BARKS from the Guild September 2019

BARKS from the Guild Issue 38 / September 2019

BARKSfromtheGuild.com

FELINE Separation Anxiety?

CASE STUDY Fear of Stormy Weather EQUINE Safety in Numbers CANINE Building Confidence FELINE Hiding Places for Shelter Cats

© Can Stock Photo/Ulianna19970

TRAINING Tips for Puppies ADVOCACY Speaking Up for Dogs

Cats and Scratching:

Debunking Common Myths about Declawing TM

f r o m t h e e d i t o r

BARKS from the Guild Published by the Pet Professional Guild 9122 Kenton Road, Wesley Chapel, Florida 33545, USA Tel: +1‐844‐462‐6473 petprofessionalguild.com barksfromtheguild.com facebook.com/BARKSfromtheGuild Editor‐in‐Chief Susan Nilson barkseditor@petprofessionalguild.com Images © Can Stock Photo: canstockphoto.com (unless otherwise credited; uncredited images belong to Pet Professional Guild) Pet Professional Guild Steering Committee Kelly Fahey, Paula Garber, Kelly Lee, Debra Millikan, Susan Nilson, Mary Richards, Louise Stapleton‐Frappell, Niki Tudge BARKS from the Guild Published bi‐monthly, BARKS from the Guild presents a collection of valuable business and technical articles as well as reviews and news stories pertinent to our industry. BARKS is the official publication of the Pet Professional Guild.

Submissions BARKS encourages the submission of original written materials.

Please contact the Editor‐in‐Chief for contributor guidelines prior to sending manuscripts or see: barksfromtheguild.com/article‐and‐content‐submission‐policy‐procedures Please submit all contributions via our submission form at: petprofessionalguild.com/bftgcontent Letters to the Editor To comment on an author’s work, or to let PPG know what topics you would like to see more of, contact the Editor‐in‐Chief via email putting BARKS in the subject line of your email. BARKS reserves the right to edit for length, grammar and clarity.

Subscriptions and Distribution BARKS is a digital publication. Print copies are available by monthly sub‐ scription. Register at barksfromtheguild.com/subscribe. Please contact Re‐ bekah King at membership@petprofessionalguild.com for all subscription and distribution‐related enquiries.

Advertising Please contact Kelly Fahey at kelly@petprofessionalguild.com to obtain a copy of rates, ad specifications, format requirements and deadlines.

Advertising information is also available at petprofessionalguild.com/s Pet Professional Guild does not endorse or guarantee any products, services or vendors mentioned in BARKS, nor can it be responsible for problems with vendors or their products and services. Pet Professional Guild reserves the right to reject, at its discretion, any advertising.

To be in any way affiliated with the Pet Professional Guild, all members must adhere to a strict code of conduct. Pet Professional Guild members under‐ stand force‐free to mean that no pain, force or fear and no shock, choke or prong are ever employed to train or care for a pet. © All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photo‐ copying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the Pet Professional Guild, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommer‐ cial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, please email: barkseditor@petprofessionalguild.com.

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even years ago, I randomly saw a plea on Twitter from a cat rescue looking for someone to foster a 16-year-old cat. This particular cat had just been relinquished at a Los Angeles animal shelter and was going to be euthanized that very day. I replied without hesitation that I would take her in honor of our recently dearly departed 19-year-old cat Loulou, and so, within the hour found myself on a three-hour round trip to fetch Ms. Millie. Why am I telling you this? Because what I didn’t know at the time was that Millie’s front paws had been declawed. Not that it would have made any difference to our adopting her, but, coming from Europe, I had never come across a declawed cat before and was not enormously aware of the whys and wherefores regarding the practice. I am certainly more aware now and am also happy to say that Millie, who, according to our vet when he did her post-shelter checkup, was closer to the tender age of 12, is still going strong. She has a repeat prescription for pain medication to help ease the stiffness in her aging joints (which, according to our vet and a number of feline behavior specialists, may also be related to her declawed status), but all things considered is remarkably agile and mobile.

She also loves to rest her front paws across my forearm. This seems to be an extra comfortable position for her and she will go to great efforts to attain it, usually when I am trying to work. Whether or not that has anything to do with her declawed status I couldn’t say for sure, but I do notice that she maneuvers herself in a slightly different way from our other cats when she jumps onto surfaces and also that she slides around a bit when she lands. My unverified, nonscientific conclusion about this is that it is because she lacks those front claws to grip with — and also that the action of jumping itself is not terribly comfortable for her.

Declawing has been in the news recently, with the 56th Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, signing a bill to ban the practice throughout the state, the first in the US to do so. Our Cover Story this month examines what declawing actually entails, as well as some of the myths surrounding the practice, the potential long-term effects it has on a cat’s well-being, both physical and behavioral, and whether it keeps more cats in homes or not (it doesn’t — Millie is just one example of this). On the back of all that, given that declawing is often used as a rationale to “fix” destructive scratching, PPG’s Cat Committee has also very handily compiled the second in its Quick Behavior Consults which addresses this very issue, focusing on how to train cats to scratch more appropriately so they don’t rehearse this innate behavior on your soft furnishings.

Ergo, no need to resort to declawing surgery.

Still on cats, we also look into the issues of separation anxiety (does it even exist?) and how to set up a cage for a fearful cat in a shelter to reduce stress. In addition, for any cat owners who submitted photos of their kitty for our Portland Cool for Cats competition, we feature some more of our favorites in this issue.

For the canine contingent, we have included a couple of great training tips for puppies, comprising how to help them get used to being alone and how to overcome any early fears they may have. We also examine how we can best set up our dogs for success in a training situation, or, indeed, life in general by being clearer in our communication.

Another feature provides a fascinating examination of the evolution of working dogs used by the police and military — including improvements in training methods.

Noise phobia is a behavioral issue commonly reported in dogs, and we present here a case all the way from New Zealand featuring a young Shih Tzu whose fear of thunder generalized into an anxiety in windy and rainy weather that did not abate, even in fine weather. Our Equine section, meanwhile, focuses on the concept of safety from a horse’s perspective — as opposed to that of a human’s — and comes up with some interesting observations. In addition, following on from our July Cover Story that delved into what science says about the use of electric shock in training (bit.ly/2YZwJso), we talk to some of the Shock-Free Coalition’s regional coordinators to find out what drives them.

Finally, we have some great business advice from our partners at dogbiz and PPG president Niki Tudge. And plenty more too!

n Susan Nilso

BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

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contents 6

N EWS PPG Scholarship winners, PPG Summit 2020, Project Trade, podcasts, webinars and workshops, and more

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P ORTLAND 2019: C OOL

FOR

C ATS #2

More of our favorite photos from PPG’s Portland Cool for Cats Competition

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R EALITY C HECK : D EBUNKING

THE

M YTHS

ABOUT

D ECLAWING

Paula Garber addresses some of the common myths associated with declawing as well as long-term physical and behavioral effects

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Q UICK C AT B EHAVIOR C ONSULT #2: D ESTRUCTIVE S CRATCHING The PPG Cat Committee presents another quick feline behavior consult

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S EPARATION A NXIETY M ISUNDERSTOOD ?

IN

C ATS – M YTH

OR

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Andrea Carne finds that cats are more in tune with their owners than may be commonly believed

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H ELPING F EARFUL C ATS Kim Monteith and Zazie Todd discuss the importance of hiding places and how to set up a cage for a fearful cat in a shelter environment

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W INNING WAYS Anna Bradley talks setting up your dog for success to build confidence and enhance the canine-owner bond

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D ETECTION D OGS David Egan presents a brief history of working dogs used by the police and military as well as the evolution of the methods used to train and care for them

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T RAINING T IPS : T HE F LITTING G AME Emma Judson describes the game she uses to help puppies get used to being alone

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T RAINING T IPS : M Y P UPPY I S

A

S CAREDY C AT

Sally Bradbury explains how to help puppies overcome any fears, using the vacuum cleaner as an example

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S CARED

OF

S TORMS

Kelly McFarlane presents the case of young Shih Tzu Minnie, whose fear of wind, rain and thunder generalized into an anxiety that impacted her everyday life

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S AFETY

IN

N UMBERS

Kathie Gregory examines what constitutes the concept of safety from a horse’s perspective

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S PEAKING U P

FOR

D OGS

38

PPG Advocacy Committee co-chairman Don Hanson speaks to Shock-Free Coalition regional coordinators about what drives them

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T RAUMA B ONDING

AND

D OGS

Beth Napolitano explains that pets can be the silent victims of domestic violence and how to help them heal

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A SK

THE

E XPERTS : H ELPING M ORE D OGS

Veronica Boutelle of dog*biz responds to your business and marketing questions

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M ISREPRESENTATION

AND

M ISLEADING M ARKETING

Niki Tudge discusses marketing ethics and consumer transparency and their relevance to the pet industry

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B OOK R EVIEW : A TALE

OF

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T WO P UPPIES

Breanna Norris reviews Jack and Billy: Puppy Tales by Steve Goodall and Sally Bradbury

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P ROFILE : TAKING

A

C OGNITIVE A PPROACH

Featuring Fran Griffin of Glanamman, Wales

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TAKE M ORE

THAN

ME

WITH

Y OU

Rain Jordan believes that changing the landscape for our companion animals means changing ours too

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BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

We Invite You to Become a PPG Corporate Partner If you are aligned with our Guiding Principles. No shock, No pain, No choke, No fear, No physical force, No compulsion based methods are ever employed to train or care for a pet.

If you want to help shape the future of the pet industry with the Pet Professional Guild and enjoy numerous benefits and discounts.

If you want to expand your reach and grow your customer base through access to a core targeted market of pet industry business professionals.Â

Three Options to Suit Your Business Goals Ambassador $850 Annual Partner Membership

Diplomat

Delegate

$650 Annual Partner Membership

$450 Annual Partner Membership

We are the only membership organization for professionals who subscribe to the view that aversive methods should never be used - or even deemed necessary - in the training, care or behavior modification of any pet.

Great benefits at every level

1

Ambassador

2

Diplomat

3 Delegate

Let’s Work Together Creating a better life for our pets as a Pet Professional Guild Corporate Partner. Become a Pet Professional Guild Corporate Partner today!

For more information please contact Kelly Fahey Kelly@PetProfessionalGuild.com www.PetProfessionalGuild.com/Corporate-Partnerships

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uild

n e w s PPG Announces 2019 Scholarship Recipients

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PG has awarded scholarships to three successful candidates under its Education Scholarship Program for 2019. This year's recipients, Ingrid Norris, Micaela Young and Julie Barber, have been notified of their success and are set to embark on their education in the next six months. The successful candidates have been awarded as follows: Norris, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Barber, of Romsey, Victoria, Australia, will study with DogNostics Career Center in Tampa, Florida, while Young, of Davis, California, will study with The Academy for Dog Trainers in Emeryville, California.

Launched in January 2017, PPG's Education Scholarship Program provides a limited number of scholarships for PPG members to further their education in force-free training, behavior consulting and/or pet care offered by organizations that support PPG's Guiding Principles and goals, and are approved educational providers to PPG. "As has now become the norm, the standard of applicants for our Education Scholarship Program was once again extremely high this year," said PPG president Niki Tudge. "It is always a challenge to make the final selections from the exceptional caliber of entries we receive, and the PPG Scholarship Committee, chaired by PPG Steering Commit-

PPG Announces Kanab 2020 Speakers

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PG has revealed the speaker lineup (see graphic, right) and schedule (petprofessionalguild.com/2020-Schedule-of-Events) for its sixth annual summit, taking place in Kanab, Utah in 2020. Next year’s event offers two unique programs: Program 1: The Three‐Day Summit: Monday, September 21 ‐ Wednesday, September 23, 2020.

Program 2: The Five‐Day Summit + Skills Workshop: Monday, September 21 ‐ Friday, September 25, 2020.

General sessions will be held in Kanab’s new Convention Center each morning, early afternoon, and evening. In addition, for Program 2 attendees, each afternoon from Monday-Friday, eight groups of 10, each supervised by a PPG staff member and a presenter, will go to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary for lunch and continue to workshops on site.

Daily workshops will be held in Horse Haven, Piggy Paradise, Dog Town Group 1, Dog Town Group 2, Wild Friends, Cat World, Bunny House, and Parrot Garden. Meanwhile, at the Convention Center, attendees will be able work with their own dogs under the tutelage of industry experts.

The event now has its very own Facebook group (facebook.com/groups /428470311066756) that you can join when you register to chat to other attendees about transport options etc.

For more details and to register, see petprofessionalguild.com /PPG‐2020‐Summit‐&‐Workshops. Register by January 31, 2020 to qual‐ ify for your 15% Early Bird discount! Payment packages are available through PPG. 6

BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

tee and Board Member Debra Millikan, have done another outstanding job in their objective review of each applicant.

"It is an integral part of PPG's operational ethos to continually help its members provide high standard, force-free, science-based behavior consulting, training and pet care services to the pet owning public via their knowledge and skillset. Education is a key part of this, particularly as the pet industry remains unregulated. By helping our scholarship recipients achieve their educational goals at such quality institutions as DogNostics Career Center and The Academy for Dog Trainers, we can ensure they remain up-to-date with current research in the fields of animal behavior and training, and thus serve as an invaluable resource to clients and their pets. In the meantime, PPG members worldwide continue to work as ambassadors and practitioners of positive reinforcement training as we collectively work towards a world free of unnecessary, outdated, aversive training methods or equipment and a better, kinder world for pets."

For more information about PPG's Education Scholarship Program and details of how to apply, see petprofessionalguild.com /Scholarship-Program.

n e w s PPG Names May, June Project Trade Ambassadors

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ongratulations to Pam Francis Tuss of Obedient Pups Professional Dog Training (obedientpups.com) in California, USA for trading two shock collars, one choke collar and one prong collar and has been named Project Trade Ambassador for June 2019. Congratulations, too, to Daniel Antolec of Happy Buddha Dog Training (happybuddhadogtraining.com) in Wisconsin, USA for trading one prong collar, and Holly Tedor of Howling Peaks Dog Training, LLC (howlingpeaks.com) in Alaska, USA for trading one shock collar. Finally, congratulations once again to Antolec for swapping two prong collars and two choke chains for service discounts. He has been named Project Trade Ambassador for May 2019. (See certificates, below right.)

Holly Tedor (left) and Daniel Antolec respectively traded a shock and prong collar for dog training service discounts

Daniel Antolec (left) and Pam Francis Tuss collected this selection of shock and prong collars and choke chains as part of PPG’s Project Trade gear swap program

Project Trade (projecttrade.org) is an opt‐in program for PPG members that has been designed to create incentives for pet owners to seek professionals who will exchange aversive training and pet care equipment for alternative, more appropriate tools, training, and educational support.

Find out more about how Project Trade can help your business in ‘Helping Dogs, Helping Families,’ BARKS from the Guild, March 2017, pp.20‐25 (bit.ly/HelpingDogs).

BARKS Podcasts: Schedule June 6, 2019: Dr. Lynn Bahr, CEO of Dezi & Roo (deziroo.com) discusses the benefits of allowing cats to scratch and how to encourage them to scratch appropriately. This podcast includes tips, tricks, and tools to help cat owners live cohesively with their clawed cats. It also discusses why it is good for a cat’s health and well-being to scratch: bit.ly/2x5LoGp. May 10, 2019: Canine researcher Marco Adda (marcoadda.com) discusses his study of free-ranging dogs in Bali, Indonesia (see also A Better Dog‐Human Understanding, BARKS from the Guild, January 2019, pp.34‐ 38 bit.ly/2XXpxNu): bit.ly/2XhYi2P. Details of September and October podcasts were still being finalized at the time of going to press. Please check barksfromtheguild.com /category/show‐schedule for the current schedule.

Special #ShockFreeCoalition Podcasts Recent Podcasts: August 7, 2019: Daniel Quagliozzi, owner of of Go, Cat, Go (gocatgosf.com), discusses cats and consent to petting, and how overstimulation and petting aggression can be avoided through the understanding of feline body language and thresholds: bit.ly/2yTgSQS. July 26, 2019: Adina Silberstein, CEO of Queenie’s Pets (queeniespets.com, discusses how how operating from fear can negatively impact decision-making, while creating clear-cut, forward-thinking boundaries can positively impact work/life balance: bit.ly/335EWhw.

Project Trade - a strategic way to apply a discounted service policy in exchange for aversive training equipment from September 26, 2017: bit.ly/2xIoXql Drayton Michaels and Niki Tudge - An uncensored chat about training with shock! from September 28, 2017: bit.ly/2xLILKZ Dr. Marc Bekoff - Do pet parents understand when their dog is feeling stressed or feeling happy? from October 1, 2017: bit.ly/2x9AL7Q Find and listen to all earlier BARKS Podcasts: barksfromtheguild.com/category/podcast.

BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

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n e w s Business Referrals from PPG Website

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re you getting referrals from your PPG member listing? PPG fields several inquiries each day that its sends in the direction of its members. But it helps if your profile is correctly set up. So please visit the website (petprofessionalguild.com) and log in, then click ‘view,’ ‘edit profile,’ and make sure of the following: • Your website and your full address are listed.

• You identify which services you provide.

• Your logo or an identifying picture is in place.

GPS systems need a full address to ensure you will come up in the PPG Zip Code Search, so if your listing is missing a street, a number, a zip code, or a town you will not show. If you prefer your address not to be in the public domain, you can make it private in your profile by editing your settings, but it does need to be there so people can find you in the database.

PPG Names New Canine Committee Chair

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PG has appointed Judy Luther (right) as the new chairwoman of its Canine Division. Luther is a certified dog trainer and founder of Dog Stars, LLC (dogstars.biz), which has locations in Eureka, Springfield, and Branson, Missouri, and co-creator of Bond-Based Choice Teaching, a social learning approach to education. She is also co-founder of the Assistance Dog Alliance, a collaborative dedicated to the education and well-being of assistance and therapy dogs, and is a regular speaker at PPG’s annual summits.

