SAT APRIL 27
3:30-5:30 PM WORKSHOP | LH2
Susan Yanoff, DVM, MS, DACVS
ANIMAL PERFORMANCE AND THERAPY CENTER
VETERINARY PRACTITIONER
FENZI DOG SPORTS ACADEMY
INSTRUCTOR
Introduction to Shaping: A Force-Free, Positive Reinforcement Training Technique
Shaping is a training technique in which dogs are rewarded for successive approximations of behaviors that lead to the end behavior. This workshop will introduce participants to the principles of shaping (timing, criteria, rate of reinforcement), using a clicker as a marker. We will discuss positive reinforcement training. The mechanics of clicking and treating will be stressed, since clean mechanics make learning faster, easier and less frustrating. Working participants will be coached as they teach their dogs to perform simple behaviors. We will discuss other marker cues, and touch on the concept of location specific markers.
About
Dr. Yanoff graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980. After three years in private practice, she joined the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps. While on active duty, she completed a 3 year residency in small animal surgery and became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Dr. Yanoff retired from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2004. After working for a year on a horse farm in Idaho, she returned to Ithaca to join the staff at Colonial Veterinary Hospital as their second surgeon. She retired from Colonial in December 2009. The following month, Dr. Yanoff started working for Shelter Outreach Services, a high quality, high volume spay-neuter organization. She also does canine sports medicine evaluations at the Animal Performance and Therapy Center in Genoa, NY. Dr. Yanoff is a guest instructor at the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, an on-line dog training school. She teaches a course on Canine Sports Medicine for the Performance Dog Handler. She has given several webinars on that platform. Dr. Yanoff trains and shows her dogs in conformation, obedience, agility, and tracking. She was introduced to competition obedience with her first beagle, Tristan, in 1975. He earned an AKC CDX title. Her second beagle, Devon, earned an AKC UD title. Her third beagle, Charm, was one of the most titled Champion beagle bitches in history (CH Wilkeep Third Time’s a Charm, UD, RE, MX, MXJ, TD). Her current beagle, Ivy (CH MACH Wilkeep Ivy League, CDX, RN, TD) is working on her UD and TDX.
