Measures and Principles of Managing Behavior Problems PDF

* BVMS III Measures and principles for managing behaviour problems Samantha Lindley BVSc MRCVS Intended learning outcomes Describe some approaches in treating aggression and anxiety in the dog and cat Definition of aggression For the purposes of the lecture, we will define an aggression probl...

* BVMS III Measures and principles for managing behaviour problems Samantha Lindley BVSc MRCVS Intended learning outcomes Describe some approaches in treating aggression and anxiety in the dog and cat Definition of aggression For the purposes of the lecture, we will define an aggression problem as: An interaction between the dog/cat and a person/other animal, initiated by the dog/cat, which has resulted in, or could potentially result in, injury/fright/trauma Principles of treating aggression in dogs and cats Motivation – i.e. what is the cause? Safety • muzzles • gates • headcollars • avoidance • the law • Soft paws? ➢ avoidance ➢ timing ➢ control Management Counter- conditioning ➢ Principles ➢ Use in cats? Introductions direct dog-dog and multihandling* Handling • Change handling style • Give owner control • Limit handling and attention Principles of treating aggression in dogs and cats Relaxation Principles of treating aggression in dogs and cats Aversive therapy Principles of treating aggression in dogs and cats Core Territory – cat SHAPE programme • Safety: No confrontations • Shelter – make the dog work to go in and out of the house SHAPE programme • Keep a height advantage- often this means that the dog gets no attention, good or bad, unless it has four feet on the ground SHAPE programme • Make access to food conditional • No titbits/ bribes /rewards except for new behaviour • No scraps unless at mealtimes • If aggressive over bones - do not give them SHAPE programme • Attention seeking behaviours should be ignored (after checking that they are for attention’s sake only) • Create distractions that are no reward for the dog, but only if absolutely necessary. • This is a passive absence of attention SHAPE programme • When the dog comes for “normal” attention it should be given a command before getting the attention • The dog should always go to the owner, not the other way around SHAPE programme • Enforce verbal commands- don’t negotiate • Don’t give commands that wont be obeyed • Use “time out” as a punishment • Put dog in social isolation, but owners should leave, not remove dog • This is an active withdrawal of attention SHAPE programme • Avoid physical games • Start and finish games; teach throw & fetch • Physical control - especially big powerful dogs SHAPE programme • Everyone must be consistent • Dog should become more biddable/keener to please • Often calmer and more content • Aggression should resolve • If the dog starts to initiate the owner must get them to do something extra Principles of treating anxiety and conflict in cats and dogs Fear Anxiety Phobia • Stress occurs when the animal’s coping mechanisms are taxed Stress • Stress is normal • How the patient copes with stress is the problem Physiology of Stress Short term arousal, learning, down regulation of unnecessary functions, analgesia, local inflammation Long term increase in pain perception, continued impairment of regulatory functions, visceral adiposity and osteoporosis Factors affecting the ability to cope with stress ➢Concurrent stressors ➢Concurrent disease ➢The intensity of the stressor ➢The duration of the stressor ➢The ability of the animal to be able to escape form the stressor (or do something actively to avoid it or lessen its impact) Coping strategies Dogs: • • • • • • SHAPE Dens Training Avoidance Relaxation Play Cats: • Core territory Treatment of anxiety Desensitization (desensitization is not always possible!) Principles Treatment of anxiety Relaxation therapy Principles Treatment of anxiety and conflict Environmental enrichment (especially, but not exclusively, for compulsive disorders) When coping strategies/behaviour modifications are not working • Pheromones • Supplements • Behaviour Modifying medication When coping strategies/behaviour modifications are not working Clomipramine Selegeline Fluoxetine (trazodone) Beta Blockers Imepitoin Sedative tranquilizers