Dog Training Course Teaches New Dog Trainer Students about Dog Behavior

Class has started and our newest dog training course is underway.  Students arrived at Highland Canine’s corporate headquarters in North Carolina to begin their 12-week course for Canine Training and Behavior Modification.  Students in our winter semester course come from all over the United States and are amazed that the first week is already over.  As usually happens in our dog training courses, experience varies greatly among students.  Some have several years experience working in kennels, veterinary clinics, and shelters; while others are just starting to pursue their personal ambition of working with dogs.  No matter what level of experience a student brings; however, there is always something new to learn; a point Highland’s Training Director, Jason Purgason emphasizes.  “I still attend dog training seminars as often as I can.  I’ve been doing this for 25 years, and I am constantly learning from both the dogs and the people in the industry.”

During week one of our dog training course, lectures and videos covered topics such as:  the evolution and domestication of the dog, ethology, anatomy, genetics, selective breeding, natural selection, and students were introduced to clicker training – a positive reinforcement training tool to help teach new behaviors.  Students were assigned one large dog and one small dog with which to work.  Students immediately had opportunities to work on building relationships with their new dog partners.

Mid-week, a client brought an Australian Cattle Dog to the class, allowing the students to observe an actual behavior consultation.  The client presented her dog and described several incidents of concern, including times when the dog snapped or nipped at people.  The dog was believed to be shy or fearful because its legs trembled, it panted a lot, and it carried its tail very low.  One trainer with whom the client worked believed his aggression was fear-based although this turned out not to be the case. Australian Cattle Dogs are a relatively recent breed whose tails are naturally in a low position.  They also tend to breathe through their mouths, often giving the appearance of “smiling” and panting.  Trembling muscles can be indicative of fear in many cases; however, in high-drive dogs, this can also be a sign of excitement.  This Australian Cattle Dog came from working stock lines; his trembling was a sign of excitement.  Rather than being fearful, this dog was dominant – a common characteristic for this breed – and his aggression was an extension of his dominance combined with boredom.  He needed clear boundaries and lots of mental stimulation to keep him out of trouble.  From his example, students learned the importance of knowing and understanding various breeds and how breed may affect behavior.

Communication is a vital aspect of working with dogs.  Because dogs don’t speak any human languages, they use other means to attach meaning to the cues humans provide.  Students played a variety of training games designed to provide greater understanding of the value of good communication during the dog trainer course.

At the end of the week, students were tested on their ability to read and understand dog body language and posturing.  It is important for anyone who works with dogs to be able to recognize when a dog is stressed, excited, afraid, nervous, or aggressive.  It keeps dogs and humans safe.

Students’ reactions varied.  “I most enjoyed seeing the Blue Heeler who was having trouble and needed to be helped,” one student said.  Another student enjoyed the group clicker and communication activity best, while another liked learning about genetics and dog evolution.  “Lectures and charging the clicker with my assigned dogs was my favorite part of the first week.”

Students were surprised at how quickly the first week ended, and while they were ready for a weekend, they looked forward to getting back to work in week two.

For more information on how you can become a professional dog trainer, apply online, or contact us via email training@highlandcanine.com or by phone, toll-free 866.200.2207.