If you are interested in volunteering at the Chico Animal Shelter working with the dogs, it is important that you have the proper training. Dogs learn whether we think we are teaching them or not. Many dogs at the shelter have behavior problems. Quite often they were turned in (surrendered) to the shelter, or never reclaimed, because of behavior problems. While it is important to provide enrichment for the dogs while they are here at the shelter, it is also important to provide behavior modification. While we cannot solve all of a dog's behavior problems in the shelter (and may not actually see some of them while they are in the shelter), how we handle dogs at the shelter can either contribute to their problem behaviors (or even create bad behaviors), or it can create good behaviors and habits. A well behaved dog has a better chance of being adopted, and is less likely to be returned or re-homed by the new owner.

It is also important to have the proper training so that you and the dogs you handle remain safe. While we cannot prevent or anticipate every incident, knowing what to look for to determine if a dog is stressed, fearful or aggressive can help avert a problem before it starts.

The courses we have created discuss dog body language and our philosophy on dog training. Please go through the modules in order and take the quiz at the end of each module. You must pass each quiz in order to start working with the shelter dogs. Don't worry, you have several chances to take each quiz if you don't pass the first time.

When you think about how dogs communicate, what first comes to mind? Maybe you watch for a wagging tail? Dogs communicate with one another and with us using their own elegant, nonverbal language. They use so much more than just their tails (though tails are important!) Dogs also use facial expressions, ear positions and overall body posture to signal their intentions.

Breaking body language down one body part at a time can be helpful in building your
observation and interpretation skills. It is vitally important to consider the whole body and the context though, in order to truly “hear” what a dog is saying. Then you can watch the dogs in your life and start to learn what they’re telling you.

Please follow the link below to watch a webinar from ASPCA:

• ASPCA Speaking Dog

Follow the link below to read an article about canine behavior myths. Be sure to watch the video at the end as well:

• Animal Behavior Expert Debunks Dog Myths

Discussion:

After watching the video, could you identify some of the signals the dog was giving that show he was not comfortable? Although the signals appear subtle, once you know what to look for, they become more obvious.

Notice that when the reporter starts petting the dog, his ears are back. Then almost immediately, he gives a lip lick. Note also the "whale eye". The dog looks away and gives another lip lick, then looks back with a very obvious whale eye.

At this point, and clearly ignoring the signals, the reporter grabs the dog by both sides of his face, stares directly in the dog's eyes, then begins to move closer to the dog while positioning himself over the top of dog. These are all threatening behaviors to a dog. The fact that the dog bit the reporter is really no great surprise. Note that after the bite, the dog gave another lip lick.

When dogs bite, it is very rare that they have not given some warning before that. The dog was already telling the reporter that he was uncomfortable with the interaction and wanted him to back off. Rather than picking up on the signals, the reporter continued to get in the dog's space, and the dog, feeling trapped, did what he felt he needed to do.

The handler's explanation that he is the pack leader and the dog is second in command has nothing to do with the bite, and is not what caused the dog to interpret someone towering over him as an aggressive act. Unfortunately, the handler should have picked up on the signs the dog was giving, and asked the reporter to back off for his own safety.

Go back and review the video if you think you missed some of the clues.

Good job!

You have completed the Canine Body Language Course!