Veterinary Guide to Preventing Behavior Problems in Dogs and Cats

Christine D. Calder, DVM, DAVCB, is the owner of Calder Veterinary Behavior Services outside Portland, Maine, USA.

Sarah C. Wright, DVM, is a clinician at Catskill Veterinary Services in Rock Hill, New York, USA

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