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STUDENT MANUALClassic SERVICE DOG NETWORKContentsChapter TitlePage 2Lecture 1Orientation to Team TrainingPage 4Lecture 2Orientation to the CaninePage 6Lecture 3GroomingPage 7Lecture 4Survival NeedsPage 8Lecture 5Giving Cues, Commands and MarkersPage 12Lecture 6Canine Learning TheoryPage 13Lecture 7 Motivation and ReinforcementPage 15Lecture 8ResistancePage 16Lecture 9ChallengePage 18Lecture 10Methods of CorrectionPage 20Lecture 11Home and Public SafetyPage 22Lecture 12Canine EmotionsPage 24Lecture 13The WheelPage 25Lecture 14Vet InfoOrientation to Team TrainingLecture 1Your responsibilities during team trainingSince we are expecting to match you with a canine partner, we need to know that you are capable of managing and handling a dog. You need to be committed to learning the lessons, working the dog, and dealing with change. We will know you are capable of this if you can:Handle your own life and personal needs. Take care of personal issues on your time, be considerate of others in the residence; don’t expect help from staff or participants. Be prepared for class. Bring course materials daily, plus anything you need for personal comfort or field mit to working the dog. You are not getting a pet; it takes work to keep up training.Learn the course material. You must pass daily quizzes (or arrange a make-up), plus a written final exam, practical solo skills test, and public access test.Bond with your canine partner. We will know if you follow our program by whether or not the dog trusts you enough to prefer you over the instructors.We are committed to those of you who are committed to your own independence. You will get out of this course exactly what you have put into it. If you are prepared to manage the course then you will learn to manage a dog. This ability to manage a dog will carry over into your ability to manage other aspects of your life as well.Results you can expect once you learn the material:A devoted companion who helps mitigate your disability (not a super-human assistant).Skills to handle the dog (but you still have to maintain those skills for life).Knowledge to teach the dog new tasks (we teach you the alphabet; you make new words). Confidence to deal with society’s misconceptions.TeamworkIt will be beneficial to all of you to help and support each other throughout the next two weeks. You are the ones who truly understand what the others are going through. “Support” does not mean “interfere”! Let the instructors do the teaching; if you see problems between other clients and their dogs, bring it to our attention and not theirs.It will also be necessary to exclude your family and friends from participating in this process. This is a step toward independence that you have to take on your own. You must want and they have to allow this change to occur.We will be changing dogs several times a day for the next few days.Becoming an CSDN HandlerLearning the commands is easy, but getting the desired response is NOT. Dogs are unlike any other assistive device because they are living, thinking, feeling beings.You will spend the next two weeks earning the dogs’ trust and respect as well as learning their physical, emotional, and mental capabilities. Because the dogs are now trained but you are not, it won’t be easy for either of you. The dog will feel stress because it’s confusing to break the bond with former handlers and bond with a new person who’s making a lot of mistakes. You will feel stress: We don’t call it Boot Camp for Nothing! Expect to experience confusion, resentment, frustration, questioning your ability, and wanting to give up.Find a way to release stress. (Deep breathing, exercise, TV, games, being alone, etc.)You can expect difficulties with the dog until you reach a higher skill level than the dog. You will improve your skills with persistence, determination, and follow-through.The dog will then become interested, loving, and responsive.To get you to the skill level of the dogs:We will demand that you set aside any prior beliefs and expectations and replace them with new information and ideas. We will help you access your Affective Domain, or gut instincts, so you can react faster than the dog. We define this as training you, not teaching you.You are going to need to push yourself. Do not put yourself in an unsafe situation; but at the same time, do not limit yourself. Open your mind to other methods of thinking and develop a trust of the dogs and instructors.Qualities of a Good HandlerBeing a good trainer is a lot like being a parent. Your highly skilled dog is still a juvenile, and still needs you to set limits and boundaries.You have to teach by example (can't use words). You must use:1. PatienceShowing anger and frustration will make it impossible toaccomplish anything, and may even be damaging. 2. Common senseYou have to be mature and totally responsible for anotherbeing's development, both physically and emotionally. 3. ConsistencyDoing things the same way every time avoids problems or confusion in the future. 4. DisciplineYou have to teach right from wrong, and set a good example. 5. FlexibilityBe on the dog's program, and be willing to learn and try new things.Orientation to the CanineLecture 2Relationship between dogs and humansDogs originally descended from wolves, Over the last 10,000 years they have evolved into dogs. Originally dogs were wild, too (like the jackal and dingo). Humans discovered that they could select dogs with different characteristics and breed for different traits and abilities. We domesticated (bred) dogs for different purposes: guarding, retrieving, companions, hunting, herding, drafting, protecting livestockDogs are now part of our society and our culture, but they are often misunderstood. We assume they think and act like humans, but dogs are NOT little people in fur suits! Dogs do not think or behave like we expect them to even though we humanize them in our society, (think Lassie, Air Bud, 101 Dalmatians, Homeward Bound). Don't fall into "the Disney Syndrome": Dogs often end up in shelters because peoples’ expectations of dog behavior are based on what they see in the movies, not reality.In reality, canines and primates communicate in totally different ways: for example, monkeys (and people) chatter constantly and gesture with their hands; dogs don’t. Good handlers learn canine communication. Problem areasDogs must be taught their roles and limitations so they don’t develop problems. Generally the dog is a cooperative member of the household. However, you can expect to have difficulty when:1. Dog becomes an obnoxious teen2. Handler does not enforce limits or boundaries correctly—is too harsh or too soft3. Handler has false expectations of dog’s abilities4. Handler uses commands incorrectly. 5. Dog becomes distracted by something in the environment.Be Aware of Your Environment:Dogs react to things in the environment without thinking. Dogs go on pure instinct.Humans think first, and filter emotions through thoughts and words. To be a good trainer, you have to react to things in the environment before the dog does. This means you have to use your Affective Domain. Definition: Gut instincts, third eyeBeing aware of the environment and using your Affective Domain will allow you to prepare for distractions before it’s too late to keep the dog focused on you.Dogs become distracted through their five senses:An animal notices things because it needs to secure its safety through its awareness of the environment. Dogs today still have the natural instincts of a wild animal. Humans can use their senses selectively, But Dogs Can Not. Sense of:Canine DevelopmentPrimate Development1. Sight Developed to detect movement (prey); can’t see static details very well.Developed to see fruit growing in trees, not to catch prey.2. HearingHighly developed to hear prey they can’t see; ears move toward sound.Not as developed as predators or prey; ears are attached.3. TouchMore sensitive on face, ears, belly. Preference to touch is individual.Very sensitive hands, faces. Preference is individual.4. TasteNot highly developed, so they’ll eat practically anything (scavengers).Highly developed, especially to sweet tastes (fruits, leaves).5. SmellLong noses hold millions of scent receptors; can detect almost any smell.Short noses mean less ability to differentiate scents.Use the dog’s instincts to your advantageAnything that attracts the dog’s attention through its senses can distract the dog from paying attention to you. How can you use the dog’s senses to attract its attention? 6. Sightmove wheelchair, wave, throw something, move away, eye contact/SMILE7. Soundcall its name, whistle, make kiss noise, clap, snap, yell, click chair on8. Touchhard or soft petting, scratching dog’s favorite place (chest, back, ears, etc.)9. Tastetreats(but don’t use in a restaurant)10. Smellengage another of its senses (sound, touch, taste, or movement)Different Tones of voice and Possible Responses: If you want to: You could use:Get dog’s attentionHigh pitched, unusual voice, whistle, click (not stern, angry)Calm dog downLow, serious, soothing voiceGive confidence/reassure Confident, outgoing voice (not soothing—reinforces fear)Get dog hypedHappy, playful, energetic voice _ Different Touches and Possible responses:If you want to:You could use:Get dog’s attentiontapping touch, squeeze fur, stop touching Calm the dog downsoft, gentle touch Give confidence, reassureStrong pettingGet dog hypedRoughhousing, blow in faceGroomingLecture 3Benefits of Grooming1. PhysicalOpportunity to check for health problems not obvious to the eye. Makes the dog more comfortable and not offensive to the public.You have to know what’s normal so you can recognize what’s abnormal.2. EmotionalTime to bond, relax, build trust. Can calm handler & lower blood pressure.3. MentalThe dog learns to be handled, not struggle, stand or sit calmly.Signs of healthSigns of a problemWhat to do about it1.EyesGenerally bright eyed, whites are clear. Some tears or debris is normal.Cloudy pupil could be a scratch; Signs of eye infection: green gooey discharge, excessive redness.Wipe excess tears or small amounts of debris away with a tissue. Don’t let the dog ride with its head out the window. See vet for possible eye infection or injury.2. EarsShould be pink inside and free of odor.Signs of ear infections: Red skin, brown discharge, bad odor, dog shakes head or scratches ears excessivelyClean ears with cotton ball or baby wipe once weekly, making sure to pull debris out and not stuff it farther down the ear canal. See vet for possible ear infection.3.MouthTeeth should be white, breath should be tolerable. Brown teeth or gums (plaque or tooth decay), excessive bad breath, broken tooth, or dog has trouble eating. Brush dog’s teeth weekly and give soup bones (marrow or knuckle bones from a cow; get from butcher not pet store). If problem persists, vet may need to scrape the teeth.4. CoatFur is shiny, not matted or tangled. Check for anything unusual: lumps, bumps, cuts, scrapes, fleas, ticks, hotspots, irritations, etc. Remove shed hair often with suitable brushes. Remove matted hair immediately. See vet for hotspots or other problems.5.FeetNails and hair between pads are kept short on working dogs. Nails click when the dog walks, gait is off; check for cuts on pads or debris (like gum) stuck between toes. Cut the very tip of the nails every 10-14 days. Make sure never to cut the quick (vein). Can file or grind rough edges. Survival NeedsLecture 4Basic needsEvery living thing has basic physical needs that it has to have to survive. Nothing else matters until these needs are satisfied.In the wild, dogs can meet these needs on their own. In modern society, they cannot.Basic needs for Humans: Basic needs for Dogs: 1.Food/water 5.food/water2.clothing 6.shelter3.shelter 7.safety4.safety Secondary needsHigher needs must be met in order to thrive, or reach full potential. We can survive without meeting these needs, but we cannot grow and be successful.They are the same for humans and dogs. They fall into two categories:8.MentalThe need for mental growth (learning), well-being, stability, fair treatment, predictable outcomes, competence.9.Emotional Feelings of belonging, security, appreciation, love, respect.Your responsibilityYou must fulfill your dog’s needs so that it can focus on you. If he is focused on getting his needs met, he cannot concentrate on other things. 