Applause for Paws Dog Training & Behaviour

18/09/2024

A lovely walk with team Luna today ❤️

16/09/2024

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.

16/09/2024

The ethics of dog training are a multifaceted consideration, balancing the welfare of the animal, human expectations, and professional responsibility. As our understanding of canine behaviour evolves, it's imperative that our training methods align with humane and effective practices.
Positive reinforcement is widely regarded as the ethical gold standard, fostering a compassionate and respectful relationship between humans and their dogs. By prioritising the welfare and autonomy of our canine companions, we create an environment where they can thrive, benefiting both dogs and their human families.

14/09/2024

Loki ❤️

Stunning but very worried boy!

Really looking forward to starting work with this fab family

13/09/2024

What a fab walk with these two beauties today

Crumpet & Jetta did so well with lots of distractions and enjoyed some freedom 🥰🥰

08/09/2024

"My name is Benji and I'm the cutest and goodest boy"

06/09/2024

It was a pleasure to meet team Dougie today. Although he's only been in his new home a few weeks, he has the full support of his family so is coming along leaps and bounds

05/09/2024

You know how hard team Oscar have been working when his Mum starts work, forgets to put the settle mat down and Oscar settles in the spot where the mat normally goes 🥰🥰

03/09/2024

A perfect day out with Mr C ###

30/08/2024

Bessie the beaut on her first little trip in the car round the block

My client rescued her and she was very nervous of getting in the car. They've done a fab job of changing that association and today we managed a little drive. She was great 👍

29/08/2024

I had the pleasure of meeting Dottie today 🥰🥰

29/08/2024

Many thanks to Mighty Dog Graphics for this.... Such a simple message.....

29/08/2024

When I first saw Team Pablo a couple of weeks ago, I left them with lots of training exercises to do. I followed up in detail with a step by step guide of the plan and I'm looking forward to seeing them again on Sunday.

Delighted to get a message from them -

"Hi Jo, we have had two successful visitor visits 🙌🏻 following your advice"

No pain, no fear involved for this sensitive lad just management (which is always needed when we want to stop a behaviour being rehearsed) and adding positive associations to visitors coming to the house. We're building this lads confidence up, early days but luckily my clients are all in

26/08/2024

23/08/2024

Lovely session with Remi today - look at that fab loose lead 😀

21/08/2024

So I made a song for all you fab people that attended last nights talk

PS - can you tell I've been playing with AI ?

https://suno.com/song/a84ae85b-f27b-4090-bf91-a5134dc5f7a6

21/08/2024

I have e mailed the handout from last nights Pain & Behaviour Talk to everyone who requested it

If you haven't received it, please check your spam/junk as it comes from [email protected]

Please let me know if you would like a copy and didn't leave your e mail address last night