Stationing to a Platform

November 16, 2023 • Behavior Bytes Cats Dogs I am a... Shelter Worker Trainer Veterinary Professional

By Breanna Norris, KPA CTP

Photot of yellow cocker spaniel sitting on a platform

Image Courtesy Breanna Norris, KPA, CTP

Stationing or platform training is a skill often used in dog training, zoos, or aquariums. It is an important skill for even puppies to learn. Station training is similar to teaching a stay or wait in a specific area. For puppies, use slightly elevated stations so they do not need to jump on or off the platform. A homemade wooden square about three inches off the ground works well. Plastic or wooden platforms can also be purchased.

Stationing is a life skill. Once your dog understands this behavior, the station or platform is a place to put their leash and collar on or off, for grooming,  to wait while the door is open, or to have their muddy feet wiped. Puppies who learn to wait on platforms also quickly learn to step on a scale at the veterinary clinic and stay on a grooming table.

To teach this skill, break the behavior down into these parts:

  • Step on the platform.
  • Walk or run to the platform.
  • Stay on the platform.
  • Get off the platform.

Begin by staying near the platform and lure your puppy to put a paw on the platform. Some puppies may be cautious at first. Go at their pace and make sure the platform is secure, nonslip, and large enough for them to stand or sit on comfortably. Reinforce the smallest effort of walking towards the platform by offering a high-value treat until, eventually, they put all four paws on the station.

Once they can comfortably stand on the platform, feed multiple treats in a row, one after the other, slowly lengthening the time that they are on the platform. Increase time slowly because even a few seconds are long for your puppy. 

Next, walk or run with your puppy to the platform and feed them when they get there. Make this a fun game. With each repetition, reinforce for one, two, three, and then all four paws on the platform. Once they have successfully gone to the platform and can stay there for a few seconds, add a cue.

Liver and white springer spaniel on blue mat

Image Courtesy Breanna Norris, KPA, CTP

Before moving with your dog toward the platform, give the cue such as, “Go to your spot!” or “Platform”. Then, go to the platform and give a few treats once your dog is on the station. 

After a few successful repetitions, say the cue and pause, then run to the platform. Your puppy will begin to go to the platform after hearing the cue without you running with them. Follow them to the platform and reward them in position. Slowly increase the duration they stay on the platform by increasing the interval between treats. Once they have learned to stay on the platform, teach a release to indicate that stationing is finished. While luring them off or tossing a treat, use a verbal cue such as, “All done!” or “The end”.

Here are a few tips for successful station training with your puppy:

  • Keep training sessions under two minutes with your puppy, and be sure to keep the training upbeat. 
  • Be generous with small, high-value treats, and keep a positive attitude as you train.
  • Before adding other handling activities, make sure your puppy is comfortable with that task off the platform. Do not add anything scary while on the platform; otherwise, the platform will be scary, too.
  • When adding any handling or other behaviors for stationing, make sure your puppy has mastered staying on the platform until released. As you add another handling activity, decrease the time and be generous with treats.

How to Teach Dogs To Use a Nail Board for Dewclaws

October 27, 2023 • Behavior Bytes Dogs I am a... Shelter Worker Trainer

By Barb Deg, RVT, CDBC, CPDT-KA, CSAT

A photo of a piece of PVC cut lenghthwise

A cut piece of PVC pipe makes a perfectly curved scratchboard. Image Courtesy Barb Deg, RVT, CDBC, CPDT-KA, CSAT

Teaching your dog to use a nail board can reduce the stress of nail maintenance. You may wonder how to get those pesky dewclaws.

Once your dog knows how to use a nail board for their front feet, they can adapt their skills for their dewclaws. This may take a little more work initially.

You will need:

  •  A non-slip surface
  •  High-value treats
  •  A curved nail board appropriate for the diameter of your dog’s paw

A curved scratchboard is created by cutting PVC pipe, a can, or a bucket in half. The material should also be sufficiently strong so it does not bend. Apply stair tread or skateboard grip tape to both the inside and outside. The dewclaw should come in contact with the sides when the dog’s paw is inside. 

