Technology in Training: Harnessing the Power of Remote Treat Delivery Systems
Delivering effective rewards to assistance dogs after task completion can be challenging, necessitating innovative solutions for timely and precise reward delivery. With the advent of technology, remote treat delivery systems have emerged as invaluable tools in assistance dog training. Bending or reaching to deliver a treat to a settled dog, or grasping a small treat from a treat pouch can be challenging for some handlers, particularly for handlers with limited mobility or dexterity. In this article, we will explore the benefits of remote treat delivery systems and their ability to enhance the training experience for assistance dogs and their handlers.
With our ever-progressing understanding of animal welfare and behavior, coupled with significant scientific evidence favoring reward-based methods, Assistance Dogs International actively promotes a training approach centered on delivering rewards rather than corrections. These days, numerous remote-controlled training products provide a button or signal to release timely rewards for dogs, offering an accessible and effective method to reinforce desired behaviors.
Every assistance dog team works differently, and remote treat delivery systems offer flexibility to cater to individual needs . Some models are designed to deliver treats in a stationary location, and feature buttons, motion sensors, or voice activation as a means to trigger a treat to be dispensed. For handlers who use wheelchairs or walkers, specific products are designed to attach to these mobility aids, allowing for seamless treat delivery. Whether on or off-leash, at home, or on the go, these systems provide a practical solution by allowing handlers to trigger the release of treats at the right time and place, enabling handlers with limited dexterity or mobility to conveniently deliver rewards to their assistance dogs.
Various tools, including the PetTutor, Treat and Train, and the Furbo, have not only proven utility amongst assistance dog handers, but many assistance dog trainers have also seen improved results and efficiency during task training. Since many of these remote food delivery systems can be used at a distance, behaviors that require the dog to stay in a particular spot, move to a specific location to task, or move away from their handler have become significantly simpler to train.
Despite the numerous advantages offered by remote treat delivery systems, these tools are not without their challenges. Though the devices themselves are often very user-friendly once set up, loading the food into the dispenser, resolving any jammed treats, or moving the equipment may prove challenging to some. It is also important to address the potential cost barrier that may pose as a challenge for some assistance dog programs and handlers. Some of these systems can be relatively expensive, often exceeding $100 (USD). Fortunately, the precise nature of treat delivery achieved by remote dispensers may not be required long-term for bonded teams. Intermittent use of food rewards, bolstered with praise and affection, can sustain skills without relying solely on remote treat delivery,
Every assistance dog team works together differently, and how a remote trainer may best serve each person, may require a little thinking outside of the box. As assistance dog programs and individuals continue to explore innovative tools and technologies, remote treat delivery systems hold immense potential for improving the effectiveness of rewards in training and the overall success of assistance dog teams.
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Haley Gorenflo is the Foster Puppy and Staff Trainer at Paws With A Cause. Training animals was a childhood dream that fell by the wayside until I took an internship on a whim at a conservation facility. During that internship I learned all about clicker training, behavior modification, and animal care. While that program was working with captive canids such as wolves, coyotes, and foxes, it launched me into a dog training career. After working with pet dogs and their owners for a few years, I have found a deeper joy in training assistance dogs. My goal is to enhance the lives of those in need of an assistance dog by applying my passion, kindness, and drive to learn in every dog I train. I have a Golden Retriever at home, Joe, and a cat, Artemis. In my spare time I enjoy finding new things to enrich my animals at home, reading, and watching horror movies.