Represents independently accredited Clinical Animal Behaviourists & Veterinary Behaviourists Disclaimer: Every animal is different and individual.
Nothing posted on this page is animal behaviour advice or a substitute for advice from your veterinary surgeon or clinical animal behaviourist they have referred you to. Always contact your vet with any questions about your animal’s behaviour. Under no circumstances will FAB Clinicians or its members be responsible or liable in any way for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of any content communicated on this page.
From self-cleaning cat litter trays to smart feeding bowls, interactive toys, and pet cameras, various brands are shaping the way we care for our companion animals.
But what might be the downsides to automation becoming more prevalent? FABC Candidate Member Lisa Sinnott (St Paws Training Academy) was invited to speak on BBC World Service to give her input.
Listen here: https://bbc.in/3Avc9YU
Where innovation meets convenience for pet owners worldwide
Dog breeds can be characterised by distinctive, predictable and reproducible features, including some of their behavioural traits.
A newly published paper has explored recent research efforts that included dog behaviour-related comparisons, to evaluate whether particular methods are able to produce biologically meaningful results.
Read the findings in full: https://bit.ly/4dmsJIK
If you're free tonight, there's still time to join our FREE Vet Q&A at 8.00pm when Linda Ryan will be discussing Cooperative Care. Book now at https://bit.ly/3goQOC7
Sponsored by Reconcile, these sessions are free to join. They are primarily aimed at those working in veterinary practice (vets, nurses, receptionists and support staff), but are also open to members of FAB Clinicians.
🐱 Feline Friday! 🐱
Did you know? FABC members have inclusive access to a research hub and digital library, containing many full-text, peer-reviewed academic journals, leading textbooks and ‘must reads’ in our industry.
One of the digital textbooks available includes "Practical feline behaviour: understanding cat behaviour and improving welfare" written by FABC retired member Trudi Atkinson.
🐢 Are you a tortoise or terrapin owner?
Can you take a moment to help the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) with their research? The RVC are exploring the owner's perspective on terrapin and tortoise client care, and to understand any issues that may be encountered.
📅 Deadline: 12th August 2024
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) | Facebook https://bit.ly/3yfwDEh
🐢 Are you a tortoise or terrapin owner? You could help us with our research exploring the owner's perspective on terrapin and tortoise client care, and understand any issues that may be encountered.
📅 Deadline: 12th August 2024
➡️ Tortoise Survey: https://rvc.uk.com/tortoise-survey-2024
➡️ Terrapin Survey: https://rvc.uk.com/terrapin-survey-2024
Our next Vet Q&A session is on Monday 12th August at 8.00pm when Linda Ryan will be discussing Cooperative Care.
Sponsored by Reconcile, these sessions are free to join. They are primarily aimed at those working in veterinary practice (vets, nurses, receptionists and support staff), but are also open to members of FAB Clinicians.
Book here: https://bit.ly/3goQOC7
🌟 New research alert! 🌟
New research has found that human stress affects dogs’ emotions, leading them to make more pessimistic choices 🐕
Dogs experience emotional contagion from the smell of human stress, leading them to make more ‘pessimistic’ choices, new research finds. The University of Bristol-led study, published in Scientific Reports on 22 July, is the first to test how human stress odours affect dogs' learning and emotional state.
Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3SwMdlJ.
🐴 It's More Horses Monday! 🐴
Do you want to learn more about equine behaviour issues? At FABC, we have various resources and opportunities to support you!
On our website, you can read about equine behaviour case studies, to gain insight into how different cases have been addressed: https://bit.ly/4fzCNQq
Also, FABC members have FREE access to all The Horse Trust clinical case study recordings in the members area of our website. They can also be accessed live when advertised on the FABC Bulletin.
To find out more about becoming a member, read more here: https://bit.ly/3khPKUu
New research delves into feline behaviour, highlighting factors affecting problematic behaviours such as fearfulness, aggression, excessive grooming, and litterbox issues.