1. To secure its basic needs for the following, a dog might act a. Food: raid garbage, steal food, beg, scavenge off floor, eat poopb. Water:drink out of toilet, drink out of puddles or creeks, eat snowc. Shelter: Run away, hide in small spaces, dig holes (under porches, etc.)d. Safety: Fight (protective growl, fear biting)Flee (get behind you, hide, run)Flirt (wag tail, cower, roll, lick, paw)Freeze (shut down) 2. To let you know its secondary needs are not being met, it might:a. Mentalboredom behaviors (chew, bark, lick, dig, escape); attention seekingb. Emotionaltries to get your attention constantly, or doesn’t seek affection from you at all (looks to other people in the “pack”). Also, licking, scratching, whining3. You must fulfill all of these needs before you ask the dog to work for you, or the dog will stop feeling a bond with you, stop trusting and respecting you, stop working for you.Giving Cues and CommandsLecture 5Definitionsa.CueA signal to perform a specific behavior ("on switch").For humans: traffic light (stop or go) bells (alarm clock, telephone, school) body language (wave “come here” or “stop”, smile, frown)For dogs: hand signal (sit, down, or heel), eye contact (staring or soft), body posture (high or low head, leaning forward or back)mandA verbal cue, or word that tells the dog to perform a behavior. c.Marker Signals the exact moment of success or failure.d. ReinforcerReward for doing the behavior well.Sequence for giving a command: Prepare your approachGive correct command and cueMark itFollow throughPraise!Breakdown of steps in the sequence:1. Prepare your approach a. Mentally: be focused, know commands automatically, visualize success b. Physically: position correctly; leash, positive body language, SMILE! 2. Give the command or cue correctlySMILE! Every command is positive, no matter what. Commands must bea.Consistent(said the same way every time) and b. Clear (One cue at a time only, no extras like kissy noises, clapping, pulling, shouting).The leash is NEVER used to give cues or get the dog's attention.Remember: Timing is Everything!!!!! 3. Mark it (right, wrong, incomplete, or over) a.YES Command is done correctly; reward is coming (bridges command and reward).b.NO Command is not done, correction may be coming (dog must change behavior).c.THAT’s IT Command is not yet completed; keep going (dog is getting “warmer”) d. OKAY Command is complete; go on to the next one (a new command is coming).4. Follow ThroughYou have to keep going after NO or THAT’S IT until you can say YES, no matter what!You have to follow YES or OKAY with another command (sit—YES—Stay)5. PRAISE!Commands and MarkersMarkersNOMarks the exact moment the dog fails to do the task or does something wrong.OKLets the dog know that one task is finished so it can go on to another one.YESMarks the exact moment the dog completes the task correctly. THAT’S ITLets the dog know he’s on the right track and should keep mandsCOMEThe dog has to get close enough to touch you.NAMEGets the dog’s attention and lets it know a command is coming.EASYTells the dog to be calm so he can focus on you.SNUGGLETells the dog you’re going to hug him.MY LAPDog should put its paws on your legs (used when sitting).DOWNDog lies with its entire body flat on the floor.WATCH MEDog should make eye contact with you.LET’S GOTells the dog we’re moving together.OFFDog must put its feet back on the floor (not on an object or person)JUMP ONMeans leap onto something with all four feet (like a grooming table).SITDog must put its rear end on the floor.SIDEThe dog positions on your right with its collar by your leg, facing the same direction.WAIT Temporarily stops the dog from moving forward or crossing a threshold.STAYDog holds its position for a long time.HEELThe dog positions on your left with its collar by your leg, facing the same direction. FRONTThe dog positions facing your knees with its body lined up strait ahead of you.TURN Dog faces the opposite direction.DRESSThe dog must put its head through the backpack or collar.SHAKEThe dog is to offer its paw in greeting.KISSDog licks your hand or face.STAND Only the dogs four feet are touching the ground.BACKDog must walk backwards.BUSY Means now is the time and place to go to the bathroom.MOVE Dog has to get out of your way, but not to any specific place.ROLL Dog rolls onto its back from a down position.UP Dog places its front paws on a wall, table, counter, or object (Not You!) BEHIND Dog positions with its body lined up strait in back of you.GO INDog crawls into a small space, like under a table or chair.FIX ITDog must untangle the leash from its legs.LEAVE ITDog must not sniff, taste, or even look at an interesting item.CLOSERDog moves in nearer to you.OUTSends the dog out of the room or area you are in.SPEAKTells the dog to barkGO TO BEDSends the dog to its own place or bed (there can be more than one).KENNELSends to dog to its crateQUIETTells the dog to stop barking.LOADThe dog jumps into a motor vehicle (a van, car, etc.).GIVETells the dog that you now have a good grip on the item and it can release its hold. LOOKDirects the dog to look around for whatever it is you are designating.BRING IT HERE_ Directs the dog to bring the retrieved item to you.HOLDReminds the dog to keep its jaws firmly gripped on the tem it’s retrieving.GET ITRequires that the dog retrieve the item that you have designated.DROP ITDog should let go of the item it is holding.TUGRequires the dog pull on a rope or belt with its teeth.REACHTells the dog to stick its neck out to deliver and item, like dropping it in a basket, on a counter, etc.PUSHTells the dog to put its nose or paw on a door or cabinet and shut it.LIGHTDog flips a switch up with its nose.GET YOUR LEASHInstructs the dog to locate the leash and bring it to you.SWITCHDog bites the switch and pulls it down with his teeth.Chained commandsLOOK/GET IT/BRING IT HERE____Directs the dog to look around for whatever it is you are designating and then the dog returns to you with the item. UP/SWITCH__Dog places its front paws on a wall and pulls the switch down with his teeth.UP/DROP IT_______Dog places its front paws on a wall, table, counter, or object (NOT YOU) and should let go of the item it is holding.UP/HOLD__________Dog places its front paws on a wall, table, counter, or object (NOT YOU) and the dog keeps its jaws firmly griped on the item.HOLD/UP__________Dog keeps its jaws firmly griped on the item and places its front paws on a wall, table, counter, or object (NOT YOU).UP/REACH/DROP IT Dog places its front paws on a table, counter, or object (NOT YOU) and the dog sticks its neck out to deliver the item, like dropping it in a basket, on a counter, etc.UP/LIGHT____Dog places its front paws on a wall and flips a switch up with its nose.UP/GET IT_________Dog places its front paws on a table, counter, or object (NOT YOU) and retrieves the item for you.Specialty commandsSTOPRequires the dog to stop pulling.PULLDirects the dog to pull forward.STEPTell the dog to move one step at a time.RIGHTIndicates to the dog that you will be making a right turn.LEFTIndicates to the dog that you will be making a left turn.Canine Learning TheoryLecture 6Patterns in Humans and Canines (Habits)A pattern is a behavior you repeat automatically—a habit you’re not even aware of.Behavior patterns feel “normal”, but breaking a habit is incredibly hard. (Try lacing fingers “right” and “wrong” ways). Habits can work for you or against you. Start good habits NOW!You must stop bad patterns because they will always become worse if not corrected.Training is a combination of encouraging good patterns and correcting bad patterns. For trainers: A. Good patterns using correct cues, commands, markers, positioning, etc. Bad patternsusing leash to “steer”, dropping leash, not following throughFor dogs: A. Good patterns Sit when greeted; wait at doors; heel; ask to go out B Bad patterns: jump; bolt through doors; dig; toilet indoors; beg; chew, barkMethods we use to teach the dogsWhen teaching a new skill, the dog has to actually do the behavior so you can reward it.We NEVER force a new skill, and we NEVER correct a dog when teaching. The dog is not wrong if it doesn’t understand. It’s the trainer’s responsibility to communicate what behavior they want and how to do it by using these methods.Modelingphysically putting the dog into a position, then rewarding for the behavior. Luringusing bait (food) to lead the dog into doing a behavior(not bribing!)Targetingdirecting through pointing or hand movement; dog follows your hand.Associationputting a command to a behavior or action; word becomes a verbal cue.Fadingtaking away any cues (hand signals, targets, or lures); use command onlyGeneralizingdoing the behavior anywhere, any time, for any one (using four Ds)Patterningmaking the behavior automatic, or a habit, through lots of repetition.Dogs also learn by a. observation AND b. experience (trial and error) They will repeat the behavior as long as it is something they enjoy (intrinsic reward). Once the dog knows a command, you canchain___ it with another one (up/ get it), but you have to treat it as a new learning lesson.Allow the dog time to figure out what you are asking. (3 to 5 second delay)Increasing the level of difficulty: the four Ds80% Rule: When the dog can do the skill 80% of the time (8 out of 10 times), make it harder. a. DurationSlowly increase length of time the dog can do the behavior.b. DistractionsPractice in new places, around food, toys, new people, other dogs.c. DistanceHave dog do the behavior from farther and farther away.d. Decreased CuesFade signals until you can whisper and move only your eyes.Motivation and ReinforcementLecture 71. MotivationThe amount of energy needed to complete a task.The person who assigns the task has to supply the motivation and the reward.A.Intrinsic Self-motivated, done to please only yourself.B. Extrinsic Done to please someone else.2. Positive Reinforcement A reward the dog likes so it CONTINUES the behavior it’s doing.A lure is not the same as reinforcement. Use a lure to lead the dog into a behavior; use a reinforcer afterward so he’ll continue doing it. Lures become bribes if used incorrectly.Use YES marker as a bridge between the moment of success and getting the reward. A. For humans:candy, money, peer approval, attention, grades B. For dogs:Food, toys, treats, petting, praise3. Negative Reinforcement Something unpleasant that STOPS a behavior. If the behavior doesn’t stop it’s not negative reinforcement, it’s nagging.A. For Humans:getting arrested, slap on the wrist, yellingB. For dogs:loud noise, yell NO, leash correction, body bump, squeeze toes4. Correction Turns a negative into a positive! Used to STOP misbehavior, then turn it into a replacement (correct) behavior. If you don’t end with the correct behavior, it’s not a correction.5. PunishmentHappens after a behavior has stopped. You did it, you enjoyed it, it’s too late to change it. It’s supposed to stop people (not dogs!) from doing things in the future because they’re afraid of getting caught later.A. For humans:detention, getting grounded, going to jailB. For dogs: NEVER WORKS FOR DOGS!! They live in the moment and don’t predict consequences.6. Drives Things that automatically get your dog really excited.Types of drives: food, play or toy, affection (social drive), preyEngage a dog’s drive to increase motivation. 