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.
Helen Zulch, APBC member and veterinary clinical animal behaviourist, explained that although the early weeks and months of the dog's life sets its emotional tone and flexibility, it is the dog's adult life that provides the majority of the dog's opportunities for environmental learning. Helen reminded her audience that it is young, adult dogs that are most in danger of euthanasia following the use of behaviours that owners find incompatible with family life. Consequently, it is essential for veterinary practices to regularly follow up both the physiological and behavioural development of the puppy, through check ups significantly more frequent than those for annual vaccinations. In addition, first aid and referral advice was given, to ensure that practice staff can support families and adult dogs during the potential behaviour problems that can occur in the mature dog.
The day concluded with Caroline Warnes, APBC member and veterinary clinical animal behaviourist, reminding her profession that cognitive decline, in itself, is not a terminal condition. Caroline provided a comprehensive package of advice regarding the cognitive, environmental, nutritional and psychopharmacological support of the elderly dog, ensuring that practice staff can provide owners with appropriate care advice to enhance the well-being and quality of life of the ageing dog.
The overall message for the day was that life-long behavioural welfare was an integral part of the veterinary care that any practice should provide for its patients. In addition, the provision of a basic behavioural support package should be part of the skill base of every member of the veterinary team.
Useful contacts and information
- Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors www.apbc.org.uk (including free to download advice sheets for clients)
- The ABTC register of Trainers and Behaviourists can be found at http://www.abtcouncil.org.uk/index/abtc-members-by-region.html
- Advisory Council on the Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding: http://www.dogadvisorycouncil.com/puppy/index2.html
- Blue Cross — Dog: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice/choosing-right-dog
- Dogs Trust — Buying a dog or a puppy: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/advice-for-owners/buying-a-dog/buying-a-dog
- RSPCA — Buying a puppy: https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/puppy