tool

57

YOUR behavior

Prudent: Every time you interact with the dog, the dog is

learning something.

Patient: Lower expectations and take the time it takes.

Expect setbacks.

Predictable: Establish and follow routine. Use consistent

words or phrases so the dog knows what to expect from

you.

Listen to the Dog

Understand how dogs communicate

Change your behavior or the environment accordingly

Progress in teaching the 5 Foundation Skills at the dog‟s pace


5 Foundation Skills

58

Socialization

Handling

Crate Training

House Training

Leash Training


1. Crate Training

59

GOAL: Enter crate with

physical/verbal cue. Leave

the crate willingly.

Dog should view the crate

as a „safe haven‟

Feed the dog in the

crate; introduce food

dispensing toys and soft

fleece toy stuffed with

treats

Transport in a crate


1. Crate Training

60

May need to experiment

with different types of

crates and pans.

Start with wire crate with open top, metal

pan, no bedding.

Bedding can be added if the dog is not

soiling the crate.Copyright 2011 Tracy Buck www.TracyBuck.com

2. House Training

61

Follow the standard puppy housetraining

recommendations with appropriate adjustments

Use confinement with a novel crate, and later, an

exercise pen


2. House Training

62

Set up exercise pen outdoors within fenced yard, using the same surface the dog is accustomed to use for elimination

Many puppy mill dogs will not eliminate with people nearby, or while on leash, or if it is noisy, or if it is daylight, or if the wind is blowing…..

Consider using belly band or pants during first few weeks

If the crate becomes soiled: 1. Completely clean crate with enzymatic cleaner

2. Thoroughly bathe the dog (with as little stress as possible. No slip mat, no standing water, quiet, gentle handling)


3. Leash Training

63

Most dogs can be very easy to leash train as they have never practiced pulling (oppositional reflex)

Train in safely confined area with a buckle collar using positive reinforcement and teaching the dog to „give‟ to the leash pressure

Use properly fitted martingale collar if walking in an unconfined area

Transition to a no pull harness such as EasyWalk once the dog is no longer a flight risk


4. Handling

64

Name the body part you are touching so the dog

can begin to predict what you will do

Goal: Voluntary versus forced

Key Areas:1. Brushing and combing

2. Examining eyes, ears, mouth, body

3. Gentle restraint

Entire body

Feet and nails

4. Trimming / hair clippers

5. Nail clipping using dremel or clippers


5. Socialization

65

POSITIVE exposure to new: People Places Things

Slow, careful introduction from the sidelines rather than placing the dog right in the middle of a potentially frightening situation

A socially-appropriate, confident dog can be invaluable partner. Dogs will model the behavior of other dogs Play is socially contagious! Emotion is socially contagious!


Avoiding Isolation Distress

66

Low key arrivals

and departures

Departures should

be paired with

SPECIAL treat

Sleep in separate room

Crate time or down time when you are

present

Pair with a confident dog during absences


4 Week Training Outline

67

Guidelines Only – each dog is unique, and each

training plan should be adjusted accordingly

Work with a qualified behaviorist / experienced

trainer to develop and modify the training plan

for your unique dog

This plan was an attempt to gain the basic

foundation skills as quickly as possible – some

dogs need much more time to achieve these

skills


4 Week Training Outline – Week 1

68

Minimal interaction with the dog during the first 24 hours. Place the crate in a quiet, low traffic area with minimal distractions. Allow friendly dogs to visit outside the crate. Leave many different types of food in the crate to determine what the dog might be interested in eating.

Then, move the crate to room you frequently use, but cover 90% of the crate. When you pass by, avoid eye contact, drop the dog‟s favored food in the top of the crate and immediately leave.

On the second day, attach and leave a drag line on the dog‟s buckle collar. When you need to remove the dog from the crate, extend the leash outside the crate so you can stand on it (prevents the dog from practicing bolting/escape behaviors). If the dog is willing to leave the crate, then stand to the side or with your back to the dog and allow it to exit the crate. Copyright 2011 Tracy Buck www.TracyBuck.com


69

Most likely you will need to carry the dog outside. Use

the same phrase before you pick the dog up so that he

can begin to predict your behavior. Be sure to use non-

threatening body language and keep the dog‟s face away

from your face.