7. SensitivitiesThings that automatically get your dog upset or afraid.Types of sensitivities: noise, social pressure, pain, Sensitivities always cancel out drives! Basic need of safety takes over any other.Choosing ReinforcersChose the combination your dog likes best. To choose the right reinforcer for your dog, you have to know if it prefers. . .a. Physical: treats or touchhard or soft pats? scratching where? What flavor treats?b. Auditory: soundhigh or low voice? Loud or quiet? Clapping or whistling?c. Kinesthetic: movement chasing a toy, running next to the chair, tugging a rope?d. Visual:Facial expression eye contact, smiles?Schedules of ReinforcementPredictable rewards (the same every time) can lead to a drop in performance (it’s boring!)If you stop rewarding, behavior spikes (is offered a lot) then stops entirely (extinguishes).Unpredictable jackpots maintain interest in a task for a long time (like slot machines). Supply more or less motivation/ reinforcement depending on:1. Task What does the dog have to do?Motivate more for difficult tasks like tug, less for easy ones like heel.Motivate less for a task that requires the dog to be calm or still, like Wait, Stay, or Down. Mood How’s your dog feeling?Match motivation and reward to dog’s energy level.Is the dog tired, frustrated, hungry, hyper, anxious, and fearful?Environment What distractions do you have to compete with?Motivate and reward more when other things are more interesting than you are!Use your energy to keep the dog focused on you.You can always choose what combination of reinforcement to use in any situation. SituationPositive RNegative RPunishment1. To increase students coming to class on time1.Greet with smile, treats, praise, bonus grades2 Nag, yell, threaten, embarrass in front of peers3 Detention, lower final grade, lose points2. To teach a dog to hold an item in its mouth4.Scratch chin, happy voice5. Bump chin when mouth opens, stern NO6. Leash correction after item falls on floor3. To teach a dog not to bolt out a door7.Treats and verbal praise for looking at you (not past you), keeping feet behind door8. As he moves through the door, body block, NO, door closes in his face.9.Yell at him when he comes back from running loose.Canine ResistanceLecture 8What is Resistance?Resistance is an instinctive way to protect your personal space.Everyone has a need to control their own personal space. When that space is invaded, we react. Some people act out, and others withdraw.Types of Resistance1. Active = Acting out, a physical reaction or response.Examples for humans: yelling, pushing, arguing, crying, fighting, tantrumsExamples for dogs: barking, growling, grabbing leash, jumping up, mouthing, nipping, offering to do a different command, pawing2.Passive = Withdrawing, avoiding the task.Examples for humans: ignoring, sleeping, going limp, leaving the roomExamples for dogs: scratching, yawning, ignoring, hiding, lying down, grounding (low tail/last six inches wagging, looking away)Why do dogs Resist?It is important to understand that when a dog resists, it is trying to tell you that it can’t do what you ask because it is too stressed. There are three reasons why dogs become stressed and begin to show resistance. The dog is: a. confused b. frustrated c.afraid It is your job to figure out why the dog is resisting, and to overcome those feelings.Steps in dealing with canine resistance:1. Find out what’s wrongIs the dog confused, frustrated, or afraid? Give the dog what it needs to relax (clear signals, change of pace, confidence).2. De-stress yourself SMILE! Breathe, move around, be positive.3. De-stress the dog Change the activity or effort and get the dog’s tail wagging.4. Start over.Get the job done one way or another.No matter what, the job still has to be done. You must be the BOSS!Canine Psychology: The ChallengeLecture 9Pack BehaviorA pack is a group of dogs who depend on each other to secure their basic and higher needs. It's similar in some ways to a human family: complex, cooperative, social. Different from humans: Dogs don't reason, plan into the future, or dwell in the past. They also don’t want to control each other; they just want to get the best resources.In every group (family, school, business, city, country) there are many levels of social status. From the highest to the lowest, we call them the alpha, beta, or omega. In a family, that’s the parents, older brothers and sisters, then the babies. Wolves have a pretty strict ranking system, but in dogs it changes all the time.The AlphaIs the leader of the group, and has the highest social status, like the CEO of an agency. Smaller groups have Alphas, too, like the ECAD instructor is alpha within a school class.Has the most social freedom (can get away with things others can’t; makes decisions for herself; is treated with respect by the others).Has first access to preferred resources such as: Food, Toys, Personal space, Attention, Breeding (can get what he wants, when he wants it; others will give it up without a fight).Alphas don’t have to compete or fight for their status—they just have it.In your pack of two (trainer and dog), you MUST ALWAYS be the alpha.The BetasA group of individuals below the alpha who are status seekers—always looking for an opportunity to improve their position. Your dog may or may not be a beta type.Group members’ status depends on things like age, sex, personality, ability, and drive.In the CSDN pack (canine or human!), the betas are usually juveniles, age-mates or siblings. They’re the ones who wrestle constantly, horseplay (a dominance display), try to steal toys or bones. They are the bullies who pick on the omegas. They constantly test the limits to see what they can get away with. We call that a challenge.The OmegasThis group is simply out of the running—they do not compete for higher status.In this group are puppies, older dogs, and dogs who do not want the risk and responsibility of being the leader. They are sometimes referred to as “submissive”. Omegas are often picked on in human and in canine packs.Recognizing The ChallengeA challenge is a test to see if the leader is still strong enough to be in controlTo a dog, you are a member of its pack--and you must act as the leader. Therefore, it will eventually challenge you, too.It happens in a thousand tiny ways, not usually in one big fight like in the movies. It looks exactly like resistance (active or passive) but the meaning is the difference. If the dog won’t do a simple task, make sure it’s not resistance first. Ask yourself if there’s not a physical (pain), mental (confusion, frustration) or emotional (fear) reason for refusing.If the dog resists, he CAN’T do it because he’s Stressing. Use MotivationIf it’s a challenge, he WON’T do it because he’s Testing. Use CorrectionDogs challenge by seeing what they can get away with!Seeking social freedom (won’t do simple commands, bolts through a door, won’t come when called, demands attention, ignores you).Seeking access to resources (won’t “give” an item, steals food or toys, paws you, begs, won’t get off the bed, drops the ball in your lap). Remember: There is no equality in a pack. If you think your dog is your equal, be sure it thinks it is the boss of you!Joining the PackThe dog MUST challenge you for its own peace of mind. It has to know thatYou are still the most capable leader.The dog will always challenge you at your weakest moments, like when you are distracted, confused, unfocused, embarrassed, nervous, or showing off.When you win the challenge, The dog will not feel resentful, upset or anxious. It will actually feel relaxed and secureknowing who’s in charge. If you fail to meet the challenge, The dog will think he is the leader: he will start to ignore you, become protective, or become bossy. How can you reduce the need for your dog to challenge you?a. Look like the leaderWatch body posture, facial expressions, eye contact, tone of voice.b Act like the leader consistent, follow through, stop problems before they start.c. Feel like the leaderBe confident, focused, visualize success, know commands automaticallyWhen dealing with a challenge, remember:a. It’s not personal!b. The dog doesn’t really want to winc. Dogs must test to assure their peace of mind d. Develop a relationship with the dog, but remember you’re the boss.Methods of CorrectionLecture 10If Used Properly DefinitionA correction is: using an aversive (something unpleasant) to stop an unwanted behaviorIt is not used to teach new behaviors, or when the dog does not know what you want it to do (hasn’t learned the command), or when it is resisting (confused, frustrated, or afraid).The dog will learn its boundaries and stop testing the limits (challenging).The dog will be willing to focus on you and work for you when it’s all over.The method and degree used is the least aversive means that is still effective.You STOP misbehavior from happening, IMMEDIATELY REDIRECT the dog’s attention, and REWARD it for doing something else. It always ends on a positive note.You must follow through. If the dog doesn’t change the behavior, it wasn’t a correction (and the dog may actually think it was reinforcing, no matter how aversive you think it is).A good correction: has the right energy and timing to change the dog’s focus and behavior, and is an opportunity to teach an opposite behavior.Correction is given as you say NO, not as you give the command. If Done WrongIf a correction is too harsh: cause fear, resistance, shutting