Radiant Cats Behaviour & Training

10/26/2024

This is becoming a welfare issue!

Im tired of hearing “the vet says there is no pain” by a guardian after they have taken their dog to the vet. It leaves me deflated and frustrated and feeling so sorry for the dog.

Myth Bust:

PAIN CANNOT BE RULED OUT IN ANY ANIMAL (dog, cat, horse or hamster), by anyone!

* A quick palpation - CANNOT RULE OUT PAIN

WHY?

The dog may shut down due to environmental factors or dislike of a strange human touching them, they keep still to get it over with ASAP!

The dog may be over aroused or overwhelmed by the clinical environment (excited/scared etc) to the point that adrenaline is so high it blocks pain!

* Blood Tests - CANNOT RULE OUT PAIN

There is currently NO blood test that can detect pain.

* Diagnostic imaging - CANNOT RULE OUT PAIN

Yes they can pick up a variety of conditions, but even the GOLD standard MRI doesn’t pick up everything, but NONE of them can detect PAIN.

Just because a source cannot be found doesn’t mean there is no pain.

PAIN is subjective, it is whatever that being (human or animal) perceives it to be!

Pain can come in many different forms, it is extremely complex, and can effect the individual in many different ways. A dog may get injured, the injury may have healed, but the pain remains … this is known as maladaptive pain.

Behaviour can be a HUGE indicator for PAIN:

* There could be a change of behaviour that has been directly caused by PAIN.

* There could be a worsening of behaviour due to an increase or new presence of PAIN.

* There could be a lack of “normal” behaviour due to PAIN.

* There could be behaviours that are present but that the guardian/owner don’t deem to be problematic that are indicators of PAIN.

* The dog may have ALWAYS displayed behaviours that are indicators of PAIN, but they have been ignored and put down to “just the way they are”.

* There may be NO problematic behaviours at all …. And the dog might still be in PAIN!

* The dog might be energetic, always on the go … and still be in PAIN.

* The dog might be lazy … and still be in PAIN.

* The dog may zoom up and down stairs … and still be in PAIN.

Diagnosing PAIN is not simple and can be difficult to get on top of.

A PAIN relief trail can be great! But often only one type of analgesic is tried and sometimes this doesn’t get results leading to the ASSUMPTION that there is no PAIN!

Here’s why:

* The drug was only trialed for 2 weeks - when living with chronic pain it can take longer to relieve. 2 weeks is not enough.

* The drug used wasn’t targeted to the type of pain the animal is feeling; soft tissue, bone, nerve or a combination of all.

It might take a number of different medications or a combination OVER TIME to see a difference.

ALWAYS keep in mind, NO ONE can rule out another being’s PAIN.

NO ONE. Not me. Not you. Not a Doctor. Not a Vet.

10/21/2024

Same for cats! Anything used to startle or scare a cat may escalate a tense situation or create fear and anxiety related to you.

Rattle cans or bottles filled with stones or coins or 'dog discs' designed to be thrown down near the dog to startle them are things we see relatively often being used. Because they do not have to make contact with the dog to 'work' it can mistakenly be thought that they are not doing any damage to the dog.

Startling a dog to stop ‘bad behaviour’ is a bad idea for a number of reasons.

Simply aiming to stop the behaviour does not show the dog what we would like them to do instead. If we concentrate on teaching the dog the things we’d like to see then there is less likelihood they are going to show behaviours we find problematic.

Focusing on stopping a behaviour doesn’t look at the reason the behaviour is occurring in the first place. What is the emotion that is underlying the behaviour? Why is the behaviour being shown in that moment? Is the dog scared, stressed, under stimulated? What is the need that is driving the behaviour (safety, mental or physical stimulation, carrying out natural behaviours, hungry etc)?

Startling a dog in this way can cause them to become stressed and anxious. Their hearing is very sensitive and the noise that may not seem so bad to us is likely more intense and highly unpleasant to them (if it wasn’t, it wouldn’t ‘work’). Doing things that cause our dogs to feel stress and become anxious means that the people that dog should most be able to trust is no longer as trustworthy, and so the relationship and bond between dog and human can be damaged.

What we can do to replace the need for startling the dog is work on getting our cues really strong and showing the dog the behaviours we’d like to see in different situations.

Make sure that our dogs are allowed to be dogs and can safely carry out those natural behaviours in ways that are not problematic. Let them sniff when out in the world. Find a safe spot for them to dig, such as a sand pit. Let them dissect their toys (under supervision for safety) – soft toys can be restuffed and sewn up so this can happen multiple times and avoid needing to spend a lot of money.