The study, which analysed data from over 3,000 cats across 26 breeds, found that breed and personality, particularly fearfulness and sociability, are key influencers. Fearfulness is linked to multiple issues, possibly due to genetic or neurological connections, while sociability towards cats and humans can decrease aggression and house soiling.
Proper kitten socialization can significantly reduce these problems, enhancing the welfare of both cats and their owners. These findings can help prevent and address behavioural issues, ensuring happier and healthier lives for our feline friends.
Please see here for the abstract of the paper: https://bit.ly/3A7zHTq
🌿✨ Exciting new research highlights the significant benefits of environmental enrichment for captive animals, particularly those in short-term care like in rescue or rehabilitation centres. This study on mute swans demonstrates how simple enrichment devices can boost foraging activity, reduce inactivity, and even curb abnormal behaviours.
By promoting natural behaviours, EE not only enhances animal welfare but also prepares these animals for a smoother transition back to the wild.
Please see here for the full article: https://bit.ly/3LNSTIm
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The opportunity to engage in play is important for cats of all ages. Cat play can manifest in two main ways, and developing an understanding of this is key.
Have a look at our FAB handout on feline play which explores the main types of feline play and delves deeper into the behaviour of cats during play: https://bit.ly/445wrTz
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New research has found that Chimpanzees appear to consume plants with medicinal properties to treat their ailments.
The study utilised a combination of behavioral observations of wild Chimpanzees with pharmacological testing of the potentially medicinal plants they ate and found that Chimpanzees seek out specific plants for their medicinal effects.
Interested in finding out more? Read the study here: https://bit.ly/3Sh8GmF
Our 2023 conference was a fab success! If you missed it, the individual speaker’s presentations (£20) and the entire conference pack (£85) are available from https://bit.ly/3GCdPjK
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Research by the University of Helsinki has highlighted that a dog's puppyhood can cause 'puppy blues', reminiscent of baby blues.
The study found that almost half of dog owners experience stress, worry, anxiety, strain, frustration and regret during their dog's puppyhood stage.
Read the original study to find out more about how "puppy blues" can affect caregivers: https://go.nature.com/46nEuMA
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New research utilising biometric sensors may be key in reducing the number of injuries to racehorses.
Researches employed the sensors which can gather 2,400 data points of movement in one-second to track thoroughbreds, allowing miniscule stride changes associated with increased risk of injury to be identified.
Interested in reading more about this research? Read the study here: https://bit.ly/3ShQCZA
It's Feline Friday! Don't forget to grab your tickets to Cats Protections behaviour conference in September 🐱
Cat Behaviour Conference | Sign up today | Cats Protection https://bit.ly/3PSOBj2
Sign up to join us for the Cat Behaviour Conference, featuring sessions from top feline behaviourists and veterinary professionals. Buy a ticket today.
Thinking of heading to the London Vet Show? Use code FABCLINIC for a discount before the 31st of July
Thinking of adding a puppy into your household? We have the handout you need to help navigate the first few days
https://bit.ly/3hPg3y9
In her latest video, FABC Certificated Member Lucy Hoile - Feline Behaviourist provides some useful tips for addressing fighting in multi-cat households 🐱
Are you tired of your cats fighting? You love them both, you know they are so lovely, why can't they see it in eachother!? Here's how you can help.1. Encoura...
A newly published literature review by Barcelos et al (2024) has explored what is known of the impact of canine behavioural problems on caregiver wellbeing, proposing three key areas to target with interventions to support dog-owner dyads.
Read the review in full: https://bit.ly/3Y22ORI
When horses feel stressed or experience pain or discomfort, the signs may not always be obviously apparent.
World Horse Welfare has produced a downloadable behaviour checklist to help caregivers identify the subtle signs there might be something wrong.
Are you aware of the subtle signs your horse might be trying to tell you there is something wrong? Download our horse behaviour checklist to see if your horse is trying to tell you something.
Our next Vet Q&A session is on Monday 12th August at 8.00pm when Linda Ryan will be discussing Cooperative Care.
