Alison Scott Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist

04/07/2024

SILVER PAWS SERIES
Part three

Increasing fragility, both physically and emotionally are common as dogs age.

In human medical science an increasing area of attention has been how to retain / improve resilience to help the individual cope better with age related change.
An acronym that has been proposed to consider factors that support resilience, is PURPOSE OF LIFE.

I think there are many parts of this acronym that we can consider in our aging dogs.

P. Purpose in life. We start off with one of the harder concepts to apply 🤣. But I think for our dogs, this is about them still feeling a part of our lives, being appreciated, being able to participate in the activities that have previously brought them joy.

U Unable to manage, leading to increased stress. There are lots of ways we can make life easier for our dogs. From using non slip flooring, to steps on and off of the sofa, being physically supported up and down stairs, feeding softer food or treats … we can look at what our dogs are finding trickier and speak to our vet, a physiotherapist, a behaviourist … and come up with ideas to help.

R Restrictions in mobility. Just because our dog is aging, doesn’t mean we should just accept reducing mobility. Speak to your vet, organise a physio assessment, take a look at Canine Arthritis Management. There are lots of options to maintain mobility. Equally though, try not to equate senior dog welfare with the dog having a similar mobility to earlier life. Silver Paws may be physically weaker, have more discomfort, may tire easier … and they can still have lots of positive experiences with reduced or even no, walks. We ll come back to this in a separate post

P Physical Health. A whole variety of body organs can be less efficient or even diseased as dogs age. Speak to your vet about your dog’s health and aim for regular health checks.

O Optimism. What moments of joy does each day bring to keep both your dog’s and your own outlook on life positive. Again, more on this in a separate post

S Social connections. Elderly dogs may play less. They may not be as social with other dogs or humans as they once were. This doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy time with their favourite individuals. In fact many dogs, due to perceived vulnerability, like more social contact with long standing bonded individuals. It just looks different! It’s sitting together. It’s more gentle stroking / grooming. It might be options to investigate their dog friend’s toys rather than meeting in person.

E Emotion. If a senior dog is increasing in anxiety/ fear or becoming more withdrawn, seek professional help from a vet and / or clinical behaviourist to make sure we are addressing this in the most appropriate way.

O Outward mindset - embracing change. Can we support our dog through this life transition? We can provide more social reassurance, add in mobility/ physical and cognitive appropriate positive experiences. But we should also recognise change is challenging for many elderly individuals. So limit change. Make sure life is predictable, as much as we can.

F Family cohesion. Is everyone on board with how we are supporting our elderly dog? Who in the dog’s family might need more support in coping with this life stage. Caregiver burden. Anxiety about change / loss, are common emotional experiences for human s living with aging pets. Sometimes distancing themselves from the old dog is a coping strategy. Empathising with these feelings is crucial. Another post on caregiver burden will follow.

L. Locus of control. What choices can the aged dog make? Do they feel they are in control of themselves? Do we need to medically support them with elements of this? (Incontinence / needing to toilet more frequently as examples)

I Independent Activities of Daily Living. What can our aged dogs manage by themselves and where do we need to add in more support or environmental modification? Are we providing regular opportunities where they get to do activities they can manage and enjoy for themselves?

F Financial security. Dogs don’t worry about this! But us humans do. Aging dogs can get increasingly expensive. Have we a plan for that? Do we know our own limits and have we considered different cost based options?

E Environment. Enrichment Exercise. Canine Arthritis Management has some excellent resources on considering the safety and comfort of the reduced mobility dog’s environment. Considering enrichment and exercise for aged dogs will be a separate post, as there’s lots of great options and considerations

Trying to find time to pause and reassess many facets of our silver paw’s life can be invaluable to their quality of life. Resources for assessing quality of life will be coming soon.

Aprahamian, I., Woo, J., Vellas, B. and Morley, J.E., 2022. Resilience and successful aging. The Journal of nutrition, health and aging, 26(7), pp.652-656.

04/07/2024

SILVER PAWS SERIES
Part Two

It’s easy to under appreciate how aging increases our vulnerability.

