The APDT Chronicle of the Dog Summer 2018

FEATURE | OBEDIENCE VS. STRESS RELIEF Linus was brought into the shelter in a starved condition. This photo was taken Oct. 26, 2017. Linus happy, healthy and adopted on Nov. 29, 2017. mental stimulation, constant noise, and other conditions. While an inability to manage or train a dog is one reason for owner relinquishment, and training may help some dogs get adopted, research suggests that potential adopters favor friendly dogs that interact with them, irrespective of behaviors such as jumping, or even sitting. Knowing this, trainers, shelter staff, and volunteers can best help dogs in the temporary housing environment of an animal shelter through gentle interaction, stress reduction techniques, and simple training and behavior modification exercises aimed at reducing fear, providing mental stimulation, and building self-confidence. Training must be stress-free to avoid adding to the stress these dogs are already feeling in the shelter, and the focus should be on relationship and engagement rather than rote obedience. Adopters are looking for dogs that are attentive and interactive, and that’s where we can best place our efforts to increase adoption rates. Cindy Ludwig has volunteered at animal shelters and rescues in four states over a period of more than 25 years and has been a professional dog trainer for more than 10 years. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Karen Pryor Academy graduate and Certified Training Partner (KPA-CTP), and owns and operates Canine Connection LLC, a professional dog training and behavior modification service. References London, K. (2014). Repetitive behavior in dogs: a study with insights into welfare. The Bark. Retrieved from: https://thebark.com/content/repetitive- behavior-dogs. Photos: Cindy Ludwig Click for treats and quiet! Jacqueline M., Stephen & Rebecca A. Ledger. (2010). An audit of behavioral indicators of poor welfare in kenneled dogs in the United Kingdom, Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 8:2, 79-95, DOI: 10.1207/s15327604jaws0802_1 Salman, M.D., Hutchinson, J.M., Ruch-Gallie, R., Kogan, L.R., New, Jr., J.C., Kass, P.H. Scarlett, J.M. (April 2000). Behavioral reasons for relinquishment of dogs and cats to 12 shelters. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 3(2), 93-106. DOI: 10.1207/S15327604JAWS0302_2 Braun, G. (2011). Taking a shelter dog for walks as an important step in the resocialization process. Journal of Veterinary Behavior 6:100. Luescher, A.U., & Medlock, R.T. (2009). The effects of training and environmental alterations on the adoption success of shelter dogs. Applied Animal Behavior Science, 117:63–68. Herron, M.E., Kirby-Madden, T.M., & Lord, L.K. (2014). Effects of environmental enrichment on the behavior of shelter dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 244 (6):687–692. Siettou, C., Fraser, I., & Fraser, R. (2014). Investigating Some of the Factors That Influence “Consumer” Choice When Adopting a Shelter Dog in the United Kingdom J Applied Animal Welfare Science, 17 (2), 136- 147. DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2014.883924 Protopopova, A., Gilmour, A.J., Weiss, R.H., Shen, J.Y., & Wynne, C.D.L. (2012). The effects of social training and other factors on adoption success of shelter dogs, Applied Animal Behavior Science, 142, (1-2), 61–68. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2012.09.009 Protopopova, A., & Wynne, C. D. L. (2014). Adopter-dog interactions at the shelter: Behavioral and contextual predictors of adoption. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 157, 109-116. DOI: 10.1016/j. applanim.2014.04.007 Protopopova, A., and Wynne, C.D.L. (2015). Improving in-kennel presentation of shelter dogs through response-dependent and response- independent treat delivery. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 48:1-12. The APDT Chronicle of the Dog | Summer 2018 31

The APDT Chronicle of the Dog Summer 2018 | Page 33