From a Dog Rescue and Prison Training Program in New Springfield, OH:
Carol, Thank
you so much! This is just what I need for the guys to watch! So many
times I try to explain the behavior they are seeing but by the time
I say anything the behavior is gone or it has changed! This presentation
is going to be a Godsend! I am also going to force all volunteers with
the rescue to also watch it before being able to do any dog to dog introductions!
The guys at
the prison really liked the presentation. It clarified things for them
that I had been trying to 'catch' during training sessions. Several
of the guys have remarked that they know when to separate some of the
dogs now, as they can tell when something is "brewing" between them.
Many of them are starting to point out different body signals to me
now instead of me trying to get them to see what I see! They are also
more confident when some of the dogs are just being dogs... they don't
separate for just playing now, as the guys have a better idea of when
its play and when its "for real". The fact that there was video and
stills is what many of them like, it let them see how quick some of
the movements are.
The trainer
report sheets have gotten better as well, because now, when they write
the weekly report on the dogs, they are using terms like appeasement
and muzzle punch, and I don't have to ask for as much clarification.
I have also
shared this with some of my fellow rescue workers, as they do adoptions
and since it is our rescues policy to have currently owned dogs meet
and greet the dog being adopted before we finalize the adoption. It
has helped them tell the difference between an okay reaction and one
that might be trouble. One of our ladies said she feels better knowing
that she can "read" the dogs a bit better and explain it to the new
parents as well. Anyway, I am going to quit rambling on and just say
"Thank you" for such a wonderful and useful tool!
- Roxanne
Sherman
