Canine Conversations

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Miranda Turenne from Pacific Assistance Dogs Society about Assistance Dogs. Science Highlight: Canine Olfaction: Scent, Sign, and Situation How do you prep dogs for new/green handlers? Selection of the dogs is important Dogs that are highly biddable and highly task oriented Building foundation skills to fluency Training system created with the transfer to the client in mind Clean cues, proofing, generalization How do you prep handlers for dogs? Can any handler (any dog) do this transition? Service dogs are not always the best choice, so the client must be prepared for a lifestyle change with a lot of work Proper matching helps with preparation Educational hours to ensure client is prepared with how to care for the dog In person hand off course to learn the tasks and behaviors as well as care Continuing education What causes hiccups? Training Incompatibility Reinforcement history Lack of training mechanics in clients Do y