What is a Master groomer behavior specialist (mgbs)?
A Master Groomer Behavior Specialist is a professional groomer who has completed a 32-week diploma program focusing on understanding canine behavior, common behavioral issues that come up in the grooming environment, and implementing positive based training techniques to help these dogs feel safe, comfortable, and calm during their time spent in the grooming shop. We recognize and understand that most dogs have varying degrees of difficulty with the grooming process and, following the principles of L.I.M.A. and the Humane Hierarchy, use classical and operant conditioning and other specialized training techniques to teach cooperation during grooming procedures. We begin by taking a history, doing a Functional Behavior Assessment, then creating a Behavior Modification Plan based on our findings. We strongly believe in the power of education and teamwork and strive to include pet parents in their dog’s learning journey. We are also prepared to collaborate with the other pet professionals in your dog’s life (such as veterinarians, trainers, etc.) in order to help with cooperative care.
What is a Functional Behavior Assessment?
A Functional Behavior Assessment is what we use to try to figure out exactly what is causing a particular behavior. We must identify the behavior itself, but also what happens directly before (antecedent) and after (consequence) the behavior. For example, if a dog growls (the behavior) every time someone attempts to clip its nails, we then endeavor to figure out WHY. What happened right before the dog growled? What happens right after? Were there other behavioral cues at any point? Sometimes the answer isn’t particularly obvious at first glance. Is the dog in pain? Is the way it’s being restrained unnatural or uncomfortable? Is it one particular paw that seems to be causing the reaction? Is it the squeezing sensation of the clippers themselves? Or is the behavior actually something related more to who the dog is as an individual? Using history given to us by the owner and our own observations, we then begin creating our Behavior Modification Plan.
What is a Behavior Modification Plan?
A Behavior Modification Plan is a customized plan created by the MGBS in an attempt to change the behavior documented during the Functional Behavior Assessment. This plan includes specific information about the individual dog, skills the dog needs to learn, possible training techniques and equipment to be used, and tentative timelines. The plan can (and probably will!) be modified often as we learn more about the dog itself, what he responds to, and what exactly is causing the unwanted behavior.
WHAT IS COOPERATIVE CARE?
Cooperative Care involves training an animal to not only tolerate handling, grooming, and husbandry procedures, but to be an active and willing participant. Most importantly, it allows the animal the element of choice in their care, by giving them the ability to indicate that they do not want to proceed by displaying a safe, non-aggressive behavior, such as lifting their head off of a chin rest target. It is commonly used in zoos and on farms, where the animals in question are often large and potentially dangerous. Using Cooperative Care techniques allows these animals to be more safely handled during basic care and medical procedures. For example, an elephant can be trained to lift its trunk and open its mouth to have its teeth examined. Interestingly, while most people accept that this type of training is extremely important and helpful in these circumstances, many dismiss the idea as silly and unnecessary when it comes to their dogs. But imagine how much easier things like nail trims could be if your dog offered up his paw? Or even filed his nails himself?! (Yes, it can be done!)
Have you ever met someone who was truly terrified of the dentist? Imagine that same person being held down and forced to endure a dental procedure, with no control over anything happening to them. They’d become even more frightened and would probably never go back, right? . Being afforded the ability to say “no” helps give us a sense of control in a situation and helps us be more willing to cooperate. Believe it or not, animals are often the same way. They are actually more likely to participate in something they’d rather not do if they know they have a choice in the matter.
(source: iaabcfoundation.org )
Learn more!
- Master Groomer Behavior Specialist website
- L.I.M.A.
- Humane Hierarchy
- Fear Free website
- Creating Great Grooming Dogs– an excellent podcast and resource for groomers and owners alike!
Here are a few books that I also highly recommend if you are interested in learning more about canine behavior and cooperative care!
- From Fearful to Fear Free; by Dr. Marty Becker
- Cooperative Care: Seven Steps to Stress-Free Husbandry; by Deborah A. Jones, PH.D.
- Meet Your Dog; by Kim Brophy
- The Other End of the Leash; by Patricia B. McConnell, PH.D.