Welcome to our weekly how to videos! We're going to start with going over our 3 initial behaviour modification exercises.
For those existing clients, this will be very familiar! And for anyone new to joining us, these are 3 great behaviours to add to your toolbox to help your dog (or cat!) cope with stressors.
#dogbehaviour #fearfuldog #behaviourvet #veterinarybehaviour #doglanguage #dogbehaviourproblems
Pet of the Month!
Willow's Story
Willow came to us as a foster from Playa del Carmen, Mexico. She had come into the shelter after being found, tied up and abandoned. She wasn't doing well at the shelter so they needed to place her asap. Willow didn't have any domestic dog skills and struggled with strangers, being alone, noise sensitivity, and was afraid to leave the house. Inside the house with her people, she was starting to open up and trust a little bit, and her silly personality was starting to shine. We adopted her seeing her promise, but geared up for a difficult journey. In the few years Willow has been with us she has transformed. She loves being outside and playing in the snow. In the summers, we had to install a doggy door so she could sunbathe at will. She is incredibly playful, compassionate, kind, and the very best communicator we know! She is starting to make some doggie friends, and even some human friends! She enjoys snuffle balls, croissants, and decimating her toys. She takes her role as bunny guardian very seriously, shooing birds and squirrels from our yard every spring so that the baby bunnies born in our yard are free from interference.
Her journey has been full of so many bumps and hurdles, but also so many successes. Willow's growth wouldn't be possible without the village of professionals and caregivers who see her spirit and love her as much as we do. She inspires us to lead our lives and relationships with kindness and understanding. She reminds us every day of the importance of rest and being present every moment you can.
~ Kayla
#ottawavetbehaviour
#behaviourvet
#petofthemonth
#Willow
Ersa's Story:
We rescued Ersa at 8 weeks but almost right away we knew something wasn't right; as a young puppy Ersa was scared, reactive and very uncertain with the world around her. So much so there were times we weren't sure if Ersa liked being around us or her new big brother Taco (rescue boxer). Taco was up for the challenge and even managed to withstand Ersa's sharp little puppy teeth as, for months, she just couldn't be around him without wanting to play/attack.
Ersa met Dr. Nicholson at 16 weeks old and we quickly learned that Ersa needed more help than we knew how to handle. Dr. Nicholson worked with Ersa and developed a balanced plan that included medication and behaviour training. She was a challenging puppy but with guidance from the team at OVBS, Ersa is now 1.5 years old and has made huge improvements, finding her own personality and normalcy, she can even relax with her big bro Taco!
Ersa's lil personality shines now that her anxiety is managed. She is funny, sneaky (always looking to snag socks), and loving. She loves all her toys, treats and diving right into the cuddle puddle. Ersa has taught us that patience, acceptance and consistency really can pay off.
~Trish & Dave
#ottawavetbehaviour
#behaviourvet
#petofthemonth
#Ersa
Lucey's Story
Lucey's Story:
Lucey suffers from anxiety and fear-based aggression. OVBS has assisted us in understanding Lucey and helping her live a happier fulfilled life. Without their assistance, our quality of life (including Lucey's) was/would be very difficult.
We are very grateful to Dr. Nicholson. There were moments where we were very discouraged and we just needed to hear, that everything will be ok.
~ Natasha
Pet of the Month - Tigger
Tigger's Story:
"An incredibly sweet guy who loves to please, Tigger struggles with anxiety and reacts aggressively when outside his comfort zone. Rescued as a one-year-old, he bears evidence of a rough start in life. While this will be a lifelong journey, he has made huge improvements with the guidance of the OVBS team and we look forward to continuing along this path". ~ Sarah
Pet of the Month - Cybelle
Cybelle's Story:
"Cybelle is happier and more playful because she’s learning that the world is not such a scary place. I’ve learned that we need to go at her pace and focus on making sure that she feels safe."
-Nathalie
Milan's Story:
''Everyone comments on what an incredible change there's been. There's no comparison between the frightened, anxious dog of a year ago and the happy, confident dog he is now.
Thank you so much for guiding us through this. I was completely at my wits end a year ago and now I have confidence that we've overcome his terrible anxiety and the sweet natured dog that I wanted is back.''
-Sandi
Pet of the Month Simba!
Simba's Story:
"We have seen such amazing progress with Simba. His vet visit today was a prime example. I am still in awe that an annual exam can be so easy. Simba was too busy eating treats to notice receiving any of the vaccines or being weighed or having his heart checked. I could not thank you enough for the foundational blocks you helped me build for Simba to be so comfortable being poked and prodded. I wish I had found you sooner."
- Susan
Follow Simba on Instagram @gingeraledcat 🧡
Fiyero's Story!
Fiyero's Story:
Here is an update on how amazing Fiyero is doing. He is improving so much that he is able to ignore cars almost entirely, and the same with bikes. He responds to cues in public (kissing sound or 'touch') even when he is in a stimulating environment. Recently, someone in our neighbourhood was jogging past him, and he was so calm and sweet they pet him on the head and kept running. He just wagged his tail. We still have a lot of work to do, but his medication has undoubtedly changed his life for the better (and of course, in turn, ours). It feels like the hard work we're doing is finally paying off, and I really can't thank the Ottawa Veterinary Behaviour Services team enough. He is so precious to me, and I feel so empowered as an owner, and endlessly grateful to have the support to give him what he needs to be safe and happy.
I wanted to make sure to include a picture of him with his muzzle, because although we aren't using it regularly anymore, it was such a great tool for us for a long time. I know there can be a lot of stigma around needing them. As you can tell from the picture...it never stopped us from having an amazing time!
~ Cassie M.
Fiyero's Mom
