Positive Pet Behaviour

09/12/2024

When I am working with an animal whom I suspect has pain as a contributing factor in their behaviour displays and responses. 🐕🐈🐇🐀

I always ask the care giver to request a behavioural pain trial from their vet.🏥

And ideally get support/assessment from a Qualified physiotherapist.

Behaviour analgesia trials should ideally last at least 6 weeks and utilise 2 different medication types to attempt to cover as many of the pain pathways as possible. 😞🔨

To gain adequate monitoring data for this, I always ask for, a validated pain score be completed at the beginning and the end, dianostic quality video footage of the animal moving, and a diary coveting the period of the trial to track and measure swings. 📝✏️🖊

We are still struggling to manage hidden pain in many humans who have a voice and way of saying exactly where it hurts. We need to support and advocate for our pets and animals as a minimum standard. 💪✊️

06/12/2024

I harp on about this on a daily basis. Gathering data is essential for animals whi may have painful conditions affecting their behavioural responses.

03/12/2024

I very rarely see behaviour cases where pain isn't an issue.

Chronic pain is different from acute pain and central sensitisation is different still.

These fantastic 'mythletoe and whines'' are your gift from the brilliant collaboration from Animal Behaviour Kent -taylor explaining how pain affects behaviour and why it is important.

Get in touch if you need support with your pets.

30/11/2024

Double conference weekend, Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians and IAABC Foundation will need a steady stream of drinks and snacks. Not sure my learning partner will help much!

23/11/2024

This might look like a really boring photo, but this is in fact the first time this beautiful boy has been able to just settle and hang out with him family on a Saturday evening.

Schmidt was sadly dumped at a rescue centre after his breeder attempted to operate on his hernia themselves. Likely to try to save money on veterinary fees. Obviously this went badly wrong and he had a year long recovery process.

This absolutely ruined his early life socialisation and habitation. He was left fighting sepsis and repeated surgeries to just keep him alive. Unsurprisingly, he was left an anxious and frightened mess.

Schmidt's family have done EVERYTHING they possibly could to give him a chance to live as a normal dog. They have followed every step of the behaviour plan and are starting to see glimpses of a 'normal' family dog.

A huge well done to Schmidt's people who have given a lovely dog who was literally dumped in a bin at chance at a wonderful life. You make my heart sing!

20/11/2024

Here is Stormin' Norman getting prepped for his counter-conditioning session at Woodlands Vets.

He did brilliantly, didn't make a peep, allowed hands all over his body and a stethoscope on his chest too.

Four months ago he would have been screaming and biting.

There is so much we can do when we have a great relationship between the Behaviour, Veterinary and Guardian teams.

I'm very lucky to have such a wonderful job!

20/11/2024

Some midweek fun! Thanks for introducing me to the 16personalities test. Really interesting. ENJOY! https://www.16personalities.com/personality-types?fbclid=IwY2xjawGqjHtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfdA9CANJhMeyYfbQgmVlHdKQc0Rq9tMBColRcwIFQDM22-1bJb2WESmLA_aem_7i0-JLugvtsDojcr2-QEUQ

20/11/2024

Happy hump day! (Is that even a thing anymore?)
Anyway, one of my wonderful mentors introduced me to this brilliant personality test, nothing to do with animals but very interesting and fun! Enjoy!
https://www.16personalities.com/personality-types?fbclid=IwY2xjawGqiz9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWMrnXkOtwan8LVk9f1zjZi4CP3nDA6kTQUWJEXS4YHWmXMu5O5tvmC0QA_aem_GT-x_AuJ7HQ0swPhhnhG_Q

Extensive, research-backed profiles of 16 personality types: learn how different personalities approach romantic relationships, career choices, friendships, parenthood, and more.

18/11/2024

This is one for the vet practices! Especially any RVNs with an interest in behaviour.

BUT if your pet is struggling at the vets with fear, anxiety or 'aggression', do get in touch, there is loads of support!

Would you like extra support or proven strategies for your clients/patients who are afraid of/angry at the vet practice. Please get in touch to book a workshop or a talk in :-)

There is loads we can do and its a really rewarding experience.

13/11/2024

At our first trick training session, its so much fun! Every Dog Can

04/11/2024

What a fantastic break!
Celebrations in neon pink!
Swimming with octopuses/octopi (?), anchovies, crabs.
Dolphin spotting (a big fail sadly) lots of rest and recuperating in the sunshine.
Then 3 days of fabulousness with the one and only The IMDT

I am refreshed and ready for the Christmas run up! (Probably only until tomorrow!)

Remember there are only 7 Fridays left until Christmas 🤶🎄🌲🎁 so if you need support, get in touch soon!

09/10/2024

Here is GORGEOUS roxy! She struggles with approaching and greeting other dogs, she gets worried OR overwhelmed (a bit like me actually) and then comes on too strong. We are working on activating her desire/seeking system using odour detection to calm and focus her. Thanks The College Of Scent Dogs Ltd for their recent course which we used to the max here!! And huge thanks to Positive Canine Coaching for teaching Roxy so well!

07/10/2024

We had a lovely session with the gorgeous Rufus and his care givers on Friday. He was a brilliant learner and paid attention beautifully. Thanks Sarah Heath - Behavioural Productions

21/09/2024

I am a lover, not a fighter!

I can't be doing with the arguments about who trains better, quicker or harder BUT.

If you want help understanding your beloved cat or dog, or learning more about body language or supporting your pets' needs OR helping them recover from stress or trauma.

If you are in a pickle with your training techniques and can't see a way out, I can help to support and redefine your relationship without judging you.

Please get in touch.

𝗔𝗕𝗧𝗖 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
The recent publication of the study titled Comparison of the Efficacy and Welfare of Different Training Methods in Stopping Chasing Behavior in Dogs (Johnson and Wynne, 2024) has sparked significant debate across the animal welfare community. This study, which adds to the growing body of evidence on the adverse effects of shock collars (e-collars), highlights serious concerns regarding the welfare of dogs subjected to this training method. Please see our Statement relating to this via our News page at https://abtc.org.uk/about/news/

[Image/text description: Graphic states ABTC Statement - on recent study concerning the use of shock collars in dog training]

𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦: 𝘈𝘉𝘛𝘊 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘣𝘺 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘴 - 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 24 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘺.