Cooperative care represents a significant shift in how we approach handling and husbandry for our canine companions. It moves beyond simple tolerance to actively involve dogs as willing participants in procedures like grooming, nail trimming, and veterinary examinations. By giving dogs a voice and a sense of control, we can transform potentially stressful experiences into opportunities for trust and relaxation, fostering a deeper bond between pet and owner. This approach is revolutionizing the dog-care professions, emphasizing the well-being and emotional state of our pets.
The growing awareness of cooperative care is reshaping the dog-training landscape. For decades, many interactions with dogs, especially during necessary procedures, operated under the “because I said so” mentality. However, the force-free training movement, gaining momentum over twenty years ago, has spurred a change. While some areas like grooming and veterinary medicine were slower to adopt these methods, the evolution is now accelerating.
A pivotal moment arrived in 2016 with the launch of Fear Free by veterinarian Marty Becker, DVM. This initiative provides educational programs and certifications focused on handling and treating pets without causing fear or distress. Fear Free has since expanded its reach to include dog trainers and groomers, with future plans to encompass pet sitters and dog walkers. Crucially, they also offer resources for pet owners and shelter staff at no cost.
The veterinary community is also contributing significantly. The American Animal Hospital Association is finalizing a comprehensive guide to cooperative care specifically for veterinary practices. Furthermore, Deborah Jones, Ph.D., author of Cooperative Care: Seven Steps to Stress-Free Husbandry, offers an online certificate course, providing a structured approach to these essential skills. Jones emphasizes that mastering basic cooperative care behaviors empowers owners to navigate almost any husbandry task with their dog’s willing participation. She outlines “10 Essentials” for cooperative care, including chin rests, lying on the side, muzzle training, and handling feet, mouths, and paws.
The Bucket Game: A Foundation for Canine Choice
Among the various protocols designed to foster cooperative care, the Bucket Game stands out for its ingenuity and versatility. Developed by trainer Chirag Patel, this engaging method empowers dogs by allowing them to communicate their willingness to participate in procedures. Through the Bucket Game, dogs can signal when they are ready to start, need a break, want to stop, or when the handler needs to slow down.
To play the Bucket Game, you’ll need a small bucket or container for treats and a supply of high-value rewards. The process begins by teaching your dog impulse control around the bucket. Initially, hold the bucket to your side and reward your dog for looking at it while maintaining a comfortable distance. As your dog associates the bucket with positive reinforcement, gradually increase the duration of their focus. The key is to let your dog choose to engage, avoiding any force or excessive prompting.
Once your dog can focus on the bucket for at least 10 seconds, you can begin introducing the concept of choice related to a specific procedure, such as brushing. Start by moving your hand toward your dog’s body (without touching) while they are focused on the bucket. If your dog maintains their gaze on the bucket, reward them. If they look away, likely out of curiosity or concern, simply withdraw your hand and allow them to re-engage with the bucket before trying again. This gradual process teaches your dog that by focusing on the bucket, they can control your actions and receive positive reinforcement.
As trust builds, you can progress to gently touching your dog with your hand, then with the grooming tool itself, all while they are focused on the bucket. Reward them intermittently for maintaining their focus. The most critical rule of the Bucket Game is to honor your dog’s signals. If your dog looks away from the bucket, it signifies a desire to stop or take a break. Immediately cease the procedure and resume only when your dog re-engages with the bucket. This consistent respect for their signals is paramount to the game’s success and builds unwavering trust.
The principles learned in the Bucket Game can be readily generalized to other husbandry tasks, including ear and mouth exams, nail trims, and even veterinary procedures. However, it is vital that any other individuals involved in your dog’s care also respect these signals and are willing to stop procedures when necessary. This collaborative approach ensures that cooperative care remains a positive and empowering experience for your dog.
For those seeking further guidance, resources like videos by Lauren Novack, an Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, offer practical demonstrations of cooperative care exercises. Her work showcases dogs willingly participating in examinations and vaccinations without restraint. Additionally, various organizations are dedicated to promoting force-free and cooperative care methods among pet professionals. These include Fear Free Pets, the Pet Professional Guild, and the Academy for Dog Trainers, among others. When seeking professionals, it is essential to interview them, ask for references, and observe their practices to ensure they align with your dog’s welfare and your cooperative care philosophy.
The historical development of cooperative care highlights a paradigm shift in our understanding of animal welfare. Landmark publications and initiatives, from Jean Donaldson’s The Culture Clash in 1996 to the establishment of Fear Free in 2016 and the ongoing development of educational programs, underscore a growing commitment to a more humane and ethical approach to animal handling. By embracing cooperative care, we not only ensure our dogs’ physical health but also nurture their emotional well-being, creating a partnership built on trust and mutual respect.