Earn Your CEUs via PPG’s Webinars, Workshops and Educational Summits!

Webinars

Educational Summits

From Hiss to Purr: Keeping Kittens in Life Long Loving Homes Presented by Tabitha Kucera Tuesday, September 3, 2019 - 2 p.m. (EDT) petprofessionalguild.com/event-3462921

PPG Summit 2020 (Kanab, Utah) (see also ad on back page) Program 1: Sunday, September 20 - Wednesday, September 23, 2020 Program 2: Sunday, September 20 - Friday, September 25, 2020 petprofessionalguild.com/PPG-2020-Summit-&-Workshops

Stereotypies: What is Being Repetitive About?

Presented by Dr. Eduardo Fernandez Wednesday, September 11, 2019 - 2 p.m. (EDT) petprofessionalguild.com/event-3294547

Residential Workshops

Re-think Trigger Stacking Presented by Sarah Fisher Tuesday, October 8, 2019 - 1 p.m. (EDT) petprofessionalguild.com/event-3356880

Communication, Interaction, Arousal and Problematic Behaviors with Craig Ogilvie (Tampa, Florida) (see also ad on p.41) Saturday, October 12, 2019 - 9 a.m. (EDT) Sunday, October 13, 2019 - 4 p.m. (EDT) petprofessionalguild.com/event-3053427

From Formal to Functional - Using Comprehensive Information to Effectively Assess Animals Presented by Dr. Carley Faughn Friday, October 18, 2019 - 4 p.m. (EDT) petprofessionalguild.com/event-3218622

Become an Accredited Scent Instructor with Dr. Robert Hewings (see also ad on p.31) Saturday, November 9, 2019 - 9 a.m. (EST) Wednesday, November 13, 2019 - 4:30 p.m. (EST) petprofessionalguild.com/event-3172679

Emotional Dog Presented by Dr. Robert Falconer-Taylor Wednesday, January 29, 2020 - Noon (EST) petprofessionalguild.com/event-3367539

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – Assistance Dog Training with Dr. Robert Hewings (see also ad on p.55) Monday, November 18, 2019 - 9 a.m. (EST) Tuesday, November 19, 2019 - 4:30 p.m. (EST) petprofessionalguild.com/event-3172793

PPG Webinars On Demand Listen any time! (Scroll down to find all the latest additions): petprofessionalguild.com/Recorded-Webinars

• Details of all upcoming workshops: petprofessionalguild.com/events.

Note: All dates and times are correct at time of going to press but are subject to change. Please check website for an updated list of all webinars, as well as discounted and on‐demand webinars: petprofessionalguild.com/webinars

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BARKS BARKS from from the the Guild/September Guild/January 2019 2018

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competition

Portland 2019: Cool for Cats #2 In the run-up to PPG’s Canine Aggression and Bite Prevention Seminar (plus Feline Specialty Track) in Portland, Oregon in April, we asked you to send in photos of your cat(s) in a relaxed pose or emotional state that is incompatible with aggression. Here are some more of our favorites. (See the March 2019 issue for Cool for Cats #1: bit.ly/2YbmAwF )

competition

BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

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c o v e r

Reality Check: Debunking the Myths about Declawing In the wake of New York becoming the first state to ban the declawing of cats,

Paula Garber addresses some of the common myths associated with the practice and highlights some of the potential long-term physical and behavioral effects 12

BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

In a study of 1,286 cats relinquished to 12 different shelters, house soiling was the reason given for approximately 40% of the relinquishments, intercat conflict for 19%, and human-directed aggression for 15% Š Can Stock Photo/Ulianna19970

c o v e r

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here are a number of myths surrounding the practice of declawing, myths that some cat owners and even some pet professionals believe to be true. This article will combine current research findings with the opinions of veterinarians and certified animal consultants, as well as position statements and recommendations from national and international organizations to dispel some of the most common myths.

Myth #1: Declawing is “just removing a cat’s claws” Reality: Declawing is referred to medically as onychectomy and involves amputating all or part of the last bone in each toe (the third phalanx or P3) of the front paws, or sometimes all four paws, using a sterilized guillotine nail trimmer, scalpel, or laser (American Veterinary Medical Association, 2016). In the process of amputating all of P3, the ligament that attaches P3 to the second phalanx (the dorsal elastic ligament) and the tendon that controls claw movement (the deep digital flexor tendon) are cut (Clark, Bailey, Rist & Matthews, 2014). Alternatively, in the bony amputation technique, the P3 bone is partially amputated, leaving the deep digital flexor tendon in place (Clark et al., 2014). Nerves are also severed in the process of amputation. In human terms, it is analogous to cutting each finger off at the last joint or knuckle (American Veterinary Medical Association, 2016a).

Myth #2: Tendonectomy is a less painful, equally effective, and humane alternative to onychectomy Reality: During a tendonectomy, the deep digital flexor tendon in each toe is cut, which prevents the cat from extending the claws (Cloutier, Newberry, Cambridge & Tobias, 2005). In a study that compared postoperative pain in cats following onychectomy with a guillotine nail trimmer or tendonectomy, all of the cats experienced postoperative pain, and the cats who received tendonectomy exhibited more signs of pain the first hour after surgery (Cloutier et al, 2005). Thus, tendonectomy was determined to not be a humane alternative to onychectomy (Cloutier et al., 2005). The American Association of Feline Practitioners (2017) does not recommend tendonectomy, citing overgrowth of the claws, the need for frequent claw trimming by the owner, and chronic discomfort experienced by some cats. In addition, a study found that 55% of cats who had tendonectomy were still able to scratch, and 10% of those cats’ owners subsequently had the cats declawed (Jankowski et al., 1998).

Long-Term Effects Myth #3: When good surgical technique is used, there are no negative long‐term effects of declawing Reality: Fewer than 50% of veterinary schools in the United States require students to attend a lecture or lab to learn how to perform onychectomy, and some schools don’t teach the procedure at all (Lockhart, Motsinger-Reif, Simpson & Posner, 2014). As a result, the skill levels of those performing onychectomies and the techniques used vary widely (Conzemius & Gordon-Evans, 2005).

Over a decade ago, the diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons established the standard of care for performing an onychectomy as follows: “disarticulate the distal phalanx [P3] from P2, … sever the deep digital flexor tendon, and … remove the entire P3 (third phalanx)” (Martell-Moran, Solano & Townsend, 2017). MartellMoran et al. (2017) found P3 fragments in 63% of the declawed cats included in their study, based on radiographic evidence (average age of the cats was 8 years). All declawed cats in their study were more likely to suffer from back pain, to house soil, and to be aggressive, and cats with retained P3 fragments were three times more likely to suffer from

© Can Stock Photo/Lecaro

A survey of Canadian veterinarians’ clients revealed that only 4% of cat owners would actually relinquish their cats if declawing were not an option

back pain and to house soil, and nine times more likely to be aggressive than cats without retained P3 fragments (Martell-Moran et al., 2017).

The reasons for the long-term negative effects of declaw surgery have not been determined, but several reasonable explanations exist (Martell-Moran et al., 2017): • Cats, declawed or not, often express pain through behavioral changes (like house soiling, biting, and aggression).

• Walking or digging in cat litter can be painful for declawed cats.

• Declawed cats can no longer use their claws to defend themselves when experiencing painful handling or feeling threatened, fearful, or stressed, so they bite instead.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners acknowledges that declawed cats are at risk for long-term neuropathic pain, regardless of surgical technique (American Association of Feline Practitioners, 2017).

Myth #4: Declawing with a laser is less painful and results in fewer complications Reality: In a study by Clark et al. (2014), 87 cats underwent a declawing procedure by one of three methods (scalpel blade, laser, or guillotine nail trimmers), and cats in all three groups experienced similar types of postoperative pain and complications, with reluctance to jump, reluctance to scratch, and chewing at the paws being the most frequently reported by owners. Bone fragments and nail regrowth have also been

Because cats are both predator and prey, they need easy access to areas where they feel safe, even in households where the cats and dogs get along well (Munera, 2014). These may include elevated pathways to allow cats to avoid areas of potential conflict, low retreats where the dogs don’t fit, cat doors and screen doors, baby gates installed several inches off the floor, and dog gates with a built-in cat door to allow cats through but not dogs (Munera, 2014).

BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

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c o v e r An unexpected and concerning finding in a recent study was that declawed cats represented a large proportion of cats (44% of the aggressors and 60% of the victims) in multicat households with ongoing intercat aggression, suggesting a possible correlation between declaw status and intercat conflict in multicat households (DePorter, Bledsoe, Beck & Ollivier, 2019). found with all three methods (Clark et al., 2014). Another study of cats declawed with either a scalpel blade or a laser found no significant difference in pain scores for each group when compared on individual days, and that both techniques caused postoperative pain of a similar duration (Holmberg & Brisson, 2006). The American Association of Feline Practitioners recognizes in its position statement on declawing that onychectomy causes significant pain whether or not a laser is used (American Association of Feline Practitioners, 2017). In a study of limb function after onychectomy with either a laser or a scalpel using ground reaction forces as a measure of mobility, forces were reduced in both groups (with a greater reduction in the scalpel group, but only in the first two days after surgery), and the laser group experienced more postoperative complications (Robinson, Romans, Gordon-Evans, Evans & Conzemius, 2007).

Relinquishment Myth #5: Declawing keeps cats in their homes and saves them from being abandoned or euthanized

© Can Stock Photo/Natalyka

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not consider the potential for exposure to zoonotic diseases from cat scratches to be a valid justification for declawing

© Can Stock Photo/jamesjoong

The number of cats entering shelters in five California cities where declaw bans were passed in late 2009 consistently declined every year following the ban

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BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

Reality: One study seems to have perpetuated a myth in the veterinary community that if veterinarians don’t declaw, more than 50% of cat owners will relinquish their cats (Landsberg, 1991b). This figure is based on an opinion survey given to veterinarians in Canada. However, a follow-up survey given to those veterinarians’ clients revealed that only 4% of cat owners would actually relinquish their cats if declawing were not an option (Landsberg, 1991a). The follow-up study was published in An‐ throzoös, a journal not typically read by too many veterinarians, in my experience at least.

Meanwhile, declawed cats are still available for adoption from rescue groups and shelters. In one study, approximately 9.1% of shelter cats were declawed (Fritscher & Ha, 2016). A study by Patronek, Glickman, Beck, McCabe and Ecker (1996) of cat relinquishment to an animal shelter found that declawed cats were at increased risk of relinquishment by almost twofold, after adjustment for other risk factors.

In a study of 1,286 cats relinquished to 12 different shelters, house soiling was the reason given for relinquishment of approximately 40% of cats, intercat conflict for 19%, and human-directed aggression for 15% (Salman, Hutchison, & Ruch-Gallie, 2000). These statistics are particularly concerning for declawed cats, since declawed cats are seven times more likely to have house soiling issues, four times more likely to bite, and three times more likely to be aggressive than non-declawed cats (Martell-Moran et al., 2017). An unexpected and concerning finding in a recent study was that declawed cats represented a large proportion of cats (44% of the aggressors and 60% of the victims) in multicat households with ongoing intercat aggression, suggesting a possible correlation between declaw status and intercat conflict in multicat households (DePorter, Bledsoe, Beck & Ollivier, 2019).

The number of cats entering shelters in the five California cities where declaw bans were passed in late 2009 consistently declined every year following the ban. Although multiple factors likely contributed to the decline, the declaw bans did not result in an increase in relinquishments of cats (Hofve, 2017).

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© Can Stock Photo/andreyfotograf

Existing conflicts between cats in multicat households can often be addressed by making modifications to the home environment and using behavior modification, such as systematic desensitization and counterconditioning, and operant and respondent conditioning

Myth #6: Declawing protects people with compromised im‐ mune systems or other health issues from contracting so‐called cat scratch disease Reality: It has been suggested that declawing can prevent the spread of zoonotic disease and is sometimes recommended for cat owners with immunodeficiency disorders, fragile skin, organ transplants, those taking drugs that affect the immune system, or even those with small children—citing risks of contracting so-called cat scratch disease (an infection caused by the Bartonella bacteria, which is transmitted by fleas) and other diseases. According to current research, the most effective way to prevent transmission of Bartonella infection and other zoonotic diseases is controlling fleas and other parasites and practicing good hygiene (American Academy of Family Physicians, 2017; American Association of Feline Practitioners, 2017; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). A joint statement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America said “[d]eclawing is not advised” for preventing the transmission of Bartonella henselae, the bacteria linked to cat scratch and other diseases (Kaplan et al., 2009). The CDC also states that it is not necessary for people who are “HIV positive, being treated for cancer, or have any other condition that might disrupt [their] immune system” to declaw their cats (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016). The American Animal Hospital Association (2015), in its position statement on declawing, reiterates the CDC’s recommendation against declawing and “does not list declawing as a means of preventing disease in either

healthy or immunocompromised individuals.”

Further, in its position statement on declawing, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (2019) “[does] not consider the potential for exposure to zoonotic diseases from cat scratches (including in households with immune-compromised people) a valid justification for declawing a resident cat.” In fact, because declawing has been linked to increased aggression and biting in cats (Martell-Moran et al., 2017), declawed cats pose an increased risk to human health, because “when cats bite, their sharp teeth can inject hard-to-treat bacteria deeply into the skin and joints, increasing the risk for serious infection,” and often leading to hospitalization (Dallas, 2014).

The reasons for the long-term negative effects of declaw surgery have not been determined, but several reasonable explanations exist (Martell-Moran et al., 2017): Cats, declawed or not, often express pain through behavioral changes (like house soiling, biting, and aggression); Walking or digging in cat litter can be painful for declawed cats; Declawed cats can no longer use their claws to defend themselves when experiencing painful handling or feeling threatened, fearful, or stressed, so they bite instead.

BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

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© Can Stock Photo/hannadarzy

The American Association of Feline Practitioners acknowledges that declawed cats are at risk for long-term neuropathic pain, regardless of surgical technique

Conflict Myth #7: If one cat in a home is declawed, all cats in the home must be declawed to “level the playing field” Reality: Declawed and clawed cats can live perfectly normal lives in harmony in the same home. It is always important to do a slow, proper introduction of new cats who come into a home to help prevent fights and injuries. Intercat conflicts may also be prevented or minimized by providing a healthy environment for cats using a “five pillars” framework as a guide (Ellis et al., 2013): Pillar 1: Provide a safe place.

Pillar 2: Provide multiple and separated key environmental re-

sources: food, water, toileting areas, scratching areas, play areas, and resting or sleeping areas.

Pillar 3: Provide opportunity for play and predatory behavior.

Pillar 4: Provide positive, consistent, and predictable human-cat social interaction.

Pillar 5: Provide an environment that respects the importance of the cat’s sense of smell.

Existing conflicts between cats in multicat households can usually be addressed by making modifications to the home environment and using behavior modification, such as systematic desensitization and counterconditioning, and operant and respondent conditioning (Halls, 2018).

Declawing cats in multicat households could actually be a risk factor for additional behavior problems, ultimately leading to relinquishment.

A recent study found that declawed cats living in multicat homes of three to five cats were more than three times more likely to house soil (Gerard, Larson, Baldwin & Petersen, 2016). This is concerning given that the reason given for 40% of cats being relinquished to shelters in another study was house soiling (Salman et al., 2000).

Myth #8: Cats should be declawed, if there is a dog living in the home or a dog is coming into a home with cats, to protect the dog

© Can Stock Photo/Anoushka

A recent study suggests there may be a correlation between declaw status and intercat conflict in multicat households, ultimately leading to relinquishment of the cat or cats, whether declawed or nondeclawed

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BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

Reality: Many conflicts between dogs and cats can be avoided through prevention by considering each animal’s social history with the other species, personality, habits, and training (Munera, 2011). Some dogs are simply unable and should not live with cats, and vice versa (DogsTrust, n.d.). Meeting species-specific needs, setting up an appropriate environment, and introducing the animals in a safe, controlled, and positive way are keys to success (DogsTrust, n.d.; Munera, 2011). Also, cat-dog conflicts are not necessarily one-sided issues—all factors that could be triggering or contributing to the problem must be considered and addressed, as with any behavior issue (Munera, 2012). And keep in mind that cats operate under the same learning principles as dogs and all

c o v e r ...declawed cats are seven times more likely to have house soiling issues, four times more likely to bite, and three times more likely to be aggressive than nondeclawed cats (MartellMoran et al., 2017).

other species—yes, cats can be trained!

Declawed cats may escalate more quickly to biting if they do not have the use of their claws to ask for space, and cat bites are often more dangerous than a scratch (Munera, 2014). Because cats are both predator and prey, they need easy access to areas where they feel safe, even in households where the cats and dogs get along well (Munera, 2014). These may include elevated pathways to allow cats to avoid areas

References American Academy of Family Physicians. (2017). Cat Scratch Disease.

Familydoctor.org. Available at: bit.ly/2ObwF88 American Animal Hospital Association. (2015). Declawing. Available at: bit.ly/2SyRbOx American Association of Feline Practitioners. (2017). AAFP Position Statement: Declawing. Available at: bit.ly/2M7xtZe American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (2019). Po‐ sition Statement on Declawing Cats. Available at: bit.ly/2Y9frbj American Veterinary Medical Association. (2016). Literature Review on the Welfare Implications of Declawing of Domestic Cats. Available at: bit.ly/2SEbf2c Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Cat Scratch Dis‐ ease: For Veterinarians. Available at: bit.ly/2y1Ae62 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Cat Scratch Dis‐ ease FAQs. Available at: bit.ly/2JW0OTD Clark, K., Bailey, T., Rist P., & Matthews, A. (2014). Comparison of 3 methods of onychectomy. Canadian Veterinary Journal 55 (3): 255– 262. Available at: bit.ly/2K3VL3o Cloutier S., Newberry, R.C., Cambridge, A.J., & Tobias, K.M. (2005).

