Dogs can be trained to correctly identify certain prostate cancer cell-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in urine, according to new data from researchers in Paris. These promising new data were presented on June 1, 2010 during the 105th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA). The session was moderated by AUA Public Media Committee Chair Anthony Y. Smith, MD.
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Tag: training
Problems with aversive dog training
Welfare Organisations Join Forces To Highlight Problems With Aversive Dog Training Techniques, UK
23 Dec 2009
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) have joined forces with several UK animal welfare, behaviour, and training organisations (full list below) to warn of the possible dangers of using techniques for training dogs that can cause pain and fear, such as some of those seen used by Cesar Millan ‘The Dog Whisperer’, who has announced a UK tour next year. Continue reading Problems with aversive dog training
AVSAB position statement on punishment for behavior modification
The AVSAB’s position is that punishment (e.g. choke chains, pinch collars, and electronic collars) should not be used as a first-line or early-use treatment for behavior problems. This is due to the potential adverse effects which include but are not limited to: inhibition of learning, increased fear-related and aggressive behaviors, and injury to animals and people interacting with animals.
Continue reading AVSAB position statement on punishment for behavior modification
AVSAB statement on effects of punishment
American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
Position Statement on Adverse effects of Punishment
http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=118
Adverse Effects of Punishment
Punishment can be effective in specific cases, but it must be used carefully due to the difficulties of performing it properly compared to positive reinforcement and due to its potential adverse effects. The following is a description of the difficulties and adverse effects that one should be aware of when using punishment (aversives). Continue reading AVSAB statement on effects of punishment
How to have a good dog
(Thanks to Christy Hill for this great post on how to select a good dog. Her post was specifically in regard to service dogs; but is so applicable to all areas of dog training and behavior that we have re-posted it here.) Continue reading How to have a good dog
Detector dog duty cycle
Excerpts: Dogs have been used successfully for years by military and law enforcement. Dogs and their handlers are the most widely used, accurate, durable and flexible system available for detecting illegal drugs and explosives. A critical aspect of canine performance is their effective duty cycle.
Govt. scent detection dogs
ORLANDO, Fla. Under the watchful eye of their trainer, two diminutive beagles are working their way past suitcases randomly laced with beef, pork, apples, citrus and mangoes.
Trainers look for a physically healthy dog with a strong desire to hunt and retrieve objects and then seek to channel that desire. Many programs prefer traditional police dogs or retrievers and sporting breeds, although mutts and Jack Russell terriers, as well as beagles, are also used.
Despite the growth in number and applications of dogs for detection work, little research has been conducted into their capabilities and olfactory processes. Even less is understood about the complex dance of dog and handler, although that dynamic can have a profound affect on success rates, Dr. Myers said. Continue reading Govt. scent detection dogs