Whether it’s because the aging individual feels more physically weak / fragile.
Perhaps it’s sensory change like failing eyesight or worsening hearing.
Perhaps it’s the development of various bodily pains. Or the recognition/ awareness of cognitive decline - maybe our ability to rationalise or puzzle solve is lessening or our memory capacity reducing.

Aging increases fragility: physical and emotional.

That’s worth being mindful of as we live alongside and hopefully support, older friends and family.

04/07/2024

SILVER PAWS SERIES
Part One

“Growing Old[er] is mandatory, growing up is optional”. Carroll Bryant

In some more medical circles, it has become popular to discuss the “success” of an aging individual.
I m not sure I m on board with terms like “successful ager” as to me it somehow implies failure by the individual who isn’t.

As our pets age we can consider three categories:
- limited / mild physical (including sensory) and cognitive change

- increasing physical OR cognitive change

- increasing physical AND cognitive change

Over this series we ll consider what these may look like in our pets, predominantly dogs and cats.

“Age is but a number” as reportedly said by Joan Collins.

When are our pets considered to be “aged” or “senior” or even “geriatric” (as someone who was labelled a “geriatric mother” when I was pregnant at 40, don’t get me started on the impact of age labels!) ?

This is complicated and something we ll explore more in the series.
As an overly simplistic “rule of thumb” we often consider cats over the age of 10 to be “senior” (affected in part by breed) and dogs, well, in the main, the larger they are, the earlier they are aged/ senior. So a small breed dog like a Jack Russell terrier might not be considered senior until they are 12 or over, however a large breed dog such as Labrador may be considered aged from 8 years. A giant breed (over 45kg as an adult) perhaps from 5 or 6 years of age.

To be honest it’s complicated and we see that in humans too.
I prefer to look at the individual in front of me. To consider their health, their physical comfort or limitations (including sensory changes /abilities) and their cognitive and emotional states as well.

As we age, even from juvenile years into adulthood, our bodies change.
The older we get, the more likely physical including sensory changes away from the “norm” become, alongside cognitive and emotional change too.
It can be for the individual’s “better” and it can be a limitation or even potential source of suffering to that individual.

So first things first, health matters.

This is why regular check ups can be so valuable (whether with vets and/ or physios and/or other trained paraprofessionals)

This “tool kit” produced by BSAVA is a good starting point.
We ll be discussing all sorts of resources within the series.

Feel free to share your interests for information in the comments 😊

https://www.bsavalibrary.com/docserver/fulltext/bsava-petsavers-ageing-canines_booklet.pdf?expires=1716096262&id=id&accname=guest&checksum=E06A3D40AD8ED91FBD48AC2C08632165

28/02/2024

Fantastic resources!!

After many enquiries I’m pleased to say the downloadable version of both my home grooming guide and my co-operative care workbook are now available on my website!

https://woodysholisticgrooming.co.uk/shop

28/02/2024

Certified holistic grooming behaviourist specialising in co-operative care & dog behaviour for grooming; welfare Dog grooming & Grooming education for owners

13/02/2024

If you own a dog and especially a breed with a shorter muzzle and/or flatter face (brachycephalic dogs), please can you take 10 minutes to take part in this survey which will contribute to important research about the health and welfare of all dogs!

Take the survey here:

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

03/01/2024

I am lost for words…something needs to change but this is not the answer 😪😪

01/01/2024

I am relieved to say that my insurance still allows me to work with XL bullies because there are going to be many dogs and their caregivers who may now need extra support!

This is not my usual New Year’s post: Today my heart feels heavy.

From now on, all XL Bully’s lives are restricted to being on a lead & muzzled at all times in public (including the car) or their lives must end.

All owners of any bull-breed dogs taller than 19 inches (females) or 20 inches (males) at the withers will have to decide whether they will also restrict their dog to a lead & muzzle and get them exempted, or whether to risk their dog being identified as an XL Bully Type by a police officer or Dog Legislation Officer who may seize the dog (if in a public space). There are further implications for some people in terms of their housing and being able to cover the cost of vet bills for exempted dogs unable to get pet insurance cover. The guidance is as clear as mud and contradictory in places, making it a confusing and upsetting time for owners of large-breed bully dogs.

