What’s New and What’s Not in Sheltering and Behavior Terri Bright, Ph.D., BCBA-D Director of Behavior Services, MSPCA/Angell
New: “Chris” and “Andy” “reborn doll”
Sporn Head Harness
Manners Minder Amazon.com; distributed By Premier jXGa1Gchttp:// jXGa1Gc
Meeting Potential Adopters If someone is interested in adopting, must fill out an application first Be cursorily approved If there are any possible issues that may arise, staff goes out with the dog and adopter
Not New: Science Safewalk: we can use the principles of behavior to shape how volunteers behave around Shelter dogs At our 5-year anniversary, we have increased the adoptability of pit by from 77% to 91% Teach measurable, observable behavior to volunteers
“Keepers:” Minding the Adoption Floor Entry-level Safewalk volunteers Must work only when Shelter is open Teach dogs adoptable skills, e.g., sit, quiet Protect them from the public Guide potential adopters Learn about dog behavior
Loose-leash Walking Why do dogs pull on the leash?
Loose-leash walking For the same reason…
Extinction of leash- pulling
Can’t have too many sits and downs
Rally O
Health of the “Herd” Who’s in the (hint…multi-species) “herd” at the Shelter? How does their collective behavior affect other organisms? A holistic view is best