Training Expert Dogs to Hand-Off to Amateurs with Miranda Turenne

In this episode of K9 Conservationists, Kayla speaks with Miranda Turenne from Pacific Assistance Dogs Society about Assistance Dogs. Science Highlight: Canine Olfaction: Scent, Sign, and Situation How do you prep dogs for new/green handlers? Selection of the dogs is important Dogs that are highly biddable and highly task oriented Building foundation skills to fluency Training system created with the transfer to the client in mind Clean cues, proofing, generalization How do you prep handlers for dogs? Can any handler (any dog) do this transition? Service dogs are not always the best choice, so the client must be prepared for a lifestyle change with a lot of work Proper matching helps with preparation Educational hours to ensure client is prepared with how to care for the dog In person hand off course to learn the tasks and behaviors as well as care Continuing education What causes hiccups? Training Incompatibility Reinforcement history Lack of training mechanics in clients Do you offer brush-up training or support? As much or as little as the client needs/wants Yearly recertification Links Mentioned in the Episode: Training Without Conflict Where to find Miranda: Website | Advanced Dogs Instagram | PADS Instagram | Miranda’s Instagram You can support the K9 Conservationists Podcast by joining our Patreon at patreon.com/k9conservationists. K9 Conservationists Website | Merch | Support Our Work | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok