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Optimizing Learning in the over aroused dogs in Class
A one day seminar presented by
Karen Damiani and Kylie McGee
Over the last few decades I have worked in the management and rehabilitation of thousands of shelter dogs in
Australia and New Zealand, as well as privately with dogs that often exhibited extreme behavioural problems.
During this time it became apparent that many of these dogs were often in an overly excited/anxious or ‘classical
state’ of mind and as such the most effective learning response was also gained through utilising sympathetic or
‘classical’ training strategies. Training was then developed to meet this adrenalized state with a view to progressing
these dogs towards a more ‘operant’ state which would then allow them to respond to more well accepted operant
teaching strategies. Investigations during this period also identified the type of dog behaviours that owners
considered important to enable them to engage with and in the case of problem dogs allow them to retain their pet
dog, which we then termed as ‘social training’. As pet dog ownership is a partnership these factors were critical to
be incorporated into any pet dog training priorities. With the enthusiastic support and cooperation of Pam and Ron
Williams of Boroondara Dog Training Victoria, over the past 18 months we have investigated how and where these
concepts might be applied to pet dog training with the greatest effect and ease for the pet dog owner. The results
have been dramatic and resulted in the reassessment and broadening of suitability of dogs for inclusion in class as
well as adjusting the priorities and structure of their training. More importantly it has led to the reanalysis and often
reconstruction of previously accepted training concepts to produce new positive training sequences and strategies.
The result has been a significant improvement in effects for both dogs and owners participating. Dogs that were
otherwise considered unsuitable for group class situations now integrate more easily and dogs that were already
integrated have gained huge additional benefits. From our records in this investigative period over 400 dogs have
passed through classes with this new training and the retention rate to more advanced training has increased
considerably with owner satisfaction at all levels surpassing our expectations. In addition long term clients have also
indicated they have greatly benefited from these new training strategies.
Our focus is as always on producing ‘real’ reward based positive training methods, effective behavioural training
strategies as well as pet dog owner friendly strategies. What we are currently doing at Boroondara Dog Training is
structured, original and innovative and not something that we’ve seen happening elsewhere. Our new training
strategies have broken accepted boundaries, in a good way, and have taken pet dog training to a new level of
understanding that leads to the potential to further investigate new pet dog positive training strategies in ways that
we hadn’t envisaged previously.
Karen Damiani www.karendamiani.com
I will be talking about what I have seen in the improvement in behaviour in our Pet Dog Training classes and how the
improvement has allowed us to progress further in the 6 week course. This has also increased the number of dogs
going on to further training.
Kylie McGee
Saturday 11th September 9.30am – 4.30pm
Boroondara Dog Training Hays Paddock, East Kew, Melbourne
Registration Form
Contact Details
Name_____________________________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Phone______________________ email__________________________________________
Early bird registration $100.00 closes 31/07/2010
Registration after 1/08/2010 is $120.00. Registration closes 1/09/2010
Morning /afternoon tea and lunch provided. Sorry we can not cater for special dietary requirements.
There is only room for 20 people.
Payments can be made by:
1. Cheque: payable to Boroondara Dog Training
2. Direct deposits:
Account name Boroondara Dog Training
BSB: 033 349
Account number 33-6122
(please use your surname as a reference)
Signature___________________________________________
Our postal address is Boroondara Dog Training PO Box 2328 Ringwood North Vic 3134
Email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
web. boroondaradogtraining.com.au
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Octobers Dog of the Month
Ann with the dog she loves to train Dean. Surprise it's not even her dog.
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