Olivia Buysen

The Lost Dogs Home

Abstract: As an open intake shelter, The Lost Dogs Home in Victoria accepts both stray and surrendered dogs into care, many of whom have vast behavioural challenges and learning histories. Through the Behaviour Department, trainers will work with Behaviour Veterinarians with dogs suffering from generalised anxiety and separation anxiety disorders, compulsive disorders, fear and frustration-based reactivity, and general confidence building cases. One case study is Bambi, a 2-year-old male Boxer x Staffy. Bambi was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder and fear towards unfamiliar people. As Bambi’s primary trainer, I became his primary carer and secure attachment figure while in the shelter to facilitate applied behaviour analysis and behaviour modification in conjunction with a behaviour medication trial. Training techniques including counterconditioning and the Premack principle were used to build confidence with handling and fitting walking equipment, while pattern games and play with conspecifics were used to build predictability and confidence with unfamiliar people. Bambi exhibited improved confidence around unfamiliar people and improved welfare in the general shelter environment, was able to successfully meet an adopter, and has since thrived in his adoptive home where they have continued his training.

Target Audience: Other dog trainer professionals and shelter workers

Learning Objective:  At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to implement training and management strategies to assist in improving welfare and confidence in shelter dogs.