down, trying to get awayIf a correction is too soft: dog learns to ignore you, knows you’re weak, challenges more.There is no such thing as a partial correction!Verbal CorrectionsRemember that dogs cannot reason or have a conversation with you, but you can still use your voice to correct the dog. If you use language, remember:1. Be quick--a short "no!"2. Be firm--use assertive tone, not emotions 3. Be Positive--Smile!!! Then REDIRECT and PRAISE.A verbal correction might not always work, or may even make the situation worse if the dog is: Distracted-doesn’t hear Resisting Challenging Remember: any emotion is reinforcing to a dog, so keep emotions out of it.How do you know if your emotions are coming into play? You start holding your breath, body posture slumps, fists tighten, hands clench, voice raises, muscles tense. Physical CorrectionsCommon sense is needed, not emotions. A physical aversive is applied solely and strictly to make the dog uncomfortable enough in the current situation to change its behavior. NEVER use physical correction for emotional reasons like:1. Punishment (correct after the fact)3. To relieve stress2. Revenge (get back at the dog)4. To make the dog feel bad.CSDN’s Rule:Apply it quickly and move on. Methods of Physical Correction__ HandChin bump, squeezing ruff of neck. Not hitting, never top of head or face._LeashA quick snap and release, Not dragging/choking__WheelchairTurning into the dog with the chair, Not running them over.Accidental Changing directions, tripping Body BumpPush off balance by using knees, hip, elbow. Not kickingStartleThrow something near the dog, Not any item that could injure the dog.Birding______Leaning over or toward the dog to assert your authority or dominance.Timing is everything!When do you use a physical correction? At the exact moment the dog starts misbehaving. If the dog has been successful in engaging in a really fun misbehavior (intrinsically rewarding, like raiding the garbage), it will be infinitely harder to prevent in the future even if you catch him in the act. You may only succeed in teaching the dog to be sneaky.If your timing is slow, you may be correcting the wrong behavior. For example, if the dog breaks a down/stay, correct as the dog gets up, not after it’s already standing. If the dog has stopped on its own, it's too late to correct (that would be punishment to a dog) You’re correcting for what the dog is doing at that exact moment. If he stopped eating garbage and is asleep, you’re really correcting the dog for sleeping. Whatever method is used, a CORRECTION is only a way of stopping the dog from doing the wrong thing, and must never be used to replace MOTIVATION.Home and Public SafetyLecture 11At Home or Work1.You must make sure the dog gets proper food and exercise.2. Dogs will eat ANYTHING! Make sure to supervise closely and “puppy proof” the house forpotentially poisonous materials (house plants, medicines, antifreeze, cleansers, etc.)choking hazards (anything in the garbage especially pork/chicken bones), electrical shock hazards (phone cords, appliance plugs).Have emergency phone numbers and basic first aid kit easily accessible.Prepare friends, families, neighbors, co-workers and colleagues for arrival of the dog. Scout out pre-approved toilet areas; arrange for daily disposal of waste.In Public1. In public, a service dog must ALWAYS:It can NEVER:a. Wait to be greetedApproach people without permissionb. Sit still when greeted Jump up on or paw peoplec. Ignore distractionssniff, or lick anything or anyoned. Have good mannersGroom or scratch itselfe. Be as invisible as possibleBark, whine, or growlf. Pay attention to the handlerBe physically corrected 2. Whenever you leave the training area or to outside you must hold onto the leash toa. Prevent accidentsb. Promote bonding c. Prevent bad habits3. Whenever you are going in public make sure you have:a. ____ Water/Treats___b. Poop bags/paper towels__d.ID card/ capeGood Public RelationsNot everyone likes having dogs around them. You must make a good impression.When someone pets your dog without asking, you have options depending on your mood at the moment. You can walk away; ask them to stop; explain why dog can’t visit. No matter what, you only control the dog, not the person, and you MUST be polite.If someone politely asks you about your dog, Answer questions or not—it’s your decision. ADA and state laws ensure your right “to be accompanied by a specially trained dog in housing, all public accommodations, and on all common carriers. The dog must wear . . . a cape and must be in the direct custody of the disabled individual or trainer”. If someone says you can't bring your dog into a restaurant & tells you to leave? SMILE! Explain the law, show your ID, take it as far as you are comfortable—but don’t lose your temper or control of your dog. Then they have the right to ask you to leave.Exercising the dogSafety first! Check the area for hazards before allowing the dog off leash. The area must be:Fenced in completely (or keep dog on leash)Free of glass and other hazards (foxtails, poison ivy, scrap metal, etc.)Free of aggressive or unhealthy dogs Free of trafficLoading and UnloadingCars and elevators are areas of serious potential danger to a Service Dog.A dog could be seriously injured or killed if it were to get: Caught in the doorIt is up to the handler to make sure the dog follows procedures and stays safe.Into a car Let’s go/positionCheck for traffic, position correctly so that the dog goes in first.WaitDog waits while you open door (can’t mow you down to go for a ride).Load Dog gets in, goes to designated place (may use additional commands)Stay Dog doesn’t move while you get in; then you may release or call the dog.Out of a car:Every person and every car are different and require a personalized set of commands (depending on where you and the dog sit, if there’s a lift, how long it takes, and how much dexterity you have.)Wait (or stay)Check for traffic, Dog CANNOT exit (bolt) while you get out. (Come or get leash)You have to get control of the leash, check for traffic againWaitYou get out of the vehicle first.Okay, Come Check for traffic again, Unload dogInto an elevator: Heel or sidePosition so that you can block the doors quickly and dog can hit button WaitThe dog cannot put a whisker across the threshold while you block itGo ThroughYou stay put holding the door; dog enters and faces youBackEnter elevator, reposition as necessary (turn or keep back to door)Out of an elevatorHeel or sidePosition so you can block the door, whether facing in or out of elevator.WaitThe dog cannot put a whisker across the threshold while you block it.Go ThroughYou hold the door; dog exits and either faces or gets behind you.Back Exit elevator, reposition as necessary to continue on your way.Canine EmotionsLecture 12Canine ReactionsRemember that dogs react much faster than humans. We filter our reactions through thoughts and words, but a dog's reaction is pure instinct. They live in the present, without thinking about the consequences of their actions. Remember the things get a dog's attention? Smell, movement, sound and touch.When a dog reacts to something, it is immediately in an emotional state.How might a dog feel in these situations? It may depend on how you feel about it.a. Cat runs byalert, excited, interestedb. Handler is upsetconcerned, intense, afraidc. Fireworks go offfrightened, insecure, worriedd. Crowded restaurantdistracted, unfocused, stimulated (positive or negative) e. Stranger approaches excited, afraid, distracted, protectiveHandler's responsibilityYou as the handler have a great responsibility. You have the ability to make your dog a. __Secure and well-adjusted_______ or b. emotionally devastatedHow could you damage a dog emotionally?a.Let dog get hurte.never praiseb.Punish or over-correctf.be inconsistentc.Withhold affection or ignore______g.use negative emotionsd.Uses the wrong commands______h.uses no commandsHow can you make your dog emotionally secure?a.Keep dog safe______e.Use positive emotionsb.Use praise/positive reinforcementf.be a good leaderc.Be confidentg.be consistentd.Exercise the dog adequately__h.use correct commandsQuotes: “Dependency and fear of rejection--that is, being dependent on someone and being afraid that person will reject you--can make someone really fearful.How can they survive if the person they're dependent on for survival rejects them?"“There is no more dependent animal in this modern era than the dog."Using Your EmotionsDogs hunger for your emotion--that's why we use praise and social contact to motivate and reinforce the dogs. They want to be part of your emotional interaction. The way you relate to your dog tells it how to react, especially in a new situation.Examples of Positive emotions: Patience, pride, happiness, gratitude, love, excitement, joyExamples of Negative emotions: Anger, impatience, fear, frustration, disgust, hostility, guiltIf you mishandle the dog by reacting to something negatively, it can becomea.__Aggressive, territorial, protective____ or b. Submissive, afraid, fear biter_When should you use positive emotions? ALWAYS!What can you expect from it?A happy, confident, well-adjusted dog.When should you use negative emotions?NEVER!What could you expect from it?A dysfunctional, unreliable dog.Understanding the dog's emotionsDogs are like children--they need to receive some kind of emotion from you. If they don't get the positive emotions, they'll try to get something negative over nothing at all. Why? _____SOMETHING IS BETTER THAN NOTHING________________If you use emotions to correct the dog, it will actually reinforce what the dog just did (whether you want it to or not).People think they're emotionally abusing their dog if they don't let it sit on the furniture, eat steak, jump on people, etc. Not true! First, if they've never had or done it, they'll never miss it. Second, dogs live in the present moment. If you're ok, they're ok. Third, you will emotionally abuse the dog if you let it do these things and then suddenly correct him for it. Establish rules right from the start and stick to them!How do dogs show their emotions? Through body languageDescribe how a dog looks when it is . . .a. Aggressive: Head and tail strait out, fur on neck raised, teeth showing, ears pinned back b. Playful:Bowing position, tail wagging, quick movement back and forthc. Insecure:Tail tucked under belly, head low, may roll on backd. Stressed:Foam on lips, panting, lips pulled back, sweaty paws, tail low and stiff. Psychology: The WheelLecture 13SynchronizingDogs are a mirror of your personality, mood, attitude, and expectations. You have to identify your dog's emotional state, and get it to synchronize with you. Being “in sync” with someone means you are in balance together and moving at the same speed. The WheelWe will use the image of a wheel as a way to think about how to change your dog's attitude. Think of the wheel as your environment. As long as it's not spinning, everything's okay.If you turned this wheel on its side and spun it, things would start getting a little more difficult. Where