I will never downplay the events that have led the government to add XL Bully Types to the list of breeds of Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act. However, I fail to see a) how the difference of 1 inch can determine whether a dog is deemed potentially dangerous or not, b) how a muzzle & lead in public will protect the owners of actually dangerous dogs - and visitors to their home - from attacks, or c) how anyone is protected if a dog escapes from a home or garden that the owner thought was secure. The multiple complex factors contributing to the rise in dog attacks have not been addressed.

Indeed, labelling certain breed types as ‘dangerous’ gives the impression that other breeds of dogs are ‘safe’. All dogs have sharp teeth and claws and the potential to bite, attack or even kill a human, and we need to learn how to reduce the risk of injury from all dogs. Irresponsible people will move onto the next breed of intimidating-looking dog (rumour has it they have already identified which breed has a powerful bite and bigger teeth than the pitbull or XL bully…). We will now also have a load of frustrated and stressed XL bully types getting less physical exercise than they have been used to & having muzzles strapped to their faces, some without having gone through the appropriate training to introduce them - a recipe for an increase in dog bites (perpetuating the ‘statistics’ regarding these dogs).

To the vets and vet practices stating that they will not partake in euthanasia of these dogs, I implore you to consider what will happen to them given they are unable to be rehomed? I understand you have been dealt a depressing hand but I hate the thought of dogs being kept with compromised welfare because their owners are unable to afford, or commit to, the exemption laws - or believe they are unable to fulfil their individual dog’s 5 freedoms, or would be made homeless by keeping an exempted dog.

I am grateful that my insurance still allows me to work with exempted dogs. Please feel free to get in touch if you need my services.

(Image credit unknown)

10/11/2023

XL Bully Ban

Please read ALL the information from Cooper & Co: Doglaw copied below, but I think of most relevance is for those caregivers who may not realise that if their dog’s physical characteristics ‘substantially’ conform to the XL breed standard, then you should apply for the exemption because once the cut-off date has passed you are risking the dog being seized, detained for potentially months, a criminal Court case, punishment and a presumption that the dog shall be destroyed.

XL BULLY BAN: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

When and where will the ban come into force

The ban is being introduced in stages. The first thing to know is that you should STOP any plans you may have for breeding from an XL Bully, as by the time the puppies are born it will be illegal to sell the puppies (or even give them away).

31st December 2023 : This is the date when Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 is officially amended. It will then be a criminal offence to:-

• Breed or breed from the dog

• Sell or exchange the dog

• Give the dog away

• Allow the dog to be in a public place without being muzzled and kept on a lead

• Abandon the dog or allow it to stray

A public place includes the inside of a motor vehicle if it is in a public place at the time

The muzzle must be sufficient to prevent the dog from biting a person

The lead must be held securely by a person at least 16 years old

These offences will apply to:-

• an owner

• someone who has possession of someone else’s dog

• a rescue

31st January 2024 : This is the deadline by which the dog must be exempted from the ban ie there must be a Certificate of Exemption issued. So far, we don’t know the process for applying but will give further details when they are announced. The DEFRA fee will be £92.40. The dog must have third party liability insurance (currently costing £25 via Dogs Trust membership – half that if you’re over 60). The dog will have to be kept in secure condition so it can’t escape. There will be other conditions which we can confirm once the full exemption scheme is announced.

DEFRA is currently suggesting that a rescue may be allowed to get a Certificate of Exemption for a dog in their care. However, they may struggle to get insurance and, in any event, they would generally not be able to rehome the dog.

Neutering : The dog must be neutered, but there is not going to be a requirement for this to be done by 31st January 2024 as the deadline will depend on the age of the dog. If the dog is at least 1 year old on 31st January 2024 then it must be neutered by 30th June 2024, whereas if it is less than 1 year old on 31st January 2024 then you will have until 31st December 2024 to get it neutered. However, please don’t leave it too long as vets are likely to get extremely busy.