Sponsored by Reconcile, these sessions are free to join. They are primarily aimed at those working in veterinary practice (vets, nurses, receptionists and support staff), but are also open to members of FAB Clinicians.
Book here: https://bit.ly/3goQOC7
🐱 Feline Friday 🐱
It is understandable to be concerned if your cat has been given a diagnosis of a respiratory condition, such as feline asthma, requiring the use of inhaled therapy. However, there is plenty that can be done to positively train for successful and safe daily treatment.
FABC certificated member Linda Ryan has teamed up with International Cat Care, Sarah Ellis and Trudell Animal Health to create practical videos to help caregivers train cats for comfort with inhaled therapy.
Inhaler training | International Cat Care https://bit.ly/3JtBOmn
Whilst it is understandable to be concerned if your cat has been given a diagnosis of a respiratory condition requiring use of inhaled therapy, there is plenty that can be done to positively train for successful and safe daily treatment.
🐦 Tantalising Taxa Thursday 🐦
Today's post is focused on parrots!
Do you understand the body language signals of parrots? Do you want to learn more about them and their behaviour?
Find out more in the blog article written by FABC-certificated member Zoe Demery.
Parrot body language https://bit.ly/45OdJ3u
Understanding parrot body language: Learn how to interpret common behaviors and build a harmonious bond with your feathered friend.
🐶 Totally Dogs Tuesday 🐶
Discover our YouTube channel, which contains a wide variety of dog behaviour and training videos and guides, created by our FAB members!
An example of one of these videos includes 'Using a long line for walking and training dogs' by certificated member Lynne Taylor: https://bit.ly/42VLNsX
TONIGHT at 7.30pm BST! Don't miss out on this webinar on COLD-BLOODED CARE: UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS OF CAPTIVE REPTILES with Professor Anna Wilkinson
FREE TO MEMBERS & £20 to non-members: Book your place now at https://bit.ly/3GCdPjK
Reptiles have long been considered “sluggish and unintelligent creatures” (Yerkes 1901, p 520) and were therefore largely ignored in the study of animal cognition. However, recent research has revealed striking new evidence of sophisticated cognitive capacities in a variety of reptile species. Such findings have important implications for the welfare of reptiles in captivity, particularly in relation to their ability to suffer. It is therefore essential to identify reliable indicators of both positive and negative welfare in reptiles and to understand how their environment impacts their wellbeing. This talk will present some recent research on the cognitive abilities of reptiles and consider the implications of this in relation to their captive welfare.
Recent research highlights the critical role of feeding methods in canine behaviour and obesity. Traditional bowl-feeding fails to mimic natural behaviours, potentially leading to behavioural issues. Conversely, feeding toys made from natural para rubber show promising results in enhancing canine behaviour by simulating hunting activities and increasing physical activity.
This study investigated dogs' preferences for scent and colour in para rubber toys and assessed the impact of these toys on behaviour. The results indicated a significant preference for yellow, vanilla-scented toys over blue and beef-scented ones. Following a month of interaction with these toys, a notable reduction in undesirable behaviours was observed, including a nearly threefold decrease in excitation behaviour (p = 0.003).
Para rubber, known for its flexibility and durability against animal teeth, presents a safer alternative to plastic and silicone. These findings suggest that feeding toys, particularly those with appealing scents and colours, can significantly improve canine behavioural welfare by fostering increased interaction and natural play.
For a deeper dive into this research and its implications, explore the potential of natural rubber feeding toys in mitigating excitation-related behaviours and enhancing overall behavioural welfare.
