Do you have a dog who would benefit from basic manners training? The Animal Behavior, Ecology and Conservation Department is hosting a dog training program this semester as part of the Applied Dog Behavior course (ABEC 320/320L), taught by Dr. Maura Tyrrell.
We are looking for faculty or staff members who are interested in bringing their dogs to campus to participate in this eight-week training program (Feb 28-May 4). The aim of the program is for students to learn to create individualized dog training plans and to gain hands-on experience in training basic manners and life skills that contribute to a harmonious existence between dogs and their human family.
Depending on the dog’s needs and previous training experience, training may involve learning or refreshing basic “obedience” cues (e.g. sit, down, stay, leave it, come, heel, etc.) and/or training exercises to improve focus and communication between dog and handler. All training exercises use force-free, positive reinforcement techniques. Dogs selected for the program must be friendly toward humans and tolerant of other dogs since the training will take place in a group class setting.
One-hour training sessions will take place twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at approximately 1-2pm from February 28 – May 4 in the Animal Behavior Lab in Science Hall. The students in the Applied Dog Behavior class will be the primary handlers during training sessions, under the instruction of Dr. Tyrrell. Owners are not required to stay during the training sessions (owners may drop off their dog for training and pick them up afterwards). The students will provide owners with detailed instructions about how to continue training at home.
If you are interested in this free training opportunity, please fill out this application. Dogs selected for the program must be up to date on their vaccinations and pass an in-person behavior evaluation. Applications will be considered on a first-come first-serve basis. Please contact Maura Tyrrell at tyrrell3@canisius.edu to learn more about the program.
Submitted by: Maura Tyrrell, Experiential Learning Coordinator, Animal Behavior, Ecology and Conservation
