Free online conference on dog behaviour

[Joy]

This might interest some people:

The Dog Behavior Conference

kindnessisessentialnotoptionaldogconference.com

 

[Selina27]

Looks interesting Joy, thanks for the link. Good to see Jules Morgan and Helen Phillips on there.

 

[Candy]

That does look interesting. I particularly like 'Kindness is essential, not optional '.

 

[Joy]

Just a reminder that this has now started. The videos are only available free for 24 hours - 2 new ones every day - so if you want to see them outside this period you need to pay. The videos are interviews with behaviourists/ trainers, rather than presentations, and there is quite a lot of 'chit-chat', but the transcripts are also available for 24 hours, so I've started to read rather than listen (much quicker) and make my own notes on what is said.

I don't think I've heard anything new to me so far but it's good to be reminded that a behaviour always satisfies a need, so if we don't want that behaviour we need to fulfil the dog's need in another way.

I have some notes on Scavenging behaviour, so if anyone would like them drop me a message.

 

[Beanwood]

I don't think I've heard anything new to me so far but it's good to be reminded that a behaviour always satisfies a need, so if we don't want that behaviour we need to fulfil the dog's need in another way.

I have some notes on Scavenging behaviour, so if anyone would like them drop me a message.

Yes, " A behaviour always satisfies a need" such an important reminder even if that "behaviour" appears disruptive.. such as spinning, barking, lunging.. it's starts with a need or emotion, but if this becomes rehearsed, it can evolve into a maladaptive response.

Would love your notes on scavenging behaviour as I have missed a lot this week!

 

[HAH]

I signed up but haven't made it to the recordings yet. I'm hoping to later today!

 

[Joy]

@Beanwood I'll post my notes on Scavenging behaviour here, so anyone can see. These are a really brief summary of the interview - the conference is called KIENO (Kindness is Essential Not Optional)).

Scavenging behaviour in dogs- Simone Mueller

Causes
1. Dopamine release, through searching/ seeking. Endorphin release on finding. Like humans gambling.
2. Genetics - Labradors gene mutation, don't know when full. Hounds, living in a pack, fed by food thrown into pen - evolutionary advantage to grabbing food.
3. Habit - re-homed street dogs

Management

1. Muzzle
2. making sure dog is not very hungry before going for a walk (giving small amount of food before going for walk)

Training

Train dog to indicate when they spot food and then give something even more delicious - lots of repetitions needed.

Need to scaffold behaviour - start with low-value food in familiar environment, build levels of difficulty slowly.


Play scavenging games, to give dog an outlet for this behaviour. So scavenging is put on cue.

It's not necessary or desirable to only feed your dog treats from your hand - not allowing them to take treats from the ground will not prevent scavenging.