Description
Recognizing Brewing Fear and Aggression in Dogs and Cats
Dog and cat bites are the most common cause of injury in the veterinary hospital or pet care setting. Failure to recognize the subtle indicators of fear and anxiety, paired with improper handling, can lead to animals who may leave the hospital or clinic medically better but behaviorally worse. See how a more skilled approach to interacting with these pets will help you quickly win their trust, allowing you to avert potentially dangerous and stressful situations.
Course Objectives:
Recognize the overt and subtle signs of fear and anxiety in dogs and cats.
Identify the common errors people make that may lead a dog or cat to be more fearful or aggressive.
Learn how to approach fearful and aggressive dogs and cats in a non-threatening and safe manner so that the pet feels calm and secure.
Recognize how unruly behavior and overarousal can lead to aggression, and learn the general approach to addressing these issues.
Rapid Reversal of Fear and Aggression in Dogs and Cats
Flooding, desensitization, classical counter-conditioning, and operant counter-conditioning are the 4 methods of behavior modification, but which one should you use? Many people are familiar with the terms and techniques but may lack the full knowledge needed to apply them appropriately. Improper or unskilled application can cause an animal’s behavior to worsen. Discover how understanding the underlying principles and observing the animal’s response can increase your level and speed of success.
Course Objectives:
Learn the 4 methods of behavior modification: flooding, desensitization, classical counter-conditioning, and operant counter-conditioning.
Understand why desensitization and counter-conditioning are generally safer, faster, and more effective than flooding, which can be associated with adverse effects.
See the common mistakes that people make when trying to desensitize and counter-condition. Discover the factors that are essential for performing the techniques safely and efficiently.
Low Stress Handling® & Restraint of Difficult Dogs and Cats.
Are you routinely scruffing, stretching, or struggling with cats, or do you find that you have difficulty with hyperactive, fearful, or aggressive dogs? Learn Low Stress Handling® techniques that apply to even the most difficult patients. From creating a calm, inviting environment, to using towel wrap techniques, to multiple methods for handling pets of different sizes and temperaments, you’ll learn principles and techniques that allow you to adjust to the patient’s needs. Put it all together and you’ll create a more Pet-Friendly hospital or petcare business.
Course Objectives:
Learn how the sights, sounds, smells, and surfaces in your practice may be increasing stress in your patients. Find ways to create a calm, safe, and secure environment.
Understand how every interaction – how you approach animals, pick them up, move them from place to place, or restrain them – affects the animal’s perception of your and his willingness to cooperate.
Realize that animals don’t understand human language, and how miscommunication can cause them to become frustrated and confused. Learn the principles of how to position your body, place your hands, and adjust your movement to provide the direction and guidance the animal needs.