Effective strategies to support the emotional and behavioural welfare of canine clients

This year's Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors' autumn veterinary conference brought together veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses with an appreciation of the importance to their patients of behavioural and emotional support, who wished to gain an insight into how they could initiate such support within their practices.

Elaine Henley, APBC member and experienced dog breeder, initiated discussions by sharing her experiences of the type of early learning that was essential if a puppy is to cope with and perform its function with regards, to-domestic companionship with humans. Elaine explained the science base behind the necessary emotional requirements and gave practical examples of how breeders could implement the required strategies. By supporting the adequate preparation of puppies while in their breeding establishments, veterinary staff can ensure that puppies are adequately prepared to begin life in their new homes.

The canine support package was further developed by the author, who described the potential barriers to learning that may already have arisen in the 8-week-old puppy joining its new home; barriers that prevent the puppy from developing a concept of safety within its environment and consequently interfering with the puppy's capacity to develop into a dog that could ‘cope’. The restrictions on behavioural flexibility associated with emotional systems were discussed, as was the need to enable puppies to experience a concept of safety and a reduced motivation for emotional arousal. In addition, strategies were suggested for owner expansion, or remedial development, of social and environmental learning, as were suggestions as to how veterinary practice staff could assist in the implementation of such strategies.