Behavioural signs of postoperative pain in cats following onychec‐ tomy or tenectomy surgery. Applied Animal Behavior Science 93: 325‐ 335. Available at: bit.ly/2Z6UWNJ Conzemius, M.G. & Gordon‐Evans, W.J. (2005). Analgesia after ony‐ chectomy in cats. Veterinary Medicine. Available at: bit.ly/2OaXZDx Dallas, M.E. (2014). Cat Bites May Lead to Serious Infections.

WebMD.com. Available at: bit.ly/2YbXOrd DePorter, T.L., Bledsoe, D.L., Beck, A., & Ollivier, E. (2019). Evaluation of the efficacy of an appeasing pheromone diffuser produce vs placebo for management of feline aggression in multi‐cat house‐ holds: a pilot study. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 21 (4): 293‐ 305. Available at: bit.ly/2SyNV60 DogsTrust. (n.d.). Dogs and Cats: Living Together Harmoniously.

Available at: bit.ly/2Z6W3Np Ellis, S.L.H., Rodan, I., Carney, H.C., Heath, S., Rochlitz, I., Shearburn, L.D., Sundahl, E., & Westropp, J.L. (2013). AAFP and ISFM Feline Envi‐ ronmental Needs Guidelines. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 15: 219‐230. Available at: bit.ly/2GmtQKX Fritscher, S.J., & Ha, J. (2016). Declawing has no effect on biting be‐ havior but does affect adoption outcomes for domestic cats in an ani‐ mal shelter. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 180: 107‐113. Available at: bit.ly/30Rsobm Gerard, A.F., Larson, M., Baldwin, C.J., & Petersen, C. (2016). Tele‐ phone survey to investigate relationships between onychectomy or onychectomy technique and house soiling in cats. Journal of the Amer‐ ican Veterinary Medical Association 249 (6): 638‐643. Available at: bit.ly/2SydG6r Halls, V. (2018). Tools for Managing Feline Problem Behaviours: Envi‐ ronmental and Behavioural Modification. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 20: 1005‐1014. Available at: bit.ly/2XXpG7q

of potential conflict, low retreats where the dogs don’t fit, cat doors and screen doors, baby gates installed several inches off the floor, and dog gates with a built-in cat door to allow cats through but not dogs (Munera, 2014). n

Paula Garber MA Ed CATEP CFTBS is the owner of LIFELINE Cat Be‐ havior Solutions (lifelinecatbehavior.com) in Westchester County, New York. She is a certified animal training and enrichment professional and certified feline training and behavior specialist through the Ani‐ mal Behavior Institute. She is also a Fear Free certified trainer and is certified in Low‐Stress Handling for Dogs and Cats (Silver‐2015). She holds a Master’s in education and is currently earning a diploma in fe‐ line behavior science and technology from the Companion Animal Sciences Institute. She is chairwoman of PPG’s Feline Division and di‐ rector of the Cat Protection Council of Westchester.

Hofve, J. (2017). The Cat Lover’s Anti‐Declawing Handbook. Little Big Cat. Available at: bit.ly/2Gpebe4 Holmberg, D.L. & Brisson, B.A. (2006). A prospective comparison of postoperative morbidity associated with the use of scalpel blades and lasers for onychectomy in cats. Canadian Veterinary Journal 47: 162‐ 163. Available at: bit.ly/2Sw3efH Jankowski, A.J., Brown, D.C., Duval, J., Gregor, T.P., Strine, L.E., Ksi‐ azek, L.M., & Ott, A.H. (1998). Comparison of effects of elective tenectomy or onychectomy in cats. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 213 (3): 370‐373. Cited in Frequently Asked Ques‐ tions about Feline Declawing. (2019). The Paw Project. Available at: pawproject.org/about‐declawing/faqs Kaplan, J.E., Benson, C., Holmes, K.K., Brooks, J.T., Pau, A., & Masur, H. (2009). Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in HIV‐Infected Adults and Adolescents: Recommendations from CDC, the National Institutes of Health, and the HIV Medicine As‐ sociation of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 58 (RR04): 1‐198. Available at: bit.ly/2M5M6vT Landsberg, G.M. (1991a). Cat owners’ attitudes toward declawing. An‐ throzoös 4: 192‐197. Available at: bit.ly/2y2qvfP Landsberg, G.M. (1991b). Declawing is controversial but saves pets. A veterinarian survey. Veterinary Forum 8: 66‐67 Lockhart, L.E., Motsinger‐Reif, A.A., Simpson, W.M., & Posner, L.P. (2014). Prevalence of onychectomy in cats presented for veterinary care near Raleigh, NC and educational attitudes toward the proce‐ dure. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia 41: 48‐53. Available at: bit.ly/2YuiPlr Martell‐Moran, N.K., Solano, M., & Townsend, H.G.G. (2017). Pain and adverse behavior in declawed cats. Journal of Feline Medicine and Sur‐ gery 1‐9. Available at: bit.ly/2JLzBnD Munera, J. (2011, September/October). It Takes Two: Successful Cat and Dog Interactions. APDT Chronicle of the Dog 46‐49. Available at: bit.ly/2LDNma4 Munera, J. (2012, January/February). The Cat Is Attacking the Dog! (Yes, You Read That Right). APDT Chronicle of the Dog 50‐52. Available at: bit.ly/2GmvbBt Munera, J. (2014, Summer). Dogs and declawed cats: extra caution re‐ quired. APDT Chronicle of the Dog 69‐72. Available at: bit.ly/32PR9H1 Patronek, G.J., Glickman, L.T., Beck, A.M., McCabe, G.P., & Ecker, C. (1996). Risk factors for relinquishment of cats to an animal shelter.

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 209: 582‐588.

Available at: bit.ly/2Gq5U9B Robinson, D.A., Romans, C., Gordon‐Evans, W., Evans, R., & Conzemius, M. (2007). Evaluation of short‐term limb function follow‐ ing unilateral carbon dioxide laser or scalpel onychectomy in cats.

Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 230(3): 353‐358.

Available at: bit.ly/2JJXaxk Salman, M.D., Hutchison, J., & Ruch‐Gallie, R. (2000). Behavioral rea‐ sons for relinquishment of dogs and cats to 12 shelters. Journal of Ap‐ plied Animal Welfare Science 3: 93‐106. Available at: bit.ly/2K3bWy7

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Quick Cat Behavior Consult #2: Destructive Scratching The PPG Cat Committee presents the second in their series of quick feline behavior consults, focusing on the common feline behavior issue of scratching

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cratching is a commonly reported behavior issue in cats. Scratching is an innate feline behavior, whereby an owner’s soft furnishings may sometimes come off slightly the worse for wear. That does not need to be the case, however, and the behavior can quite easily be redirected to a more appropriate — in the owner’s eyes — location.

Important Reminders about the Behavior Scratching is a normal, natural behavior for cats that serves many purposes: • To communicate and modulate social interactions with other cats by: o Leaving behind a long-lasting visual mark (claw marks) and an olfactory mark by way of the interdigital glands. o Being seen physically marking an area (e.g., a confident, assertive cat might scratch in front of a less confident cat).

• To remove the layered sheaths that comprise the claws (claw maintenance).

• To stretch the muscles in the backs, shoulders, legs, and paws by digging in the claws and pulling back (the only way cats can exercise the muscles in their back and shoulders).

• For balance and climbing (important to a cat’s sense of safety).

• To relieve pent-up emotions and stress, and to express excitement.

You cannot remove your cat’s wild instincts, but you can orchestrate where they are acted out. Accept your cat for what she is – a cat – and that cats come with claws and a drive to use them.

© Can Stock Photo/okssi68

Scratching is a natural feline behavior that has many functions; individual cats will have varying preferences regarding the location, position and substrate for their scratching posts

Management Techniques* •

•

•

•

•

•

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Determine your cat’s scratching preferences: o Position: vertical, horizontal, angled. o Substrate: sisal rope, sisal carpet, hemp, fabric, wood, cardboard.

Provide various cat scratchers that are similar to the cat’s current preferences and place them in areas where the cat normally scratches.

Cats often stretch or scratch when they wake up so consider placing one near where your cat sleeps. Others scratch when in a tense situation or as a way to displace anxiety. Locate and place scratchers in all the areas where you think your cat would appreciate them most.

Place additional scratchers in pathways leading to and from the areas where the cat normally scratches and in core areas of the home—where cats instinctively do most of their scratching.

Scratching posts should be at least 6 inches taller than the cat when she is fully stretched and should have a large, stable base that prevents the post from wobbling when the cat uses it.

Make the scratching areas you want the cat to scratch more

BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

•

•

appealing. You can do this by placing catnip or silvervine near them or attaching toys to the scratching place. You can give your cat treats and play with her on or around the area too to help create a positive association with the scratcher.

After providing appropriate scratching items, as described above, clean the items you want the cat to stop scratching and make them less appealing: o Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove the scent marks left behind by the cat’s scratching. o Spray the items with Feliway® (a synthetic, odorless version of the pheromones cats use to spread their scent) twice a day to promote facial marking instead and consider plugging in a Feliway® diffuser in the area to reduce stress-related scratching. o Drape the items with a thick blanket or shower curtain, being sure to secure it at the bottom so the cat cannot crawl underneath and access the item.

Trim the cat’s claws regularly. You can condition this using treats the cat loves to help make the experience more tolerable and less stressful.

*These management techniques and the behavior modification skills outlined below must be implemented simultaneously.

f e l i n e Cats often stretch or scratch when they wake up, so consider placing [a scratching post] near where your cat sleeps. Others scratch when in a tense situation or as a way to displace anxiety.

Locate and place scratchers in all the areas where you think your cat would appreciate them most.

Behavior Modification Skills •

•

•

•

•

Never reprimand a cat for scratching—it is ineffective and stressful, and risks harming your relationship with your cat by creating a lack of trust and/or causing her to feel unsafe in your presence.

Don’t pull or drag the cat’s paws toward or across scratching items. This will likely be a scary experience for the cat and will cause her to avoid the scratching items.

Apply Feliscratch (made by Feliway®, Feliscratch is a synthetic version of the visual and chemical messages that come from a cat’s paws used to mark their territory) to the scratching items to encourage their use.

Lure the cat to the scratching items using catnip, silvervine and treats, or lead the cat to the items during play with interactive toys.

Reward the cat with treats, affection, verbal praise, brushing, or play when she uses the scratching items provided.

A Note about Declawing Declawing is not a claw trim—it is a major surgical procedure with many risks and disadvantages. Cats’ claws are part of the last bone of their toes, and in a declaw surgery, the entire first joint of each toe is amputated (see The Effects of Declawing, BARKS from the Guild, March 2017, pp.44‐47 and, coming soon, PPG’s position statement on declawing). n A printable PDF version of this document will soon be available as a handout on the PPG website.

See petprofessionalguild.com/Feline‐Resources for all updates.

Specific Tools • • • • • •

Scratching posts, pads, and wedges.

Enzymatic cleaner.

Thick blankets, shower curtains.

Feliscratch and Feliway®.

Catnip, silvervine, interactive toys, treats, a cat brush.

Claw trimmers.

Note: Every cat is an individual, and behavior is complex.

If you need help training your cat, please seek out a qualified feline behavior professional: petprofessionalguild.com/Find‐Your‐Feline‐Professional.

Resources

Timeline • •

Fisher, P. (2016, July). Scratch Here, Not There. 25‐26. BARKS from the Guild (19). Available at: bit.ly/2ysmmRe Lehet, B. (2017, March). The Effects of Declawing. BARKS from the Guild (23) 44‐47. Available at: bit.ly/2pvr4sl

To teach new behavior: approximately 2-4 weeks.

Maintenance: it is important to keep up your variable reinforcement schedule for use of the alternative scratching location to establish and maintain the desired behavior long-term.

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Separation Anxiety in Cats – Myth or Misunderstood?

Andrea Carne examines the available research and finds that cats are more in tune with their owners than may be commonly believed

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ats with separation anxiety – is there such a thing? Seriously? We know it exists in dogs, but do cats actually care enough about their human companions to suffer stress when they are separated from them? There has been much debate on this topic over recent years and, unfortunately, not enough research has been done – yet – to give us an absolute “yes” or “no” answer. Does that mean we should overlook it as a potentially harmful behavioral condition in our feline friends? Absolutely not. As we learn more about the very real existence of stress in cats, and more about the human-cat relationship, professionals worldwide are joining the dots about the likely existence of separation anxiety in our kitty companions.

What do we know so far? Well, for starters, a study (Vitale Shreve, Mehrkam & Udell, 2017) found that cats actually like us more than we thought. The researchers concluded that the majority of cats would choose their humans over other important resources including food, scent and toys. The study looked at two groups of 19 cats each – one group was owned pet cats and the other shelter cats. In both groups, the study found cats chose human interaction in preference to all else offered, including (surprisingly to many) food (Vitale Shreve et al., 2017).

This study received a great deal of attention in the media, simply because its findings seemed at odds with the common misconceptions that cats are independent and aloof and only tolerate living with humans so they can have ready access to food, shelter – and servants (!)

These sentiments – and the numerous memes about cats knowing how we feel but not caring (e.g. “dogs have owners, cats have staff”’), just don’t ring as true after reading these outcomes.

Emotional Connection Add to this the findings of another study (Finka, Ward, Farnworth & Mills, 2019) which looked at whether the personalities of cat owners affects the behavior and well-being of their pets. The researchers concluded that owners with a lower level of neuroticism but higher levels of agreeableness, conscientiousness, extroversion and openness had a far more beneficial effect on their cat’s behavior than those with the opposite personality traits (Finka et al., 2019).

This would suggest cats are far more in tune with their owners than

Long-term stress in cats has for far too long been undiagnosed and untreated due to the common misconceptions that cats are “just being cats” and “can look after themselves.” It is only in recent years that research is helping us understand how to recognize stress in cats and implement strategies to try and alleviate it before it gets to a critical stage in the cat’s behavior and well-being.

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BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

© Can Stock Photo/Cybrflower

Research shows the majority of cats would choose their humans over other important resources including food, scent and toys

we may have thought. As has been found in many studies of the human parent-child relationship, the fact that our personalities and subsequent behavior can positively or negatively affect our feline family members, means a great deal in terms of what we understand about the humancat bond.

If these studies show us anything, it is that our cats are far more emotionally connected to us as individuals than perhaps we ever dared to imagine. They may not be as blatant in their display of this connection as dogs are (let’s face it – wagging tails and excited barks are a dead giveaway), but the studies show cats kind of like us just the same…in their own way of course.

It’s not that much of a stretch, then, to surmise that cats who feel bonded to us can, like dogs, suffer from separation anxiety. The condition in dogs is well-known and well-documented amongst the veterinary and behavior communities with some professionals specializing in the treatment of the condition. The same cannot be said for cats – not yet at least. It will take time and more research into the intricacies of feline behavior before the many specific causes of anxiety in cats are formally recognized and treated individually in the same way as they are in dogs.

In the meantime, I think it is worth acknowledging that it is highly likely that cats can indeed suffer from separation anxiety – and to recognize the signs.

Renowned veterinarian and founder of the Fear Free campaign Dr. Marty Becker (2017), who also presented at PPG’s second annual summit in Tampa, Florida in November 2015, definitely believes cats suffer from the condition. He lists destructive scratching of furniture, crying, pacing, fighting with other cats, refusing to eat or drink, compulsive grooming and general depression as signs of separation anxiety in fe-

f e l i n e lines. Even worse, according to Becker (2017), is inappropriate toileting, including unwelcome deposits on items with a strong smell of the owner such as clothing and bedding. He states: “Oddly enough, spreading his scent around that way may help the cat feel more secure. Mixing his own odor with that of his beloved – and missing – owner is a way for him to feel closer to that person … your cat is paying you a compliment – an unwelcome one but still a compliment.” (Becker, 2017).

cats” and “can look after themselves.” It is only in recent years that research is helping us understand how to recognize stress in cats and implement strategies to try and alleviate it before it gets to a critical stage in the cat’s behavior and well-being.

Further research will, I’m certain, uncover even more about the relationships we build with our feline friends, and give veterinary and behavior professionals much more guidance in how to keep our cats happy and healthy…and as stress-free as possible. 

Knowing the Signs

References

But how do we know if our cats have separation anxiety? Are the symptoms listed here not the same for any number of stress-related conditions in cats? Yes, that’s true, but it’s all a matter of pinpointing when the symptoms appear. If we set up a webcam for when an owner is away from home and any or all of these symptoms appear in their absence (but not so much when they are at home), then we can safely assume that the behavior has some correlation with the human being absent – which then points to a feline form of separation anxiety.

But, whether or not we have the video evidence, if we suspect separation anxiety is at play, how do we manage it? The first step is a trip to the vet, not only to rule out any underlying medical condition, but also to discuss possible antianxiety medication options if the anxiety is at a level at which medication seems appropriate. I personally am a big believer in making some environmental enrichment adjustments to see if they have a positive effect before trying medication, but sometimes our cats have reached a level of anxiety that will respond best if medication is introduced sooner rather than later.

Becker, M. (2017). Does my cat have separation anxiety? VetSTREET. Available at: bit.ly/2JmYV3o Finka, L., Ward, J., Farnworth, M.J., & Mills, D.S. (2019). Owner per‐ sonality and the wellbeing of their cats share parallels with parent‐ child relationship. PLOSOne. Available at: bit.ly/2XyhQAW Snowdon, C.T., Teie, D., & Savage, M. (2015). Cats prefer species‐ap‐ propriate music. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 166 106–111. Avail‐ able at: bit.ly/2xwP2JF Vitale Shreve, K. R., Mehrkam, L., & Udell, M. (2017). Social interac‐ tion, food, scent or toys? A formal assessment of domestic pet and shelter cat (Felis silvestris catus) preferences. Behavioural Processes 141 3 322‐328. Available at: bit.ly/2JATD3c

Enrichment is Key With underlying medical conditions ruled out, the next step is enrichment, enrichment and more enrichment. Ensure the cat has plenty of hiding places including what I like to call a “kitty bunker” – a place to go when they are feeling anxious (such as when the owner has left the house) in which they feel safe and secure. This should have everything the cat needs – a warm, cozy bed such as a cat igloo or a cardboard box, snuggle blankets and toys, with food, water and a litter tray nearby. It should be in a place with no visual stimulation from the outside – wardrobes are often perfect – and use a pheromone diffuser or spray in the space for added comfort.