is the most stable place to be? In the middleIf you’re “on the edge” you’re more likely to “fly off the handle”. When you stay centered you are more stable, fixed, focused.Think of the wheel as a tornado -- the safest place to be is in the eye, or calm of the storm. The outside is where things are flying around and out of control.The Handler's jobEach spoke of the wheel represents one character or personality trait. The opposite spoke represents the opposite trait, like assertive vs. submissive. Your job as the handler is to identify where your dog's personality lies on the spokes and bring it back to the center. This job changes depending on how fast the wheel is spinning (the environment).A slow spin (ex: sitting at home) is easy to keep the dog centered.A fast spin (ex: pet store) will cause your dog to slide toward the extreme.Remember: Opposites attract! Pull the dog back toward the center by going out on the opposite spoke. Keep it balanced like a see-saw. If your dog is: You must be:a. InsecureConfidentb. HyperCalmc. FawningSeriousd. IntenseRelaxede. Lazy EnergeticVet CareMaintenanceGroomingKeeps coat and skin health.BondingYour dog must be groomed daily to keep the coat and skin healthy and to prevent matting. It is also “down time” to bond with each other. Scratching—Dogs do not scratch out of idleness. There is usually a problem where they are scratching. If they are scratching at a certain part of their body, it could be fleas or itchy skin for some other reason. But scratching is not something that should be overlooked or assumed to be normal behavior.Anal GlandsPrevent discomfort, scootingScooting can indicate one of a couple of things. The thing that comes more quickly to mind to most people is that the dog was worms. This may be an indication of worms, but it is more frequently an indication of anal gland problems.SkinInsect BitesInsect bites commonly occur on the muzzle of a dog because dogs explore their worlds with their noses. If you see swelling in some portion of the nose, check the interior of the mouth as well. One of the biggest hazards of an insect bite is that the swelling might impede the dog’s ability to breathe. Check for any swelling in the tongue and make sure the dog is able to breathe well. In any event, it is best to take your dog to the veterinarian for an injection that will reduce the swelling very quickly. Multiple insect bites can be life-threatening to a dog because it is similar to poisoning. The number of stings, which one at a time would not be a problem, in multiples of one hundred or two hundred can result in something similar to poisoning and can be life-threatening to your dog.FleasFleas are prevalent in a number of areas in the United States. The things that fleas need most are warmth and moisture in order to reproduce at the optimum rate. They do not do well above 5,000 feet in elevation, but they certainly do well in moist climates. Your dog should have flea control on as regularly as once a week if you are in a flea-infested area. If you are not using regular flea control, fleas are going to get the upper hand. Fleas normally hang out on various parts of your animal, but a classic place to find a flea problem is over the base of the tail on dogs. If your dog chews there constantly to the point of breaking off hairs and making the skin raw, it could be a flea-related problem.NailsToenail groomingOptimally, dogs should have their toenails trimmed once a week. Even if you are taking just a little bit off the very tips, this trains the quick and sensitive part of the toenail back so that the toenails can be kept properly trimmed. They should not click on the floor when your dog walks. If they are clicking, for some reason they are too long and need to be trimmed. Once a nail grows too long, it is painful and produces a lot of blood in trimming the nails back to the proper growth level. Frequent trimming is always preferable over doing major trimmings infrequently.DentalRegular Check-upsTartar BuildupYour veterinarian should be examining your dog’s teeth once or twice a year to determine whether or not a dental is recommended.Dogs need dental care just like people. Due to our commercial foods, they now ingest a lot of carbohydrate products. Those products will cake on the teeth and form tartar, just like it does on our teeth. It is now recommended that dogs not only receive a dental, but have a polishing to follow any scaling of the teeth to remove the microscopic pits that form in the teeth during tartar build-up.The appearance of tartar on the teeth usually occurs right at the gum line. It becomes more pronounced on the pre-molars and molars, but it can affect all the teeth. It can be scraped with the blunt end of a spoon at home if you like to remove the large crust, but again, you must still have the teeth polished following a scaling. Doing dental care at home is not usually recommended as a total control. Other things you can do: following a meal, you can take a washrag or a rough material and gently scrub right along the gum line and the teeth of your dog if he will tolerate it. There are also toothbrushes now available for brushing your dog’s teeth.VaccinesRabiesVaccinations should be maintained yearly. Most vaccinations now available are given at one- to three-year intervals. Rabies vaccine is now given at three-year intervals in most states. Rabies affects all warm-blooded animals. That means that any human, domestic livestock, as well as dogs and cats and a variety of mammalian species and birds, are potential carriers of rabies. This is why a rabies vaccine is so important. The number-one and number-two carriers of rabies in the US are skunks and batsWormsRoundwormsTapewormsWorms—Roundworms are a common problem in young puppies and kittens when they are born if the mother was infected in her younger life. Roundworms can cause a problem by penetrating blood vessels and visceral organs, and the animal should be wormed several times. A fecal examination should be done at the conclusion of the worming cycle to make sure there are not further roundworms. Tapeworms, on the other hand, are parasites that would be commonly found in pets throughout their lives. Tapeworms are about ?” long. They are motile. You will find them crawling out of a fresh stool, or they may dry up and seed on the ground. The way to get rid of tapeworms is to get a prescribed drug through your veterinarian. There are no over-the-counter wormers that are effective against tapeworms at this time.DietDON’T OVER FEEDDogs, just like people, can have a tendency to overeat or not eat enough. Controlling the diet is a very important factor in dog ownership. Knowing how much your dog eats is also important. If you offer free feed, make sure that occasionally you give out a ration that you think is adequate for your dog to see if he is cleaning it up. If your dog is ill and not eating and you free feed, you may not be able to notice that the dog is not eating for several days. Overeating in dogs is just as hazardous as overeating in people. Therefore, you should make sure that your dog is not an overeater, and if he overeats on a free choice diet, put him on a ration diet where you can control how much he eats.Overeating can cause back problems in overweight dogs, as well asundue stress on the respiratory and circulatory systems.IllnessLethargicand/orPoor Appetite(Cont’d: Lethargicand/orPoor Appetite)Recognize the signsIn order to recognize signs of illness, you must first be able to recognize signs of good health. A healthy dog has a lustrous coat, is alert, naturally active, and has a good appetite.1st SignThe first sign of illness or injury in a dog would be listlessness or inactivity.2nd SignThe second key sign of an illness or injury is a lack of appetite. Normal dogs will have a normal appetite and be normally active and alert.StoolIf your animal seems out of sorts, check its elimination pattern. His stool should be well-formed and he should not be exhibiting diarrhea or passing batter-like or mushy stools.PainAnother sign of a problem would be a dog unwilling to climb steps, get in and out of cars, or otherwise be reluctant to engage in normal behavior. Rather than assuming that your dog is being belligerent or stubborn, check to see if he is in pain.TemperatureOne of the first things to do if you think your dog may not be in good health is to check his rectal temperature. It is easy to remember the normal temperature of a dog because it is the same as our normal temperature, 98.6, plus three degrees. That puts you in a general middle range for normal temperature of dogs and cats as well. If you can remember “me + 3,” that will be the normal temperature for your dog.HydrationAnother test for a problem would be the hydration test. This involves lifting the skin over the shoulder blades and stretching it upward to make something like a tent. If the skin snaps back over the shoulders, in terms of elasticity, the dog is well hydrated. If it remains in a stiff peak or draws slowly back over the shoulder blades, your dog may be dehydrated. Also, check and see if the gums are sticky. This can be a sign of a number of problems, but it is something that should be checked out by the veterinarian.Gum Color(Cont’d Gum Color)Another thing to check is gum color, or gums in general. Normal gum color on a dog, unless it has black pigment, is bubble gum pink. Check your dog when he is healthy by pressing your thumb against the gums, withdrawing it, and counting one thousand-one, one thousand-two until he color returns where your thumbprint was. It should return in less than a second. If it takes three seconds or longer, it may be a sign of a problem. The gums should normally be a pink color. If they are blue, it could indicate lack of oxygen. If they are pale, it could indicate anemia or shock. In any case, if you know what the normal color of your dog’s gums is and recognize a difference, check with your veterinarian.ScootingAnal Glands /WormsScooting can indicate one of a couple of things. The thing that comes more quickly to mind to most people is that the dog was worms. This may be an indication of worms, but it is more frequently an indication of anal gland problems.ScratchingFleas /Itchy Skin /AllergyScratching—Dogs do not scratch out of idleness. There is usually a problem where they are scratching. If they are scratching at a certain part of their body, it could be fleas or itchy skin for some other reason. But scratching is not something that should be overlooked or assumed to be normal behavior.Foul OdorEarsTeethSkinDogs do not normally stink. If your dog has an unusual or new odor, it is important to locate the source of the odor. Check the mouth of any sign of lesions or injury, check the ears for infection, check the rectal area or anal glands for any kind of problem and check the skin. Unhealthy skin that is purulent or has some kind of problem may exude an unnatural odor.CoughMoist or DryKennel cough is another common problem year round. The reason they call it kennel cough is that it is such a highly contagious virus that once it gets into a location where there is more than one dog it gets transmitted rapidly. In kennel situations, boarding facilities, even at dog shows, this is a common problem that can arise. Kennel cough is simply a tracheal bronchitis and irritation of the upper respiratory tract, causing the dog to make hacking coughs, sometimes non-productive. Sometimes they will produce a little bit of white, foamy stuff. Usually they will continue to eat but may have a reduced appetite. The virus runs its course in anywhere from a few days to several weeks and may require medication. Kennel cough is not a serious virus itself, but can lead to secondary infections if the dog is in a debilitated state.Foxtails(Primarily found in the Western US)SneezingEarsBetween ToesIn the nose—Dogs do not sneeze as a result of allergies. Allergies are usually represented in skin lesions. If your dog is having violent fits of sneezing and you see blood coming out of one or the other nostril, it may be a foxtail in the nose. The veterinarian should extract it as soon as possible.Foxtails in the ear canal can be very dangerous. The ear canal of a dog is L-shaped, which means that once a foxtail enters and penetrates a little, it will not be seen by the naked eye. It is important that if your dog is shaking his head, scratching at his ears, whining or seeming lethargic, that you have the dog checked out, especially the ear canal. Once a foxtail gets in, it will continue to get keeper and keeper into the ear canal, penetrating the ear drum.Foxtails between the toes—If you let your dog roam or run free in a dry, grassy field where foxtails grow, you may have to pull all the foxtails out from between the toes after that romp. Better yet, avoid, dry, grassy fields in the summertime. Foxtails, once they get between the toes, will quickly penetrate the thin skin between the toes and will continue to migrate into the paw and wrist of your dog. If you see your dog licking at his paws, since dogs do not groom like cats do by licking their bodies, you should check the area where the dog is licking. It may be harboring a foxtail or some other irritant.InjuryBleeding/LacerationsCall the VetBleeding can be life-threatening or not, and you will often be unable to judge the difference. The important thing to do in the event of any bleeding, whether it is arterial or venous blood, is to apply pressure to the site of the bleeding enough to control or retard the flow. Then get your dog to a veterinarian as quickly as possible for professional care.Lacerations of any kind should be stitched by the veterinarian as quickly as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult the wound will be to suture and the less likely the tissue will be healthy enough to be rejoined by the suturing and will, therefore, leave either a scar or an area that will have to granulate in. The maximum amount of time for a laceration to be sutured successfully is usually up to 24 hours. If the area that needs suturing is over a joint where there is a lot of movement, 24 hours may be too long to wait. Always get wounds sutured as soon as possible.ShockCall the VetWhen a dog is injured, check is gum color, or gums in general. Normal gum color on a dog, unless it has black pigment, is bubble gum pink. Check your dog when he is healthy by pressing your thumb against the gums, withdrawing it, and counting one thousand-one, one thousand-two until he color returns where your thumbprint was. It should return in less than a second. If it takes three seconds or longer, it may be a sign of a problem. The gums should normally be a pink color. If they are blue, it could indicate lack of oxygen. If they are pale, it could indicate anemia or shock. In any case, if you know what the normal color of your dog’s gums is and recognize a difference, check with your veterinarian.PainFind the SourceIf your dog is unwilling to climb steps, get in and out of cars, or otherwise be reluctant to engage in normal behavior. Rather than assuming that your dog is being belligerent or stubborn, check to see if he is in pain.EmergencyBleeding/LacerationsCall the VetBleeding can be life-threatening or not, and you will often be unable to judge the difference. The important thing to do in the event of any bleeding, whether it is arterial or venous blood, is to apply pressure to the site of the bleeding enough to control or retard the flow. Then get your dog to a veterinarian as quickly as possible for professional care.Lacerations of any kind should be stitched by the veterinarian as quickly as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult the wound will be to suture and the less likely the tissue will be healthy enough to be rejoined by the suturing and will, therefore, leave either a scar or an area that will have to granulate in. The maximum amount of time for a laceration to be sutured successfully is usually up to 24 hours. If the area that needs suturing is over a joint where there is a lot of movement, 24 hours may be too long to wait. Always get wounds sutured as soon as possible.If your dog is having problems breathing or if there is someone available to call the veterinarian very quickly, you may be able to get advice over the phone. If you have a dog that is not breathing for one reason or another, you can also attempt CPR or artificial respiration. The important thing to know about artificial respiration is that you can put your mouth completely over the muzzle and nostrils of the dog and exhale into them. But remember that if it is a very small animal, like a newborn puppy, you may over-inflate the lung, so be very careful. Better yet, get instruction from your veterinarian on how to perform artificial respiration on your pet.Eyes(Cont’d Eyes)Call the Vet(Cont’d Call the Vet)Eye problems, in general, are considered by veterinarians to be emergency situations for two reasons. First, eyes can become irreparably damaged very quickly. Second, eyes will recover from injury or ill health rapidly if treatment is administered right away. Ways of telling whether or not your dog has an eye problem: an excess of a discharge on the inside corners of the eyes or the inner eyelids look particularly inflamed. This is why you should check your dog’s healthy eyes to see what they look like normally. This way you can again tell the difference when they are excessively irritated. The other thing to look for is any opacity or coloration change on the visible part of the eye. If the pupil looks cloudy or if there appears to be opacity over some portion of the eye, possibly resulting from a scratch or injury, make sure you get your dog in immediately to have it examined.BloatCall the VetIf you notice your dog’s abdomen is distended (bloated) and hard could indicate a condition called Bloat. The technical name for bloat is "Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus" ("GDV").? Bloating of the stomach is often related to swallowed air (although food and fluid can also be present).? It usually happens when there's an abnormal accumulation of air, fluid, and/or foam in the stomach ("gastric dilatation").? ? Stress can be a significant contributing factor also.? Bloat can occur with or without (twisting).? As the stomach swells, it may rotate 90° to 360°, twisting between its fixed attachments at the esophagus and at the upper intestine.? The twisting stomach traps air, food, and water in the stomach.? The bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs.? The combined effect can quickly kill a dog.PoisonsCall the VetAntifreeze—Both cats and dogs are attracted t the taste and smell of antifreeze, and many of them have died or have become seriously ill from antifreeze poisoning. Be sure when you drain your radiator that the antifreeze is not in a location that is accessible to your pets.Rat poison and snail bait are primarily a grain-based poison, which means that since your pets are consuming corn- and wheat-based diets, it is not unusual for them to be attracted to the barley-type baits that are out there. Keep all poisons away from your pets.Snake BitesCall the VetSnake Bite—As with people, the important thing to do if a snake bites your dog is to put a barrier between the bite itself and the heart. With the exception of putting a tourniquet or tightening an area around the neck, any kind of stricture, whether it is a rubber band or just a tightly wrapped piece of material, should help until you get your dog to the veterinarian for an antidote or an antihistamine-type drug.AccidentsCall the VetIn most states, there are ordinances against dogs running at large. There are now a growing number of states and counties that are creating ordinances about dogs being loose in the beds of pickup trucks. Both of these situations are not only life-threatening to the dog, but can be hazardous to humans on the highways. If you dog gets hit by a car, the first thing you should not to do is reach for him and try to do something for him. Dogs will be panicky after a severe, traumatic injury and are likely to fail to recognize you and therefore be defensive and prone to biting. The first thing you should do is try to locate something that will serve as a muzzle on the dog if he is conscious.You should then remove the dog from traffic after you have appropriately muzzled it. If it is possible to remove the dog on a pallet to keep the back stabilized, that is fine. If the dog is in a situation of causing a traffic hazard, it is more important to simply get the dog out of the way. Once you have done that, you should try to get help from a veterinarian.If you find an unconscious dog and have no idea what caused it, check for any sign of electrical cords before you touch the dog to make sure he has not bitten into an electrical cord. Then the important thing to do is to contact your veterinarian and take the dog in to be examined. Unconsciousness can be caused by a number of difference things, none of them good.ShockCall the VetYou can recognize shock because the gums get very pale and the dog becomes lethargic and will act abnormally in some way. Shock in pets is usually the result of a trauma. They do not suffer from emotional shock like people do. The important thing to do is to get the dog to a veterinarian as quickly as possible. You can drape a blanket over it to maintain body temperature. You do not want to put the dog on a heating pad or warm him artificially. Just try to retain its natural heat.Hot CarCall the VetAnother emergency situation is a hot car. In the summertime or even in early spring or on winter days when temperatures get up into the high 70’s, a dog in a car without appropriate shade or water can be seriously threatened by hyperthermia. The important thing to do if your dog is in a hot car or you find a dog that is suffering from heat stress is to remove him from the source of heat. Do not stress the dog; do not make him walk if you can avoid it, and try to cool him off as quickly as possible.Hot PavementBurned PadsALWAYS be aware of the surfaces you ask your dog to walk on. Sidewalks, streets and even sand can be very hot surfaces