Dog begins to touch the scratchboard

Image Courtesy of Barb Deg, RVT, CDBC, CPDT-KA, CSAT

Dog with right foot up on the scratchboard

Image Courtesy Barb Deg, RVT, CDBC, CPDT-KA, CSAT
  • Start by presenting the curved scratch board to your dog and give the cue you use for the front foot scratchboard. Mark and reward any scratching attempts.
  • Adjust the angle of the scratchboard as you hold it so that the dewclaw comes in contact with the surface. 
  • If your dog struggles with scratching on the inside surface of the scratchboard, you can teach them to scratch the outside.
  • To work with the outside of the curved scratchboard, present it to your dog vertically and give the cue. When your dog scratches, mark and reward. With each repetition, rotate the angle of the board so that the dewclaw is in contact with the board if needed. 
  • Mark only for the dewclaw contacts. Reinforce generously as your dog works to figure out what part of their paw is being rewarded. You may need to reduce your criteria slightly if your dog struggles so that they do not lose interest in the game. They will begin to purposely aim to have their dewclaw contact the surface. 

Nail maintenance can go from a dreaded event to a fun game with your dog.

Flooding

October 23, 2023 • Ask LSH Cats I am a... Pet Owner Shelter Worker Trainer

By Christine D. Calder DVM DACVB

Photo of a cat in a cage being introduced to a "back scratcher" stick

Image Courtesy of Pat Koven

Person and dog in a shelter-like run/cage

Q: I volunteer at a shelter, and we use back scratchers to socialize fearful cats. I think this makes some of them more scared. Do I keep pushing it?

A: Many cats in shelters are afraid. We should be careful not to force them into situations they are uncomfortable with because it might make their fear worse. This is referred to as “flooding.”

What is flooding? Flooding is a method used to make people or animals face their biggest fears head-on, hoping they will get over it quickly.

Why might flooding be problematic? Think about being really scared and feeling trapped without an escape. That’s how these cats might feel. Some might just seem to “shut down” and not react, but inside, they are terrified. This reaction is called “learned helplessness”.

What is learned helplessness? It is when someone or an animal feels so overwhelmed by fear that they just stop trying or reacting, even if they are still deeply frightened.

Are there other ways to help? Yes, there are better ways to make cats feel safe and friendly. We can introduce them to new things slowly and reward them for being brave. This way, they’ll learn to associate good things with what used to scare them.

 

 

 

 

Kitten Biting Behavior

October 13, 2023 • Cats CattleDog Publishing Newsletter I am a... Shelter Worker Trainer Veterinary Professional

By Alison Gottlieb BS, CVT, VTS(ECC)

Striped baby kitten on a blanket

Photo Courtesy of Alison Gottlieb, BS, CVT, VTS(ECC)

Kittens are adorable, tiny creatures who provide hours of entertainment. They nap in the strangest places, purr, cuddle, play, explore their surroundings, and develop bonds with those they live with. For the most part, this is an accurate portrayal of life with kittens, and their occasional mischievous antics are easily forgiven due to their charm. However, there is one behavior that can sometimes test your patience: biting.

Understanding the reasons kittens exhibit biting behavior is crucial for successfully navigating this phase. The kitten biting phase is entirely normal, and with appropriate handling, it remains a phase. If not addressed correctly, it could develop into a more significant issue in adult cats.

Why Do Kittens Bite?

  1. Exploration: Like many other species, kittens explore their world using their mouths as one of their primary senses. It is a natural part of their early development. Additionally, teething can lead to biting as incoming teeth cause discomfort.
  2. Predatory Instincts: Kittens are born with hunting instincts, and biting is a fundamental part of their hunting skills. As they grow, they tend to practice these skills on moving objects, including human hands and feet.
  3. Play: Play is essential for kittens’ development, but they also need to learn when play is too rough. Learning what is too rough is a vital lesson often taught by siblings and housemates. Without other cats or dogs, humans become the educators.
  4. Setting Boundaries: Kittens may bite to communicate boundaries. This may be a response to being on the receiving end of rough play with other pets and humans in the house. Biting can be a way of expressing that they do not want to engage in play or interaction at that moment.
  5. Fear: Fear can add to a kitten’s biting behavior. Biting serves as a defense when faced with frightening situations. Keep in mind with every kitten, as brave as they seem, everything is a new experience with the potential to be scary.
  6. Attention-Seeking: Kittens may bite to gain attention. If they receive attention or a strong reaction when they bite, it can become a fun game to get more attention and pass the time during the day.

