Thoughts for Paws Animal Behaviourist

20/05/2024

🐾 Say Hello to Koda a new team member at Thoughts for Paws 🐾

Being so teeny tiny Koda can get a little worried when out and about so we are working on building his confidence - one way of doing that is doggy parkour!
It's a fantastic way to build confidence and strength in any small dog (and big ones too )🐶✨

Here are some benefits of parkour for your tiny fur friend:
1. **Increased Confidence**: Navigating obstacles helps them conquer fears.
2. **Mental Stimulation**: Keeps their minds sharp and engaged.
3. **Physical Exercise**: Builds muscle and improves coordination.
4. **Bonding Time**: Strengthens your relationship through teamwork and trust.

Try starting with simple obstacles like tree stumps, low walls or benches in your local park. Remember to keep it fun and positive!

🐕💪 Let's unleash their inner superhero together!

24/04/2024

It was my pleasure today to be back at Harper Adams University chatting to Animal Behavior & Welfare students about life as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist. Lots of interest in how they can gain experience and move towards their goals after uni.

26/03/2024

Immensely proud to have gone through rigorous and independent assessment to gain CCAB certification

Congratulations Keely Needham on attaining full CCAB Certification.

"I’m delighted to have achieved CCAB accreditation. Since first learning about the Clinical Animal Behaviour profession, it’s been a goal to achieve CCAB as it is seen as the gold standard in the industry and pinnacle of independent and rigorous assessment. The process has been supportive, fair and (almost) enjoyable!

Thanks to FABC, my mentors, peers and colleagues for the guidance and opportunities afforded to me and of course the clients and their dogs who continue to put their trust in me to support them in the behaviour change process! A huge thank you to my long-suffering husband who has supported me along the way and of course to Jackson (the Labrador) who started me on this journey 14 years ago."

13/05/2023

Photos of the last few weeks 😭😭😭 I'm finding it very hard thinking that I wouldn't be seeing all my little friends anymore! Although I'm easing myself gently into the change and still doing a few next week 🤣🤣 Obviously still around for petsits, cuddles, emergency walks, general get togethers so Misha and Jackson have some mates to play with!

Thank you everyone for all your support, and this isn't goodbye - just see you soon ###

24/11/2022

Great infographic on the differences between trainers and behaviours and how we can each help.

When should an animal’s caregiver seek help from a trainer or a behaviourist?

A trainer will show an animal’s owner how to use rewards to teach the animal to enjoy doing certain activities on cue, such as recall, leadwork and tracking. Whereas a behaviourist is able to identify the emotions and causes for a particular behaviour problem. They show the owner how to help their animal not only teaching them how to behave differently, but primarily by teaching them how to feel differently.

Anything that is beyond straightforward training, or providing prophylactic advice requires a veterinary assessment and then likely referral onto a Clinical Animal Behaviourist.

https://bit.ly/3yPrFZH

21/11/2022

Massive well done to this handsome chap, who had his first follow up session today.

Klaus and his family had a behaviour consultation with us in September and have been working hard on his plan since then.

Klaus was reactive with other dogs, running up to them and then coming across as rude, barking and lunging at them.

His family have worked on lowering his arousal levels, practicing recall around distractions, and disengaging from other dogs in the environment.

He was a dream on his training walk today, and his mum is enjoying walks again which is the ultimate goal!

Well done !

18/11/2022

We have been working with the gorgeous Freddie for some time gradually building his confidence around other dogs after he suffered several bad experiences. He loves his girlfriends but is generally more nervous around males. Yesterday we introduced him to Stan, giving them time to assess each other through scent before letting them choose whether or not to say hello.

Freddie quickly realised Stan was friend not foe, both showed lovely relaxed greeting behaviour and they even instigated a short play session.

Thank you Stan for being such a good boy and a gold star to Freddie!

Photo shows Freddie and Stan sitting comfortably at the end of the session.

17/11/2022

On Tuesday Keely attended the Harper Adams University Placement and Careers Fair on behalf of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians speaking to the future of Clinical Animal Behaviour and discussing how the association can help the next generation develop their skills.

08/11/2022

Choosing us to help you and your dog means you are choosing someone who:

Has gained a first class degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare

Is working on independent accreditation with ASAB

Has a network of highly experienced CCAB's who I work alongside for support and mentoring

Regularly undertakes CPD to expand knowledge

A core value of is supporting anyone working towards independent accreditation as a clinical animal behaviourist .

If a vet refers to a Candidate Member, then they do so in the knowledge the behaviourist has attained the industry academic standard and they can expect best practice with solid, current science and high standards of animal welfare as the basis for the practitioner’s recommendations in modifying the animal’s behaviour, accepting that the practitioner may need to seek support from Certificated Members where necessary.

Candidate Members are currently gaining the necessary practical experience in each species they would like to be independently accredited in. All our members adhere to a stringent Code of Conduct. If they have any concerns a case may extend beyond their knowledge or practical experience, they seek help from practitioners with more specialist expertise such as through mentoring, or they refer the case on.

https://bit.ly/3WqWYqb

31/10/2022

Whilst it might seem like harmless fun, many pets find wearing costumes, items of clothing and adornments stressful making then nervous or anxious.

As well as the physical risks such as choking and heat stress, dressing your pet in costumes can;
- Prevent communication so pets can not read each other's subtle body language causing confusion and missed signals
- Shy animals and those who are nervous or anxious may not like the extra attention given to them when dressed up
- Make the animal feel uncomfortable and restricted causing stress and inhibition

If your pet has issues on Halloween and with other unexpected visitors, it may be a good idea to talk this through with your vet and consider a behaviour referral.

www.fabclinicians.org/find-a-behaviourist

11/10/2022

It was a pleasure to be representing Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians at the BVNA Congress this weekend and chatting to all the fabulous vet nurses about the behaviour problems clients are expressing in clinic.

04/08/2022

29/07/2022

Just two cats sharing a space. But sometimes introducing a new cat doesn't end well.

The cat on the stairs is our cat, 5yo female, always been the only cat in the home.

Less than two weeks ago the cat on the stool moved in (my Grandmothers cat who moved into a flat with my grandmother but didn't cope being a house cat) she's 11 and also always been the only cat in the household.

We've been scent swapping, using , pairing the sight of each other with treats and we are taking time to manage the space in the house so both of them feel safe.

Given their ages and the fact they have always been solitary cats I'm not expecting them to ever curl up in bed together but we are laying the foundations for a harmonious household where they can both feel safe and relaxed.