Christine Calder DVM Board-certified Veterinary Behaviorist

09/19/2024

Haulin’ Aus, Inc. this one made me laugh. Good share! :)

It's okay to ask a dog trainer what their credentials are - and you should expect them to have some, whether it's a degree or a certification. Safe and effective dog trainers are constantly learning, not just through experience, but by seeking out education.

09/15/2024

Certifications and continuing education (CE) are important factors to consider when hiring a trainer. All trainers should be open and transparent about their credentials, listing them clearly for potential clients to review. However, do your own research. If you can't verify their credentials through the certifying organization's directory, or if the organization itself doesn't publicly share their code of ethics and standards for maintaining those certifications, it may be a red flag. In such cases, it’s often wise to explore other options for a more trustworthy and qualified trainer.

It's okay to ask a dog trainer what their credentials are - and you should expect them to have some, whether it's a degree or a certification. Safe and effective dog trainers are constantly learning, not just through experience, but by seeking out education.

09/10/2024

Announcement #2:

It is here!

P.S Ignore the typo on page #82. Wiley knows they made it. :)

09/07/2024

Two big announcements are coming!

Both have been over four years in the making!

Here is the first one:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/JiMDjPMh8Jfh54pf/

https://info.cattledogpublishing.com/cdp-low-stress-handling-book-second-edition?fbclid=IwY2xjawFJu6xleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHX6ghJ2m9ZN8u5gnVAl7yz8tg2nIKiWTv7MyrL0ecYMyqQy0d95prZ9yng_aem_LiCElwyPNNYJ-BBEu0Qg5g

Haulin' Aus: https://haulinausdogtraining.com/

are you ready???

October 2024!

Coming October 2024 Building on Dr. Sophia Yin's foundational work, the latest edition of “Low Stress Handling® and Behavior Modification of Dogs and Cats” reaches beyond its original focus of her Ten General Handling Principles. This edition not only maintains its emphasis on minimal restraint...

09/06/2024

Do you know Calder Veterinary Behavior Services offers case consultations with veterinarians? Changing behavior is a collaborative effort involving the caregiver, the primary veterinarian, and a certified professional like the team at Haulin’ Aus, Inc.. I am here to support the primary veterinarian if they need assistance with diagnosis and pharmaceutical decisions. Haulin’ Aus, Inc. supports the caregiver and their pet as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. We all collaborate to improve your success rate.

Haulin' Aus, Inc provides training and behavior modification for any species

08/30/2024

Great addition to the Haulin’ Aus, Inc. Team! Welcome Hannah!

Haulin' Aus, Inc provides training and behavior modification for any species

08/24/2024

Did you know the dog training world is an unregulated profession? Knowing who you are working is important. Always seek out trainers who use a humane and evidence-based approach. When considering working with a trainer, check out their website and social media accounts, watch videos of their training and the body language of the animals during training, look for concerning "red flag words" like "pack", "dominate", "correct" "mistakes", "balanced", "e-collar", "stim collar", "guarantee", "we don't use treats", and more. If credentials are listed on their website, be sure to verify them and investigate that program's code of ethics.

07/23/2024

Living with a pet that has behavior problems can be tough. It is important to know that you are not alone, and seeking help has many benefits for both you and your pet.

Dog behavioural problems are one of the main reasons for dog relinquishment. Studies on how dog behavioural problems affect owner well-being are limited. We review the literature concerning the link between dog behavioural problems and owner well-being. We propose practical solutions to minimize the...

07/16/2024

Thank you to Daniel Mills and Emily Levine for a great weekend of learning! So much excellent information to share and apply!

https://www.facebook.com/ABCWResearchGroup

Send a message to learn more

07/10/2024

Does your pet have a concerning behavior? Haulin’ Aus, Inc. is here to help you get started. No matter the behavior, you have options and they are happy to help you explore them. Haulin’ Aus, Inc. offers daytime, evening, and week-end hours depending on your needs. They also see appointments remotely. This means there are no geographical limitations to get help. In other words, they can help you no matter where you live in this world.

Click here to schedule: https://haulinausdogtraining.com/ -planning-crisis-management

06/30/2024

Check out our partner, Haulin’ Aus Dog Training, Inc.'s new website. From here you can schedule with one of three Certified Karen Pryor Academy trainers, one of whom is a Licensed Veterinary Technician with the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) and two who are Low Stress Handling® Silver Certified through CattleDog Publishing - The Legacy of Dr. Sophia Yin. Combined, they have over 50 years of experience in the animal care field and are the first step on the journey to helping your pet with their behavior, whatever that might be.

Haulin' Aus, Inc provides training and behavior modification for any species

02/06/2024

Eliot Veterinary Hospital

Research indicates that giving dogs a small amount of food during venipuncture, catheter placement before surgery, and sedation does not increase the risk of gastroesophageal reflux. Fasting may in fact increase that risk. Also giving treats prior to a blood draw is unlikely to cause lipemia affecting results. Resources are listed in the comments.

01/14/2024

Do you have a dog that is not a fan of nail trims? This brand new course is for you! It is remote therefore convenient wherever you live.

