by Maura Tyrrell | Dec 2, 2025 | Staff
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
by Maura Tyrrell | Oct 29, 2024 | Staff
Kittens are back on campus!
The Animal Behavior, Ecology and Conservation (ABEC) Department, in cooperation with the SPCA Serving Erie County, has welcomed five foster kittens to the Margaret L. Wendt Animal Behavior Lab in Science Hall. Students train the kittens to do a variety of behaviors using positive reinforcement in ABEC 220: Animal Learning lab, instructed by Dr. Maura Tyrrell, Experiential Learning Coordinator for ABEC and ANZ.
The morning training sessions include teaching the kittens to walk into a carrier on their own, perform a trick and complete a small agility course, which makes them attractive adoption candidates and encourages positive relationships with humans that will help kittens transition into their new families. Stress and anxiety attached to catching and putting cats in a carrier are major reasons why cats are seen less often by veterinarians. For these kittens, there will be no stress or anxiety, as they will choose to enter the carrier by themselves!
The lab windows will be unfrosted during morning training and afternoon enrichment sessions. The campus community is invited to view the sessions from outside the lab during the times listed below. The kittens will be on campus until the morning of Nov. 26 and will then be available for adoption. If you are interested in adopting a kitten, please contact Dr. Tyrrell at tyrrell3@canisius.edu.
- 8:20-9:15 a.m.
- 1:00-2:00 p.m.
- 8:30-9:45 a.m.
- 1:00-2:00 p.m.
- 8:20-9:15 a.m.
- 1:00-2:00 p.m.
- 8:30-9:45 a.m.
- 1:00-2:00 p.m.
- 8:20-9:15 a.m.
- 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Submitted by: Maura Tyrrell, Experiential Learning Coordinator, ABEC/ANZ
by Maura Tyrrell | Jan 24, 2024 | Staff
Will your dog be the next Canisius Canine graduate? 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 nine-week training program (Feb 22-May 2). 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 cues (e.g. leave it, come, heel, place, etc.), nosework, and/or training exercises to improve focus and emotional regulation. 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.
Training sessions will take place twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at approximately 1-2:20pm from February 22 – May 2 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, ABEC
by Maura Tyrrell | Oct 13, 2023 | Faculty
Kittens are back on campus!
The Animal Behavior, Ecology and Conservation (ABEC) Department, in cooperation with the SPCA of Erie County, has welcomed six foster kittens to the Margaret L. Wendt Animal Behavior Lab in Science Hall. Kittens on Campus is part of ABEC 220: Animal Learning lab class instructed by Dr. Maura Tyrrell, Experiential Learning Coordinator for ABEC.
The morning training sessions include teaching the kittens to walk into a carrier on their own, performing a high-five and completing a small agility course, which makes them attractive adoption candidates and encourages positive relationships with humans that will help kittens transition to their new families. Stress and anxiety attached to catching and putting cats in a carrier are major reasons why cats are seen less often by veterinarians. For these kittens, there will be no stress or anxiety, as they will choose to enter the carrier by themselves!
The lab windows will be unfrosted during morning training and afternoon enrichment sessions. The campus community is invited to view the sessions from outside the lab during the times listed below.
The kittens will be on campus until the morning of November 21, and will then be available for adoption. If you are interested in adopting a kitten, please contact Dr. Tyrrell at
tyrrell3@canisius.edu.
Submitted by: Maura Tyrrell, Experiential Learning Coordinator, ABEC
by Maura Tyrrell | Jan 25, 2023 | Faculty
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
