| Retreat to Approach: A step by step protocol for working with fear-based aggression in shelter cats | |
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| Speakers: | Melissa Taylor, CBCC-KA, CSB-C |
| Venues: | (Sat Nov 18th, 2023 -to- Tue Nov 17th, 2026) |
| Email: | questons@iaabcfoundation.org |
| Type: | Online / Remote Learning |
| Competencies: | Behavioral Science Knowledge General Knowledge of Animal Behavior |
| Website: | https://iaabcfoundation.org/pounce |
| Description: | Constructional approaches to behavior modification in extremely fearful cats generally focus on shaping behaviors that enable the learner to progress from freezing or hiding to approaching and interacting directly with the handler. This kind of approach is effective in training cats to show prosocial behaviors towards humans. By focusing on the function of the target behaviors in question, constructional approaches build a sense of control in the learner, and are more efficient than techniques that operate primarily through counterconditioning and desensitization. Fearful cats who aggressively lunge towards humans can present a behavior modification challenge, especially in a shelter setting, where training space is often limited. Instead of directly training relaxed approach and friendly contact, shaping walking away from humans can be a useful tool towards managing fear-based aggressive behavior and becomes a stepping stone towards training affiliative behaviors, like approaching and bunting. This talk presents a step by step behavior modification process for extremely fearful cats. After attending this presentation, learners will be able to: Recognize potential candidates for this constructional approach to behavior modification in undersocialized shelter cats Incorporate shaping moving away from the handler into a behavior modification plan for shelter cats with a history of fear-related behavior towards humans, including aggression |