May 2, 2005

Dog volunteers sought for training, behavior classes

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – The Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine's Animal Behavior Clinic is seeking dogs to participate in training and behavior modification courses on June 3-4 that will take place on the West Lafayette campus.

"The DOGS! course is designed to give veterinary technicians and veterinarians hands-on experience using techniques they learn in class," said Julie Shaw, senior animal behavior technologist and one of the instructors of the practicum. "The course will provide veterinary professionals with an invaluable set of tools they can use to help clients confront a variety of pet behavior situations."

The training class on June 3 will be open to 30 untrained dogs without major behavioral problems. These dogs may have training issues such as jumping, pulling on the leash and not coming when called. The session will take place from 8:45 a.m. to noon.

The June 4 class will be open to 30 dogs, selected on the basis of having behavioral problems such as anxiety, aggression, handling issues and compulsive disorders. Issues not considered for this class are separation anxiety, fear of everything and territorial aggression.

All volunteer dogs must be up to date on vaccinations, including the bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine. There is no fee for dogs to participate.

Application forms are due by May 14 and are available online. For more information, contact Shaw at (765) 494-1107, shawjk@purdue.edu.

The Animal Behavior Clinic is associated with the Center for the Human-Animal Bond in the School of Veterinary Medicine. The services provided to pet owners use methods based on scientific principles to efficiently change troublesome animal behaviors. Services include pre-purchase counseling for prospective pet owners; new pet-owner counseling; puppy classes; behavior consultations and treatment for dogs, cats and pet birds; fitting and instructions for the Gentle Leader, which is a training headcollar that helps in behavior management; and behavioral training sessions.

Writer: Maggie Morris, (765) 494-2432, maggiemorris@purdue.edu

Sources: Julie Shaw, (765) 494-8154, shawjk@purdue.edu

Kevin Doerr, Vet School Communications Director, (765) 494-8216, doerrkr@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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