In behavioural cases, it is so important to rule out pain or discomfort as a cause or contributor to an unwanted behaviour.
Behaviour is communication. A full functional assessment is done in any behaviour case I have before a behaviour modification plan is issued.
Dynamic dog assessments can also be done as stand alone assessments if you suspect your dog is experiencing some discomfort.
Some benefits of a canine functional assessment are:
1. Can be done remotely or in person
2. Looks at the whole picture. No stone is left unturned. We look at every single aspect of your dogs life. This is essential for a more thorough investigation to be carried out.
3. You get a clear and detailed report to bring on your next vet visit
4. Your dogs movement is assessed in a relaxed setting rather than a stressful clinic where stress hormones hide any pain or discomfort they may be in.
Discover your dogs why.
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From a Dynamic Dog perspective, sleep is one of the most important aspects of your dogs life that I look at.
Why?
Pain or discomfort can cause a change in how your dog positions himself when he is resting or sleeping in order to get some relief.
-Is his head consistently elevated on something or does he lie flat?
-Does he need to be lying against something?
-Does he consistently have to hang his head off the furniture?
Your dogs quality of sleep can also be impacted which then has a knock on effect on behaviour.
Ever tried to get through a day of work, socializing or just doing general day to day tasks on a bad nights sleep? You behave differently right?
You may be:
- more irritable
- less tolerant of situations
- less able to make decisions or take in new information
Ever tried to sleep when you are in pain or have some underlying discomfort?
This is why sleep is so important to look at during a dynamic dog assessment.
If you think you and your dog would benefit from a dynamic dog assessment, get in touch! I'm here to help you get some answers.
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A study released by Daniel Mills last year highlights the common and persistent myths about pain.
These beliefs are preventing dogs from getting the help and relief they need to live healthy, happy lives.
How do you feel when you haven't gotten enough sleep?
I know when I haven't had enough sleep, I am more reactive to minor inconveniences throughout the day. I am less equipped to have a conversation with someone. I am irritable. My body aches. I am anxious, moody, easily overwhelmed. The list goes on.
This is the exact same for our dogs. If they are not getting enough sleep, (when I say sleep, I mean good quality, deep sleep, not when they sleep with one eye open keeping an eye on everything going on around them), they perceive their environment differently.
They may be reactive to stimuli that would not normally bother them, they become overtired and hyperactive, and you can forget about training. Lack of sleep reduces focus and their ability to learn.
Puppies need up to 18 hours of sleep a day, adolescents need up to 14 hours and senior dogs need up to 20.
Also, just a reminder: if they are sleeping, let them sleep.
One of the most important things to consider when looking at behaviour is nutrition.
"What sort of diet is your dog currently on?" - This is a crucial question that needs to be asked in my deep dive consultation calls.
What we ourselves put into our bodies impacts how we feel and, therefore,our behaviour. Why should this be any different for our dogs?
Dogs who are fed highly processed food like dry kibble can exhibit behaviours like irritability, reactivity, and overarousal - to name a few.
The impact this sort of diet has on their sleep can have a knock-on effect on their ability to process their environment causing a change in behaviour.
How do you feel after eating a highly processed meal compared to a fresh nutritious meal?
How would you feel if you were fed this highly processed food every day for your entire life?
Gut health is imperative to how our dogs are feeling.
Try mixing things up in your dogs diet. Add some variety and freshness to their meals. They will thank you for it.💜
