This presentation will discuss the science of positive reinforcement training and communication, why everyone can take an interest and in expanding their teaching skills, and how our non-verbal (auditory) communication options can further enhance training with hearing animals as well. This different slant on learning and teaching helps people think outside the box and further expand their techniques to include other means of communicating effectively and reinforcing positively, as well as planning ahead to set up environments to be safe and productive for learning. While many trainers (and guardians) may be well-versed in traditionally using an auditory marker system to communicate, interacting with a deaf or blind dog often presents new challenges. Additionally, considering alternatives to auditory communication can only enhance the teaching and learning experiences of animals. By expanding our teaching/learning repertoire to include visual/tactile cues, the following may be relevant: 1. Dogs generally find visual cues more salient, so may be more responsive. 2. Animals may lose sight or hearing later in life or via some other scenario vs. being born deaf/blind, so we are a step ahead. 3. People will think we are cool/magic as we communicate without words. Learning Objectives: Communication with hearing or visually impaired dogs. Non-auditory communication benefits all animals. Communication: attention and language. Training = education and communication. Markers and reinforcers. Teaching what to do: proactive vs. reactive. Wellness plan and safety. Managing to set up for success. The importance of effective exchanges. Conditioning a communication tool as a first step. Why we teach what to do and eliminate the sign for “no.” Your dog as a thinking animal: helping him make good choices

Sponsor:PPG
Speaker(s):**Terrie Hayward

Contact: Sharon Nettles
 Email: membershipcoordinator@petprofessionalguild.com
 Phone: 844-462-6473
 Web: https://petprofessionalguild.com/event-2993248