Interactive toys and food puzzles are also ideal for keeping boredom at bay while a cat’s person is gone. Put different ones out each day.

Leave little treasure hunts around the house consisting of scrunched up pieces of paper or the cardboard centers of bathroom or kitchen roll with tasty treats in them to seek out.

Leave the TV on with the nature channel playing or leave a radio going at a low level – or try a CD of classical music or the special “cat music” now available, which a study by Snowdon, Teie and Savage (2015) has shown cats find relaxing.

Bring some of the outside in with pots of cat grass, cat nip or other cat-friendly, safe (i.e. nontoxic) plants. And add plenty of opportunities for scratching – both horizontally and vertically.

Also, remember that routine and a stable environment are very important to cats. Owners should try to keep everything to a regular, calm routine. Don’t make a big deal about leaving and equally don’t make a big deal about returning. Just make it calm and routine and, with added enrichment while you’re not there, the cats will hopefully be more relaxed about being on their own.

I think it is to our cats’ detriment if we ignore the very real possibility that separation anxiety does exist in the feline behavior world. Studies have already shown an emotional connection between cats and their owners that we would have scoffed at 10 years ago, but which we should now take very seriously.

Long-term stress in cats has for far too long been undiagnosed and untreated due to the common misconceptions that cats are “just being

Andrea Carne is a graduate of the University of Southern Queens‐ land, Australia where she majored in journalism and drama before, later in life, following her dream to work in the field of animal be‐ havior. She is a qualified veterinary nurse and dog trainer and mem‐ ber of PPG Australia. Her special area of interest is cat behavior and her passion for it led to the establishment of her own cat behavior consultancy Cattitude (cattitude.com.au), based in southern Tasma‐ nia, through which she offers private in‐home consultations.

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Helping Fearful Cats Kim Monteith and Zazie Todd of PPG’s Shelter and Rescue Committee discuss the importance of hiding places and how to set up an enclosure for a fearful cat in a shelter environment

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rriving at a shelter or rescue is a stressful experience for any cat, but is especially hard for cats that are fearful and take a long time to settle in. In this environment, fearful cats may suffer stress and anxiety, which may also have effects on their physical health. As well, if they are too fearful to come to the front of their cage or to approach visitors, it may take longer for them to be adopted. Knowing how to help fearful cats is crucial, and PPG’s Shelter and Rescue Committee is currently working on a project to help fearful cats in shelters and rescues. This is in tandem with their work on behavior modification and play groups for shelter dogs, which was reported on in the May 2019 issue of BARKS (see Management and Behavior Modification: Develop‐ ing a Force‐Free Toolbox for Shelters and Rescues, BARKS from the Guild, May 2019, pp.14‐21). The aim is to have a set of plans that shelter and rescue workers and volunteers (including those who foster cats) can use to help set up the environment and work with fearful cats.

Hiding Places Cats are solitary hunters and prefer to avoid threats rather than face them. They use hiding as a coping strategy to help them avoid unwanted interactions or difficult situations. Providing a safe place is one of the five pillars of a healthy feline environment, according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the International Society of Feline Medicine (Ellis et al., 2013). From the cat’s perspective, a safe place is somewhere secluded that they can withdraw to if they feel stressed or threatened. Since cats like to be high up as it allows them to keep an eye on their environment, a hiding place can also be somewhere high up to perch. A hiding place can be as simple as a cardboard box with a hole to allow entry and exit. Within a shelter environment, the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) developed its award-winning Hide, Perch & GoTM box, which provides a place to hide on the bottom level and a place to perch above.

Since it is made of cardboard, over time it will take on the cat’s own scent, thus helping him to feel more secure. It can also be used as a carrier and hence go home with the cat when adopted. Another hiding box is the Feline Fort® which was developed by Cats Protection in the United Kingdom and consists of three pieces, a step, table, and a hiding box, thus also allowing both hiding and perching.

Research shows that providing cats in shelters with a hiding space is good for their welfare (Kry & Casey, 2007). At an adoption center, 43 cats were randomly allocated to either have a Hide, Perch & GoTM box (hiding enrichment) or to simply have an open bed. The cats were then monitored over the next two weeks. The cats that had the hiding enrichment showed a reduction in stress levels over this period, as measured by the Cat-Stress-Score, while those in the control group had a small increase in stress. The Cat-Stress-Score, developed by McCune (1992) and further developed by Kessler and Turner (1997), is a standardized score based on observations of the cat’s body position, head, tail, eyes, ears, activity, etc., and ranges from 1 (fully relaxed) to 7 (terrified). For example, a fully relaxed cat will be lying on his side or back with the tummy exposed, the eyes half-open or even closed, ears and whiskers in a normal position, and sleeping or resting. In contrast, a cat with a score of 7 will be crouched on top of his paws with the tail tight to the body, the head low down, eyes fully open with pupils dilated,

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© Can Stock Photo/fotovampir

Finding themselves in a shelter environment can be a highly stressful experience for cats, especially those who are more fearful by nature, and they may take a long time to settle in

ears flat back on the head, and motionless, or possibly growling or yowling. In addition to the differences in Cat-Stress-Score, the cats provided with the hiding enrichment were also more likely to approach the front of their cage when an experimenter came and stood there, suggesting they felt more comfortable, although they were not adopted any faster than cats in the control group.

Subsequent research by Ellis, Stryhn, Spears and Cockram (2017) tested shelter cats’ preferences for a toy, a hiding box, or a perching place. These options were placed in different compartments along with an empty compartment as a control. The results showed that cats preferred to allocate their time to the hiding box, spending more time there than with the other two types of enrichment. This shows just how important a hiding place is to cats in shelters. For fearful cats, the provision of hiding places is even more important, since a cat’s natural response to something threatening or stressful is to hide. Cage size is also something to bear in mind. A study by Wagner, Kass and Hurley (2018) found an association between the provision of a hiding place and increased rates of upper respiratory infections, but in this study most of the cats’ cages were small (less than 6 square feet), suggesting there may not have been enough space.

Setting Up the Cage When setting up a fearful cat’s cage we need to think like a cat and consider how they behave when faced with something they feel is life threatening. We want to help them cope and adapt to the shelter quickly rather than increase their fear. When setting up a fearful cat’s cage, then, start by asking yourself, “What does a cat do when something frightens him?” For example, he may try to escape or hide, and if that doesn’t work he may use all his defensive tools to protect himself.

Knowing this, we need to set up housing that: allows for hiding and

r e s c u e perching, prevents escape, and is designed to give us the ability to clean without moving the cat out of the cage. The cage should also be designed and set up to meet the standards outlined in the Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters.

Cage Location Fearful cats require housing in a quiet area of the shelter where foot traffic, noise, activities and human interaction can be controlled. Selecting a specific cage in this quiet area is also important. Place fearful cats in a cage where they can see room activities. Avoid placing them beside a busy doorway into or out of the room. Cats in general should not be housed on the floor or with wire flooring. Cat housing should be at least 2 feet off the ground, and higher cages are better for fearful cats.

Single vs. Group Housing Since coming into a shelter is very stressful for cats, fearful cats must be single housed. Single cage housing will allow for caretakers to monitor eating, drinking and elimination. They will also be able to note if a cat is responding or not responding to behavior or medical treatment. Group housing will make it difficult to monitor and may cause more stress for a fearful cat.

Cage Primary housing for a fearful cat should be a porous surface that can be cleaned and disinfected. Ideally it will be compartmentalized so a fearful cat does not have to be moved for cleaning. The size of the cage should be at least 11 square feet, allowing a triangular separation of at least 2 feet from food/water, litter and resting area (see Fig. 1, below).

Cats are solitary hunters and prefer to avoid threats rather than face them. They use hiding as a coping strategy to help them avoid unwanted interactions or difficult situations. Providing a safe place is one of the five pillars of a healthy feline environment, according to the American Association of Feline Practitioners and the International Society of Feline Medicine (Ellis et al., 2013).

Cage Setup Every cat should have a place to hide in their primary housing, and for fearful cats this is extremely important. For example, hiding places like a Hide, Perch & GoTM box, a shoe box turned sideways or a modified milk crate (safely modified) can work well. Using something that is a hard structure will also give a fearful cat the ability to perch or retreat. Hang a towel over the cage door(s) to provide a visual barrier to other cats and other room activities. A hiding box should still be added when using a towel to cover the door(s) of the cage. Other furnishings in a fearful cat’s housing are a litter box large that is enough for him, substrate he does not find aversive, and food and water (which is preferably raised off the floor and not too close to the litter box). This gives the cat more floor space. Include something to scratch in his housing even if you think he is too fearful to use it, because he may use it at night. Toys may not seem like an important addition to a fearful cat’s housing. However, he may start playing with them when he starts to feel safe.

© Kim Monteith/Zazie Todd

Figure 1: Ideally, housing for a fearful cat will be compartmentalized so the cat does not have to be moved for cleaning. The cage should be at least 11 square feet, allowing a triangular separation of at least 2 feet from food/water, litter and resting area

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© Kim Monteith

Setting up proper housing for fearful cats in the shelter will help them adapt and better cope with shelter life, as well as allow for behavior treatment and low stress handling

Setting Up a Cage for a Fearful Cat: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Housing Area: a.

Quiet area b.

Low traffic c.

Consistent, knowledgeable caregivers Cage: a.

Minimum size 11 square feet b.

Above waist height c.

Food, litter and resting areas are at least 2 feet apart Cage Furnishings: a.

Hiding area in cage – shoe box, crate, Hide, Perch & GoTM box, etc. b.

Towel draped over front of cage door(s) c.

Litter box – big enough to fit length of cat d.

Soft bedding e.

Food and water bowls – ideally off the ground f.

Scratching substrate – can be hiding box or scratch boxes g.

Toys Paperwork that Allows for Recording and Monitoring: a.

Eating, eliminating, behavior and medical treatments

Include something to scratch in [the fearful cat’s] housing even if you think he is too fearful to use it, because he may use it at night. Toys may not seem like an important addition to a fearful cat’s housing. However, he may start playing with them when he starts to feel safe.

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Setting up proper housing for fearful cats in the shelter will help them adapt and cope with shelter life, allow for behavior treatment and low stress handling, and also allow for staff to determine different pathways if a fearful cat is not coping in the shelter.

Over the coming months, PPG’s Shelter and Rescue Committee will continue to develop plans that can be used with fearful cats. In addition to the plans, photos and videos will be included to help people know how to recognize signs of fear, anxiety, and stress in cats, and see examples of the plans in action. We hope this will be beneficial for shelter staff and volunteers, and the cats they work with. n

© Can Stock Photo/alexsalcedo

An appropriate place for cats to scratch is an important part of cage setup for shelter cats

r e s c u e Subsequent research by Ellis, Stryhn, Spears and Cockram (2017) tested shelter cats’ preferences for a toy, a hiding box, or a perching place. These options were placed in different compartments along with an empty compartment as a control.

The results showed that cats preferred to allocate their time to the hiding box, spending more time there than with the other two types of enrichment.

References Ellis, J.J., Stryhn, H., Spears, J., & Cockram, M.S. (2017). Environmen‐ tal enrichment choices of shelter cats. Behavioural Processes 141 291‐296. Available at: bit.ly/2NI06yr Ellis, S.L., Rodan, I., Carney, H.C., Heath, S., Rochlitz, I., Shear‐ burn.,…Westropp, J. L. (2013). AAFP and ISFM feline environmental needs guidelines. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 15 (3) 219‐ 230. Available at: bit.ly/2XxHZQa Kry, K., & Casey, R. (2007). The effect of hiding enrichment on stress levels and behaviour of domestic cats (Felis sylvestris catus) in a shelter setting and the implications for adoption potential. Animal Welfare 16 (3) 375‐383. Available at: bit.ly/2JNbpQT Wagner, D.C., Kass, P.H., & Hurley, K.F. (2018). Cage size, movement in and out of housing during daily care, and other environmental and population health risk factors for feline upper respiratory disease in nine North American animal shelters. PLOS One 13 (1). Available at: bit.ly/2XFGLh9

Resources Association of Shelter Veterinarians. (2010). Guidelines for standards of care in animal shelters. Available at: bit.ly/2He7PAd British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) Hide, Perch & GoTM box: bit.ly/2xFjf9p Cats Protection Feline Fort®: bit.ly/2NJjCuv Cat‐Stress‐Score: bit.ly/2NLNZAz Kessler, M.R., & Turner, D.C. (1997). Stress and adaptation of cats (Felis silvestris catus) housed singly, in pairs and in groups in board‐ ing catteries. Animal Welfare (6) 3 243–254. Available at: bit.ly/2LbbZel McCune, S. (1992). Temperament and welfare of caged cats (Doc‐ toral Dissertation). University of Cambridge, U.K. Available at: bit.ly/32kZnqg Naismith, J., Pierce, G., & Karunungan, M. (2019, May). Manage‐ ment and Behavior Modification: Developing a Force‐Free Toolbox for Shelters and Rescues. BARKS from the Guild (36) 14‐21. Available at: bit.ly/2XV8UF2 Kim Monteith is manager animal behavior and welfare at the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) (spca.bc.ca) in British Columbia, Canada and has worked in animal shelters for the past 19 years. She has implemented a wide array of shelter welfare programs for both staff and volunteers from Capacity for Care, the Canadian Standards of Care in Animal Shelters, Dr. Sophia Yin's Low Stress Handling and Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Adopters Welcome. She currently supports 36 shelters on behavior and welfare for companion animals and is a graduate of The Academy for Dog Trainers.

Zazie Todd Ph.D is the creator of Companion Animal Psychology (companionanimalpsychology.com), a blog about how to have happy cats and dogs according to science, and the owner of Blue Mountain Animal Behaviour in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada. She is an honors graduate of the Academy for Dog Trainers and has a certificate of feline behavior (with distinction) from Inter‐ national Cat Care. Her book Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy will be published by Greystone Books in Spring 2020.

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training

Winning Ways Anna Bradley discusses the importance of setting up your dog for success to build confidence and enhance the canine-guardian bond

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talk a lot about setting up dogs to win. It bothers me when I see dogs trying to do their best for their owners, but their efforts are neither rewarded nor acknowledged. In such scenarios, in my experience, something is usually failing somewhere along the cue-behavior-reinforcement chain that results in a perceived poor or “not good enough” performance on the part of the dog and, ultimately, disappointment or frustration for the owner. Meanwhile, owners can sometimes become sucked into a downward spiral and resort to admonishing their dogs, which serves only to increase their unhappiness because it both fails to resolve the issues and increases their dog’s stress levels.

Early Learning A winning start begins as soon as you bring your puppy, or new dog, home. If you’re bringing home a rescue or so-called recycled dog then it may be slightly more complicated, but not necessarily. Puppies, and indeed most dogs, will thrive if they have calm and quiet spaces in which to adapt to their new homes. Tempting though it is, constant fawning, demands for play and forced interactions will most likely only serve to increase stress. In the case of a puppy, he will have been separated from his siblings and maternal care around the age of 8 weeks. Allow him to get plenty of sleep and also make sure he has opportunities to express his natural curiosity as this is a period for rapid brain maturation.

As I stated in an earlier article (see Putting the Social in Socialization, BARKS from the Guild, March 2019, pp.34‐35), puppies grow extremely quickly and move through major neurodevelopmental landmarks. This means that from the age of 5 weeks right through to 14 weeks learning is all about interactional skills with humans, conspecifics and the environment (Bradley, 2019). Socialization and habituation, i.e. the acclimatization to everybody (of varying appearances) and every other species he is likely to encounter, as well as exposure to wide and varying stimuli and experiences, is incredibly important at this stage. To ensure you get it right, make sure that all acclimatization is at the puppy’s pace. Don’t force him to do anything, but let him approach, back off and reapproach as he wishes and reward accordingly. Taking this a little further, to ensure first experiences with other unfamiliar dogs are positive, do a bit of pre-planning.

Puppy parties are very popular, but not all provide the same level of care at such an impressionable age. At pre-14 weeks, any experiences that occur, positive or negative, may have profound consequences later in your dog’s life. Choose a puppy party venue which is a reasonable size, does not allow puppies to become boxed in corners, does not allow a “free for all.” It should be run by qualified behavior professionals who recognize symptoms of canine stress, can assist with more shy individuals, step in when play is boisterous, and understand canine body language, posturing and its emotional consequences. The same is true for training classes. When knowledgably run, both can be extremely enriching and beneficial and thus positive learning experiences.

Look for positive reinforcement methods which promote the dog’s active role in learning rather than being a passive responder. These methods may utilize techniques such as lure and reward, shaping, clicker, target training etc. Be wary of those environments that still rely upon outdated techniques such as body molding (e.g. pushing or pulling the dog to adopt a certain position), show reluctance to use positive

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© Can Stock Photo/FeSeven

Different types of dogs require different forms of mental and physical enrichment and stimulation

reinforcement, and have a heavy reliance on gadgets. Having the dog play an active role, e.g. shaping techniques with continual positive reinforcement, encourages him to try progressively a little harder each time in order to gain the reward, thereby incrementally being reinforced for nearing the owner’s end training goal. Body molding only serves to create stress, discomfort or pain and can result in associative pain with the training process or even venue or owner.