for your dog to walk on which can actually burn the skin off the pads on their feet. If you are uncertain, feel the surface with your hand. A good rule of thumb: If the surface is too warm for you to walk on barefoot it is definitely too warm for your dog to walk on.In any emergency situation, the most important thing to remember is to call ahead. Even veterinarians who keep office hours (and you may know that this is during office hours) may be involved in a surgery or procedure that you know nothing about. When you get there, no help will be available for your dog. Whatever the situation is, always call first. That way, they know you are coming and when you are going to arrive and you know whether or not they will be able to attend to your pet.MiscellaneousToysNot SmallNot SharpIf you are going to let your dog play with balls, make sure he is playing with balls or toys that are too large or too awkward to swallow. It is not recommended that they play with super balls or any balls that are two inches or less in diameter. It is also not recommended that they play with hard rubber balls, where they can chew off and try to swallow large chunks. If your dog seems to be choking on an object, it is possible to attempt the Heimlich maneuver on him. It is also possible to try removing the object from the mouth. But as you can expect, there will probably be some biting. A dog that is choking is going to be frenzied and will be very, very defensive in that state.BonesKnuckleOrMarrow BonesBones—Some veterinarians, do not recommend feeding bones to your dog, whether cooked or uncooked. Processed, commercial bones have a tendency to splinter as they are consumed. They can cause impaction in the gut, which can lead to a serious surgical problem and at best are difficult to pass. It is not recommended to feed rawhide toys and, if you must feed a bone, feed a very large knuckle or marrow bone. You may wish to parboil it first for ten minutes, but many vets believe a raw bone is more naturally digestible. Do not let the dog eat the bone when you are not around, and do not let it become rotten.Car RidesHeadInsideCarIt is not recommended that you allow your dog to hang his head completely out the window when riding in a car. Among other things, this causes irritation to the eyes by the rate of speed of your car and all the little bees and debris that are in the air while you drive along at sixty miles per hour. Keep your dog ventilated by keeping the window rolled up enough to get his muzzle out but not stick his head completely out.MilkDon’t GiveNeither cats nor dogs should be served cow’s milk or carton milk as an adjunct to the diet.This can frequently cause diarrhea and should not be given. If you want to give dairy products, make sure you are giving cultured dairy products that have pre-digestive mands and MarkersName: Date:Markers1.Marks the exact moment the dog fails to do the task or does something wrong.2.Lets the dog know that one task is finished so it can go on to another one.3.Marks the exact moment the dog completes the task correctly. 4.Lets the dog know he’s on the right track and should keep mands1.The dog has to get close enough to touch you.2.Gets the dog’s attention and lets it know a command is coming.3.Tells the dog to be calm so he can focus on you.4.Tells the dog you’re going to hug him.5.Dog should put its paws on your legs (used when sitting).6.dog lies with its entire body flat on the floor.7.Dog should make eye contact with you.8.Tells the dog we’re moving together.9.Dog must put its feet back on the floor (not on an object or person)10.Means leap onto something with all four feet (like a grooming table).11.Dog must put its rear end on the floor.12.The dog positions on your right with its collar by your leg, facing the same direction.13.Temporarily stops the dog from moving forward or crossing a threshold.14.Dog holds its position for a long time.15.The dog positions on your left with its collar by your leg, facing the same direction. 16.The dog positions facing your knees with its body lined up strait ahead of you.17. Dog faces the opposite direction.18.The dog must put its head through the backpack or collar.19.The dog is to offer its paw in greeting.20.Dog licks your hand or face.21.Only the dogs four feet are touching the ground.22.Dog must walk backwards.23.Means now is the time and place to go to the bathroom.24.Dog has to get out of your way, but not to any specific place.25.Dog rolls onto its back from a down position.26.Dog places its front paws on a wall, table, counter, or object (Not You!) 27.Dog positions with its body lined up strait in back of you.28.Dog crawls into a small space, like under a table or chair.29.Means the command that follows will be done at a distance from the handler.30.Dog must untangle the leash from its legs.31.Dog must not sniff, taste, or even look at an interesting item.32.Dog moves in nearer to you.33.Sends the dog out of the room or area you are in.34.Tells the dog to bark35.Sends the dog to its own place or bed (there can be more than one).36.Sends to dog to its crate37.Tells the dog to stop barking.38.The dog jumps into a motor vehicle (a van, car, etc.).39.Tells the dog that you now have a good grip on the item and it can release its hold. 40.Directs the dog to look around for whatever it is you are designating.41__________Directs the dog to bring the retrieved item to you.42.Reminds the dog to keep its jaws firmly gripped on the tem it’s retrieving.43.Requires that the dog retrieve the item that you have designated.44.Dog should let go of the item it is holding.45.Requires the dog pull on a rope or belt with its teeth.46.Tells the dog to stick its neck out to deliver and item, like dropping it in a basket, on a counter, etc.47.Tells the dog to put its paw on a door or cabinet and shut it.48.Dog flips a switch up with its nose.49.Instructs the dog to locate the leash and bring it to you.50.Dog bites the switch and pulls it down with his teeth.Chained commands1.__________Directs the dog to look around for whatever its you are designating and then the dog retrieves it.2.__________Dog places its front paws on a wall and flips a switch up with its nose.3.__________Dog places its front paws on a wall and pulls the switch down with his teeth.4.__________Dog places its front paws on a wall, table, counter, or object (NOT YOU) and should let go of the item it is holding.5.__________Dog places its front paws on a wall, table, counter, or object (NOT YOU) and retrieves the item for you.6.__________Dog places its front paws on a wall, table, counter, or object (NOT YOU) and the dog keeps its jaws firmly griped on the item.7.__________Dog keeps its jaws firmly griped on the item and places its front paws on a wall, table, counter, or object (NOT YOU).8.__________ Dog places its front paws on a wall, table, counter, or object (NOT YOU) and the dog sticks its neck out to deliver the item, like dropping it in a basket, on a counter, etc.Specialty commands1.Requires the dog to stop pulling.2.Directs the dog to pull forward.3.Tell the dog to move one step at a time.4.Indicates to the dog that you will be making a right turn.5.Indicates to the dog that you will be making a left turn.Correct responses: _____ (Need 50 out of 67 to pass.)Quiz:Orientation to Team TrainingName: Date:Which of the following is not one of your responsibilities during team training:Taking care of your personal needs on your own time.Helping take care of other trainers’ personal needs.Learning the course material.Bonding with your dog.Why might it be difficult to get the dog to do what you want at first?The dog isn’t fully trained yet.Dogs are stubborn by nature; you have to really force them to work hard.The dogs know more than you do, and they know it.The dog doesn’t like you.What will it take for you to become an NHSD handler?Determination, persistence, and trust in the instructors.Understanding of the nature of the dogs physical, mental, and emotional limits.Being open to change; replacing your prior beliefs with new ideas.All of the above.List two possible ways to deal with stress while you are training.a.b. We discussed five qualities of a good dog handler. Please list three.Correct responses: _____ (Need 6 out of 8 to pass.)Quiz:Orientation to The CanineName: Date:Dogs originally descended from what animals?Name two jobs dogs were specifically bred to do.b. What is the “Disney Syndrome”?It is the belief that all dogs are just like the ones in the movies. It is the assumption that dogs think and act the same way humans do.It is the belief that dogs are like little people in fur coats.All of the above.Dogs generally fit into the household very well, but when do problems typically develop?When the dog becomes a teenager and starts testing limits.When the handler is inconsistent in using the commands or enforcing the rules.When the handler is not paying attention.All of the aboveWhat is your Affective Domain?Your ability to rationalize and reason.Your ability to process information faster than the dog.Your ability to react from your gut instincts.Your ability to think first and act later.Why is it important to use your affective domain when training?So the dog will think you’re smarter than it is.So you can react to then environment faster than the dog does.So the dog doesn’t have a chance to be distracted by things in the environment.B and C onlyAll of the above.Name two ways to get a dog’s attention through each of the following senses:SightSoundTouchTrue or False?_____The way dogs see is very similar to humans._____All dogs like to be scratched behind the ears._____Dogs respond to a high-pitched noise by being curious and interested._____When your dog is afraid, use a reassuring voice and soft touch._____A stern, angry voice is a good way to make your dog pay attention._____The more energy and excitement in your voice, the more excited the dog becomes. g. _____To relax the dog, use strong, hearty petting.Correct responses: _____ (Need 16 out of 20 to pass.)Quiz:GroomingName: Date:What are two reasons for grooming your dog regularly?__________Name three signs of an ear infection: How do you safely clean a dog’s ears? ___________What is the most important thing to avoid when cutting your dog’s toenails?_________________________________________________________________________Name three problems you should look for when grooming your dog’s coat._____Which of these is NOT a good way to care for your dog’s teeth?Brush the dog’s teeth daily.Give cooked chicken bones to chew on.See the vet for yearly plaque removal.Which is a possible sign of an eye infection?Clear tearsGreen dischargeAny build-up or debris.Correct responses: _____ (Need 9 out of 12 to pass.)QuizSurvival NeedsName: Date:Basic needs are what all animals need to:feel good thrivesurvivemake friendsWhich of these are the basic survival needs for dogs?Food, water, shelterShelter, safety, waterShelter, safety, clothing.Food and water, shelter, safetyIf a dog’s basic needs are not met, what might it do?Focus on you and work hard.Find creative ways to meet those needs for himself.Resent you and get depressed.Become impossible to manage.List two ways a dog might try to fulfill its needs for each of the following:FoodWaterShelterSafetyWhy is it important to meet your dog’s mental and emotional (higher) needs, too?So it can reach its full potential.So it wants to focus on you and is able to do its job.To avoid problem behaviors.All of the above.What are three signs that your dog is bored?