safe animal handling part 1
TRANSCRIPT
Safe Animal Handling
SPCA of Texas
Animal Behavior Programs
2015
Part 1
Welcome
This training is designed to teach basic animal handling rules to the staff and volunteers of the
SPCA of Texas.
These rules are designed to help keep both animals and people safe and to ensure the well-
being of the animals.
• Rabies Quarantine and the Law
• Behavior Evaluations, or BVALs• What are they?
• How to do them
• When to do them
• Why you should do them
• How to deal with problem behavior
• How to train a few basic behaviors for dogs
• How to use management tools effectively for dogs
Rabies Quarantine is the LAW
It is important to our organization to adhere to local laws and ordinances with respect to
handling and care. As a result we quarantine animals that bite or scratch and draw blood.
Rabies Quarantine is the LAWReport all incidents to your supervisor.
Local law requires that if an animal scratches or bites and draws blood, even if it is a small amount, it must enter Rabies Quarantine and remain there for 10 days of isolation to ensure that it does not have rabies. This is done for public safety. It does not matter if the animal was aggressive or not, how old the animal was or whether the incident happened during play or for some preventable reason.
During quarantine the animal cannot be touched beyond basic care. This is very hard on these animals, so it is very important that we prevent accidents of this type from happening through excellent handling practices.
We have determined that by following the guidelines in this training you can reduce the risk of quarantine for our shelter animals.
BEHAVIOR EVALUATIONS(BVALs)
BVALs Save Lives
The SPCA of Texas uses a process we call Behavior Evaluations (BVALs) to help maintain the wellbeing of animals in our care.
Every staff member or volunteer has the opportunity to have input about any animal’s behavior. This process makes it
possible to communicate about an animal’s behavioral condition and needs with everyone in the organization.
If you see any behavior that is interesting or concerning, whether it’s good, bad or just different, write a BVAL and give it to you
supervisor.
BVALs Save Lives
Animal behavior can often be changed with training, socialization, behavior modification, enrichment or foster care.
The sooner we know an about the behavior, the more likely we are to save the animal
Don’t delay in filling out a BVAL.
About BVALs
About BVALs• Blank copies are available at the
Adoption Desk in the BVAL Book. You can also ask for a blank BVAL from your supervisor.
About BVALs• Blank copies are available at the
Adoption Desk in the BVAL Book. You can also ask for a blank BVAL from your supervisor.
• Fill one out as soon as you see the behavior. Waiting to fill out the BVAL may allow you to forget important details.
About BVALs• Blank copies are available at the
Adoption Desk in the BVAL Book. You can also ask for a blank BVAL from your supervisor.
• Fill one out as soon as you see the behavior. Waiting to fill out the BVAL may allow you to forget important details.
• The person that saw the behavior needs to write the BVAL so all of the most accurate information is provided.
Fill out the information about the animal on the top of the form such as animal name, animal number, age, breed,
size and location.
Fill out the information about the animal on the top of the form such as animal name, animal number, age, breed,
size and location.
Then, fill out a description of the
behavior you observed. Be as detailed as
possible.
Fill out the information about the animal on the top of the form such as animal name, animal number, age, breed,
size and location.
Then, fill out a description of the
behavior you observed. Be as detailed as
possible.
After you have completed the top portion, give the form to your
supervisor.
The Animal Behavior Programs Department visits with animals each work day in response to
BVALs and to tend to other needs. We will recommend a plan of
action.
Here is an example of a completed BVAL
Here is an example of a completed BVAL
Here is an example of a completed BVAL
During our observation, the Behavior Department may visit
with the animal, review the animal’s history and speak with
people about the animal’s behavior.
After recording our observations, we will make a recommendation on how best to proceed with the animal. Recommendations can
include how volunteers and staff should interact with the animal as well as information for adopters to know when considering adoption.
BVALs are written when an animal’s behavior causes concern:
• Aggression
• Fear
• Depression
• Kennel Stress
• Changes in behavior (good or bad!)
• Any behavior the behavior department should be aware of.
BVALs
The completed BVALs with our recommendations are available
• At the adoptions desk in the BVAL book
• In the Volunteer office
• On Shelter Buddy under Medical History.
BVALs
BVAL Quick Reference GuideIn order to streamline shelter work for volunteers we create a short version
of the BVALs called the BVAL Quick Reference Guide. This is a shortened description of the BVAL recommendations for any animal that has had a
BVAL and can be carried with you while you’re here.
