When it comes to caring for “man’s best friend,” there is an overwhelming amount
of information available to dog owners – some good and some bad.
In an effort to make sure canine enthusiasts have access to the most advanced, modern
and scientifically-supported approaches to dog handling and training, the
West Virginia University
Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design has created a new
online course available through WVU Continuing Professional Education.
Dog Training Foundations
presents an overview of canine development, health and behavior, providing students
with the fundamentals of all things dog - from how they see the world and communicate
to the fundamentals of the most advanced behavior training techniques.
“This course offers knowledge above and beyond what typical dog training classes
offer,” said
Lindsay Parenti, visiting instructor in the Division of Animal and Nutritional
Sciences. “Education about modern dog training techniques is lacking and there
is conflicting information available to pet owners and those interested in training
dogs. This course will help to spread awareness of the most up-to-date, ethical,
and scientifically-based behavior modification techniques for dogs.”
And, according to Parenti, understanding the science behind behavior modification
techniques allows students to solve a variety of behavioral concerns as opposed
to a recipe-style format of dog training.
Topics to be discussed include dog development, socialization, nutrition, health
care, training techniques, housetraining, prevention of aggression and other behavior
problems, and ethical principles related to dog training.
“Ultimately, those successfully completing the course will be better able to understand
and provide for the canine family members,” she said.
An associate certified animal behavior consultant and certified service dog trainer,
Parenti has extensive knowledge and experience in training dogs – including service
and therapy dogs. She designed and currently teaches three popular WVU courses
that focus on assistance animals: Service Dog Training, Animal Assisted Interventions,
and Animal Learning.
In addition to empowering canine owners, the course will also cover the different
types of assistance animals, what they do and laws surrounding their use in society.
After successfully completing the online Dog Training Foundations course, individuals
interested in volunteering for or receiving a dog from Hearts of Gold, a local
nonprofit organization that raises, trains and places dogs to assist people with
disabilities, will be able to register for a workshop to further develop their
dog training skills with hands-on practice.
The three-week course begins June 25. The cost of the course is $549.
CONTACT: Lindsay Willey, WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design 304-293-2381; Lindsay.Willey@mail.wvu.edu