Practical Canine Behaviour: For Veterinary Nurses and Technicians

There have been ground-breaking advances in our understanding of canine behaviour in recent years. Traditional theories, based on the premise that a desire to be ‘pack leader’ drives all dog behaviour, have made way for a new and fascinating insight into the subtleties and complexities of canine communication, social behaviour and emotional drives. Keeping abreast of such developments is becoming increasingly essential for veterinary nurses and technicians, both to fulfil client expectations and to protect canine welfare. Yet current training worldwide typically offers little teaching in this area. In this book Stephanie Hedges draws on more than 20 years as a practicing veterinary nurse and her specialist knowledge as a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) to provide a quick reference and practically relevant canine behaviour resource to meet the specific needs of the general practice nurse or technician. Contents include: *An introduction to the drives for, management and modification of canine behaviour *New approaches to handling and interaction to improve safety, efficiency and patient welfare *Essential advice for puppy owners and key aspects of running safe in house puppy socialisation classes *Guidance on how to manage the behavioural impact of illness and life changes, and address fear of fireworks and visiting the practice *Client factsheets and behaviour assessment questionnaire *Flow charts for when and where to refer dogs showing problem behaviour

Table of Contents:
a: Introduction Part 1: principles of behaviour b: Introduction Chapter 1: The human-animal bond Chapter 2: What influences behaviour Chapter 3: Domestication of the dog Chapter 4: Social, feeding, territorial and reproductive behaviour of the dog Chapter 5: Canine senses and communication Chapter 6: Problem behaviour Chapter 7: Methods for changing behaviour Part 2: Handling in practice c: Introduction Chapter 8: Managing the environment Chapter 9: Approach and handling of the patient Part 3: Behavioural prophylaxis d: Introduction Chapter 10: Guidance for puppy owners Chapter 11: Running puppy socialisation classes Chapter 12: Managing behaviour in ill health Chapter 13: Managing behaviour during life changes Part 4: Addressing problem behaviour e: Introduction Chapter 14: Advising on problem behaviour Chapter 15: Making a referral

About the Author :
Stephanie is a Registered Veterinary Nurse and Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist with 30 years' experience in the animal industry. In addition to running her own behaviour consultancy, she spent time establishing the RSPCA Dog Behaviour and Welfare Department, and has authored a book, Practical Canine Behaviour, on dog behaviour targeted to the needs of veterinary nurses and technicians.