Compensation : If an owner chooses to have their dog put down rather than go through the exemption scheme, the Government says in due course they will offer compensation of £200 per dog (or £100 if it is a rescue). No details have yet been provided for how this scheme will operate.

Where will the ban apply : This law will apply in England & Wales, but there is a possibility that it could also be brought into force in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Which dogs will the ban apply to?

The wording of the Statutory Instrument makes it clear that the ban applies to “the type of dog known as the XL Bully”. If the Courts interpret this definition in the same way that they do for Pit Bull Terrier types, it means that it will be sufficient if a dog’s physical characteristics ‘substantially’ conform to a breed standard for the XL Bully. The temperament of the dog is likely to be regarded as relevant but not conclusive.

There will be a presumption that once the Police say a dog is an XL Bully type, then that’s what it is unless the owner can prove that they are wrong.

DEFRA has published what it says is the “Official definition of an XL Bully dog” and it summarises what they regard as the main features. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-definition-of-an-xl-bully-dog/official-definition-of-an-xl-bully-dog

However, this definition could well apply to many other types of dog so owners need to make their own decision on whether their particular dog comes within this definition. Our advice is that if in doubt then you should apply for the exemption otherwise once the cut-off date has passed you’re risking the dog being seized, detained for potentially months, a criminal Court case, punishment and a presumption that the dog shall be destroyed. On conviction it is likely that the owner will have to prove:-

• The dog would not constitute a danger to public safety, and

• There was good reason why the dog hadn’t been exempted by the cut off date

What to do now

DEFRA has published a document called “Prepare for the ban on XL Bull dogs” and you can read that here : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs -if-your-dog-is-an-xl-bully-dog

If you want to be put on our mailing list so we notify you with updates on the ban please email [email protected]. There is no charge for this service.

Save the date

We are aiming to run another live webinar via Zoom, which will probably be on Sunday 19th November 2023, so keep the date free. In due course we’ll let you know how to register.

This summary was produced on 2nd November 2023 but this is a fast changing situation so you must not rely on it as legal advice.

What XL Bully dog owners, vets and rehoming centres need to do to prepare for the ban.

26/08/2023

ABTC Statement on Augusto Deoliveira’s dog handling practices.

23/08/2023

Great article on the need for transparency from ‘Balanced Trainers’

🗣️ “When used correctly........"

This phrase comes up time and time again when those who advocate for the use of aversive dog training methods and tools try and come across as ethical.

"When used correctly" are empty words.

It's a non-descriptive phrase. It gives the reader/viewer NOTHING to measure- other than the trainer's own opinion of their skill.

This is highly problematic. An absence of adequate regulation of training and behaviour professionals parallel to the frequent display of self-appointed expertise is a BIG welfare problem for dogs in this industry.

⚡️The trainer I watched in a popular instagram video 'stimming' a dog with an e-collar everytime the dog went to sniff things in a pet store probably thought they were using it correctly.

🖐️ Ceser Milan probably thought he was applying 'calm and assertive' body language correctly on Holly the Labrador as a way of ‘working’ with her food aggression, even though she bit him multiple times for doing it. He required hospital treatment.

🐕‍🦺 The prong collar trainers whose dogs make an awful choking sound when corrected, probably think they are doing it correctly. Despite the prong seemingly being placed ‘correctly’ high on the neck!

💥 The well known UK balanced trainer who posted a video a good while back of them 'stimming' a french bulldog for exhibiting abnormal repetitive behaviours probably thought he was using it correctly. (The dog's owner later posted their own video explaining how this made the dog worse, and a more welfare focused approach has now started to help the dog).
🤷‍♀️ What does 'correctly' even look like?
Good timing and equipment placement?
Is that REALLY all that’s needed to make sure the dog is protected from poor professional conduct and fall-out?

🤔 How can we help the viewer know what to look for?
It's very hard for me to imagine what the correct use of aversives looks like, but a start would be:

✔️ Getting a vet referral, reviewing the full medical history of the dog.
✔️ Reviewing the stressors in that dog's life and addressing them.
✔️ Applying positive reinforcement focused methods first and foremost. This applies to all dogs. No excuses!
Enough of us are doing this daily with the same demographic of clients (let’s not flatter ourselves with ‘I get the red zone dogs’ comments, please!).