______________________What is one way you can tell if you’re not meeting your dog’s emotional needs?Correct responses: _____ (Need 13 out of 16 to pass.)QuizGiving Cues and CommandsName: Date:A hand gesture or body signal that tells the dog to perform a specific behavior. Lets the dog know the exact moment of success or failure. A word used to tell the dog what behavior to do.What is the correct sequence for giving a command?a. b. c. d. e. What is the best way to give a verbal command?Gesture a lot to help the dog see what you mean.Repeat the command as much as necessary.Use the leash to direct the dog.Be consistent and clear.The word YES is used:As a bridge between the command and the reward.To let the dog know the exact moment he successfully completed the command.As a marker to let the dog know the behavior was done correctly.A and C onlyAll of the above.List two ways (mental or physical) you can be prepared to give a command.a. b. What does it mean to follow through on every command?Use markers to tell the dog what it’s doing right or wrong.Keep using the correct commands and markers until you get to a YES.Tell the dog NO when it does something wrong.All of the above.True or false? Visualizing success will help you be mentally prepared. When you give a command, you’re finished once you get to the word YES. Tugging the leash is a good way to get the dog’s attention. Smile every time you give a command. Positioning isn’t all that important; the dog should be able to do a task anyway. A cue is a verbal signal to tell the dog to do something. Use markers until a command sequence is complete; then praise at the end.Correct responses: _____ (Need 16 out of 20 to pass.)Quiz:Canine Learning TheoryName: Date:What is a pattern? Why is it so important to prevent or break bad patterns? ________________Give the words for the following definitions:a. using food to lead the dog into a position.b. putting a word (command) to an action (behavior).c. directing through a hand movement. What is the 80% rule?Once the dog knows a skill 80% of the time, you don’t have to teach it anymore.Once the dog knows a skill 80% of the time, you can increase the difficulty.If 80% of the other dogs can do the skill, your dog can too.Spend 80% of your time teaching a new skill and 20% on what your dog already knows.Name two of the four “D’s” for increasing the level of difficulty.a. b. What are two bad patterns for dogs?a. b. Correct responses: _____ (Need 8 out of 10 to pass.)Quiz:Motivation and ReinforcementName: Date:Fill in the blanks with one of the following words (Abbreviations are acceptable):PR = Positive ReinforcementM = Motivation L = LureNR = Negative ReinforcementC = CorrectionP = PunishmentStops a behavior from happening at that moment. Gets the dog excited so they’ll want to do a task Never used with dogs because they live in the moment. Turns a negative behavior into a positive one. Using a reward so the dog will continue doing a behavior Using food to lead the dog into a certain behavior. Circle the best answer or answers for each of the following:Which of these is a drive you should NOT encourage?PlayFoodPreySocialFor which of these tasks would need you to motivate the most?StayHeelTugDownWhat type of reinforcer would you use at a quiet restaurant?FoodEye contactPettingExcited PraiseWhat’s the first thing you should do if your dog wants to play with another dog?Call him and praiseYell NOJerk the leashHold him backCorrect responses: _____ (Need 8 out of 10 to pass.)Quiz:Canine ResistanceName: Date:1. What are 2 ways dogs show active resistance?a. b. 2. What are 2 ways dogs show passive resistance?a. b. 3. What is the dog trying to tell you when it resists? 4. What are the three reasons dogs why dogs resist?a. b. c. 5. List the four steps in dealing with canine resistance:a. b. c. d. Correct responses: _____ (Need 9 out of 12 to pass.)QuizCanine Psychology: The ChallengeName: Date:How will you know if your dog is challenging you?He will fight you for control.He will refuse to do commands that he normally does easily.He will refuse to learn new commands.None of the above.What is the purpose of a challenge?The dog wants to take over the alpha role.The dog wants to reassure itself that you are capable of being a good leader.The dog sees an opportunity for access to a resource.B and C.All of the aboveWhat will eventually happen if you fail to be a strong leader?The dog will stop working for you.The dog may become bossy and demanding, or even protective.The dog will still work for you if you have a close enough bond.A and BAll of the above.Explain the difference between resistance and challenge (3 point question): If you give a command that dog normally knows but he refuses to do it, how can you tell if the dog is resisting or challenging?It’s a challenge if the dog won’t do a command for any reason.It’s a challenge if you give the command incorrectly.It’s a challenge if there’s no physical, mental, or emotional reason the dog can’t do it.It’s a challenge if the dog is in a new environment.What’s the best way to reduce the need for your dog to challenge you?Never let the dog win at anything.Be consistent so the dog doesn’t have to question you.Don’t pay too much attention to the dog.Make the dog work all the time.When is the dog most likely to challenge you?When you are relaxed and calm.When you follow through consistently.When you are nervous, unfocused, or showing off. When you are confident and serious.What should you remember when the dog challenges you?Don’t get into a power struggle; it’s okay to let the dog win.It’s not personal; the dog has to test you occasionally.All dogs are betas struggling for alpha status.The dog is disrespecting you.Correct responses: _____ (Need 8 out of 10 to pass.)Quiz:Methods of CorrectionName: Date:An aversive is:Painful enough to make the dog regret making a mistake.Scary enough to make it pay attention to you.Unpleasant enough to stop a behavior.Fun enough to make a behavior continue.A good correction:Lasts long enough for the dog to remember it.Redirects the dog from one behavior to a more desirable one.Will make the dog afraid to make a mistake again in the future.All of the above.When giving a correction, you must be:dramatically emotionalquick, firm, and positiveout for revengecold and distantWhat is one way you would know if you corrected your dog too harshly? What is one way you would know if a correction was too soft? You should use a physical correction when:a. The dog ignores you.The dog is resisting. You feel threatened.The dog is challenging or testing limits.The correction should happen:at the exact moment the misbehavior startswhen the dog is misbehavingwhen you discover he did something wrongwhen you repeat the command the dog should have done.Name three methods of physical corrections:a. b. c. Correct responses: _____ (Need 8 out of 10 to pass.)Quiz:Home and Public SafetyName: Date:Why should you always hold onto the leash in public?Because it’s a great fashion accessory.To prevent bad habits and promote bonding.So you’re always ready to give a strong correction.So no one can steal the dog.What are three common household items that may be hazardous to dogs?a. b. c. True or false? If someone is standing in line and the dog licks their leg, they don’t have the right to get upset or complain. A store manager has the right to ask you to leave if they say the dog smells bad. If someone invites the dog to jump up on them, you should let them. It’s okay to give the dog permission to eat something off the floor at a restaurant. The dog can never interact with members of the public. A dog can legally be asked to leave a store if it is not under your direct control.What do you do if you’re in a hurry and someone pets your dog without asking?Correct the dog.Correct the person.Ignore it and move on as long as the dog behaves properly. Educate the person about why they shouldn’t pet working dogs.If you’re asked to leave a store because they don’t allow dogs, what should you do?6. Identify two possible dangers in unloading a dog from the car or elevator?a. b. Correct responses: _____ (Need 11 out of 15 to pass.)QuizCanine EmotionsName: Date:What are three ways you could damage a dog emotionally?a. b. c. What are three ways you can make your dog emotionally secure?a. b. c. When should you use positive emotions? When should you use negative emotions? Describe how a dog looks when it is :FearfulInterested If you are afraid every time you see a strange dog, how might the dog react?Become aggressive to other dogs.Become afraid of other dogs.Become very friendly to strange dogs. A or BAll of the above. Correct responses: _____ (Need 9 out of 11 to pass)QuizCanine Psychology: The WheelName: Date:We say that dogs are mirrors of your personality, mood, and attitude because:Dogs take their cues from you on how to react to a situation.Dogs reflect your feelings and emotions when they synchronize with you.Dogs show us how vain we are because they constantly flatter us with attention.A and BC only.What do we mean when we say, “the wheel is spinning faster”?Distractions are present in the environment.You need to relax and slow things down.You need to stay centered and focused.All of the above.Why is it best to stay in the middle of the wheel?You’re more secure when you stay centered.You shouldn’t venture out of your comfort zone.You might fly off the handle.How do you keep the dog from “going over the edge” in a stressful situation?a. Stay balanced by behaving the opposite of how your dog is. Stay balanced by behaving the same way as the dog is.Forget about staying balanced; it’s every dog for himself. If your dog is feeling:You must be:InsecureHyperFawningIntenseLazy DistractedCorrect responses: _____ (Need 8 out of 10 to pass.)Quiz:Vet CareName: Date:The first signs of illness or injury in a dog are:Panting and high temperatureListlessness and lack of appetite.Eating and sleeping excessively.Runny eyes and sneezing.What is the normal temperature of a dog? Why do dogs “scoot” their behinds on grass or carpet?Impacted anal glands may need to be expressed.Dog may need to be de-wormed.Dog may have an itch.All of the above.List two reasons why is it important that your dog does not become overweight?a. b. What are two ways to avoid bloat?a. b. How should you control bleeding in your dog? What is the first thing to do if you have to move an injured, conscious dog or give it first aid? ______________________________.What kind of bones are okay to give your dog? What kind of bones are NOT okay to give your dog? Correct responses: _____ (Need 9 out of 11 to pass.) ................
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