One Step at a time Nico Joiner Dealing with challenging dogs in a shelter environment

One Step at a time What is Stepping Stones? Principles behind Stepping Stones? Case Studies Dealing with challenging dogs in a shelter environment

What is Stepping Stones? Sanctuary (Special Training and Rehoming) STaR

10 kennels Large sleep areas Large compounds attached with full access day/night Mixture of astro turf, sand and grass runs

STaR 10 kennels Large sleep areas Large compounds attached with full access day/night Mixture of astro turf, sand and grass runs

STaR Wide range of behavioural problems Difficult to manage in the environment they are in Need extra support to help them become more successful in a new home

STaR Wide range of behavioural problems Difficult to manage in the environment they are in Need extra support to help them become more successful in a new home

STaR Wide range of behavioural problems Difficult to manage in the environment they are in Need extra support to help them become more successful in a new home

STaR Wide range of behavioural problems Difficult to manage in the environment they are in Need extra support to help them become more successful in a new home

Sanctuary 3 Large paddocks Each with 2 sleeping areas attached Neutral Introduction Pen

Sanctuary 3 Large paddocks Each with 2 sleeping areas attached Neutral Introduction Pen

Sanctuary Most commonly; Veterinary handling / Close handling from any individual People/Barrier aggression Some stereotypy behaviour

Sanctuary Most commonly; Veterinary handling / Close handling from any individual People/Barrier aggression Some stereotypy behaviour

Sanctuary Most commonly; Veterinary handling / Close handling from any individual People/Barrier aggression Some stereotypy behaviour

Sanctuary Most commonly; Veterinary handling / Close handling from any individual People/Barrier aggression Some stereotypy behaviour

Sanctuary STaR Flexibility between the blocks

The Principles of Stepping Stones

Managed Freedom enhances good choices Promoting good choices will Enhance good welfare

The Principles of Stepping Stones Managed Freedom enhances good choices Making good choices enhances a dog’s welfare

The Importance of choice Having the freedom of choice has proven to; Enhance learning Enhance an individuals experience Better an individuals welfare

The Importance of choice Having the freedom of choice has proven to; Enhance learning Enhance an individuals experience Better an individuals welfare

The Importance of choice Having the freedom of choice has proven to; Enhance learning Enhance an individuals experience Better an individuals welfare

The Importance of choice Having the freedom of choice has proven to; Enhance learning Enhance an individuals experience Better an individuals welfare

The Importance of choice Having the freedom of choice has proven to; Enhance learning Enhance an individuals experience Better an individuals welfare You are living proof of that

ExperienceOutcomeChoiceExperienceOutcomeChoice Cycle of Life Lessons The Importance of choice

Case Studies

Blue = Experience Orange = Choice made Case Studies Grey = Outcome

Case Studies Wallace Multiple bite incidents around resources and has been subject to “alpha rolling”, pinning and smacking if he stole an item or growled at owners

Resource Guarding Around Toys and other objects Enjoyed playing tug with owners

Resource Guarding Around Toys and other objects Enjoyed playing tug with owners Chose to initiate game

Resource Guarding Around Toys and other objects Enjoyed playing tug with owners Chose to initiate game Successful

Resource Guarding Around Toys and other objects Enjoyed playing tug with owners Chose to initiate gameSuccessful Was Rehomed

Resource Guarding Around Toys and other objects Enjoyed playing tug with owners Chose to initiate gameSuccessful Chose to initiate games Was Rehomed

Resource Guarding Around Toys and other objects Enjoyed playing tug with owners Chose to initiate gameSuccessfulChose to initiate games Not always very successful Was Rehomed

Resource Guarding Around Toys and other objects Enjoyed playing tug with owners Chose to initiate gameSuccessfulChose to initiate games Not always very successful Tried to initiate interaction with other items Was Rehomed

Resource Guarding Around Toys and other objects Enjoyed playing tug with owners Chose to initiate gameSuccessfulChose to initiate games Not always very successful Tried to initiate interaction with other items Wallace was punished / “alpha rolled” Was Rehomed

Resource Guarding Around Toys and other objects Enjoyed playing tug with owners Chose to initiate gameSuccessfulChose to initiate games Not always very successful Tried to initiate interaction with other items Wallace was punished / “alpha rolled” for doing so Snarling and growling when owners approach Was Rehomed

Resource Guarding Around Toys and other objects Enjoyed playing tug with owners Chose to initiate gameSuccessfulChose to initiate games Not always very successful Tried to initiate interaction with other items Wallace was punished / “alpha rolled” for doing so Snarling and growling when owners approach Further physical punishment Was Rehomed

Resource Guarding Around Toys and other objects Enjoyed playing tug with owners Chose to initiate gameSuccessfulChose to initiate games Not always very successful Tried to initiate interaction with other items Wallace was punished / “alpha rolled” for doing so Snarling and growling when owners approach Further physical punishment Bite incidents Was Rehomed

Resource Guarding Around Toys and other objects Enjoyed playing tug with owners Chose to initiate gameSuccessfulChose to initiate games Not always very successful Tried to initiate interaction with other items Wallace was punished / “alpha rolled” for doing so Snarling and growling when owners approach Further physical punishment Bite incidents Came in to Sanctuary Was Rehomed

Case Studies Wallace How we managed Wallace Fed in separate room for first few weeks Had a small lead attached to collar to reduce handling Avoided Wallace having access to items we knew he may guard

Case Studies Wallace

Case Studies Rose Strong chase/herding instinct Reactive on lead around dogs and people, potential for bite incident

Case Studies Rose Rose sees a dog when she is on the lead

Case Studies Rose Fixed Stare Rose sees a dog when she is on the lead

Case Studies Rose Fixed Stare Rose sees a dog when she is on the lead Lead goes tense

Case Studies Rose Fixed Stare Rose sees a dog when she is on the lead Lead goes tense Lunge / Bark

Case Studies Rose Fixed Stare Rose sees a dog when she is on the lead Lead goes tense Lunge / Bark Dog goes away

Case Studies Rose

Stepping Stones What it means to me

Stepping Stones What it means to me Fundamental to Dogs Trust non-destruction policy Demonstration of responsibility Proof that with more choices available we can help more dogs

Stepping Stones What it means to me Fundamental to Dogs Trust non-destruction policy Demonstration of responsibility Proof that with more choices available we can help more dogs

Stepping Stones What it means to me Fundamental to Dogs Trust non-destruction policy Demonstration of responsibility Proof that with more choices available we can help more dogs

Nico Joiner Thank You For Listening