Work on a ‘positive interrupter’, a cue that means stop what you’re and come to us (and really make this worth their while – an example of this would be a cue that means ‘come with me’ where we run to spot where the absolute best rewards for that dog are kept, so really tasty treats, favourite toy etc).

Most importantly, don’t try methods that involve startling or scaring your dog. There is always a better way than one involving fear.

10/21/2024

A sturdy, well-made cat tree will last your cat's lifetime. Although a tree may initially seem like an expensive purchase, it's an important part of your cat's environment and territory. When shopping for a cat tree, look for one that is very sturdy, has wide perches that will be comfortable for your cat, and has enough perches so a less mobile cat can still access the top perch by climbing on the lower ones. When shopping for cat shelves and other elevated options, always choose sturdy, wide ones that can be firmly installed.

10/03/2024

Fear Free veterinary care is a compassionate approach that prioritizes the emotional well-being of animals during their medical treatment. This method acknowledges the intricate and often overlooked aspect of animal sentience, recognizing that animals experience fear, stress, and anxiety just as humans do. By creating a safe and calming environment, implementing gentle handling techniques, and utilizing positive reinforcement, Fear Free care helps to reduce fear and anxiety in animals, ultimately improving their overall well-being and allowing for more effective and successful veterinary treatment. This approach aligns well with the understanding of animal sentience, emphasizing the importance of treating animals with respect, empathy, and understanding their emotional needs.

09/30/2024

Humane Canada is doing amazing work to change the way people think about and care for animals. One of the ways they are enhancing animal welfare (and the welfare of all people who care for animals!) is by petitioning the government for updates and changes to our legal system.
This petition for pet inclusive housing is for everyone, whether you rent or not. Please take a minute to sign and share to show the government that we believe people shouldn't be forced to make a choice between housing insecurity or houselessness and giving up a member of their family. Having a pet should not make it even harder to find affordable housing when we are already in the midst of a housing crisis.
https://humanecanada.ca/en/petinclusivehousing

Our efforts are working! 📝

Humane Canada’s national petition for pet-inclusive housing is now the #2 most signed petition on the House of Commons list! Join over 13,000 Canadians who have signed the petition calling for change.

Lack of pet-inclusive housing is a leading cause of animals being surrendered to shelters across the country. Pet-inclusive housing reduces stress and loneliness for tenants, lowers turnover rates for landlords, and enhances social connections in communities.

Use your voice to create a more inclusive and compassionate housing system in Canada! Add your name: https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Sign/e-5046

09/30/2024

If you have multiple cats and there’s tension between two or more of them, then that tension may be carried over into the litter box. When a cat is taking care of personal business in the box is sometimes the ideal time for an opponent to stage an ambush. It's especially convenient for the

09/16/2024

09/04/2024

I may focus on helping cats, but all the principles Zak talks about applies to every species, not just dogs.

So… I’ve really been listening to the constructive criticism directed towards us and want to offer some thoughts.

I’ve noticed some common questions and concerns about our approach to advocating for change in the dog training industry, and I want to address them openly.

Our goal continues to be highlighting the need for our industry to evolve and improve in ways that benefit not only dogs but also the people who love them. The dog training field has stagnated in some areas, and it’s time we all come together to push for progress.

One concern I often hear is that we’re oversimplifying things by pushing for positive reinforcement and science-backed methods without using pain or fear. I completely understand where this question comes from, and I’m glad people are asking it. To clarify, we’re not saying there’s only one way to train a dog or that positive reinforcement looks the same in every scenario. There are countless ways to train a dog effectively without resorting to pain or fear, and it’s about finding the right approach for each dog within a framework that prioritizes humane methods.

Let’s take the case of the high-drive dog. Some think that for these dogs, tools like choke, prong or shock collars are necessary to maintain control. But any positive reinforcement trainer will tell you that these are often the most amazing dogs to work with precisely because they are so easy to motivate. They have the drive, the focus, and the enthusiasm, which makes them perfect candidates for training with positive reinforcement. By tapping into what they love, whether it’s a favorite toy, treat, or activity, we can shape their behaviors in ways that are not only effective but also mega enjoyable for them.

But what about aggressive dogs? This is another area where I see a lot of confusion. When faced with aggression, some still turn to aversive methods, thinking they are needed to control the situation. And often, they may be if a dog is over threshold since the safety of the dog and everyone around is a priority. But remember that’s an emergency management situation (we are not training or attempting to modify behavior in these instances)

Research overwhelmingly shows that aversive techniques, like shock collars or harsh physical corrections, are strongly correlated with increased aggression and anxiety over time. These methods may suppress the outward signs temporarily, but they don’t address the underlying causes. That’s why we advocate for approaches that get to the root of the problem rather than just managing symptoms.

