Solve potential behavior problems before they arise with this practical guide
Veterinary Guide to Preventing Behavior Problems in Dogs and Cats offers a practical, easy-to-read manual on effective interventions to avoid behavior problems. Written to support veterinarians and staff, this guide supplies concrete recommendations to use in veterinary clinics and the home environment. The book emphasizes learning theory, animal body language, and normal puppy and kitten development, and discusses shelter animals and their unique needs.
The book includes chapters on the veterinary clinic environment and ways to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress associated with medical care. It also covers how to recognize problem behaviors, pet selection, and important information about kids and pets.
Veterinary Guide to Preventing Behavior Problems in Dogs and Cats provides:
- Knowledge and tools for client education, environmental management, and prevention
- Detailed discussion of topics including body language, basic learning theory, and specific strategies for particular animals
- Advice on how to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in the veterinary clinic
Veterinary Guide to Preventing Behavior Problems in Dogs and Cats is an ideal reference for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary staff and trainers, and veterinary students.
Table of Contents:
Foreword xix
Preface xxi
Acknowledgements xxii
1 Animal Behavior: A Key Element in Veterinary Medicine 1
Prevention of Behavior Problems 2
Role of the General Practitioner 2
Common Behavior Problems 3
Conclusion 4
References 4
2 Normal Behaviors and Body Language Interpretation 6
Normal Dog Behavior 6
Understanding Body Language 6
Domestication and Its Effect on Behavior 15
The Role of Breed in Interpretation 16
Social Behavior 16
Reproductive Behavior 17
Ingestive Behavior 18
Elimination Behavior 20
Normal Cat Behavior 21
Conclusion 31
References 31
3 Basic Learning Theory and Choosing a Trainer 36
Types of Learning 36
The Four Contingencies of Operant Conditioning 40
Capturing, Luring, and Shaping Behavior 45
Stimulus Control of Behaviors 46
The Effects of Aversive Techniques 47
When a Trainer Is Needed 47
Trainers versus Behavior Consultants 47
How to Choose a Trainer 52
Setting Clients Up for Success 53
Conclusion 53
References 54
4 Meeting Basic Needs, Triage, and Management 56
Measuring Welfare 56
The Interplay of Physical Health and Behavior in Animal Welfare 59
Choice, Control, and Agency in Animal Welfare 60
Quality of Life Assessments 60
Pain and Grimace Scales 64
Enrichment 65
Management Tools 66
Behavioral Triage in Practice 67
Understanding Normal Behavior 68
Behavioral in General Practice 68
Behavioral First Aid 71
Conclusion 77
References 78
5 Setting Puppies Up for Success 82
Developmental Periods of Behavior with Kittens for Neonatal Period through Social Maturity 82
Socialization: Understanding the Concept 89
Safety and Vaccination 95
Adjusting the Socialization Plan 95
Puppy Kindergarten Classes 95
Setting Puppies Up for Success 95
Confinement Training 96
Foundational Behaviors 101
Troubleshooting Common Puppy Behaviors 107
Conclusion 113
References 113
6 Setting Kittens Up for Success 115
Developmental Periods of Behavior 115
Understanding Feline-Specific Needs and Welfare Assessment 123
Pillar 1: Providing a Safe Place for Cats 124
Pillar 2: Providing Multiple and Separated Resources 127
Pillar 3: Encouraging Play and Predatory Behavior 130
Pillar 4: Positive, Consistent, and Predictable Human–Cat Interaction 130
Pillar 5: Respecting the Cat’s Sense of Smell 135
Conclusion 137
References 137
7 What Is a Behavior Problem? 139
Differentiating Between Normal and Abnormal Behaviors 139
Role of Veterinarians in Behavior Identification 139
Perceptions of Pet Behavior 141
Behavior and Medical Conditions 141
Intervention and Behavior Problems 141
Common Behavior Problems in Dogs 141
Common Behavior Problems in Cats 144
Training Problems versus Emotional Issues 144
How to Approach Behavior Problems in Practice 146
Medications 147
Conclusion 152
References 152
8 Pet Selection 154
Pet Selection Counseling 154
Genetics and Behavior 154
Choosing Between Shelter, Rescue, and Breeders 155
Puppy Culture 157
Breed and Breed Type 158
Realistic Expectations and Desired Traits 158
Age of Adoption 159
Gender 160
Temperament Testing and Behavioral Evaluation 160
Living Situation and Space 161
Activity Level and Time Commitment 161
Desired Traits and Compatibility 162
Introducing Pets 162
Conclusion 167
References 167
9 The Shelter Dog 171
Unique Needs of the Rehomed and Shelter Dog 171
Adjustment Process 171
Health and Wellness 172
Common Behavior Problems in Shelter Dogs 172
Unruly Behaviors 179
Positive Reinforcement Training 183
Pattern Games for Dog Training 186
Dog-to-Dog Introductions for Shelter Dogs 187
Conclusion 189
References 189
10 The Shelter Cat 191
Unique Needs for Rehomed and Shelter Cats 192
Assessing Shelter Cat Behavior 193
Common Behavior Problems in Shelter Cats 195
Enrichment for the Shelter Environment 198
Cat-to-Cat Introductions 201
Basic Training and Social Skills 201
Behavior Modification for the Shelter Environment 202
Conclusion 203
References 203
11 Prevention and the Veterinary Hospital 207
Early Recognition of Fear and Anxiety 207
Fear, Anxiety, Frustration, and Stress Start at Home 208
Carriers 209
Collars and Harnesses 210
Car Rides 212
Preparing the Veterinary Clinic Environment 214
The Exam 216
Low-Stress Hospital Stays 217
At-Home Medications and Sedation 219
Cooperative Veterinary Care 219
Medications 220
Preventing and Treating Fear of the Veterinary Hospital 225
Specific Strategies 229
Returning Home After the Visit 232
Communicating with Clients 232
Conclusion 234
References 234
12 Pets and Children 240
Potential for Dog and Cat Bites 240
Educating Parents on Responsible Pet Ownership 244
How to Approach 246
Teaching Children Respect and Boundaries 247
Preparing Pets for Children 248
Understanding Pets’ Needs 251
Socialization and Training in Preventing Dog and Cat Bites 254
Conclusion 256
References 256
Index 258
