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Ask Yvette

Most pet training material in popular media writing tends to focus on dogs. Yet, there are many more species of animals that are common kept as companion animals. They range from birds, fish, and reptiles through to rodents.

Occasionally people run into a snag and ask for help. Generally people try to accept the animal's quirks.

Food based training works for most species. Wild animals work for their food. It is only our companion animals who get food hand delivered. We take away the animal's job, and then expect them to obey. Although we can't say that this life of leisure causes problems, I think boredom is the root of many problems. Lack of a job means trouble. Simple trick training can alleviate some of that boredom.

Most species can be taught a new thing or two. When problems arise, you can do something to make things better. Even fish can be taught tricks.

All you require are a few simple tools. You need a safe environment. Dogs require a leash if outdoors. Rodents need a secure area. Reptiles need an environment that meets their biological needs.

At that point, you need to have something to reinforce or reward the animal with. For most animals, this is a treat or part of their meal. This is exactly what marine mammal handlers use at shows. The animal earns fish for their work. Food is also used to prepare the animals for handling exercises. No one wants to take a blood sample from a whale unless the animal is going to comply. That level of co-operation takes work.

You will also require a marker. Dolphin trainers often use a whistle. Dog trainers use a clicker. For animals with limited hearing, you can use a pen light. I personally like the kind used by optometrists. When you press the button the light is on. When you release the button, the light automatically turns off. Laser lights are generally not recommended because they may cause eye damage.

Then, create a vision. You decide what your end goal will be. If you want a bird to step up on their perch, then that is your objective. If you cannot visualize what you want, then how are you going to get there?

Next, divide the task into manageable portions. Most complex skills are taught this way. Kids don't learn to play hockey in one step. They learn to skate. They learn to stick handle. They learn to shoot the puck. Each of those skills are drilled individually before being brought together to create something very dynamic.

Animals benefit from a systemized learning plan as well. If you ask for too much, you'll probably end up with sloppy results at best. Teach systematically for the best results.

Follow your plan and work through the steps. Mark the behavior you like by clicking or flashing the light. Then give the food reward. Increase your expectations when the animal is capable of executing former tasks. It's that simple.

Remember to keep treats and diet appropriate to the species of the animal. You should not be over or underfeeding at any time during the process.

Then have a little fun with it. Animals, in my opinion, should add something to our lives. In return, our interaction enriches their lives.

Yvette is an award winning pet writer and pet behavior columnist. She also is the author of Meeting Milo, a North American dog bite prevention program to reduce the approximately 2 million children bit by dogs annually. She is the owner of AwesomeDogs.ca and works as a behavior consultant in London, Ontario.

This column was originally featured in The Londoner
See more of Yvette... www.awesomedogs.ca
www.meetingmilo.com

Yvette has 2 dogs of her own, KIKI and KAYA. Take a look...

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