What topics would you like covered in behaviour talks?

Re: What topics would you like covered in behaviour talks?

Virginia Campbell — Sun, 14 Jul 2013 14:07:33 GMT

I think the 15 minute idea is a good one. I'd like advice for three situations:

- the majority of cases: 14 minutes 30 seconds into the booster consult, the owner says, oh he does X, how do I stop that happening? or O is entirely unconcerned that their dog is an ill mannered brute, but I am. I'm upbeat about it, make a couple of suggestions then recommend one or other of our local behaviourists in glowing terms and press their cards into the owners' hands, and they back off and make a face when told it will cost more than a fiver and take more effort than being handed a magic wand. How to sell the time, effort and money that behaviourists need to these people?

- behavioural first aid for emergency situations. I have only ever had a handful of clients present their pet for behavioural problems and all of these without exception had escalated over months without seeking our advice till they were on the verge of euth or get rid (biting people, cats housesoiling, owners of barking dogs getting a last warning from the council). These have finally woken up to the fact that they need to spend a few bob but want problem fixed now, so we need interim measures while owner and behaviourist get time to work on the problem.

- advice for puppy owners beyond the usual toilet training and mouthing advice. How get into people's heads what a well behaved animal looks like and that it's not acceptable for your pup to become a spoilt brat.

Re: What topics would you like covered in behaviour talks?

Chris Geddes — Sat, 13 Jul 2013 18:25:35 GMT

Clawing cats? I like the coprophagia idea too though,

Re: What topics would you like covered in behaviour talks?

Niall Taylor — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 17:33:30 GMT

[quote user="Mark Hedberg"]Speaking of courses for poorly housebroken vets, Niall here is exhibit A. [/quote]

Guilty as charged

Niall

Re: What topics would you like covered in behaviour talks?

Neil Wheadon — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 16:45:41 GMT

I answered questions on an internet forum along with a behaviourist for a few years and the commonest questions were

1) Why does my dog eat other dogs faeces and how do I prevent it? about 1 in every 20 questions

2) Aggression to other dogs and how to prevent it

3) How can I stop my dog barking

Neil

Re: What topics would you like covered in behaviour talks?

Mark Hedberg — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 16:36:42 GMT

[quote user="Niall Taylor"]

[quote user="KMurphy"]Hi all,

I'm asking on behalf of a behaviourist colleague who's been asked to give a talk to vets. She'd like to make it relevant to first opinion vets so wondered if there was a particular aspect we would like covered.[/quote]

How about a run through all the high quality, peer reviewed trials, and firm evidence behind the different types of behavioural management.

Should be a fairly quick talk

Cheers,

Niall

[/quote]

Speaking of courses for poorly housebroken vets, Niall here is exhibit A.

Re: What topics would you like covered in behaviour talks?

Niall Taylor — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 16:28:38 GMT

[quote user="KMurphy"]Hi all,

How about a run through all the high quality, peer reviewed trials, and firm evidence behind the different types of behavioural management.

Should be a fairly quick talk

Cheers,

Niall

Re: What topics would you like covered in behaviour talks?

mariette asselbergs — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 16:02:55 GMT

From a behaviourist point of view, how should vets deal with the situation of, within 15 mins consults, or in hospital environments, inflicting fear and pain on animals? Most pets deal admirably to the handling and painful procedures we sometimes (have to) subject them to. How should we do these in a way so that the least behavioural trauma is done. E.g role of owner? Present, not present, restraining or not, rewards?

Mariette

Re: What topics would you like covered in behaviour talks?

Neal Palk — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 15:58:34 GMT

Sorry everyone (veterinary) - I started reading this as someone developing behaviour classes for vets!! Should have been obvious - it would need more than an hour

Tee Hee............

Re: What topics would you like covered in behaviour talks?

Bob Russell — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 15:54:09 GMT

Can't go wrong with separation anxiety!!

Re: What topics would you like covered in behaviour talks?

KMurphy — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 15:30:03 GMT

Thanks Mark, I'll pass that on :)

Re: What topics would you like covered in behaviour talks?

Mark Hedberg — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 13:19:13 GMT

Suggestions:

1. A proper behaviour consult can be up to an hour long. Most vets have 10-15 minutes in consult, unless they book a double appointment. What key points should be covered if you only have 15 minutes? This is probably the key point here.

2. What steps can be taken to make the consulting room less frightening or intimidating to pets? Smells, noise, strangers, colors - all these can have negative behavioral effects.

These two alone will probably use up the hour.

Kind regards,

Mark

(edit: I guess that means I'd prefer topic 1.)