Use the exercise pen or other outside confinement area

rather than allowing the dog loose in the yard. Leave a

well-socialized, friendly dog in the large yard with the

dog. You may need to go inside, or to a remote area of

the yard, for the dog to feel comfortable emptying the

bowels or bladder.

If the dog is eating readily, begin conditioning the dog to

the clicker when they are eating.



70

Begin taking the dog out for brief periods of time for sessions of gentle brushing.

Every interaction with you must be positive.

Increase the amount of attention and upbeat talking while the dog is confined. Many repetitions of approach/treat/retreat, spending longer times at the crate or x-pen after leaving the treat if the dog will eat with a person nearby.

Allow the dog to explore a new closed area of your house each evening, while wearing the drag line. Ensure that all their bathroom needs have been met outside first. Include a friendly, well-socialized dog in the room.

Introduce DAP/Thundershirt during relaxed downtime if the dog is adjusting well



71

Begin gentle handling exercises using the clicker.

Begin leash training exercises with drag line attached

to buckle collar:

Slowly following the dog through a room they feel safe in

while they drag the leash

Next, hold the leash gently while you follow them

Next, teach the dog to give to pressure by applying gentle

pressure and CLICK/TREAT when they „give‟ to the pressure

Repeat all steps in order in the fenced back yard

Provide soft fleece toy stuffed with food in crate and

other food dispensing toys in crate

Dog has not yet earned the privilege of free access to

the house. Must be on leash and carefully supervised.



72

If needed, begin DS/CC for car rides.

Make arrangements for group Shy Dog class, or regular

meeting times with other foster homes for socialization

Field trip to other SUITABLE foster home

Bring crate

Use drag line and keep the dog on leash at all times

Allow the dog to explore the fenced back yard with

you following

Keep the visit short; no more than 1 hour

Provide soft fleece toy stuffed with food in crate and

other food dispensing toys in crate


Overview of Shy Dog Group Class

73

Understanding Canine Body

Language

Approach/treat/retreat exercises

Hand Targeting

Handling

Homework


Understanding Canine Body Language

74

Remain below dog‟s threshold

Handler develops observation skills and

learns how to modify their behavior or

the environment to achieve success

Information used to adjust the exercise;

decrease, maintain or increase intensity



75

Indirect approach; treats dropped from hand; immediate departure

Indirect approach; treats taken from hand; immediate departure

Direct approach; treats taken from hand; immediate departure

Direct approach; treats taken from hand; delayeddeparture. (Add brief, gentle touching next step)



76

Week 1 – only the instructor

Week 2 – other handlers that are non-

threatening

Week 3 – add additional handlers and

increase pressure in approach as dogs are

ready

Week 4 - add additional handlers and

increase pressure in approach as dogs are

ready


Hand Targeting

77

Teach the dog to touch nose to hand on cue

Week 2 – target handler‟s hand in class

and at home

Week 3 – target instructor‟s hand

Week 4 – target other handler‟s hand

and perhaps other objects


Handling

78

Discussed during

class, but practiced

at home


Handling and Homework

79

Homework

watch videos

read handouts and web content

written exercises in observation and

handling

practice with strangers in the home

field trips to public places


80

We spend the MOST time in class

on this important topic and

skill….

Understanding

Canine Body Language


We know

they must be

talking to us

all the time.

We can only imagine

what they are thinking.

We can never

know for sure.

81SOURCE: What is My Dog Saying? Photo CD by Carol Byrnes

82

When humans think “body language” we tend to focus on what

the ears and tail are saying. We listen for the growl or bark.

But these are only a tiny piece of the canine communication ballet.

Dogs speak with their bodiesThey communicate through:

• Facial Expression

• Tail & ear carriage

• Posture

• Vocalizations

Barking, whining, growling, howling

But that’s not all …

SOURCE: What is My Dog Saying? Photo CD by Carol Byrnes

A dog signals intent and

stress level in many ways:

83

Weight shift

Blinking, licking,

yawning, sniffing

Looking – or not looking

Pupil dilation

Corners of mouth

Posture, tenseness

of face/body muscles

Bend of elbow

Respiration rate

Speed and direction

of movement

The most SUBTLE

body language signals

carry great meaning:

• An almost imperceptible

shift of weight

• Change in breathing

• Tenseness of muscles

• Squinting eyes, blinking

Such as:


Communication signals are designed to:

84

Create distance.

Decrease distance.

Express politeness, show friendliness, resolve conflict

Express fear, reluctance or discomfort.

Express joy!

Rocking horse gait and big smiles – these are happy dogs!SOURCE: What is My Dog Saying? Photo CD by Carol Byrnes

We will focus on:

85

Create distance.

Decrease distance.

Express politeness, show friendliness, resolve conflict

Express fear, reluctance or discomfort.

Express joy!


CANINE COMMUNICATION- not a complete list – evaluate the context

86

SIGNS OF CANINE STRESS DISPLACEMENT /

APPEASEMENT

Dog Won‟t Eat Look Aways *

Yawning * Paw Raises *

Lip Licking * Sniffing

Tucked/Low Tail Scratching

Ears Pinned Back Sneezing

Slow/Little Movement Shaking Off

Pacing Blinking

Trembling • Pretending interest in

environment

Freezes • Sitting or laying down

Stiff Posture Curving approach


THE STRESS

ESCALATION

LADDER

- Turid Rugaas87

Extreme levels of stress

Dog is forced to take action.

Preparation to take action.

Low levels of stressCommunication efforts to

lower stress levels & perceived

aggressive behaviors in others.

Displacement behaviors:

Sniffing the ground

Scratching

Calming signals:

Yawning

Lip licking

Looking away

Turning away

Moving slowly

STRESS REACTIONS:

Panting

Pupil dilation

Shaking off adrenaline

Sweating paws

Trembling / shaking

Whale eye

Hackling

FOCUS:

Loss of calming signals

Close mouth - Freeze

Preparing to defend:

Showing teeth

Growling

Flight / withdrawal

BITE!

LUNGE


Goal is to keep

the dog below the

threshold level

at all times

88

Extreme levels of stress

Dog is forced to take action.

Preparation to take action.

Low levels of stressCommunication efforts to

lower stress levels & perceived

aggressive behaviors in others.

Displacement behaviors:

Sniffing the ground

Scratching

Appeasement signals:

Yawning

Lip licking

Looking away

Turning away

Moving slowly

STRESS REACTIONS:

Panting

Pupil dilation

Shaking off adrenaline

Sweating paws

Trembling / shaking

Whale eye

Hackling

FOCUS:

Loss of calming signals

Close mouth - Freeze

Preparing to defend:

Showing teeth

Growling

Flight / withdrawal

BITE!

LUNGE


HUMAN / CANINE

COMMUNICATION

89

THREATENING HUMAN

COMMUNICATION

CALMING HUMAN

COMMUNICATION

Direct Approach Indirect (curvy) Approach

Direct Eye Contact Averted Eyes

Fast Movement Slow/Little Movement

Leaning Over/Looming Squatting Down / Laying

Down

Front of Body Facing Dog Turning Sideways

Loud or Deep Tone of Voice Silence

Touching Dog (pet, poke, hug) Allow Dog to Make Physical

Contact

Prolonged Eye Contact BRIEF Look Aways

Smiling / Teeth Exposure Yawning / Lip Licking


Her voice may say, “Come!”

But her body language says,

“Stay where you are, I’m

dangerous.”

90

• Leaning forward, staring, reaching

• Predatory stance contradicts the

invitation to come closer.

• If the dog comes, she will probably

come slowly on a curve.

• Dogs who circle just out of reach are not

saying, “neener, neener, can‟t catch me!”

They are conflicted – they want to come,

but your body language creates a buffer,

repelling them away.


Shoulders square, facing, reaching, elicits appeasement

91Excitement or submissive urination are triggered by this greeting posture.

Groveling on approach doesn’t automatically mean “abused” –

more often, it’s just a sensitive or under-socialized dog, not a mistreated one.


92

Proper greeting

side presentation, shoulder to dog

Confident dog

Bad human!

Shy dog

Relaxed, friendly eye contact.Human's body weight shifted away, inviting puppy in.

The tiniest shift in weight or physical orientation can make a huge difference.


Proper greeting for Shy Dogs

93

Practice IGNORING the dog

Teach your guests to IGNORE the

dog

If the dog seems curious, attempt

greeting by having the person:

Turned sideways

Relaxed

Offering hand for sniffing (but not

reaching)

Not Staring. Either soft eyes or

avoiding eye contact

Photo SOURCE: What is My Dog

Saying? Photo CD by Carol

Byrnes


puppy mill rehabilitationdog behavior and training how to behave so your dog behaves (yin) parenting...

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