Veterinary Guide to Preventing Behavior Problems in Dogs and Cats

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