Basic Principles of Animal Training

Question 1

What negative factor comes with the use of social media and internet for dog training advice, for owners?

Answer 1

It increases the owner’s accessibility of ‘expertise’ knowledge and advise - which may not always be appropriate, individualised and **situation-specific **advise

Question 2

When it comes to owners having a wealth of choice of advice on social media and the internet, what problems does this present to veterinary professionals?

Answer 2

1. They can selectively choose the advice that they feel fits their situation or their perspective, which may be bias
2. This also may cause tension when if the advice they have found contradicts qualified veterinary advice, leading to non-compliant clients

Question 3

What type of solution fixing do unindustrious trainers often use?

Answer 3

Quick-fix solutions, through the use of punishment methods

Question 4

Define the training method commonly used by unindustrious animal trainers?

Answer 4

Force-based training

Question 5

What do owners often report happen after a trainer uses force-based training?

Answer 5

Their pets often report increased aggression, arising from defensive behaviours

Question 6

What type of training is commonly found to increase obedience, according to client feedback?

Answer 6

Reward-based training

Question 7

What main 4 things should you look to avoid when reffering clients to a trained clinical behaviourst consulstant?

Answer 7

1. The use of the term ‘dominance’
2. Using positive punishment methods
3. Offering clients a ‘guarantee’ that the problem will be solved
4. They refuse to use food as a reward

Question 8

Why is not using food as a reward for positive behaviour, a problem?

And when may it actually be useful?

Answer 8

Because it is a very benefical tool and often a key part of training!

It may be useful for animal’s who aren’t food-driven, when tools like toys may work instead.

Question 9

Name 5 key things should you look for when checking animal behaviourist trainers?

Answer 9

1. They have certified credentials + qualifications
2. They use positive reinforcement
3. They have positive references from clients
4. They attend CPD events
5. They welcome observers in their classes + workshops

3 - They keep up to date with their clients, sometimes even checking up on them.

It is often a good sign when clients refer other clients!

4 - To maintain their qualifications, in their profession, they must attend CPD events!

Question 10

Who is a famous advocate of Positive reinforcement?

Answer 10

Victoria Stilwell

Question 11

What are the 4 advantages of utilising positive reinforcement?

Answer 11

1. It’s a positive experience
2. It can build a stronger bond + trust between the owner and their animal
3. It’s very stimulating
4. It acts on the animal’s (often applied to dogs) insentive to please their owner!

Question 12

What must occur repetitively before conditioning can occur/take affect?

Answer 12

The desired behaviour