Programa de adiestramiento de caninos mestizos como soporte emocional para personas en la ciudad de Cuenca

Abstract

This study evaluated a pilot positive reinforcement training program applied to four adult mixed-breed dogs in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador, with the aim of analyzing their behavioral response, learning capacity, and adaptation to stressful stimuli. A descriptive quasi- experimental design with a mixed-methods approach and case study methodology was used. Individualized training employed the Luring technique and basic commands such as "sit," "heel," and "stay." The evaluation included an adaptation of the Campbell test and a Likert- type scale to assess behavioral response. The results showed improvements in three of the four dogs, demonstrating greater tolerance to stressful stimuli, emotional stability, obedience, and learning. The "stay" command required more time to consolidate. The study concludes that positive reinforcement strengthened the human-animal bond and demonstrates the potential of mixed-breed dogs as emotional support animals, with prior experiences also influencing learning speed. Keywords Training; behavior; potential; adaptation; learning; bonding.