Prevention

Understanding the reasons behind kitten biting does not make the discomfort of those tiny teeth any less painful, but it does help prevent them from involving you in their biting games. Preventing unwanted behavior starts with the basics, including providing high-quality nutrition, clean and accessible litter boxes, safe spaces, elevated spots, and affection.

Providing appropriate toys and playtime is crucial in preventing painful interactions. Interactive play allows kittens to learn, exercise, and satisfy their hunting instincts. Stuffed toys or wands with feathers are excellent alternatives to human hands and feet. Toys can even be made by stuffing long socks or purchasing larger kitten-specific toys, allowing your kitten to grab, bite, and kick. Mental stimulation is also essential. Store bought or homemade puzzle feeders can engage hungry kittens and encourage the development of mental and hunting skills.

Making It Stop

While biting during play or attention-seeking is normal for kittens, the key is the response they receive. If a kitten starts to bite, immediately stop the activity and disengage. This teaches them that biting leads to the end of fun. The same can be said for attention-seeking biting. Giving them any response can teach them biting gets them the attention they are seeking. Use one of the toys listed above to redirect and provide an appropriate biting activity. 

When fear is the cause of biting, remove the stressor. Biting usually stops once the source of fear is gone. Remember that kittens find new experiences scary, so introduce them slowly. Create a low-stress environment with hiding spaces to help reduce overall kitten stress.

What To Avoid

Punishment is not recommended as it limits skill development and may damage the bond with your kitten. Keep in mind these are normal behaviors for developing kittens and they simply need to be taught the appropriate outlet. Punishment does not provide the whole lesson. Loud noises, water squirting, and pushing your kitten away are also discouraged, as they can lead to other undesirable behaviors.

Encouraging rough or mouthing play can reinforce these tendencies and potentially result in biting behaviors in adult cats. Provide a safe environment with plenty of play, affection, and essential needs met to build a strong, lifelong bond with your kitten.

If biting becomes excessive or the above strategies do not improve, seek guidance from your veterinarian or their team.

How to Teach Dogs To Use a Nail Board for Hind Feet

October 2, 2023 • Behavior Bytes Dogs I am a... Shelter Worker Trainer Veterinary Professional

By

Barbara Deg, RVT, CDBC, CPDT-KA, CSAT

Many dogs struggle with nail trims, so teaching a dog to use a nail board can reduce the stress of nail maintenance, and dogs will look forward to nail care. Teaching a dog to use the nail board for their hind feet is a separate action from the front feet and is taught as a separate exercise.

Steps:

To start, it can be helpful if your dog is already familiar with using a nail board for their front nails, but it is not necessary. 

You will need an elevated platform large enough for your dog to stretch up and over the nail board so that the dog is almost in a standing position, a nail board of sufficient length for your dog so that when angled against the platform, your dog can raise their hind foot against it and scratch downwards, yummy treats, and a non-slip surface for the dog to stand on.

  •  If your dog is not familiar with a nail board, you can put it on the ground so that your dog can be free to explore it. You can place treats on the ground for your dog to sniff. Don’t force your dog to interact while they are getting used to it.
  •  Get your dog used to putting their front feet up on the raised surface without jumping all the way up. Show your dog a tasty treat and lure them up so their front feet are on the raised surface. As soon as they have their feet up, “click” or verbally mark “yes” and then give your dog the treat. When your dog is happy getting their front feet up, you can then introduce the nail board.
  •  Angle the nail board against your raised platform. Either hold on to it or secure it so that it doesn’t fall or move if your dog knocks it. You may need to adjust the angle to find the ideal angle for your dog.

A nail board angled against a couch

  •  Lure or ask for a “paws up” onto the raised platform so your dog’s body is lined up over the nail board. If your dog is unsure, reward them if they reach up and put their front feet on the board, then increase the difficulty by luring them into having their front feet on the platform itself. With further repetitions, stretch the lure out further so your dog needs to stretch further. 
  •  Your dog will move their back feet closer to reach the lure and will attempt to climb up. As soon as they move either foot closer to the scratchboard, click or say yes, and reward.

