Dholes are intelligent canines and can be trained to follow commands.
Dholes are intelligent canines and can be trained to follow commands.
The zookeepers at the San Diego Zoo recognize the etiquette of dhole pack dynamics while working with their dhole individuals for husbandry purposes. To maximize animal welfare and healthcare and minimize stress to the animals, each dhole—Sanuk, Lucius, Beni, Jetsan, Katsu, Torma, Kono, and Yoshi—are schooled in practical behaviors like station (staying in a particular spot), down, sit, target, rise up, present paw, and open mouth. This training is accomplished through positive reinforcement with rewards, which deepens the animals’ relationship with their keepers and keeps the sessions upbeat and constructive.
