Animal behavior training success

Those of you who have been following  this blog know that we have been involved in clicker training at our local shelter. We have had very little training but are already making progress in upgrading the adaptability of cast away animals. Lewis and I have taught a very scraggly cat to give high fives with very little effort. I have asked that  this talent be added to the card that is posted on the cat's cage so that those looking for a new kitty will at least pause long enough to give this kitty a chance at stealing someones heart. This particular kitty came from a home that had several animals removed for sevier neglect. She is still under wiegth and is just now growing back the fur she lost due to malnutrition.

Now, there are others who are more advanced in their training. We saw  a demonstration of just how effective this training can be when were asked to step in and observe a pit bull who has been in clicker training. This pit bull was surrendered to the pound for being unmanageable. What I observed brought tears of joy to my eyes.

This pit bull named Diesel (for a reason LOL) was strutting proudly around the room doing tricks that he had learned through clicker training. He first went to just about everyone in the room and sat quietly at their feet gazing into their eyes. One thing we teach dogs is to keep all four feet on the ground and to look at the trainer. This dog was so smart he figured out that he could get a treat from doing it for every person available LOL. When he was done with the people, he moved on and self initiated going into a crate for a treat, then coming back out and shutting the door with his nose for another treat. He proudly looked around the room and I am sure he felt the joy that was on all our faces. He beamed with pride and confidence. Next he went to a desk in the room and was nosing the drawer. The trainer opened the drawer and he promptly closed it with his nose, sat back and gazed eagerly at his trainer waiting for his treat reward with his tail wagging really fast. Just adorable!

This dog has gone from being a cast away due to poor behavior habits to being able to figure out how to self initiate positive feedback. I am sure that he will be adopted and make  wonderful pet for some lucky person. This is a perfect example of positive animal behavior training success.