Dog with his left hind foot on nail board and right hind foot on floor

  •  After a few repetitions of marking any foot movement, stretch the lure a little further and wait for the dog to place their hind foot on the scratchboard itself. You can mark and reward both the foot on the nail board and again as the dog’s foot naturally starts to scratch downwards. With a few repetitions, you can transition to only rewarding the downward scratching movement.

Dog with front feet on couch and left hind foot on nail board, right hind foot on floor

Keep your sessions fun and short so your dog remains eager to participate in nail maintenance.

Low Stress Handling® in Physical Rehabilitation

September 26, 2023 • Ask LSH Dogs I am a... Pet Owner

By Pat Koven, LVT, KPA- CTP

A dog licks at a lickmat placed inside a water treadmill.

A lickmat placed inside a water treadmill. Image Courtesy of Pat Koven, LVT, KPA-CTP

Q: My dog has recently started rehab for hip dysplasia and seems stressed. Is there anything I can do to make him more comfortable?

A:  Always consult with your vet and a certified canine rehabilitation therapist to create a customized plan for your dog. They can guide you in using appropriate exercises and techniques for your dog’s medical needs. Monitor your pet carefully during the exercises and the rest of the day for fatigue, pain, or stress. Ways to minimize stress and make the experience beneficial for your dog include:

1.   Use only appropriate equipment, such as therapy balls, Cavaletti, weave poles, balance pads, or underwater treadmills, as recommended by a professional. Ensure that the equipment is safe and properly adjusted for your dog’s size and condition.

A b order collie going over cavaletti poles. Image Courtesy of

Caveletti poles. Image Courtesy of Pat Koven, LVT, KPA-CTPLVT, KPA-CTP

2.  Incorporate fun and play when appropriate using positive reinforcement. This rewards your dog for desired behaviors, reduces stress, and keeps them engaged. Toys help encourage movement while offering treats during and after exercises can keep them motivated. Use licking mats in underwater treadmills and during stretching routines. End each session with praise and a gentle massage to reinforce the human-animal bond and work those sore muscles.

A border collie in a water treadmill

Working in the water treadmill. Image Courtesy of Pat Koven, LVT, KPA-CTP

3. Start with a comfortable, quiet environment. Minimize distractions and loud noises as much as possible, whether in your home or a rehabilitation facility. This is as much for your dog’s stress as it is for you to focus on your dog’s overall comfort, both emotionally and physically.  The temperature of the room and in the underwater treadmill should be comfortable as well. In your home, designate an area or a room with their equipment so this becomes a predictable routine and space for them. 

Border collie standing on a balance platform

The balance platform. Image Courtesy of Pat Koven, LVT, KPA-CTP

4.  Supervise your dog closely during the workout to ensure they are performing exercises correctly. Monitor your dog’s body language carefully. If they appear anxious, fatigued, or in pain, stop the session and consult immediately with your veterinarian or physical therapist to avoid further stress and potential complications. 

5.  Use assistive devices, such as harnesses or slings, when needed, especially if your dog is struggling with mobility. These devices can reduce stress on their joints and muscles. 

A Border collie uses weave poles

Weave poles. Image Courtesy of Pat Koven, LVT, KPA-CTP

6.  Begin the rehabilitation process slowly, introducing only a few exercises at a time. Practice each for just a few minutes throughout the day instead of long, intense sessions. This can help your dog feel more comfortable and engaged without overwhelming them. Offer plenty of breaks during and between each repetition as your pet needs. Gradually increase the duration of both the exercises and sessions as your dog becomes more comfortable with each exercise.

7.   Maintain a regular daily routine as much as possible. This can help reduce stress by providing a sense of familiarity and predictability.

Rehabilitation can take time, and some days may be more challenging than others. Remember that every dog is unique, and their response to rehab may vary. Be flexible and adjust your approach based on your dog’s individual needs and progress. Always seek guidance from a professional to ensure you are providing the most appropriate care for your pet. Be patient and support your dog throughout their journey.

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