SESSION 67: Friendly Dog Body Language and BAT Training
In episode 67, Sean answers some questions from a couple of listeners about interpreting dogs’ body language in behavioral modification, and what he thinks of a specific form of training called BAT training for dogs. Sean gives a more detailed list of the dog body language signals that he usually looks for, and why he focuses on those signals in dog body language. Sean also describes what he likes about BAT for dogs, as well as what he does differently in his training as compared to pure BAT methods.
Details In this Session
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People United for Pets (P.U.P. Dog Rescue)
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Rescue Dog of the Week:
Here’s Jenny’s page:
https://www.adoptapet.com/pet/19264122-issaquah-washington-german-shepherd-dog-mix
Interview with the Director of PUP Dog Rescue:
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https://www.thedogsway.com/session-11-in-this-episode-i-interview-laura-tonkin/
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DETAILS IN THIS SESSION
Body Language signals we look for:
I look for everything that seems to “unwind” the excitement cascade. I look for:
- Eyes relaxing
- Jaw relaxing: mouth open tongue forward
- Relaxed neck
- Slightly “deflated” head and body
- Slower respiration
- Relaxed tail
- Normal movement in the feet
BAT training
Video that Teri and Marie sent me:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm5k2tIkXMY
BAT stands for Behavioral Adjustment Training. Generally, BAT training is done by purely positive trainers and uses what I would call “approach and retreat, and the marking and reinforcing of “friendly” or “recovery” dog body language.
What I do like about BAT training:
1) Great use of distance to create the correct working level for a dog
2) Attention to body language signals and the marking and reinforcing of those behaviors
3) A “non-obedience work” approach to working through over reaction, so that a dog feels more like they’re learning “everyday life” skills and not over- riding “normal” reactions by doing obedience.
What I do differently in my training:
1) Approach training in a more “big picture” way
2) Get better at loose leash walking first to develop the natural relationship a little more with a dog before challenging with big distractions
3) Teach general neutrality and the skill of recovery with gregarious over reaction and easier triggers before engaging that higher Intensity trigger
Adding some negative feedback
1) I use minimum threshold negative feedback to interrupt and redirect lack of following decisions in loose leash walking or jumping
2) I use either an air sprayer or the leash, with tension straight up, to interrupt over-reaction, if a dog loses their mind around a distraction as a way of communicating the idea that the “losing their mind” isn’t acceptable.
Reminder of FREE STUFF
If we use your voicemail in the show, we’ll send you a free video training series!OR if you don’t like free stuff … Email your questions to me:
sean@thedogsway.com
Let me know what you think of the video that Teri and Marie sent me.
All the Best,
Sean
About the Author: Sean
I’ve been training people and dogs in Seattle for the last decade and a half. My main focus when working with clients every week in one-on-one, private lessons is to help people learn to get their dogs to a functional level so that they can actually enjoy spending time every day with their dog instead of stressing about their dog’s behavior issues.
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About Sean
I’ve been training people and dogs in Seattle for the last decade and a half. My main focus when working with clients every week in one-on-one, private lessons is to help people learn to get their dogs to a functional level so that they can actually enjoy spending time every day with their dog instead of stressing about their dog’s behavior issues.
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