Will your dog be the next Canisius Canine graduate? Dr. Maura Tyrrell, CPDT-KA, a certified professional dog trainer in the Animal Behavior, Ecology and Conservation (ABEC) and Anthrozoology Program, is hosting a dog training program next semester as part of the Applied Dog Behavior course (ABEC 320/320L).
Dr. Tyrrell is looking for faculty, staff, students or community members who are interested in bringing their dog to campus to participate in this ten-week training program (starting mid February through the end of classes). The aim of the program is for students to learn to create individualized dog training plans and to gain hands-on experience in training important 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 behaviors (e.g. settling on a mat, walking on leash, leaving items on the ground, calm greetings, etc.), practicing behaviors around distractions and in new environments, and playing games to improve the dog’s focus and engagement with the handler. The training program also provides cognitive enrichment through “scent work” games in which the dog searches for hidden treats or a novel odor, similar to scent detection dogs. All training exercises use force-free, positive reinforcement techniques. Dogs selected for the program must be friendly toward humans and able to be around other dogs since the training will take place in a group class setting. The ideal candidate enjoys eating treats in a variety of settings!
Training sessions will take place twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1-2:20 p.m. from mid February (exact date TBD) – April 30 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. Dog guardians are not required to stay (they can drop the dog off at 1 pm and return at 2 p.m. to pick the dog up for class). The students will provide dog guardians 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. Contact Maura Tyrrell at tyrrell3@canisius.edu to learn more about the program.
Submitted by Maura Tyrrell, Experiential Learning Coordinator, 1016C Science Hall
