In response to growing calls for evidence-based approaches in dog training, researchers led by **F. Acebes** have proposed a new integrative training model tailored specifically for dogs participating in **animal-assisted interventions (AAI)**. Published in the open-access journal Animals, the study highlights how this method incorporates advances in canine learning and cognition research to guide training practices from early development onward.
The method reflects nearly **three decades of experience** in human–dog therapeutic settings, and seeks to foster behaviors that support **cognitive, emotional, and relational outcomes** for human clients while ensuring the **well-being of the dog**. Drawing on a **constructivist approach**, the training prioritizes intrinsic motivation, adaptive skills, and a strong emotional bond between dog and handler.
Unlike traditional training systems that are often passed down informally among practitioners, this model aligns with **modern research on ontogeny and behavior shaping**, offering trainers a structured, science-backed roadmap for developing reliable, responsive, and emotionally resilient DAI dogs.
The authors advocate for greater collaboration between practitioners and researchers to further refine and validate this model, ensuring both effective outcomes for clients and humane, enriching experiences for the dogs involved.
Source: F. Acebes, J. L. Pellitero, C. Muñiz-Diez, I. Loy. Published in Animals, Volume 12, on February 1, 2022.