New class added! Teach your dog to file their nails! No more wrestling, pleading, snapping, or fear and have fun while doing it! Two 30-minute appointments done remotely to introduce using scratch boards for front feet, dewclaws, and hind feet. We will show you how to make them or consider different commercially-available ones. It'll be fun for both of you! Sign up now on haulinausdogtraining.com.

12/22/2023

Practicing "step up" which is an important foundation behavior for cooperative care. Ace is "aceing" it!

12/20/2023

Virtual Training for the win! It is more beneficial for many dogs and definitely cats! Especially, fearful dogs, anxious dogs, and more. It is the human who is really being trained anyway and that should be the focus. Virtual training gives an opportunity for the 1:1 attention most need to help their pet and to be successful at changing their pet's behavior.

09/16/2023

Science Saturday. Quite a few diplomates comment on our approach to helping pets with behavior problems. This piece highlights how we address these cases holistically, from a medical perspective (pain and other medical conditions) to management to behavior modification and often including medications.
https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/companion-animals-behavior-issues/

09/07/2023

Agreed! An anxious or fearful dog may still take treats from your hand but they shouldn't have to and this can cause conflict. Toss the treats behind the dog so they turn away and then make the choice to come back to you.

Stop the pressure!

09/05/2023

This course is about training Therapy Dogs but is so much more. It is a great way for you and them to learn critical foundational behaviors that are so important for all dogs to know. .

Does your dog have what it takes to be a therapy dog? Do you know any dog who might? Now's a great time to find out!

08/24/2023

Doing some photo shoots this week as we continue to fine tune the new textbook!! Banshee is a very willing participant who is willing to work hard for treats!

08/15/2023

Don't fight with your cat to take medicine! It really can be simple and low stress!
https://hubs.ly/Q01_3LkH0

08/14/2023

Saw this today and had to share. I am not an advocate for offering food from the hands of strangers. This often puts dogs into a state of motivational conflict. Toss the food behind the dog instead and let the dog make the choice to return to the human for more. You can also build relationships in other ways as well such as through the use of targeting or have your dog engage with you at a comfortable distance (for your dog) from the stranger. Dogs don't have to and shouldn't be expected to interact with every stranger they meet in your home or otherwise. Let your dog pick and choose who they want to have a relationship with in the future.

This is a repost from a few months ago....... but I know some people will find this very helpful, and we have a lot more followers than we did 3 months ago when this was last posted.
This is just a very general guide to helping nervous dogs to relax around others.
Having strangers in a home (or outside in yard) can be very confronting for nervous dogs. They don't understand why this person has suddenly appeared and the visitor may also be nervous ......which their dog will absolutely pick up on.
The quickest way to get dogs to relax around people is to ignore them.
Eye contact for many nervous dogs is extremely threatening.
I like to use my peripheral vision and may give a small glance or two.
Please note this is for adults...children are a whole different area that requires extra caution.
If you feel in anyway uncomfortable doing this.....stop and walk away. Nervous tension will only work against what is trying to be achieved.
If any aggression has ever been indicated by the guardian/owner please don't attempt this, it is best to seek help.

Body language is key to all of this. There is no rush and it can take many visits for some dogs to feel comfortable.....and if you have a nervous dog and someone doesn't feel comfortable enough to attempt this...respect that....it wouldn't make anyone at ease.

08/06/2023

07/30/2023

When changing behavior, the first step is always management. This could mean establishing a safe haven or separation. Stop the walks and the stern talks. Once you teach some new behaviors and your pet alternative ways to communicate, then you can work on changing behaviors. Remember to always let your pet set the pace because it isn’t a race.

07/29/2023

Behavior Nerds have gathered for the weekend at Veterinary Information Network headquarters in Davis. Christine Calder DVM DACVB covers all things behavioral in practice to a HUGE audience eager to learn.

07/23/2023

Puppy play dates can be fun but not necessarily for everyone. Watch the body language closely and if one puppy is overwhelming another, please STOP the play and redirect to another activity.

07/16/2023

Does your dog guard food, toys, or resting areas? How about steal from the garbage or table? If the item is not valuable or harmful, just let them have it. There is no reason to confront the dog and it will only make the behavior worse. Instead, teach the dog to bring items to you and drop them in your hand. Not on the floor. Trade up and complete the deal with a yummy treat.

07/09/2023

Just a few ways to use targeting:
1. Move from place to place.
2. Recall.
3. Build relationships and greet new people.
4. Redirect to a new activity.
5. Position in place.

07/06/2023

Great Job Haulin’ Aus Dog Training, Inc. and Breanna!

Are you curious about the skills and behaviors necessary for Therapy Dog teams? Tune into Live from The Ranch with Ken Ramirez, Pat Koven, and Breanna Norris...

07/05/2023

Excellent read! Thanks for sharing Veterinary Behavior Specialties of Minnesota!

Find out why force-free dog training is better for your dog and why you should avoid balanced training techniques or tools like shock or prong collars.

07/02/2023

Does your dog bark when home alone? Are they destructive or eliminate on the floor? Do they look sad or depressed or try to prevent you from leaving? All of these behaviors can be signs of a separation-related disorder and shouldn’t be ignored. Speak with your veterinarian or board-certified veterinary behaviorist about the next step in helping your pet feel less stressed when you leave them home alone.