Week 2/3: Five Step Formula

What are the five steps of the five step formula?

1) ID and avoid triggers

2) Foundation Exercises

3) Products

4) Behavioral Modification

Why is step 1 of the five step formula, "ID and avoid triggers" important?

- Safety - For owner and pet

- Damage to property

- Stop reinforcement

If a patient is unintentionally exposed to a trigger during step 1 of the five step plan, what should be done?

- Damage control: Calmly, yet quickly and safely get below threshold/remove trigger/remove pet from tigger

What is the purpose of step 2 of the five step formula?

- Structure, predictability, and redirection -> Leads to leadership and less reactive pet because they have someone to turn to

What are the four foundational commands/exercises for step 2 of the five step plan?

- Sit/stay

- Watch me

- U-turn

- Go-to spot

What is the purpose of a "target hand" as it relates to the five step formula?

- Hand with a treat in the middle of it (Palm of hand with fist closed) to use when giving a common -> Pt becomes conditioned to fist, not to treat

- Start with tracking the hand visually and then give the treat

What are some common errors which occur during step 2 of the five step formula?

- Owners try when triggers present (Only giving command/reward in the face of a trigger when it should be practiced in the absence of a trigger; Much harder in the face of a trigger)

- Owners try to force compliance (I.e., patient doesn't sit so you force booty down; If they do not offer the behavior, simply walk away)

- Owners use mediocre rewards

- Owners don't use target hand

- Owners expect too much too soon

- Owners only require command for food, not affection

What are some products which can aid in behavioral modification in step 3 in the five step formula?

- Leash

- Head collar

- Muzzles (Basket muzzle; Better if dog can open their mouth)

- Baby gates/crates

- Thundershirt

- Food puzzle toys

- Pheremones

- Complimentary/alternative supplements (Note that these are unregulated)

What leash is ideal for patients with behavioral issues?

- Standard 4-6 foot leash

- Not a retractable on aggressive animals

What is the purpose of using a muzzle for behavioral modification?

- A "backup"

- Even when using a muzzle, the idea is to keep them below their threshold and the muzzle is a backup