BVAL Quick Reference GuideVolunteers should pick up a copy in the Volunteer office at the beginning of each shift and carry it with them. The animals on this list are in the greatest need of attention. The specific kind of attention recommended on the BVAL
is very important, so check your list as you work with each animal. Staff can print BVAL Quick Reference Guides from the L: Drive.
When handling animals at the SPCA of Texas,
we use
Corrections Backfire!
Punishments and corrections seem to work well at the time they are happening, but research shows that animals trained with punishment or corrections are more likely to behave aggressively to the person that punishes them. The scientific term for this is counter-control.
They may also be aggressive towards others that just happen to be around when they are punished or people and animals that are weaker than they are. This is known as redirected aggression.
Animals that are not aggressive are more likely to become aggressive if they are handled with punishment and corrections.
Link to ASVAB Punishment Position Statement
Animals are already under stress when they come into the shelter. Although we have two wonderful shelters, the animals here do not understand why they are here, how long they will be here, where their family went or how they will be treated. It is our job to make sure they know that they will always be treated kindly so they don’t feel like they need to protect themselves from us.
Punishments and corrections create more stress.
How NOT to deal with problem behavior.
Do not hit, spank, spray with water, drag by leash, kick, knee in the chest or “pop” the leash (when dog is pulling on leash).
* Emergency exceptions will be covered.
Do not say “No” or “Stop That”Do not scold.
Even though these don’t sound problematic, dogs often act as if we are just barking along with them. They don’t know what we mean nor what to do instead of what they are already doing.
In addition, shouting at our animals sounds bad to our guests and the public.
Do not say “No” or “Stop That”Do not scold.
Positive reinforcement is a term we hear a lot these days when talking about dog training.
“Training a dog is no different from training a whale,” says Marine Biologist and world-renowned animal trainer Bob Bailey, “Give them something they want in exchange for playing your silly games.”
Always keep in mind what you want the animal to do and provide him something that he likes when he does that behavior.
We often think in terms of what we wish animals would NOT do instead of what we want them to do instead. Every time an animal does something undesirable, ask
yourself, “What do I want him to do instead?”
Always keep in mind what you want the animal to do and provide him something that he likes when he does that behavior.
Example:If a dog is jumping on you he is most likely
asking for your attention. Wait until he puts all four feet on the ground
and then give him the attention he wants.
Keep in mind that if you reinforce undesirable behavior he’ll do more of that, too, so use the techniques we teach to help him behave!
Example:If you give a dog attention when he jumps
up on you he’s very likely to jump up on you more often in the future.
You can distract the dog from problematic behaviors by redirecting to something more appropriate.
Example:If a dog is biting at the leash or nipping
at your clothes, give him a toy or treat to put in his mouth instead
You can distract the dog from problematic behaviors by redirecting to something more appropriate.
Make it fun! Get him to play with the toy and keep him
tugging while you walk.
Every time you interact with an animal, you are teaching them something. Make sure you’re teaching something good!
Following are some ways to deal with common behavior problems.
What do you want him to do instead of jumping up on you? Put his feet on the floor. In order to get him to put his feet on the floor, follow “Four on the Floor” with something he likes a lot.
If Fido jumps on you for attention, wait for his feet to hit the floor, then give him lots of petting and attention. Stop attending to him when he jumps up.
Friendly dogs will often jump up on you to get your attention, the treats in your pocket or the leash in your hand. Before providing the dog with anything he wants, wait for his feet to be on the floor. This makes standing on the floor more rewarding than jumping up.
If you enter the kennel and leash the dog or pet the dog while he is jumping on you, you are reinforcing this behavior and he will continue doing it.
Click the photo for YouTube Video to open in separate window.
Constructional Petting / Constructional AffectionTeach 4 on the Floor and other calm behaviors with petting!
Constructional Petting should only be used with friendly dogs. This should not be used for dogs that are fearful or aggressive because petting would not be a reward for them.
1. When the dog has all feet on the floor put one hand on him to pet him. ― If his feet come off the floor, remove your hand but be ready to immediately put it back as
soon as he has all 4 feet on the floor again.