You can read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3RG759v
Improper feeding methods can be linked to canine behaviour problems, as the conventional bowl-feeding approach fail to mimic natural behaviour and is …
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#FABclinicians supports budding behaviourists grow @jadeemilynicholas
#ThrowbackThursday through the #FABClinicians network Jessie the African Grey #parrot rescues by @rspca_official found a new life with @behaviouristdog
‘Let’s communicate! Improving intra and interspecies communication’ Join us for our annual conference on Saturday 2 Dec 2023 #FABC #petbehaviour #vetbehaviour #CCAB #clinicalanimalbehaviour #FABclinicians #ASAB #ABTC #animalbehaviour
A dog-dog reactive dog before and after 6 months of behaviour work with one of our Certificated Members, Nat Light #CCAB - what a #FABclinician! #dogsofinstagram
🚦"Start buttons" are behaviours that the horse does on cue, before the trainer works on reintroducing something the horse found fearful or unpleasant. Something they would struggle to volunteer to do. I have been using start button behaviours for years (over a decade) since I first saw a YouTube calling them "initiator behaviours". It was touted as a way for the horse to give consent to start a less favoured procedure, like letting a rider get on board, or accept an injection. 🤷♀️ How does the horse know they are giving consent? The crucial point! The start button behaviour behaviour is always followed by the next step in a sequence - it leads to something the horse is going to find uncomfortable. For example, the start behaviour could be "touch a target". This behaviour would come with a history of positive reinforcement (getting an immediate reward for the behaviour) and be "classically conditioned" to that reward - the cue makes the horse expect the reward to be given. I have also used a more natural behaviour, like, look at the me, as the start button. The point is, it is reliably followed by the next step in the sequence: introduction of something aversive. 💥😳 The aversive procedure, whatever it is, should be broken down into smaller increments on a progression from least to worst, a "fear ladder". 🚦In this video I have done, look at me, get offered to touch my hand under a rope (for a horse fearful of them), remove lead rope (-R) and add food (+R). Looking at me starts the sequence, touching my hand stops it - but that would then be shaped forward to wearing a halter and lead rope. 💡I think having a clear start (and stop) helps reduce anxiety and increase control. If the next step after the start behaviour was too aversive, the start behaviour would be punished and it would be less likely to occur in future, so it helps balance the progression of reintroducing the aversive and stops us trainers going too fast. www.jenninellist.
Candidate Member Emily Harvey shows us how enrichment is important for all species! #FABclinician #fishenrichment
#FABclinician and Candidate Member Debbie Anslow demonstrates with her #FABfeline Frank how #freework can be utilised to encourage your #cat to get busy, forage and explore!
Linda Ryan BSc (Hons) VTS RVN CCAB https://www.inspiringpets.com/ Clickin' with a chicken! Starring Priscilla :-) (Who used to live in a battery cage & now has a lovely life!) Find a FABC Certificated Member local to you: www.fabclinicians.org/find-a-behaviourist Full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFLsF-KKVjU&list=PLNtiyqO5HpmV5sOxJKTwkDN2wDhsiEVV4
Jenni Nellist - Equine Behaviour #CCAB #FABClinician discusses why it's important for horse owners to first ask their vet to check over their horse for any possible health issues before referring onto a clinical equine behaviourist. Find your local FABC Equine Behaviourist here: https://fabclinicians.org/find-a-behaviourist #FABC #equinebehaviour #equinebehaviourist #horses #horsevet #horsebehaviour #equinevet #horsebehaviourproblems #whydoesmyhorse #happyhorses #horsewelfare #equinewelfare #equineprofessionals #horsesandponies #equestrian #clinicalanimalbehaviour #FABclinicians
Like most people at this time of year, we’re reflecting back on 2021 as well as looking forward to 2022! Some of our highlights of 2021 have definitely been the brilliant webinars we’ve had, with incredible speakers. We’ve had an amazing variety of animal behaviour related topics and covered many different species. Some of the recordings are still available, so don’t miss out! You can access recordings here: https://fabclinicians.org/webinars/ And the events calendar for next year here: https://fabclinicians.org/public-calendar/ #FABC #WebinarWednesday #AnimalBehaviour #AnimalWelfare
Not long to go - we are all getting very excited about our annual conference this saturday. Book your ticket on the website. https://fabclinicians.org/webinars/
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