April 23, 2009

Purdue Animal Behavior Clinic seeks dogs for training classes

The hands-on courses, which will take place May 15 and 16 at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, are for veterinarians, veterinary technicians and advanced dog trainers.

Twenty untrained dogs are needed for the first class from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on May 15. Dogs may have minor issues like jumping, pulling on the leash and not coming when called, but no major behavioral problems. Owners may stay while the training takes place.

Twenty dogs also are needed for the second class, which runs from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on May 16. Behavioral issues that will be considered include anxiety to specific people, objects, animals or sounds; issues with handling or other procedures like nail trimming or touching ears; and compulsive disorders such as tail chasing and fly snapping. Owners should plan on staying in the facility during this session.

Behavioral issues that can't be considered for the classes are separation anxiety, fear and territorial aggression.

Applications are available online at https://www.vet.purdue.edu/animalbehavior. Complete the form and e-mail back to Julie Shaw, senior animal behavior technologist at the Animal Behavior Clinic, at shawjk@purdue.edu. The registration deadline is May 1.

Applicants whose dogs are selected will be contacted either by phone or e-mail with further details by May 8.

Writer: Soumitro Sen, 765-496-9711, ssen@purdue.edu

Source: Julie Shaw, 765-494-8154, shawjk@purdue.edu

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

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