Fear Free cooperative care pet training is an innovative approach that focuses on teaching animals to actively participate in handling and other husbandry behaviors. This method empowers animals by giving them the ability, choice, and control to say YES or NO to each step of the process. In this article, we will explore the benefits of cooperative care training for dogs and pet birds, along with some real-life examples.
The Power of Cooperative Care
Cooperative care training offers numerous advantages for both animals and their handlers. By providing animals with a sense of control, it can transform unpleasant and unwanted activities into tolerable and even enjoyable experiences. For dogs, birds, and other animals, cooperative care significantly reduces stress and creates a positive conditioned emotional response (CER). Moreover, it enhances safety during handling for the person in charge.
Here, in one of my exclusive Cincy Lifestyle interviews on WCPO, I delve into the essence of cooperative care training.
Cooperative Care: From Resistance to Participation
Let’s take a look at an example involving a dog named Brutus and his harness. Initially, Brutus used to move away whenever the harness came out. However, with cooperative care training, we aimed to change that behavior.
Instead of forcing the harness onto Brutus, we taught him to willingly put his face through the harness loop. Whenever he accomplished this, he was rewarded with yummy treats. We wanted Brutus to have complete control over the process, so Ali, Brutus’ handler, gave him the option to leave after each step. It was entirely his choice.
When Brutus returned, Ali continued with the process. At one point, when Ali moved toward his right side to attach the harness, Brutus gave her a RED LIGHT by moving his head away from her hands. Respectfully, Ali listened to Brutus’ cue and adjusted her approach. Only when Brutus remained neutral did Ali move forward.
After practicing attaching the harness on Brutus’ right side, Ali put everything together. In the end, the harness was attached with both Brutus and Ali working cooperatively. There was no stress for Brutus, and he was ready for his next activity!
Note: If your dog shows resistance from the start, you can shape their behavior gradually. Reward small steps, such as looking at the harness, taking steps toward it, interacting with it, and so on. You can also teach them to put their head into other objects first, like a bowl or bucket, and then transfer that skill to the harness.
Other Uses for Cooperative Care
Cooperative care training has a wide range of applications. Throughout your life with your pet, you will encounter various husbandry tasks that require their cooperation. Some examples include:
- Grooming: Checking your pet’s ears, eyes, and mouth.
- Nail trims.
- Administering shots.
- Paw handling.
- Baths.
- Getting into a car.
- Getting onto a scale.
- Getting into a carrier.
Check out this video of me teaching my bird, Dreyfuss, to go into her travel carrier.
Exploring Different Approaches
There are countless ways to implement cooperative care training. The key is to choose a behavior in advance and reinforce it consistently. Here are a few examples:
- Teach your pet a duration target behavior, such as touching their nose or body part to an object. When they can maintain this target, it becomes the green light to proceed.
- Train your pet to lie on their side with their head on the ground as the green light.
- Teach your pet to sit or stand in front of you with a neutral head position as the green light.
Remember, cooperative care training not only strengthens the bond between you and your pet but also ensures their well-being and comfort.
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