2. When the dog sits down or lays down put two hands on him to pet him. ― Continue petting him this way as long as he is sitting/laying.― If he stands up go back to petting him with one hand.
3. Once he stays sitting or laying down, begin to take short breaks by removing your hands.
― Remove you hands for a very short time, 1-2 seconds and then put them right back on him.― If the dog moves when you move your hands away, he is not ready for this step. ― Gradually increase the amount of time that your hands stay off the dog as long as he is
staying in place when you stop petting him.
• If the dog is too rowdy or you cannot perform the procedure without being too rough, put a leash on him and stand on it so he does not jump up on you or tether him to something so you can walk away and return when he has all four feet on the floor.
Often, teaching a dog something as simple as “sit” can be the key to getting him adopted.
Also, if the dog is sitting he is unable to perform unwanted behaviors such as jumping up.
Click the photo for YouTube Video to open in separate window.
Some troubleshooting tips for teaching “sit”
• If the dog backs up when you’re luring him:• Move the treat slowerOR• Back the dog into a wall so their butt will slide down the wall as their
head goes up
• If the dog jumps up for the treat, lower your treat closer to their nose.
• If the dog is not interested in your treats try a different kind (the stinkier the better) or move to a place with fewer distractions.
If a dog seems interested in your food but is not following your lure, avoid repeating unsuccessful attempts over and over again. All this shows him is that sometimes people tease him and withhold treats from him over and over again. If a dog has never experienced a positive training relationship with a person, we need to show him that there is something in it for him first. Start with something easier to lure like eye contact or pick out something the dog is already doing and start rewarding for that until it seems to click and the dog starts to offer the behavior again and again.
Loose Leash Walking
Click the photo for YouTube Video to open in separate window.
If you do not have time to train an alternative behavior (such as standing on the floor instead of jumping up), you can create a situation where his behavior can’t happen or where it isn’t a problem.
If you do not have time to train an alternative behavior (such as standing on the floor instead of jumping up), you can create a situation where his behavior can’t happen or where it isn’t a problem.
Example:If a dog pulls on leash, use a Weiss Walkie or
Front Clip Harness
1. Dog should be wearing a flat, buckle collar2. Clip the leash to the collar3. Put the end of the leash under the dog’s chest
just behind the dog’s front legs4. Stick the handle through the metal O-Ring
and pull through.
Now, when the dog pulls, the Weiss Walkie will tighten around the chest creating a squeezing sensation.
• Be sure to keep the leash around the chest, just behind the front legs. If the leash slips down to the belly, when the dog pulls it will cause pain
• This type of leash is also works to keep a dog from backing out of their collars.
In most cases, front clip harnesses will be hanging on the dog’s kennel. We do not leave them on dogs because of the way it fits and they tend to eat them if left on.
The Front Clip Harness has 2 buckles, one that clips over the dog’s back and one that clips under the dog’s chest.
1. Clip the one that is going to go on top of the dog’s back and leave the other unclipped.
2. Put the closed portion over the dog’s head with the ring, to attach the leash, on the front.
3. Clip the bottom buckle under the dog’s rib cage. 4. Clip the leash to the front of the harness.
• In addition, you can also clip the leash to the ring on the collar if the harness rides low on the chest or if the dog is not used to wearing a harness.
Some Front-Clip Harnesses are red or blue and have a black strip that goes under the rib cage (as in the photo above).
Some dogs wear a standard harness, as seen to the left, or a variation of this called a “step-in harness”. These are very common harnesses that have a ring on the back to clip a leash to.
Using this type of harness prevents any pressure on the dog’s throat.
When using this type of harness it can be difficult to have full control over the dog’s head and front end. For this reason, you should consider how much control of the dog you are going to need when using this type of equipment. This is a great piece of equipment for dogs that do not pull on leash or are fearful of having a leash and collar around their neck.
If the dog pulls on leash, a harness will only provide the dog with additional leverage in which to pull because it places the pressure near the dog’s center of gravity.
Also, harnesses cannot be left on most dogs because they chew them up when left alone. If the harness is fitted snuggly and the dog does not chew on it, it may be left on him.
Crate
Puppy Pads Head Halter
Baby Gates
Exercise Pen
Management tools are used until the dog can be completely trained and in some cases the tools will actually help facilitate training. Some tools, such as
crates, can be used throughout an animal’s life.
Even if management tools help,you should still write a BVAL.