I’ve also heard concerns that our stance has polarized the community. Perhaps. I want to say that polarization isn’t inherently negative, it can be a driving force for positive change when grounded in a clear and ethical motivation. Think about well-known examples like the Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Suffrage, LGBTQ+ rights, and the abolition of slavery. These were deeply polarizing issues that led to necessary and meaningful progress.

Now, I’m not equating the evolution of dog training with these significant historical movements, but I mention them to illustrate that polarization can have a purpose when it’s about advancing ethical standards and practices.

It’s not about creating division for its own sake; it’s about helping both professionals and the public understand what’s considered acceptable and effective based on the latest in animal behavior science. This benefits everyone by ensuring that dogs aren’t facing additional behavioral problems because they’ve been trained in a way that suppresses rather than resolves issues.

Lastly, we need to talk about accessibility and support within our community. Some have pointed out that moving away from aversive methods can be challenging because finding a qualified behaviorist or using modern approaches might seem costly or difficult. I get that, and it’s a valid concern. That’s why we’re pushing for better support for those who are committed to modern, humane practices. This means creating more opportunities for education, mentorship, and resources, so trainers have a clear pathway to becoming well-versed in approaches that align with current, evidence-based guidelines as outlined by AVSAB in their position statement on humane dog training.

Advocating for change in dog training isn’t just about methods; it’s about the well-being of dogs and the safety of the public. Positive reinforcement and humane training methodologies offer a comprehensive approach that meets a dog’s full spectrum of needs, without resorting to pain or fear. We’re here to keep pushing for more integrity in this field, ensuring that our profession evolves into a respected, science-based practice that truly serves everyone involved.

Dog training science resources collected in one place (thank you ) https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/p/resources.html

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior position statement on humane dog training:https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-2021.pdf

Fallout from the Use of Aversives reference list (thank you Eileen Anderson )
https://eileenanddogs.com/fallout-aversives-punishment-negative-reinforcement/

08/23/2024

You’ve probably heard that yelping when your kitten bites or scratches will teach them to stop. Whoever popularized this idea and made it some of the most common advice for handling rough play has a lot to answer for—seriously, how did this bad advice catch on? The idea is that mimicking the sound a littermate might make when hurt will signal to your kitten that they’ve gone too far. Sounds logical, I suppose. Unfortunately, it often has the opposite effect.

Here’s the deal: when you yelp, your kitten might think you’re still playing—just in a louder, more exciting way. Instead of backing off, they could get more wound up, thinking the game is getting even better. Plus, some kittens may not even understand the yelp as a sign of discomfort, since they’ve learned to play rough without consequences.

So, what should you do instead? When your kitten bites or scratches too hard, it’s game over. Calmly stop the play and redirect them to a toy, or simply give them a moment to settle down before allowing them to try again.

Don’t put them in timeout, either! Timeouts for kittens often backfire because they can unintentionally reinforce the very behavior you’re trying to stop. Picking up a kitten to place them in timeout can actually reward them with more attention, making them more likely to bite or scratch again. Instead, putting *yourself* in timeout by calmly walking away shows them that rough play means the fun ends, without giving them a chance to escalate the behavior.

And don’t forget to reinforce polite requests for play! If your kitten approaches you without biting or scratching, make sure to reward that behavior with attention and playtime. This positive reinforcement helps them learn that gentle behavior gets them what they want, reducing the chances of rough play in the future.

In short, skip the yelping and focus on teaching your kitten what’s appropriate through calm, consistent actions. It’ll save you both a lot of frustration in the long run!

08/21/2024

Hissing is often misinterpreted as a cat being aggressive but it actually means the cat is reluctant to engage in aggression.

08/21/2024

08/21/2024

In a multicat household, provide resources in each cat’s personal core area.

08/08/2024

Happy everyone! ❤️ 🐈‍⬛

How will you be celebrating all things cat today?😻

The cat welfare charity International Cat Care is the custodian of International Cat Day, so head over to the International Cat Care page or visit their website to get some ideas about how you could celebrate this very special day 😻👇👇
https://icatcare.org/international-cat-day/

08/08/2024

Happy International Cat Day!

Happy International Cat Day! Today, we celebrate and raise awareness about cat healthcare, wellbeing, and responsible pet care. Let’s support regular checkups and appreciate the joy cats bring into our lives.

07/27/2024

Supporting People and Pets Affected by Wildfire Evacuations Last Updated: July 23, 2024 @ 3:30 p.m. The Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) is supporting the City of Edmonton’s Animal Care & Control Centre to assist people and pets who have been […]