I have subjected myself to watching plenty of balanced training videos to make sure I am educating others based on what I SEE and not just what I think or read in research.
I am not seeing ANY evidence of the above in the videos, posts or comments I have seen.

I can catagorically say I have NEVER seen added text or information to the many videos I have watched that even acknowledges stress or pain in dogs.

Balanced training method videos appear (to me) to continuously represent dogs simply "a good dog" or "a bad dog". There’s not enough mention of a “stressed dog”, a “hurting dog” or a dog who has yet to be taught different (kindly).

I don’t see explanations as to WHY the dog may be behaving that way and what is being done to help the dog- beyond applying aversive methods to punish or supress the bad behaviour.

Whilst I would NEVER endorse the use of aversive tools and aversive methods that intentionally startle or cause discomfort- I would have a little more respect for balanced trainers if they actually OWNED their methods publicly.

Be transparent.
Be clear about HOW these methods work.
So, let's help owners make a genuinely informed decision rather than leading viewers to believe there is no risk to the dog's physical and emotional health, and only benefits to be gained.

Some even think that these tools are enjoyable for dogs! This gross misunderstanding is the soul responsibility of those who showcase using these tools to the general public without being transparent.

Here are few examples of what transparency from balanced dog trainers would look like when discussing aversive tools in ALL contexts;

🗣️ “Because the e collar may startle the dog or cause an unpleasant sensation, we tried to remove as many stressors as possible in the dog's life before applying the training".
🗣️ “We considered using a slip lead on this dog to apply leash corrections, but the dog was found to have hip dysplasia in their pre-session vet check. It wouldn't be fair to correct a dog, which is unpleasant for them, if they are already in pain- so we need to address that first".
🗣️ “E collar aversion training may be able to stop your dog chasing sheep, but it won't stop them killing your next door neighbours cat or causing a road traffic accident. So, you really need to up your management and make sure your dog doesn't escape".
🗣️ “As a correction on a prong collar causes momentary compression to the neck - this can cause stress by temporarily reducing oxygen intake and also causing discomfort from all the metal pins briefly digging in. For that reason, the dog had a vet check to make sure the're not experiencing any pain in their neck, or elsewhere".
🗣️ “Because a prong collar correction has the potential to be deeply unpleasant for the dog, we have to be so careful about when we apply it. If you're not careful, the dog may associate the discomfort with what they are looking at when the correction is delivered and start to fear it. This could be a child, or it could be the rose bush they have to walk past on your driveway. Your correction has to be timed perfectly to the mili-second and that is really not easy!".
🗣️ “Because the slip lead tightens when a corrrection is applied or when the dog pulls- this is uncomfortable and stressful for the dog and the dog adjusts their behaviour to avoid that discomfort. We want to avoid causing our dogs stress as much as possible, so we are starting our training in a super easy environment so the dog can get maximum reinforcement for the desired behaviour. Ideally, we just don't want to correct the dog at all".
🗣️ “Here I am scaring the dog with my body language. I am being intentionally threatening and confrontational. The dog will change their behaviour to appease me, as they can’t escape. The risk here is they could bite you in defense, so you do have to be really careful”.

Doesn’t quite sell the method so well to potential clientele and followers, does it?

Using ambiguous language like 'pressure' is just not thorough enough. Interpretation of what pressure is relies on one's own experience.

Some people may have felt extreme pressure in their lives and view it as highly aversive. Others may have only experienced mild pressure and thus view it as a minor inconvenience that is easily overcome.

A living being's emotional and physical resources will influence how they cope with pressure (stress!). It's not black and white as each individual is different, and their individual coping ability can vary day to day.

Talking about 'pressure' and 'using it correctly' gives zero indication that a risk assessment should be done daily on our learners, regardless of the methods we use on them.

I have yet to see sufficient evidence of balanced trainers showing that they are looking at all of these nuances or helping viewers learn about them.

