PAWS Atlanta: Click for Quiet

WHY?

• Reinforces calm behavior in enclosures.

• Calm behavior decreases the likelihood of mouthing, jumping, leash grabbing, etc.

• The more human participants, the more likely the behavior is to generalize.

• If generalized, the dogs will have a calmer kennel presence during walk-throughs with shelter visitors or potential adopters/fosters.  

WHEN?

• Familiar dogs with loose, soft body language in their kennel and during a door latch test -OR- after mobile treat tossing and kennelside bonding, when the dog’s body is reliably loose and soft upon your approach.

• Indoor and outdoor enclosures.

• At least once daily. More often when you can!

HOW?

•  Step in front of a dog’s enclosure. If they are quiet, click then treat.

• If they vocalize, move on to the next dog.

• If the dog is unknown to you or displaying concerning body language, mobile treat toss instead (do not click).

•  Clicker is preferred for consistency between handlers.

• If the dog is quiet but jumps, lure four-on-the floor, then click and treat.