ICAWC 2011: Steve Goward - Changing Dog Behaviour

ICAWC 2011ICAWC 2011

Piece by piece to change behaviourPiece by piece to change behaviour

No Bassets were harmed in the No Bassets were harmed in the making of this presentation!making of this presentation!

Where do we begin?Where do we begin?

If the dog is behaving in an If the dog is behaving in an undesirable way we are undesirable way we are compelled to stop it.compelled to stop it.

Is it learnt or a natural behaviourIs it learnt or a natural behaviour

What stage of learning?What stage of learning?

• Classically conditionedClassically conditioned

• Instrumental learningInstrumental learning

Practice makes perfectPractice makes perfect

Same applies to undesirable Same applies to undesirable behavioursbehaviours

Avoid or reduce the intensity in Avoid or reduce the intensity in which the behaviour is shownwhich the behaviour is shown

Remove the stressful/frightening Remove the stressful/frightening stimulistimuli

AimsAims

• Stop the unwanted behaviour being Stop the unwanted behaviour being practicedpracticed

• And then…And then…

• Teach another responseTeach another response

Or do both!Or do both!

Provide an outlet for the Provide an outlet for the behaviourbehaviour

Breeds Breeds

Breed preferences Breed preferences

Understand where the behaviour Understand where the behaviour comes fromcomes from

Get some focus!!Get some focus!!

Identify which behaviour the dog Identify which behaviour the dog would choose to dowould choose to do

• Adapt the dogs preference in your favourAdapt the dogs preference in your favour

• Watch meWatch me

• OrOr

• HideHide

Watch meWatch me

Use appropriate rewardsUse appropriate rewards

• High or low value?High or low value?

Give the dog a reliable predictorGive the dog a reliable predictor

Make goals achievableMake goals achievable

Promote a positive learning setPromote a positive learning set

• Set the dog up to succeedSet the dog up to succeed

• Easy wins Easy wins

• Better than expected rewardsBetter than expected rewards

• Get them wanting to work with youGet them wanting to work with you

SadieSadie

Touch acceptance Touch acceptance programmeprogramme

LillyLilly

Round robin recallsRound robin recalls

Lilly one week onLilly one week on

Recap Recap 1.1. Learnt or natural?Learnt or natural?2.2. Stage of learningStage of learning3.3. Avoidance & teach new behaviourAvoidance & teach new behaviour4.4. Provide an outlet for natural behavioursProvide an outlet for natural behaviours5.5. Breed & individual preferencesBreed & individual preferences6.6. What emotion drives the behaviour?What emotion drives the behaviour?7.7. Get some focus!Get some focus!8.8. Behaviour preference (fight or flight)Behaviour preference (fight or flight)9.9. Use appropriate rewards & make training predictableUse appropriate rewards & make training predictable10.10. Make goals achievable & get them wanting to do it.Make goals achievable & get them wanting to do it.

• Give adopters the tools to continueGive adopters the tools to continue

• SupportSupport

How many pieces?How many pieces?

Mission Impossible?Mission Impossible?

Thank youThank you