Last week, I went to a conference of zoo animal trainers and was once again amazed and impressed at the varied skills zoo animals have been taught.
A marine iguana that could shift enclosures on cue, giraffes that present their feet for hoof care, lions that will lay still on a table for an ultrasound … all voluntarily and without stress. It made me reflect on our comparatively low expectations for our pets, especially when it comes to husbandry behaviors. We often focus on tricks and neglect some of the basic behaviors that, once taught, will make our lives with our pets much easier.
I think these behaviors get overlooked because it isn't necessary for many pets to do them every day. We practice them infrequently, so our pets may be fearful of the situations and react poorly. Then because we need to perform the care right then, pets often get subdued and forced in those situations. This sets up an unfortunate cycle, where we create more fear and pets learn to avoid preceding cues in the future. This is where zoo trainers have it figured out. They practice these behaviors daily, but only need to use them rarely.
A tiger may be taught to present its tail for a voluntary blood draw, and daily has his tail handled and restrained, but the blood draw may only occur twice a year. Can you imagine what the tiger's reaction when it is actually being poked by a needle? Exactly the same reaction as every other day when it was tapped by capped pen instead.
This is a valuable lesson for those of us with pets. Animals need rehearsal. They need to know what is going to happen and they need to know that it is going to go well for them. If they are afraid or feel like they have no control in the situations they will react with avoidance or aggression. Instead, if we give them back the ability to cooperate and reward their efforts, it helps both them and us.
Practice makes perfect. Let's face it, none of us ever got good at any new skill by not practicing. Training sessions of a few minutes in length are very valuable, so a large time commitment is not required. I'd like you to take a few minutes and think about your pet and how they handle the following situations.
• Taking medicine.
• Foot care and nail trims.
• Teeth brushing — brushing and scraping.
• Ear and body care — medicines, grooming, restraint.
• Changing locations — coming in from outside, going to a kennel, waiting on a mat during dinner.
We will focus on teaching behaviors that would save you time and money, as well as eliminate stress for your pet. I will be talking more about how to teach these behaviors in a way that encourages cooperation next time.
Dr. Jennie Willis is an instructor of animal behavior at Colorado State University and consults with people and their pets to improve problem behaviors. For pet tips and scientific information follow her on twitter @askdrwillis and Animal Behavior Insights on Facebook.