The many videos I see make it look very much like the aversive tool is stage 1 in the process. If it's not, then why aren't they saying so?

This does dogs a HUGE disservice. If you want to get remotely close to using aversive tools correctly (if there is such a thing!) then let's see balanced trainers be more transparent as to the risk of using these tools. Correct use is increasing awareness of what can go wrong.

If you want positive reinforcement trainers to do the same, sure! I’ve not been shy about discussing fall out across my work and I work very hard to prevent it.

Positive reinforcement users could go into detail about how to reduce fall-out, such as frustration and redirection, from negative punishment, extinction or clumsy mechanics.
Let’s help viewers recognise how withholding or withdrawing reinforcement, ignoring a behaviour without providing an alternative, or poor application of reinforcement can cause problem behaviour.

BUT, if you're a balanced dog trainer who ALSO uses reinforcement based methods too......then I fear your list of disclaimers will start to get a little long. All of those risks using reinforcement are piling up and onto the risks of using aversion based methods.
If this is truly about dog welfare, let's see ALL the details on every.single.post so you can be sure that every person you are potentially influencing is as informed as they can be.

Why does this matter more with aversion based training methods? Because they are designed to operate on avoidance of fear, anxiety (stress / pressure), discomfort and pain. End of.

NOTE: I have not looked at every bit of content from every balanced trainer in the world. I know there are some who are very knowledgable and who do take stress and pain into consideration. Some are also less quick to use aversive tools or methods.

My predominant direct experience is that this is less common OR they are just not talking about it openly! I have a problem with both!

When ever a trainer posts about using an aversive tool they should still be completely transparent.

People who don’t know better are watching.
Final Note: If you think the ever increasing popularity of balanced methods online is because they are better than gentle methods, I would encourage you to look into (online) how social media platforms prioritise VIOLENT content. This is quite well established information now.
It has nothing to do with effectiveness, and everything to do with what unfortuantly now seems to make humans tick. It's pretty gross, if you ask me.

16/08/2023

Schedule your appointment online Paws4teaching

14/08/2023

For some great expert advice on a number of behaviour topics, the APBC have a You Tube channel that will be added to monthly 🤗

Share your videos with friends, family and the world

11/08/2023

This will be a book worth reading! Order your copy now 🙂

So excited to announce THE BOOK YOUR CAT WISHES YOU WOULD READ is launching November 9th 2023!! 🐱🐱🐱

😻HAPPY INTERNATIONAL CAT DAY EVERYONE!!😻

Preorder here!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Book-Your-Wishes-Would-Read/dp/139872033X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2TAMJM3G568D9&keywords=the+book+your+cat+wishes&qid=1691422881&sprefix=the+book+your+cat+wishes+%2Caps%2C90&sr=8-1

11/08/2023

England was promised a ban on shock collars, and now this crucial change hangs in the balance. Please take action to let your MP know that shock collars are cruel and outdated.

Don’t let the UK Government back out of banning shock collars. Help us increase the pressure and contact your local MP today.

09/05/2023

Our ABTC Trustee Dr Sophie White, Veterinary Behaviourist, sums up the latest news on e-collars beautifully. The ABTC welcomes practitioners wishing to develop their knowledge and understanding, and practical skills. https://www.instagram.com/p/CrnIZXeoVR4/

30/04/2023

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/dog-electric-collar-ban-b2329041.html?amp

The Kennel Club which led the campaign has welcomed the news as a ‘historic moment for animal welfare’

29/03/2023

Battersea joins the nation in mourning the loss of Paul O’Grady - an entertainment legend and much-loved Ambassador to our charity. We’d like to extend our deepest sympathies to Paul’s family and friends. To millions Paul O’Grady is the popular TV and radio presenter and comedian who lit up their screens with his razor-sharp humour and perpetual generosity and warmth. Battersea will forever remember Paul as a devoted animal lover with the biggest heart, who fell in love with every dog he met at our centres. Paul will always be associated with Battersea, and we are truly saddened to have lost such a true friend and huge part of our charity.