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COURSE ON BEHAVIOUR TRAINING AND HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND

Background of Course:

Ten participants attended the twelve-day course from 23 November to 5 December 1999 in Sequim, Washington, U.S.A. Six participants were Malaysians (two veterinarians, two veterinaiy students, and two dog breeders); two Americans (dog breeders) and two Japanese (both veterinarians). Ms Terry Ryan, a wellknown authority in animal behaviour and a highly respected animal trainer, conducted the course. She is also one of the pioneers in the development of programs on the use of human-animal bond as part of therapy and rehabilitation, as well as emotional harmony in special children, the elderly and patients.

The course was very informative and enlightening. Other than lectures and demonstrations, there were sessions on practical application of the introduced methods using mainly dogs and a small part with rats.

Visits were arranged to facilities that are involved with the use of human-animal association in different ways. These included the Delta Society office, a maximum-security prison, a home for the elderly, humane society/boarding facilities, and dog training centres.

1. Training method

The training method advocated is based on understanding the animal's behaviour/body language and using a positive approach (such as reward, praise and encouragement) as a remedial measure to solve certain behavioural problems besides using it in training. This approach is much more hutnane than the traditional method of training using force and punishment to shape certain behaviour or to rectify a behavioural problem. Also, it promotes a better relationship between the animal and person.

Many a time animals especially dogs are neglected, mistreated, abused or even abandoned due to unacceptable behavioural problems. The animals themselves are not "bad" and with proper management and training they could be helped to display better behaviour which will improve their chances of finding a good home. This will also play a part in reducing the number of strays.

As was shown during the course, a number of dogs that were given up to the humane society facility because of certain behavioural problems have been successfully rehabilitated after adoption and proper training.

2. Good-Citizen program

The program covers obedience training of dogs, evaluation/examination followed by certification of dogs that have successfully passed the test, It is being offered in the U.S.A., Japan and Australia. The participating dogs are trained to be well-behaved in various situations such as in a crowded area, in the presence of distractions (strangers, other dogs or other animals), during physical exammiation (veterinary visits) and social situations (owner's friend), etc. Certified dogs are allowed entry in participating establishments such as certain restaurants, hotels, public transport, etc.

3. Animal-assisted therapy

Animals, especially dogs, have contributed tremendously in various ways in therapy, both directly and indirectly, and emotionally as well as physically. Amongst some of the benefits are the unconditional love that animals unselfishly provide, increased selfconfidence, promotes relaxation and reduction of stress, promotes balancing skills, promotes grasping skills and encourages ambulation and increased walking. Some of the animals that have been used for such purposes include dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, horses, dolphins, etc.

The human-animal bond has its wealth of benefits in situations involving special children, the elderly, emotionally troubled children/ adults, physically disabled people, physiotherapy, patients such as the terminally ill, prisoners and other rehabilitation situations. The visits during the course to the Delta Society, to a home for the elderly that participate in the program and to a maximum-security women's prison demonstrated the application and benefits of such a therapy.

4. Service dogs

Service dogs refer to dogs used for directly work-oriented purposes such as for assisting the blind, assisting the physically disabled, rescue work in disaster situations, scenting purposes and as tracking dogs, etc. These animals require specialised training and their great contribution in various situations has been demonstrated over the years in different parts of the world.

5. Improved care of pets

From the commercial aspect, the recognition of animals as part of the family is obvious from the availability of a wide range of products specially for animals, ranging from different kinds of food for various conditions as well as snacks and supplements, to more comfortable collars, bedding materials, housing, transport containers, clothing, toys, games, etc.

No longer is an animal being seen as just a living commodity kept for a purpose and getting what is available without much consideration. The comfort and welfare of the animal Is now being recognised more as a significant family member, much like a child.

Comments:

The human-animal bond has a wealth of contribution to our life and with availability of proper animal training many of the benefits can be realised. Individuals already involved or interested in animal breeding and/or training can be encouraged to adopt a more humane approach to the training method taking into consideration the welfare of the animal concerned. MNAWF would be an avenue where the promotion of such application of the human-animal bond could be encouraged which will improve the recognition of animals.

Organised programs on animal-assisted therapy could be further expanded from the existing programs available in the country. The use of horse riding for special children currently available could be expanded to the introduction of other animals, which will benefit those who are not able to participate in horse riding for certain reasons. Such a program could also be extended to the home for the elderly The availability of an opportunity to integrate any kind of animals into society at a deeper level will help to promote responsible pet ownership which in turn will enrich life for both the human and the animal involved.

Dr. Johara Mohd. Yob