Keeping Things Clear If you’re constantly chatting to your dog then you throw in your cue, or you change or vary your cue, how will he know how to respond? Being unclear means your dog is likely to fail. Understand that your dog is much more perceptive than you in terms of sights, sounds, smells and what he touches. He is aware of a multitude of variants – a “stimulus collage.” If you want what you’re asking him to do to be clear, then it needs to stand out and be brighter and clearer than this collage. Ensure always that you use a consistent cue word and that everybody in contact with your dog does too. If you are still having trouble, perhaps there’s a problem with the salience of your cue. If you’ve been using it many times, your dog may have just habituated to it. If you think this is the case, change it, reduce the frequency, or use a completely new cue, e.g. a whistle or hand signal.

Sometimes, as humans, I think we want our dogs to learn too much.

While I wouldn’t necessarily discourage this, consider, too, the effect of blocking. If you’ve just taught your dog to heel to the left for instance and he’s doing that really well, but then you asked him to heel to the right and he’s not doing it and you’ve started to become frustrated, ask yourself why. Old learning can block the uptake of the new. Wait a little, teach something a little more incompatible, and then teach the heel to the right. In other words, allow your dog to “win.”

training If you’ve just taught your dog to heel to the left for instance and he’s doing that really well, but then you asked him to heel to the right and he’s not doing it and you’ve started to become frustrated, ask yourself why. Old learning can block the uptake of the new. Wait a little, teach something a little more incompatible, and then teach the heel to the right. In other words, allow your dog to “win.”

Right Environment How many of us can concentrate in the face of huge distraction, being asked questions, phones ringing, loud music, people knocking at the door, etc.? The same is true for our dogs, yet it’s surprising how few of us remember to acknowledge this at times. Failure to respond, walk with us, desire to sniff, leaping at unsuspecting people, running off to play with other dogs, running away, etc. are all common issues people have with their dogs. While some people may find these behaviors irritating, they often occur simply because the dog is placed within an environment in which there is too much distraction, or competition. What dogs do in these circumstances is not “naughty,” but simply normal behavior that is occurring in an inappropriate context – for the owner. Repeatedly, these dogs are set up to fail as the distraction level is too high for them to succeed and so their behavior becomes rehearsed, reinforced and subsequently imprinted. In such cases, drop down a distraction gradient or two and set up the dog to return, walk nicely etc. Again, in other words, set them up to win.

name just a few. We must also bear in mind what breed we have chosen as a canine partner. Different breeds/dogs will require different forms of mental and physical enrichment and stimulation. It’s no good choosing a high energy breed such as a border collie if you cannot provide sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. Failure to do so will likely quickly result in repercussions such as those identified above and, in addition, you are not setting up your dog to win. To enjoy a successful life together and experience a win-win scenario all round means to realistically analyze your living situation, time available, willingness to devote time and energy to walks, and provision of physical and mental enrichment, and then choose a dog that matches that analysis.

In my opinion, we owe it to our dogs, from day one, to provide as many chances as we possibly can for them to be positively rewarded. As such, set up innocuous tasks to occur throughout the day and make sure the dog receives plenty of praise/reinforcement. This will encourage him to try to obtain more chances to succeed, or win, and help build confidence in both dog and guardian. n

References Bradley, A. (2019, March). Putting the Social in Socialization. BARKS from the Guild (35) 34‐35. Available at: bit.ly/32fYu20 Anna Francesca Bradley MSc BSc (Hons) is a United Kingdom‐ ebased provisional clinical, certified IAABC animal behavior consult‐ ant and ABTC accredited behavior consultant. She owns Perfect Pawz! Training and Behavior Practice (perfectpawz.co.uk) in Hex‐ ham, Northumberland, where the aim is always to create and re‐ store happy relationships between dog and owner in a relaxed way, using methods based on sound scientific principles, which are both force‐free and fun.

Knowing When to Quit Sometimes, if training is going well, people may be tempted to push the dog too far or drag the session out for too long. When this happens, the dog may ultimately end up failing because he is getting tired, distracted, bored or frustrated. But instead of remembering all his great work, some of us may tend to focus on the failure at the end. It’s human nature! But we need to learn when to quit. Make sure, then, that you know your limits, your dog’s limits and your goals, and make sure you have realistic expectations for the level your dog is currently at and don’t push beyond. Go at his pace, not yours. Ensure you stop while he is still happily bouncing back to you with other dogs around, or stop after five minutes of great dog reactivity work. It’s all about timing and timing for success.

Excuses and Occupations It’s a “collie/spaniel/hound etc. thing!” Breed excuses for behavior are a definite thing, e.g. “beagles can’t ever be let off leash,” or :terriers can’t be trained” to name just a couple. These are stereotypes in themselves and I don’t believe in them for a second. For sure, specific breeds have their own innate traits and these have to be appreciated as contributory or causative factors in behavioral disorders. It is also true they can inhibit training practices, but they don’t actually completely prevent dogs from doing what dogs should be able to do. To use stereotypical breed excuses is to automatically state our dog has failed – he can’t recall, he can’t allow cars to pass, walk through fields of livestock, settle with young children, walk on the leash, etc. We have to acknowledge what our dogs are bred for. Some dogs, especially if they are from working lines, have been more selectively bred for specific tasks. However, that does not have to mean they are prevented from adapting and living with us as we wish them to.

If we don’t provide ‘occupations’ for our dogs, we may experience consequences in the form of behavior issues such as stress, frustration related disorders, anxiety, high energy, and poor impulse control to BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

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training

Detection Dogs David Egan presents a brief history of working dogs used by the police and military as well as the evolution of the methods used to train and care for them

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hile, traditionally, detection dogs were used by law enforcement, the military or customs primarily in a drug and explosive detection role, their function and, more importantly, their training has changed dramatically in recent years.

During my career working with dogs, I’ve had the opportunity to work with and train drug and explosive detection dogs, as well as, prior to this, patrol dogs, mainly in bite work and tracking. The introduction to the world of scent detection was something entirely new for me, offering a whole different approach to the world of dog training with the emphasis being on reward through play. But it wasn’t always that way.

Though detection is generally thought of as a relatively new role for the dog, dogs have been involved in war theaters worldwide throughout centuries. War dogs were used by the Egyptians, Greeks, Persians, Sarmatians, Alans, Slavs, Britons, and the Romans (Wikia.org, 2019) and were explicitly trained for battle as well as sentry and patrol work. Since then, dogs have had a variety of roles through many conflicts: the Belgian Malinois was used to pull Maxim guns in World War I, Airedales were used to carry messages along the front lines, and the Russian Army also used dogs to haul the wounded from the battlefield, amongst others. It wasn’t until the outbreak of World War II, however, that the decision was made to try and train dogs to find land mines and improvised explosive devices (IED). But where could the authorities find the dogs to fulfil this role?

Your Country Needs Your Dog In May 1941, a few small adverts started to appear in the columns of various publications up and down the United Kingdom with the text: “To British Dog Owners, Your country needs dogs for defence. Alsations [sic], Collies and other large breeds. Here is your great opportunity to actively help to win the war – will you loan one?” The adverts were “primarily designed by the War Office to test public opinion over the merits of sending people’s beloved pets to combat, but the response was overwhelming. Within two weeks there had been a staggering 7,000 offers of dogs – not least because in such straitened times many were struggling to feed their pets.” (Shute, 2015). The War Dogs Training School was thus created, opening officially at a greyhound kennels in Northaw, near Potters Bar in England, on May 5, 1942. Initially, 40 dogs were chosen for training and, by the end of the war, some 3,300 dogs had been dispatched to units across the globe. (Shute, 2015).

The training these dogs received in the detection of mines and IEDs was aversive by any standards and proved not to be very useful under combat conditions. The dogs couldn’t even find comfort from the soldiers assigned to train them as the handlers were warned not to get attached to the dogs in their care. The penalty for showing any kind of empathy towards a dog was disciplinary action, something no soldier wanted. This attitude towards working dogs was an approach that, unfortunately, lasted for many years, not only within the military and po-

...dogs are now being trained to search for many things, both animate and inanimate...who knows where the dog's unbelievably impressive sense of smell will next be employed.

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© Can Stock Photo/showface

The training of detection dogs has come a long way from the aversive methods used in World War II

lice forces but also within private working kennels. The dogs were viewed as nothing more than a tool and considered to be the same as any other piece of issued equipment.

How, then, were the dogs trained in those early days? “Marine mine detecting dogs were trained using bare electric wires beneath the ground surface. The wires shocked the dogs, teaching them that danger lurked under the dirt. Once the dog's focus was properly directed, dummy mines were planted and the dogs were trained to signal their presence. While the dogs effectively found the mines, the task proved so stressful for the dogs they were only able to work between 20 and 30 minutes at a time. The mine detecting war dogs anticipated random shocks from the heretofore friendly earth, making them extremely nervous…This is the result of variable schedule operant conditioning. Rather than shocking the entire ground surface, the electric shock components should be placed directly over the mine detonation area. This would teach the dogs…that only sections of ground over mines are dangerous, not all of the ground.” (Wikia.org, 2019).

It is not terribly surprising that the useful service life of the mine detection dog was not that long, but that’s not to say that all dogs were unable to overcome their anxieties and complete their jobs effectively.

One of the most successful detection dogs was a dog named Rex, “a stray black labrador, who in 1945 helped detect so many mines in the Reichswald Forest that he was hailed by his platoon commander, Lt. Peter Norbury, as the bravest dog he had ever seen.” (Shute, 2015).

After World War II and following the success demonstrated by mine detection dogs, training protocols for military dogs were further developed and written up by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) which in turn became the go-to resource for dog training for years to come. Unfortu-

training nately, these protocols were based primarily on principles that employed force, physical prompts, hindquarter manipulation, negative reinforcement, and handler guidance through leash pressure and other pieces of equipment. These training principles were applied to all dogs, whether they were a patrol or detection dog.

Change in Approach Fast forward to the 1980s and there was another shift in the philosophy of training detection dogs. The pendulum, if you will, swung from aversive training techniques in basic obedience training to no basic obedience training at all. This type of training was now deemed unnecessary as the dog's sole purpose was to search and nothing else. Also, at this time, there was a considerable demand for drug and explosive detection dogs in the private sector. The police and military were unable to meet the demand and so private enterprises started to train dogs for the work instead. With the growing threat of terrorism and a rise in drug use, there was a considerable market for detection dogs. Dogs started to be used in a private capacity to check for drugs on people going into nightclubs. Clubs themselves were often searched during the day to check for drugs people had stashed inside so they could avoid being positively tested outside while in the line to be admitted.

In addition, it wasn’t unheard of for drug detection dog handlers to be threatened or followed home by those selling drugs, in an attempt to protect their market. Then, once it was known where they lived, poisoned meat would be thrown over the garden fence to get rid of the dog. Meanwhile, private companies were also requesting drug dogs to search their premises and employees for drugs. Privately trained drug detection dogs became big business with the top dogs attracting a price of $3,800 upwards, which was a lot of money back then.

During the 1990s, there was a resurgence in canine research with research into positive reinforcement showing that this was (and is) the

These days, in the United Kingdom, patrol and detection dogs are being trained with modern, force-free training techniques. The aversive methods of years past are confined to the dark days of history once and for all and these serving dogs are finally being trained with the respect they so rightly deserve. most effective method to train a dog. Subsequently, the MOD could no longer ignore the fact and its dog training manual was rewritten to accommodate a more humane and force-free training regime. However, this coincided with a reduction in the MOD’s budget so, in 2000, all breeding and training was outsourced to private companies. Predictably, this became an unmitigated disaster, as although these companies were in possession of guidelines from the MOD on how to care for and train the dogs, not all of them followed the instructions to the levels expected. Consequently, dogs were not trained to the same standards as when the training was done in-house, so the military ended up with dogs of differing levels of competence. But this all changed again in 2010 when control of the care and training of dogs, whether patrol or detection dogs, was all brought back in-house. As for the police, their breeding program was significantly reduced, so they were buying in puppies from selected breeders to ensure they got the right caliber of dog that they needed for the job. This is something they still do.

These days, in the United Kingdom, patrol and detection dogs are being trained with modern, force-free training techniques. The aversive methods of years past are confined to the dark days of history once and for all and these serving dogs are finally being trained with the respect they so rightly deserve.

As to how the world of the detection dog has expanded from those

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29

training early days of World War II, dogs are now being trained to search for many things, both animate and inanimate, including: • Human remains.

• Cancer/medical conditions.

• Endangered animal species.

• Fire accelerants (arson investigation).

• Firearms.

• Hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) emergencies in humans.

• Invasive species.

• Currency (large amounts of money carried by passengers in airports that should be declared to customs before travel).

• Mobile phones (as contraband in prisons).

• USB drives.

• SIM cards.

• Mold.

• Plants, animals, produce, and agricultural items that have to go through customs.

• Termites.

• Wildlife scat.

• Gourmet fungi, such as truffles.

• Poachers, primarily in places such as Africa to protect wildlife.

This list is not exhaustive. As time passes, who knows where the dog's unbelievably impressive sense of smell will next be employed.

The training of detection dogs has come a very long way from the aversive methods used in World War II, methods that reflected the lack of knowledge available at that time. Scent work, once the domain of the

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BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

military and police, is now open to anyone with a dog and the will to get involved. The one thing I have learned in my years of dog training is this: if you want a tired, happy dog, provide him with plenty of mental enrichment. Tapping into his olfactory system is one very effective way of doing this. n

References Shute, J. (2015, September 26). Unsung heroes: the brave dogs who fought in WWII. The Telegraph. Available at: bit.ly/2LG9cct Wikia.org. (2019). Military: Dogs in warfare. Available at: bit.ly/2NIBWUk

Resources Montgomery, E. (2018). Dogs of War: 23 Facts You Never Knew About Military Working Dogs. Available at: bit.ly/2JwvTgo David Egan DipDogPsy (Dist) BSc (Hons) is based in Haslemere, Sur‐ rey, England and operates Living with Wolves (livingwithwolves.co .uk/1‐2‐1‐dog‐training.html#) with a focus on behavior consults, puppy and dog training, and confidence building, all on a one‐to‐one basis. He started out working in a security kennel training German shepherds in obedience, bite work and tracking and has also trained breeds such as English springers and Labradors in drug and explo‐ sive detection work. The accepted method of training when he started out did not sit well with him so, searching for a better way to train, he started upon a path of education. He has since completed a course in canine psychology and a bachelor’s in canine behavior.

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training

Training Tips: The Flitting Game Emma Judson describes the game she plays with puppies to help them get used to being alone

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o help a puppy become accustomed to being left alone sometimes, I use a two-part game that I call the Flitting Game. We pick two adjacent rooms, ideally the kitchen and the living room. Set the timer on your phone (silently) for five minutes. Then make multiple trips from one room to the next, fiddle with something in one room, then move on. As you do this, ignore your dog – as in don’t talk to him or touch him, but keep an eye on him. As he begins to settle, flit again.

Over the course of a few sessions you should find your dog becomes slower to get up, slower to settle, lurks in the hallway or in doorways, starts to look annoyed at you because this is now TEDIOUS and unrewarding.

Reason to Stay It’s important to remember this is not some strict military regime. If you WANT your dog to come with you, to talk to him and fuss with him, that’s fine. Outside these sessions, invite him along. The point is that when you do not invite him, it might not be worth his effort to follow you. When he realizes that, you can then occasionally add in a good reason NOT to choose following you.

Step two in the Flitting Game is, add that reason in. It might be a big

If you WANT your dog to come with you, to talk to him and fuss with him, that’s fine. Outside these sessions, invite him along. The point is that when you do not invite him, it might not be worth his effort to follow you and when he realizes that, you can then occasionally add in a good reason NOT to choose following you.

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BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

© Can Stock Photo/MatHayward

Learning to be left alone and feeling relaxed about it is an important life skill

juicy bone or a big, filled Kong, i.e. something that’s highly rewarding and a pain in the proverbial backside to lift and carry around. Now repeat the flitting. If he chooses not to follow you, try to stay a little less time in the ‘away’ room, a little more in the ‘home’ room, and build up gradually, second by second.

Do not always give him the Kong or bone. Carry on doing sessions without them, and very gradually build up to other rooms and longer durations away. At any point, your dog is free to come and check what you are doing or where you are. If he does, that’s fine. Don’t say ‘hi’ or anything but make a mental note that perhaps this was a step too far and to scale back. The idea is that your dog learns that it is his own choice not to follow and that, sometimes, that choice is highly reinforcing. Sometimes it just saves him some tedium and effort. He is free to check up if he’s worried. There’s no force or pressure at all. n Emma Judson is based in Worcestershire, West Midlands, United Kingdom and is head training and behavior consultant at the Canine Consultant (thecanineconsultants.co.uk). She is a part time wheel‐ chair user due to Ehlers Danlos and dilated cardiomyopathy, so “works around” her illness. She shares her home with her partner and the “hairy freeloaders” Womble, Errol, Baggins, Weasels and Kelda. She is a KSA trainer (one‐to‐one) via the Professional Associ‐ ation of Canine Trainers, a registered animal training instructor via the Animal Behaviour and Training Council and also handles remote separation anxiety clients. She is known for her cartooning (Beanz, Fido), commercial illustrations (Your Dog magazine) and freelance writing (Dogs Today).

training

Training Tips: My Puppy Is a Scaredy Cat Sally Bradbury explains in a nutshell how to help puppies overcome any fears, using the vacuum cleaner as an example

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he world can be a scary place for a puppy sometimes, so it is important that we don't put him into situations that he cannot cope with. For example, if your puppy is scared of large chubby bearded men in red coats, then you can just keep him away from the chimney on Christmas Eve. However, we also need to help him to not be scared of everyday things like the vacuum cleaner, the dog behind the fence up the road, visitors to the house…all the things he is likely encounter regularly. A counterconditioning protocol is © Can Stock Photo/frank11 Constant exposure to something that produces a fearful response useful in helping puppies overcome any fears they have early on in life will ensure that the puppy becomes increasingly fearful and there is the risk that it can become a real fear or phobia. Let’s take the vacuum … if your puppy is scared of large chubby cleaner as an example. There will be two stages to this, as vacuum cleaners both LOOK and SOUND scary. We can start by letting the puppy bearded men in red coats, then you can just keep him away from the chimney on Christmas Eve. see the 'scary monster' in the room and giving him a food treat every However, we also need to help him to not be time he looks at it or investigates it. When he is completely relaxed, then we might push it or pull it a couple of inches across the carpet scared of everyday things like the vacuum while the puppy watches and enjoys a treat with each movement. cleaner, the dog behind the fence up the road,

Counterconditioning Before we plug in and turn on the vacuum cleaner, the puppy needs to be as far away as possible, preferably in another room. You'll need a helper to turn on a stationary vacuum cleaner while you feed the pup a succession of treats. Over several sessions you can bring the vacuum cleaner closer, gradually, making sure he remains under threshold. He'll not only get used to the noise and sight of the vacuum cleaner, as well as seeing it moving, he will also start to associate it with the food and thus positive feelings instead of negative ones.

Counterconditioning, i.e. pairing something positive with a low level of something scary is not about changing behavior, but about how the dog feels, i.e. his emotional response. Learn to recognize when your pup is scared and allow him to retreat and watch from a distance.

In the words of Jacobs (2017): “Keep the dog feeling safe. Be prepared to make anything that already scares, or might scare, the dog a predictor of something fabulous. Use food. Fabulous food. Train the dog to do exactly what you’d like them to do when in the presence of something that does or might scare them. When we use high rates of positive reinforcement to train appropriate behaviors we don’t need to worry about them making bad choices.” n

visitors to the house…all the things he is likely encounter regularly.

References Jacobs, D. (2017). High Risk Activities. Available at: fearfuldogs.com/high‐risk‐activities Sally Bradbury has worked with dogs all her adult life, from RSPCA kennel maid in her teens to founding and running her own very suc‐ cessful dog training business for 20 years. She was also a founding member of the APDT (United Kingdom). Her passion is helping and supporting new puppy owners raise their puppy to avoid the many pitfalls that results in so many youngsters being handed into rescues in their first year. She is now retired and living in Wales and has re‐ cently published children’s book, Jack and Billy: Puppy Tales, featur‐ ing two puppies who experience vastly different journeys in their new homes (jackandbillypuppytales.com).

BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

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case study

Scared of Storms Using PPG’s canine case study template, Kelly McFarlane presents the first of a two-part case study featuring young Shih Tzu Minnie, whose fear of wind, rain and thunder generalized into an anxiety that impacted her everyday life

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his case study features 3½-year-old spayed Shih Tzu Minnie who presented with storm phobia, which, after a particularly bad storm, developed into general anxiety – even when the weather had improved again. Minnie is the only pet in the household and she lives with her doting owner, Suz. Here, in Part I, I will outline details of the initial consult, my assessment and recommended treatment plan.

Part II will incorporate details of Minnie’s progress and my follow-up consult and report on any progress made.

Dog's Name: Minnie Species/breed: Canine/Shih Tzu Age: 3½ years Sex (spayed/neutered): Female (spayed) Details of other pets in household: N/A Details of people in household: Just her owner, Suz. Any known background about the dog: Suz has had Minnie since she was 10 months of age. She came from someone in Waihi, New Zealand who could no longer look after her. She has been healthy and there have been no real issues medically.

How long has the client had the dog?: Minnie has been with Suz for just over 2½ years.

Is the client an experienced dog owner/experienced with this breed?: Suz is a lovely owner who was out of her depth with Minnie's storm phobia issues.

What is the dog’s diet? Give details of mealtimes/treats: Currently fed Nature’s Goodness kibble, twice daily.

Where does the dog sleep?: Sleeps in Suz’s bedroom. She does have her own bed but also sleeps on her owner’s bed.

Where does the dog stay if left home alone?: When left home alone, she has free reign of the house and tends to sleep in the living area or near the spare bedroom.

What sort of exercise (on leash/off leash/access to other dogs)/play‐ time (toys, games)/other highlights does the dog get on a daily basis and how often ( i.e. details of daily routine)?: Minnie was going for walks daily until she became so frightened due to the storms. She did attend daycare two to three times per week and

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© Kelly McFarlane

Shih Tzu Minnie presented with storm phobia and a fear of wind and rain, which generalized to anxiety and fearful behavior even in good weather; wearing a Thundershirt (pictured, above) at random times was part of her behavior change plan

was happy there but, again, due to the weather she has been struggling.

Details of any medical conditions: Currently on Clomicalm for storm phobia.

Has the dog had any training (if so, where/what)?: She had puppy training in a class with D for Dogs in Hunua, New Zealand.

Does the client train the dog at home (if so, how)?: Not really, she just keeps up with the basics of her knowing her name and getting her to sit. She does not use punishment methods and rewards Minnie with treats.

What sort of basic obedience/manners does the dog have?: Minnie is able to respond to her name and sit.

Details of the inappropriate behavior: Minnie’s fear of storms has become worse over a period of a few months and she now seems anxious even when the weather is fine.

This is the initial email the client sent me asking for help: “Minnie is a Shih Tzu. She is a 2½-year-old female and I have had her since she was 10 months old. She is desexed. Over the last few months she has become very fearful of rain and wind to the point that she is now shaking most of time and does not eat when there is wind or rain. She also tries to get up high such as the back of the couch or a table or retreats to the bathroom or my wardrobe. I took her to the vet on the weekend and she is now on Clomicalm as well as Adaptil spray. I am concerned the

case study ...the anxiety Minnie is experiencing is something like a panic attack. My aim is to help her cope in situations where the weather is bad via management and some training techniques.

There are no guarantees we can get Minnie to totally recover from the fear she feels, but we can certainly provide her with some strategies to help her cope...

behavior is getting worse and worry as she is so fearful in the home when she did not used to be at all. She is now going into the [bathroom] as soon as she gets out of the car, whether it’s raining or not. I would like to organize a home visit if possible, as soon as possible, as she is quite distressed.”

When was it first noticed?: The owner contacted me in April 2018. However, the behavior was something she had noticed before when the weather had not been great. The main issue now is the owner feels that Minnie is scared by her as well as she just wants to hide all the time.

Was there any apparent cause?: We have had some very big storms in New Zealand and the owner feels this made Minnie's fear worse. She never really liked bad weather, but now she seems on edge all the time.

Frequency/intensity/ duration/timings/locations: Minnie is very unsettled when it starts to rain. She will pant, shake, and is inappetent. Suz said Minnie also tries to climb on top of the couch and will hide in the bathroom. Suz is concerned that now, even when the weather is fine, Minnie still seems anxious and will hide and hang out in the bathroom area.

Triggers/contexts: When the weather changes and starts to rain. Minnie is frightened by light rain, as well as wind and thunder, but seems to also have overall general anxiety when the weather is nice again.

Dog’s emotional state/body language before/during/after performing inappropriate behavior: Minnie will pant and shake prior to the bad weather. This becomes worse once the weather changes and she does not eat even when the storm has gone. She will try to climb on top of the couch or hide in the bathroom. She will often stay in the bathroom, refusing to eat, long after the weather is okay.

Dog’s overall mood state when not performing inappropriate behavior: Minnie is not her happy self currently and doesn't even want to play, which really concerns her owner.

What is reinforcing the inappropriate behavior?:

Her anxiety is making her hide out, not eat, and be unresponsive to her owner.

How does the client react at the time of the inappropriate behavior (if present)?: Suz does try to reassure Minnie and will try and cuddle her as well. Suz just doesn't want to see Minnie stressed.

What has the client tried to do about it, if anything (and how does the dog respond to this)?: The owner has seen her vet who has put Minnie on Clomicalm and suggested using Adaptil. She contacted a trainer who referred her to me.

Observations during consult: When I arrived at the home, it had started to rain, Minnie was wearing her ThunderShirt, was panting, was hypervigilant and climbed up onto the couch next to me and wedged herself in between me and the arm of the chair. She stayed there for at least 40 minutes. Once the weather started to improve, she stopped panting and started to relax and close her eyes while Suz and I were talking. At least 30 minutes after the weather had cleared up, Minnie was much more relaxed and then took a couple of treats from me. She was able to respond to her name and was sitting when asked. We started mat training her. She also played with her toy when Suz threw it for her and was very bright.

Assessment I explained to Suz that the anxiety Minnie is experiencing is something like a panic attack for people. My aim is to help her cope in situations where the weather is bad via management and some training techniques. There are no guarantees we can get Minnie to totally recover from the fear she feels, but we can certainly provide her with some strategies to help her cope and work in conjunction with the medication she is on.

Minnie seems to seek out the bathroom as her safe zone. She will sit or lay down there or she may face the wall. I recommended covering the area she seeks the most with a dark sheet so she will feel more secure. Also, leave the light on so it isn’t a fully darkened room (in case of lightning). I think spraying Adaptil onto the sheet will not do any harm and is worth doing, as is putting her mat in the bathroom for training. It might be easier, in the interim, for Minnie to both wear an Adaptil collar and use the spray on certain areas/furnishings as needed.

I also advised Suz to put Minnie’s ThunderShirt on her at various times and not only when she gets anxious. She should also ensure it is fitted so it is snug and puts pressure on the right points.

I advised leaving the radio on or playing her Through a Dog’s Ear music, again at different times and not just when the weather is bad or when she is left alone, so she doesn’t make a negative association with the music.

For some dogs, desensitizing them to the noise of rain can also help.

This can be done with audio recordings. It works well for some dogs but not others as it depends on what is causing the individual dog to be fearful. For example, this may be the sounds of the rain and/or thunder, the change in air pressure, or the lightning.

Minnie responds well to her name and will come when called. She

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35

case study • • •

She did recover and play after the bad weather when I saw her.

She can respond to her name and sits when asked.

She did relax and take treats and also play with her owner during the initial consult.

Consult 1: Intervention Recommendations for the Client #1. Management: • Hang sheet in the corner of the bathroom where Minnie hangs out to make her feel more secure.

• Don’t worry if Minnie hangs out in the bathroom. Each time you walk past, just gently toss her a tasty treat.

• Play relaxing music intermittently.

• Utilize times when Minnie is bright, happy and relaxed to do some training or just have playtime together.

• Time intervals when she shows signs of being anxious, when the bad weather begins, when the bad weather ends and when she is no longer showing signs of anxiety. This will help © Susan Nilson you keep an eye on her recovery post storm and determine if Dogs experiencing storm phobia may seek out places where they feel slightly safer, it is taking longer, staying the same, or getting faster. including bathrooms; one theory proposes that this provides electrical grounding

sits when asked and responds quickly. During the initial consult we did some mat work. She responded well to this and was happily taking treats. I recommended a mat made from cotton to reduce any static electricity as there are still questions as to whether dogs receive static shocks during storms. If so, this stimulus could be painful, hence why they seek out areas like bathrooms and showers, i.e. to provide electrical grounding.

I also discussed some enrichment ideas to help make feeding time and mat training more fun and to continue enhancing the bond between Minnie and Suz. Finally, I thought it would be a good idea to assess Minnie when she is left alone so we can see if her anxiety increases, or if she is quite happy and relaxed enough to go to sleep. This assessment will also show us where she goes in the home when left alone.

Perceptions of owner/owner compliance: Suz wants to do everything and anything to help Minnie be her happy self again.

Behavior Change Plan Negative Indications: • Minnie is now inappetent and very anxious when there is bad weather.

• Minnie’s anxiety has shifted into her daily life.

• Minnie is seeking out the bathroom to hide.

• The anxiety has become worse since a very big storm we had recently.

Positive Indications: • Minnie is on medication to help with the anxiety.

#2. Games: • Muffin game – place some of Minnie’s kibble or treats in the compartments of a muffin baking tray. Cover them with tennis balls and let her knock them off to get to the food.

• Choose the hand – Show Minnie you have tasty treats/kibble, then put your hands behind your back and put the food in one hand. Show her your hands and let her work out which hand the treat food is in.

• Her blue toy can be dipped in water and frozen to make it slightly harder and cooler for her.

• Make mealtimes more challenging and mentally enriching by playing with her red and black puzzle game and/or treat ball during feeding.

• Tie fabric through her ball with the holes and stuff it with treats for her, making it more of a challenge. #3. Behavior Change: To help Minnie feel more relaxed when she comes out from the bathroom, start with the below exercise. Use this until she is mat trained, by which time she will start to use the mat instead.

• When you walk past the bathroom, toss Minnie a tasty treat close to her so she can easily reach it.

• Each time you walk past, gradually throw the treat closer to you.

• You can start to sit just outside of the doorway and if she is comfortable, start to hand feed her.

• Start to very gently stroke her on her shoulder blades while feeding her. If she leans in, continue to pet her. Our goal is to teach her that being with Suz is safe. This exercise is not to be rushed. It will be a slow process and that is absolutely fine.

• Go to mat – in a perceived safe place, teach Minnie to go to her mat, making sure she is rewarded for being there.

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BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

case study When I arrived at the home, it had started to rain, Minnie was wearing her ThunderShirt, was panting, was hypervigilant and climbed up onto the couch next to me and wedged herself in between me and the arm of the chair. She stayed there for at least 40 minutes.

Gradually she will come to regard the mat as a safe place. You can start to move the mat to different locations, or have multiple mats. #4. Desensitization to sounds: • Offer a tasty chewy.

• Start playing the rain/storm audio recording on a low volume.

• Another day, offer a tasty chew and play the audio again. Start on the lowest volume for about five minutes, then increase to the next level.

• Some days, instead of giving Minnie a chewy, just offer her treats during the audio recordings.

• Watch for any anxious behavior. If she starts to show any of her typical signs of anxiety, reduce the volume and keep at that level for a few days. #5. Ancillary Support: • Use tasty treats when training.

• On occasion, pace Minnie’s mat on the couch next to Suz and give her a favorite chewy.

• Minnie is to wear an Adaptil collar. Use Adaptil spray on her mat, the sheet in the bathroom and also on her ThunderShirt.

• Minnie is to wear the ThunderShirt at different times, including feeding time, cuddle time, playtime. Don’t take it off immediately after a storm. Make sure ThunderShirt is snug. #6. Suggested pharmacological intervention (if considered absolutely

necessary and only in conjunction with behavior modification plan): As mentioned previously, Minnie is on Clomicalm. A half tablet twice daily was prescribed, but Suz felt Minnie seemed a bit “dopey” on this dose, so I advised her to contact her vet to discuss the dosage and change if necessary.

I will report on how Minnie and her owner progressed and provide an update in Part II of this case study, coming up in the November issue of BARKS. n

Resources PPG Templates for Canine and Feline Case Studies: petprofessionalguild.com/CaseStudyTemplate (Note: You must be logged in to the member area) Through a Dog’s Ear/Through a Cat’s Ear: icalmpet.com ThunderShirt: thundershirt.com

Kelly McFarlane CSAT CDBC VN (kellymcfarlane.co.nz) is a New Zealand based canine behavior consultant with over 20 years of hands‐on experience. As a teenager growing up in the U.K., she volun‐ teered at a kennel before she went knocking on veterinary clinic doors to gain work experience. She went on to become a veterinary techni‐ cian and eventually head nurse at a 24‐hour veterinary emergency hospital in Central London. When she moved to New Zealand in 2007, she was appointed head veterinary nurse at the Ponsonby Veterinary Clinic. She has completed the acclaimed Delta Training Course in Aus‐ tralia, is accredited as an animal trainer, is a certified dog behavior consultant through the IAABC, and recently became a certified sepa‐ ration anxiety trainer through Malena DeMartini, the only person, to date, in New Zealand to do so. Although she is still practice manager at a veterinary emergency and critical care clinic, these days she spends most of her time helping dogs with separation anxiety, pho‐ bias and fear issues, barking complaints, destructive behavior, and puppy training issues. She shares her expertise on the TV show, The Café on THREE.

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37

e q u i n e

Safety in Numbers Kathie Gregory examines the concept of safety from a horse’s perspective, based on their instincts and evolution as a species, and compares this with common human perspectives, highlighting aspects of interspecies trust and safety that are relevant to all pet professionals

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he concept of feeling safe depends both on the species and the individual. For the horse, feeling safe is dependent on factors that work with his instincts. It is both physical and psychological. As humans, we tend to look at safety from our own perspective, but this will be different for an animal. Let's start with the horse and what constitutes safety from his perspective:

Horses Feel Safe When They Are Able to Act as Their Instincts Dictate: Horses are prey animals and their primary defense system is flight. This is hardwired, an inbuilt instinct to flee when they are scared or threatened. Horses will run away to a safe distance before they assess what startled or scared them.

Horses Feel Safe When They Can See the Surrounding Area: Horses have evolved to avoid confrontation. They have a well-defined alert system, reacting extremely quickly to potential threats (Rees, 2017). Their survival mechanism is set up to keep them safe by early detection and avoidance of predators. In order to assess a threat, horses need to have the ability to see what is going on around them. © Can Stock Photo/LincolnRogers

Horses Feel Safe in Large Areas: In order to respond to a threat,

Being part of the group is an important part of the horse’s survival strategy, making it harder for predators to target any one individual

horses need enough room to be able to move far enough away from the source. They are then in the position to properly assess the situation from a safe distance. Large areas also facilitate good social relationships (Flauger & Krueger, 2013).

the case, horses would either have evolved with different instincts and movement patterns (if their habitat were not open plains), or they may have simply died out.

Horses Feel Safe in Numbers: This is an intrinsic part of being a herd species. Horses have evolved to survive by living in groups that provide safety in numbers. This is a survival strategy, as there is much more chance of detecting a predator, and sooner, when there are many horses looking out for threats. Being part of a group also provides a better chance of survival if a predator was to attack. Horses move in synchrony, which is a very important part of their survival strategy (Couzin, Krause, Franks & Levin, 2005). A predator has a harder time finding a target in a group of horses moving as one, compared to a single horse on his own.

Horses Feel Safe Outside: Horses have evolved as a species that lives outside. All the above considerations are taken from the perspective of an animal whose habitat consists of large open areas. If this were not

Horses have evolved to survive by living in groups that provide safety in numbers. This is a survival strategy, as there is much more chance of detecting a predator, and sooner, when there are many horses looking out for threats. Being part of a group also provides a better chance of survival if a predator was to attack.

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Horses Feel Safe When They Have the Freedom to Act as Their Nature Dictates: There are novel objects and situations that need assessing and possibly investigating before a horse can make a decision as to whether he is comfortable or not. There are things he does not like and he feels safe when he can stay away from them. Then there are things he does like and being able to enjoy them makes him feel happy.

As such, he feels more confident, which contributes to an animal that generally feels safer.

Horses Feel Safe When They Are Not Threatened: Horses have not evolved as a confrontational species and they will avoid conflict unless there is no choice. Their natural habitat supports a species that has evolved to run away as their primary strategy to resolve any threats to their safety.

Safety goes deeper than these major aspects of equine needs, however. Every single aspect of a horse’s life also contributes to a general sense of feeling either safe or unsafe. Obviously, horses will feel threatened and unsafe at times when they are in their natural habitat, which may be due to an actual threat or a perceived threat. But there is a big difference between this and the ongoing stress of living in an environment that does not meet their needs. When the brain is stressed, it activates part of the sympathetic nervous system, which results in a compromised sense of safety.

Let's now take a look at safety from the human perspective. To start with, horses have been domesticated. They lead very different lives

e q u i n e from their ancestors, and many have learned how to live part of their lives in confinement. However, it is incorrect to assume that what we see as safe is the same as what the horse perceives as safe, or that he is happy to embrace the confines of his life. The following examples are ones I have heard often (and of course not everyone will have the same perception of safety).

Horses have not evolved as a confrontational species. They will avoid conflict unless there is no choice. Their natural habitat supports a species that has evolved to run away as their primary strategy to resolve any threats to their safety.

Human Perspectives The Horse Feels Safe When He Is Tucked Up in a Stable: This is a human perception. People feel safe when they are in their houses at night, which means they feel more comfortable if their horses are in the equivalent situation. But being contained in a stable does not necessarily make a horse feel safe. To start with, he cannot see his environment, so is not able to assess what may or may not be a threat. He is also unable to express his instincts to run away to a safe distance if he feels the need. Singly housed horses may also feel more vulnerable as they are alone. Essentially, in situations such as these, the horse has no way of keeping himself safe and is thus more likely to remain in a higher vigilant state. In horses that spend lengthy periods of time confined, their primary defense system is in a state of continuous activation, which results in mild to extreme physiological and psychological conditions.

The Horse Is Safe in a Smaller Area Where We Can Always See Him: Being able to see their horse makes humans feel safe. It does not mean, however, that he is safer than if he had a larger area to roam. As already stated, horses feel safe when they have enough room to naturally express their instincts should they feel threatened. There are fewer agonistic encounters in social relationships when there is enough space for horses to move away from others (Flauger & Krueger, 2013).

mals, and there are multiple ways for us to get injured when around them.

What makes us feel safe around our horse? It may entail asking him to step back and give us some space. It may entail relying on the predictability of what we have taught him. Is it about the horse being quiet? Standing still? Responding to our cues? Remaining quiet until our next cue? Conversely, what makes us feel unsafe around our horse?

When he isn't keeping still? When he crowds us? When he keeps trying to achieve something or do something we don't want? When he decides to do his own thing?

To a large extent, safety is about control. We feel unsafe when a situation is out of our control. To feel safe then, we may feel we must remain in control. This can be seen in our actions and the equipment we use. Even though we now know that punishment gets less optimal results and creates more detrimental side effects than working with positive reinforcement, the horse world — broadly speaking — often has a tendency still to favor harsh methods.

We also feel unsafe when we cannot predict what may happen, so we endeavor to control our horses. This may include the use of bridles, bits, whips, increasing pressure, kicking the horse’s ribs, hitting him, twisting his skin, and/or other physical means of punishment to ensure he does what we ask when we ask. We feel safe when our horses are

The Horse Is Safe if Housed and Turned Out on His Own: There is no chance of injury from another horse if a horse is on his own, so he is safe. From the horse's perspective, however, being alone is not at all safe. He is vulnerable and unable to relax as he has to be on constant alert for potential threats. A lone horse is also less likely to survive should a predator appear. The fact that many horses live in environments where there are no predators does not change their perception of their own vulnerability.

We keep horses in a very different way from how they would live naturally and there can be risks if we jump into trying to change things.

In previous articles (see Equine Social Structure, BARKS from the Guild, September 2018, pp.39‐41 and Social Relationships in the Domestic Horse, BARKS from the Guild, November 2018, pp.40‐42), I have discussed how important it is for horses to form social relationships. Turning out horses who do not know each other together can result in agonistic interactions. We can, however, organize things in such a way that horses develop friendships gradually. This helps avoid any potential risk of injury from other horses when they are turned out together.

There is also the risk of theft, so people may feel that keeping horses closer in a smaller space goes some way to combating this. Similarly, it is extra safe, as far as the human perception goes, if the horse is secure in a stable. Unfortunately, though, these strategies do not, in fact, necessarily keep our horses any safer. Assessing the safety of the horse’s overall environment rather than a reliance on keeping him in a confined space makes sense, in my view. There is a lot we can do to make the environment safer and implement measures so any intruder is startled and we are alerted should something happen, while being able to keep our horses in a more natural manner.

Human Safety There is another aspect to safety, and that is that we need to feel safe around our horses. This is obvious really. Horses are large, heavy ani-

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e q u i n e controlled. Unfortunately, this situation is self-perpetuating as the more safe we feel, the more unsafe the horse may feel. This is a downward spiral which can be very difficult to escape from. The message here is, 'The more control we have the safer we are.' But let's turn this concept on its head. The reality is, 'The more control we have the less safe we are.'

Think about it logically. If a horse feels unsafe, then he is not reliable. He can become unpredictable and the strength of his reactions will be in proportion to how unsafe he feels. There is an increased chance that you will get to the point where you cannot control him. This can result in both you and the horse being in danger of injuring yourselves or someone else. Regaining control from such a situation is dependent on the horse and when his instincts and emotions subside. With the best will in the world, people are not strong enough to control a horse in full flight or fight.

To truly be safe around our horses, we need to do all we can to ensure they do not feel unsafe. They will then be more predictable and reliable. If things go wrong, their responses are likely to be much less intense and more quickly resolved. When horses feel safe, their minds are more capable of rational thought and they are thus able to learn new things and are more open to trust us and work in partnership with us. n Kathie Gregory is a qualified animal behavior consultant, presenter and author, specializing in advanced cognition and emotional intelli‐ gence. Passionate about raising standards and awareness in how we teach and work with animals, she has developed Free‐Will TeachingTM (facebook.com/freewillteaching), a concept that provides the frame‐ work for animals to enjoy life without compromising their own free will. She has authored two books, A tale of two horses: a passion for free will teaching, and A Puppy Called Wolfie: a passion for free will teaching, and her work is currently divided between working with clients, mentoring, and writing.

References Couzin, I.D., Krause, J., Franks, N.R., & Levin, S. A. (2005). Effective leadership and decision‐making in animal groups on the move. Na‐ ture (433) 513–516. Available at: go.nature.com/2Xyrz5q Flauger, B., & Krueger, K. (2013). Aggression level and enclosure size in horses (Equus caballus). Pferdeheilkunde (29) 4 495–504. Available at: bit.ly/2XCgJjG Rees, L. (2017). Horses in Company. London, United Kingdom: J.A. Allen

Resources Bourjade, M., Thierry, B., Maumy, M., Petit, O. (2009). Decision‐Mak‐ ing in Przewalski Horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) is Driven by the Ecological Contexts of Collective Movements. Ethology 115 (4) 321 – 330. Available at: bit.ly/2uwoWVf Gregory, K. (2018, September). Equine Social Structure. BARKS from the Guild (32) 39‐41. Available at: bit.ly/2NKZh6G Gregory, K. (2018, November). Social Relationships in the Domestic Horse. BARKS from the Guild (33) 40‐42. Available at: bit.ly/2SPprUp Gregory, K. (2019, May). Stable Life. BARKS from the Guild (36) 46‐ 48. Available at: bit.ly/2XsRa0m Hauschildt, V. (2015). Behavioural synchronization and its determi‐ nants in horses (Equus caballus) and sheep (Ovis aries). Göttingen, Germany: Cuvillier Verlag Jørgensen, G.H.M., Borsheim, L., Mejdell, C.M., Søndergaard, E., & Bøe, K.E. (2009). Grouping horses according to gender – Effects on aggression, spacing and injuries. Applied Animal Behavior Science (120) 1‐2 94–99. Available at: bit.ly/2XADv6w Kiley‐Worthington, M. (1997). Communication in Horses: Coopera‐ tion and Competition. Eco Research Centre, University of Exeter, United Kingdom: Publication 19 Krueger, K., Flauger, B., Farmer, K., & Hemelrijk, C. (2013). Move‐ ment initiation in groups of feral horses. Behavioural Processes (103) 91–101. Available at: bit.ly/2Ngf4Xw

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advocacy

Speaking Up for Dogs PPG Advocacy Committee co-chairman Don Hanson speaks to Shock-Free Coalition regional coordinators to find out why the initiative is important to them and what they have found to be successful in driving it in their communities

T

he Shock-Free Coalition believes that pets have an intrinsic right to be treated humanely, to have each of their individual needs met, and to live in a safe, enriched environment free from force, pain, and fear. The initiative has been expanding rapidly since its launch in September 2017, and, more recently, thanks to the efforts of the ever growing band of regional coordinators. Following on from the July issue’s cover story which explored what science has to say about the use of shock in training (see What’s Shocking about Shock, BARKS from the Guild, July 2019, pp.20‐ 27), I spoke to some of the Shock-Free Coalition’s regional coordinators and asked why they are so passionate about the movement, and what they have found works in promoting the shock-free message to others in their areas, as well as the clients they serve in their own businesses. Here are their responses:

Tracy Hagan (Kentucky): “My personal passion for the Shock-Free Coalition is that I know it is not necessary to use [shock] or other aversive methods to train any animal and I feel these methods are, or should be, considered cruel and painful.

They create more fear, anxiety and stress in animals. Shock used to be used on people but was considered cruel and unnecessary. So why are we still using it with any animal?

“I am still working on promoting Shock-Free in Kentucky. Shock is more commonly used in my state than positive reinforcement so there is a big pushback. Plus, our animal welfare laws are not very good. We have been #50 in animal welfare laws for the last 13 years or so. I am trying to work with the animal welfare groups to get better laws protecting animals in general so we can then push for shock-free more easily.”

Eve Salimbene (Florida): “Many years ago, as a newly married couple, we wanted our first “family dog.” We adopted a timid, 7-month-old border collie mix and, as a new homeowner in the suburbs, we had an electric fence installed. The salesman came out, put the collar on the dog, and repeatedly walked him back and forth across the beeping and shocking fence line. Our dog was so scared he yelped repeatedly. We then went through the steps the company suggested, walking the fence line and allowing him to hear the warning beep, we would say “no” and quickly pull him away. He became so fearful of the beep, anticipating the shock, he would not leave the house to go outside to potty. We would drag him out and he would cower and shake. The salesman told us to put him on the shock line and let him figure it out to go back into the yard. I was so upset about hurting him, I could not do this. I could see the distress he was in

© Can Stock Photo/cynoclub

Current scientific research shows that aversive training methods can cause pain, fear, anxiety and stress in dogs

and the fear he displayed in his own yard, his safe zone. It was heartbreaking. We stopped using the collar/fence immediately and I began looking into different training techniques, reading books at the library. I came upon books by Ian Dunbar and I was hooked. I read everything possible. I then became an opponent of shock collars and fencing, speaking out against them to anyone who would listen.

“As far as what works in my business, if I can convince the client to let me into their home, I can usually start to sway them to give positive training a try. If they are particularly difficult to convince, I shape a small behavior and get them practicing with clicker games, e.g. can you click when I bounce the ball? Click for every bounce, every other bounce, etc. Or I get them to be the dog and see if I can shape them to do what I’m aiming for.

I write down the task and hide it, then once they figure it out by being reinforced for each approximation, I tell them that’s how their dog will learn instead of using punishment. Most are receptive then. My biggest obstacle is getting them to give it a chance as it’s costing them money and isn’t a quick fix as they think the collar may be.”

Pam Shultz, DVM (New York): “As a veterinarian, I can talk about the

“Recently, I had two dogs come to me who were fearful of other dogs after being shocked at a rattlesnake avoidance training clinic. Both dogs had no fears around other dogs until after the clinic. This is just another example of why I do not use these aversive collars.” - Shannon Coyner

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BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

science and ethics being violated by the use of shock in training and management of pets. And that’s a big part of it. But the truth is that I feel a visceral response to seeing animals in pain or danger. That is the feeling I get when I see a (choke chain, prong collar or) shock collar around the neck of a pet. I feel in my cells a responsibility to try to right that wrong.

When I see something and don’t say something, it eats away at me. What am I waiting for? For dogs to gain the power of human speech and speak up for themselves? Unconscionable. Don’t get me started on the fact that

advocacy “The salesman came out, put the collar on the dog, and repeatedly walked him back and forth across the beeping and shocking fence line. Our dog was so scared he yelped repeatedly. We then went through the steps the company suggested, walking the fence line and allowing him to hear the warning beep, we would say “no” and quickly pull him away. He became so fearful of the beep, anticipating the shock, he would not leave the house to go outside to potty.

We would drag him out and he would cower and shake.” - Eve Salimbene there are shock collars for cats. There is a lot of work to be done in this movement. I am grateful that there are very intelligent, compassionate, articulate, well-respected pet care professionals working tirelessly on behalf of pet guardians and companion animals.

“I am still trying to figure out how to best promote the Shock-Free message. Sadly, little I do seems to work. Perhaps that is because I am trying to undo what has already been done. If I could reach people BEFORE they have purchased a shock device and invested in that route both with money and belief, maybe I could do more to help pets before they suffer. I am open to suggestions.”

Charlotte Smithson (Australia): “My first dog training job was as an apprentice guide dog mobility instructor. I had come from a background of veterinary nursing and found this apprenticeship quite difficult. I couldn’t understand why such a well-known and respected organization that cared for people and trained dogs was so unethical in both its application of training dogs as well as its people management and treatment of staff.

In fact, some of the methods passed onto me that I implemented during my apprenticeship made me feel sick.

“At that time, I wasn’t aware of shock collars but the guide dog training used choke chains and physical and verbal punishment, which was not how I had envisaged a relationship to develop between myself and any animal. I saw stress and conflicted emotions and wasn’t comfortable to implement these methods just to create a mobility aid. Needless to say, I didn’t complete my apprenticeship. I left and went to university to study animal behavior, then my understanding really began. I became a crossover trainer.

“As the years have passed, I have seen and heard about many extreme methods that people are going to use in their training in order to obtain behaviors they want from their pets. This became more evident when I migrated to Australia 11 years ago. It was like going back 20 years in time as they were (and still are) using a lot of dominance and pack leadership theory. But what amazed me more, and it still does, is that professional organizations were/are promoting the use of shock collars as quick fixes to barking and other issues. [In addition], some veterinary practices, every year, promote shock collars at the start of snake season. I have approached these organizations, but change is about ripples in a pond and is very slow.

“The turning point for me was when I attended a scent detection workshop held by a [pioneer] in the field in Australia. I was so disappointed to discover that this trainer shocks his dogs every three months to keep them safe from snakes. This lit a fire in my belly. It was like it fueled me to take action as, to a degree, I could accept that councils required education in these matters. However, someone of this person’s caliber who lectures all around the world was abusing not only his dog’s trust, health and welfare, he was (and is) educating people that the use of shock collars is acceptable because it saves dogs’ lives.

“There were other positive based trainers on this course, all of whom BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

43

advocacy How You Can Help the Shock-Free Coalition

Become a Shock-Free Coalition Regional Coordinator: If you meet the requirements, and have the time, submit an application (shockfree.org/Coordinator) to become a regional coordinator and you too may be selected to help educate and advocate for the shock-free cause in your community. If you’re not ready to take on the role of regional coordinator, and there is already a coordinator in your state or country, contact them and see if you can help in a way that works with your schedule.

Sign the Pledge: If you are a PPG member and have not signed the Shock-Free Pledge (shockfree.org/Pledge), please consider doing so. As a PPG member, you have already committed to The Guiding Principles, so we know that you understand the importance of ending the use of shock collars.

used together, make a compelling and scientifically sound argument for never using shock. Ask the veterinarians in your community if they are familiar with the AAHA Guidelines, especially those that are AAHA accredited facilities. If they are not, print a copy and share it with them. You might even highlight the most important parts.

Even though the ESVCE Position Statement on Electronic Training Devices (bit.ly/2F1Ag1D) focuses primarily on Europe, being one of the most recent position statements, it is a valuable resource anywhere.

Ask the veterinarians in your community if they are familiar with this document and if they are not, print a copy and share it with them.

Report Shock Collar Abuse: If you hear about shock collar use and abuse, refer people to the Shock-Free Coalition’s data collection page (shockfree.org/Shock -Collar-Use) which is collecting data on the use of shock.

Social Media:

On the Web:

Join, like, and follow, the Facebook page for the Shock-Free Coalition Facebook page (facebook.com/shockfreecoalition). Do the same if there is a separate page for your region.

The Shock-Free Coalition website (shockfree.org) is full of excellent information you can share as you help spread the word about the importance of educating people about the use of shock. This material is there to assist you when you need to speak to clients and others about the reasons for selecting positive reinforcement training as opposed to using aversives.

Position Statements: Familiarize yourself with the PPG Position on Shock Training (shockfree.org/About/Position-on-Shock-Training) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines (bit.ly/2YvA3e7). These two documents, especially when supported this notion and agreed that, under the circumstances, it was okay to use a shock collar. I disagree. I disagreed so badly that I set up and began trials in training dogs to avoid snakes utilizing my clicker training skills. And I have succeeded. It took many trials. I have tweaked the training several times and I now offer an alternative to shock collars. I help train clients with their dogs to detect snakes and then return to their owner to indicate that danger is ahead. I now also offer early puppy training for this course to prepare them in advance of snake season.

“As far as promoting the shock-free message is concerned, I have to be honest. I find that people can be very old school and changes are slow.

This is frustrating. However, networking has been great and social media a godsend.

“Finding the right influential people has been the key for me. I discovered an senior scientific officer at the RSPCA who has been very supportive and assisting in education programs. Education is the way forward as many people are influenced by professionals who they think are doing what’s best for their dogs. Within my own business, I employ gentle persuasion of my own clients.

“When I see something and don’t say something, it eats away at me. What am I waiting for? For dogs to gain the power of human speech and speak up for themselves? Unconscionable. Don’t get me started on the fact that there are shock collars for cats. There is a lot of work to be done in this movement.” - Pam Shultz DVM

44

BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

Host a Shock-Free Coalition Education Event: Not sure how? Ask us for help. Email: Support@shockfree.org.

“Also, through consistent lobbying, some wonderful Members of Parliament have managed to influence the government to change the laws in Western Australia and we have an opportunity to have our say.”

Shannon Coyner (California): “I am personally passionate about the shock-free movement for many reasons. I have seen dogs burned by shock collars and I have seen dogs emotionally scarred after they were shocked. I have not used a choke chain, pinch collar or e-collar for over 20 years. As a teenager, I trained our family dog using a choke chain and I hated it so I vowed to myself to find other ways to train. Recently, I had two dogs come to me who were fearful of other dogs after being shocked at a rattlesnake avoidance training clinic. Both dogs had no fears around other dogs until after the clinic. This is just another example of why I do not use these aversive collars.

“I have been very successful in converting my clients from aversive training (including the use of shock collars) to positive reinforcement primarily by education. I educate them about the history of dog training, how it has evolved, and I explain the various studies that support the change to positive reinforcement from aversive training. Because I was repeating myself so much, I decided to write a book about it, The Evolution of Dog Training.”

Regional Coordinator at Large: “In my area, before I arrived there were no R+ trainers at all, and as far as I can tell, none of the vet offices were committed to R+ either. So not much works in this particular area to directly promote the message to those who are not already part of the choir and attempting it can actually turn veterinarians against you. For clients I'm already working with, I keep giving them examples, comparing

advocacy humane vs. inhumane and benefits of the former and negative consequences of the latter. Although many people believe that humane trainers should focus on the positive and also not "be negative," others like myself feel we must be willing to speak up and point out the problems with shock, prong, and other aversive methods, even call out people when necessary who are hurting animals these ways. It's part of our responsibility. If we don't do it, then who will? The authorities are not always around and even if they are, this is not their focus. Teaching people is not the same as teaching other animals because people can ask questions and get answers and ask for further explanation, back and forth, until a true understanding is reached. This is why less direct approaches like TAGteach are just one small element for teaching small segments of humans certain types of things. There is much more to teaching humans.

Logic and persuasion are often needed. For those who are determined to reject the new information, I may rely on drip campaigns of subliminal or subtle messaging.”

Final Word I have been passionate about ending the use of shock since 1998. Back then, I naively thought that converting the world to a better and kinder way would happen in a few years. I now recognize this cause will take some time, but thanks to the Shock-Free Coalition I believe we will get there. Since its launch in 2017, my business has done several things to promote the initiative (see The Shock‐Free Coalition: What’s Next?

BARKS from the Guild, March 2018, pp.24‐26) which I hope will inspire you in your businesses. Meanwhile, as the co-chair of the Advocacy Committee/Shock-Free Coalition, I will keep you informed of our activities and progress. You will be hearing some major news in the near future. Until then, thank you in advance for doing everything you can to help our cause. n

Resources American Animal Hospital Association. (2019). Canine and Feline Be‐ havior Management Guidelines. Available at: bit.ly/2YvA3e7 European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology. (2017). ESVCE Posi‐ tion Statement: Electronic Training Devices. Available at: bit.ly/2WoBMAM Hanson, D. (2018, March). The Shock‐Free Coalition: What’s Next?

BARKS from the Guild (29) 24‐26. Available at: bit.ly/2YPGrxx Hanson, D. (2019, July). What’s Shocking about Shock. BARKS from the Guild (37) 20‐27. Available at: bit.ly/2YZwJso Pet Professional Guild. (2019). Guiding Principles. Available at: bit.ly/PPG‐GuidingPrinciples Pet Professional Guild ‐ Position on Shock Training: shockfree.org/About/Position‐on‐Shock‐Training Shock‐Free Coalition/Chapters: shockfree.org/Regional‐Coalition ‐Coordinators Shock‐Free Coalition/Education: shockfree.org/Education Shock‐Free Coalition/Facebook: facebook.com/shockfreecoalition Shock‐Free Coalition Regional Coordinators/Apply: shockfree.org/Coordinator Shock‐Free Pledge: shockfree.org/Pledge Shock Collar Survey: shockfree.org/Shock‐Collar‐Use

Don Hanson is the co‐owner of the Green Acres Kennel Shop (greenacreskennel.com) in Bangor, Maine. He is a Bach Foundation registered animal practitioner (BFRAP), certified dog behavior con‐ sultant (CDBC), associate certified cat behavior consultant (ACCBC) and a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT‐KA) and also produces and co‐hosts a weekly radio show and podcast, The Woof Meow Show on The Pulse AM620 WZON and live streamed (wzonradio.com). He writes about pets on his blog (greenacreskennel.com/blog) and is co‐ chairman of PPG’s Advocacy Committee.

The A-Z of Training and Behavior Brought to you by E is for...

Elicit: A term that applies to Respondent Conditioning and reflexive behaviors. These behaviors are not under voluntary control and thus are elicited by the pet in contrast to evoked which is a behavior that is under voluntary control and subject to Operant Conditioning. Eye blinks, emotions and digestive juices are all examples of elicited behaviors.

Emotional Contagion: The phenomenon by which an emotional state spreads from one being to another. Ex. One pet starts to show fear of a trash can, so the second pet also becomes fearful. Pet owner tenses and holds her breath and her pet starts barking and lunging at an unfamiliar pet. A pet owner becomes animated or excited and the pet responds in a similar way.

Empathy: The ability to identify and “feel” the emotion of another being. Higher empathy is associated with being more effective at identifying another being’s modes of thought and moods.

Empathy has been proven to exist in many mammals including: mice, rats and pets.

Epigenesis: The interaction of a beings’ genes and environment in determining the expression of

traits, via gene activation or deactivation, during development. Epigenetic processes are the result of intense long- term learning.

Ethogram: Comprehensive gathering and catalogue of behavioral signals showing relationships between beings of a species.

Errorless Learning: An ideal way of training making use of training approximations that do not include failures of any single trial.

Establishing Operations (EO) A change that can increase the effectiveness or value of a certain reinforcer. Ex. If you have your pet skip a meal prior to a training session you are establishing operations so that your pet will be hungry and be motivated to work for food.

Evoke: A term that applies to Operant Conditioning and voluntary behaviors. In psychology the term is ‘emitted’. These behaviors are said to be under voluntary control, so the pet can choose to perform them, in contrast to elicited behaviors which are reflexive and not under voluntary control. Sit, downs, obedience or agility behaviors are all evoked behaviors.

From: A Lexicon of Practical Terms for Pet Trainers & Behavior Consultants: The language you need to know!

by DogNostics Career Center. Available from: bit.ly/DogNosticsLexicon

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advocacy

Trauma Bonding and Dogs Beth Napolitano explains how and why pets can be the silent victims of domestic violence and what measures can be put in place to help them heal

S

ome of us are unfortunate to have lived with domestic violence as a child or adult. We may have family or friends, at this moment, who are suffering abuse in their homes by someone they should be able to love and trust. Others of us are fortunate enough to have no direct experience and only hear about incidents through the media. But what may not always be immediately apparent is the fact that the silent – and often forgotten – victims of abuse can be the pets who share our homes with us. According to the Crime Museum (2017), “dogs are the most common victims of animal cruelty. Of the 1,880 cruelty cases reported in the media in 2007, 64.5% (1,212) involved dogs.” Sometimes the abuse may not be deliberate, or, indeed, considered abuse, as in the case of the owner who yells at their dog for not coming when called or swatting the dog’s butt with a rolled-up newspaper.

At times, dogs and other pets are caught in cycles of abuse interspersed with positive interactions with their abusers. According to Dutton and Painter (1993), this type of cyclical abuse is what leads to a “generalized learning phenomenon” called trauma bonding and actually helps to strengthen the attachment to the abuser. States Pace (2019): “Victims of abuse often develop a strong sense of loyalty towards their abuser, despite the fact that the bond is damaging to them.” The intermittent punishment/reinforcement relationship between the abuser and victim can be one that is difficult to break. According to Harlow and Harlow (1971) and Rajecki, Lamb and Obmascher (1978), classical attachment theory states that consistent positive interactions increase attachment but that humans (both adults and children) and dogs will show a heightened attempt to gain access to their abusers.

The trauma bond is also very resistant to extinction or termination of the attachment behavior. Pace (2019) cites the deeply emotional trauma bond as being maintained by threatening behavior and intermittent acts of kindness. “Abuse-related attachment formation is phylogenetically conserved and occurs in a number of species, including chicks that form attachments after being shocked during imprinting (Hess, 1962, Rajecki et al., 1978, Salzen, 1970), dogs (Stanley, 1962) and monkeys raised with a wire surrogate that inflicts pain (Harlow & Harlow, 1965).” (Debiec & Sullivan, 2017).

Trauma bonding is only one aspect of the complicated relationship that forms between the abuser and their victim. McLeod (2018) notes that operant learning theory, i.e. the method of learning that occurs through a system of rewards and punishments, contributes to the “contrast effect” between the abuser’s punishment and subsequent rewards and will have a profound effect on the victim’s desire to interact with the abuser. The reward of the positive interaction with the abuser will seem that much greater in contrast to the punishment inflicted. Thus, any positive interaction will heighten or increase the value of that rewarding interaction.

Contrast effect was first documented by Crespi (1942) who found that rats would vary their response to a reward based on their perception of the reward having a greater or lesser value, but that their perception was altered by the prior interaction with the reward. In other words, if you plunge your hand into a pan of cold water, it will seem that much colder if you plunge it into a pan of hot water first. Contrast effect also serves as an explanation for the deep emotional bond that forms between a victim and their abuser and is a documented learning experience in both humans and animals.

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© Can Stock Photo/cristi180884

Dogs that have been severely traumatized may not know how to engage with humans and other dogs and may be emotionally distant

Psychological Damage Physical or emotional mistreatment, neglect and lack of care may result in psychological damage which can be short-term or last the lifetime of the affected individual. According to Seksel (2004), traumatic events in the family home heard or seen by the family dog may lead to anxiety, panic disorders and fear. Referencing Ascione (1999), Seksel (2004) states it is estimated that “88% of animals living in households with domestic violence are either abused or killed. Of all the women in America who enter shelters to escape abuse, 57% have had companion animals killed by the abuser.”

States Seksel (2004): “This link between animal abuse, domestic violence and child abuse means that veterinarians have an important role to play in the community when confronted with an animal presented with a nonaccidental injury. This role also extends to animals that may show signs of neglect as well as psychological abuse…there now appears to be a clear link between animal abuse and child or spouse abuse. The kinds of injuries seen, the history of how the animal obtained the injuries, as well as repeated injuries should alert veterinarians to the fact that abuse may be involved.”

Siebert (2010) references a 1980s investigation into the treatment of animals in middle-class New Jersey households that had been identified as having issues of child abuse. Investigation leader Randall Lockwood, ASPCA senior vice president for forensic sciences and anticruelty projects, noted that there was a “very high turnover of pets in these families…Pets dying or being discarded or running away. We discovered that in homes where there was domestic violence or physical abuse of children, the incidence of animal cruelty was close to 90 percent. The most common pattern was that the abusive parent had used animal cruelty as a way of controlling the behaviors of others in the home.” (qtd. in Siebert, 2010).

advocacy The Humane Society of the United States (2019) lists the following statistics on animal cruelty: • With South Dakota joining the fight in March of 2014, animal cruelty laws now include felony provisions in all 50 states.

• 46 of 50 states’ felony provisions are first-offense provisions.

• Four states (Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa and Mississippi) have laws that apply felony charges only to subsequent offenses.

• A majority of anti-cruelty laws are limited to cases involving aggravated cruelty, torture or cruelty to companion animals.

• On January 1, 2016, the FBI added cruelty to animals as a category in the Uniform Crime Report, a nationwide crime reporting system commonly used in homicide investigations.

• There are approximately 70 million pet dogs and 74.1 million pet cats in the U.S. where 20 men and women are assaulted per minute (an average of around 10 million a year).

• In one survey, 71 percent of domestic violence victims reported that their abuser also targeted pets.

• In one study of families under investigation for suspected child abuse, researchers found that pet abuse had occurred in 88% of the families under supervision for physical abuse of their children.

• To put a stop to this pattern of violence, the Humane Society Legislative Fund supported the Pets and Women’s Safety (PAWS) Act, introduced to Congress in 2015 as H.R. 1258 and S.B. 1559. The PAWS Act would give victims of domestic abuse means to escape their abusers while keeping their companion animals safe—many victims remain in abusive households for fear of their pets’ safety.

Active vs. Passive There are two different forms of intentional abuse against animals. Active abuse refers to physical attacks on the animal such as chaining, hitting, or punishment. Passive abuse refers to neglect, social isolation, lack of species-appropriate learning, or a lack of health care. According to Becker (2015), both forms of abuse lead to chronic stress, learned helplessness (global suppression of behavior) and/or pain that may last for the lifetime of the animal. Abused dogs may also show increased hyperactivity; fear aggression toward strangers; bizarre or repetitive behaviors like compulsive sucking, circling or extreme digging; and/or excessive attention seeking behaviors (Becker, 2015).

States Seksel (2004): “Punishment is frequently misused by pet owners as they do not understand how it works. Many people believe that punishment infers physical pain, for example, smacking, hitting, kicking. Punishment is not always physical. Withdrawal of something pleasant, for example the ability to interact with people can also act as a punishment. Most people are unaware that this is a form of punishment. Repeated use of punishment can lead to abuse. Often the punishment is given at a low level and, over time, the animal learns to tolerate it so does not respond to it. This then increases the frustration level of the owner who then increases the level, for example the owner now hits harder. This in turn increases the animal’s tolerance.”

According to Fitzsimmons (n.d.), research on emotional trauma in companion animals “is lacking, in large part because of the language barrier.” Treatment generally centers on desensitization and counterconditioning (Fitzsimmons, n.d.). All dogs, including those obtained from shelters, rescues or any other third party and whose history is mostly unknown, will benefit from clear communication, patience and time to allow them to adjust to their new homes. “Hands off” socialization, like reading therapy, can also be used to help severely withdrawn dogs.

Fitzsimmons (n.d.) draws on the advice of various experts for additional measures that may also help a traumatized dog heal. These include creating a safe space where the dog can go during panic or anxiety attacks, allowing the dog to choose where that safe space is. In

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advocacy Physical or emotional mistreatment, neglect and lack of care may result in psychological damage which can be short-term or last the lifetime of the affected individual. According to Seksel (2004), traumatic events in the family home heard or seen by the family dog may lead to anxiety, panic disorders and fear. addition, never should traumatized dogs be subjected to the use of shock collars, spray bottles, shaking coins in a can, or other loud noises (aka startle devices) as a means to stop undesirable behavior since they risk sending the dog over threshold and result in further withdrawal from social contact. Even dogs who have been raised in an otherwise caring environment show increased stress behaviors when aversive training methods are used. Ramirez-Moreno and Sejnowski (2012) define the startle response as a “largely unconscious defensive response to sudden or threatening stimuli, such as sudden noise or sharp movement” that is “associated with negative affect.”

Power of Play Psychological suffering may persist even after a dog has been rescued from an environment of abuse. Dogs that have been severely traumatized may not know how to engage with humans and other dogs and they may be emotionally distant. Trauma has a lasting, pronounced effect on brain processes, growth and development, especially for puppies.

According to King (2018), having fun and playing may be an unfamiliar concept to traumatized dogs. Yet, play therapy can improve their quality of life, allow for socialization, offer mental and physical stimulation, facilitate and strengthen healthy bonding with humans, improve learning and memory. King (2018) recommends guidelines to using play therapy with a traumatized dog: • Start slowly and proceed at the dog’s comfort level.

• Keep criteria low and offer treats with every small step toward interaction.

• Demonstrate what play looks like, so just start having fun and give the dog a chance to join in when ready.

• Choose a toy or type of play the dog shows an interest in.

• Try a sport and see if the dog shows interest.

• Keep all attempts at play fun, short and highly rewarding.

The goal should be to have a happy dog who wants more. Always end play sessions with success and add “rules” (i.e. bringing the ball back during fetch) as the dog becomes more confident. Play can be an integral part of helping a dog move beyond a traumatic past and engage in his chance at a new life (King, 2018). n

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References Ascione, F. R. (1999). Child abuse, domestic violence, and animal abuse: Linking the circles of compassion for prevention and inter‐ vention. West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University Press Becker, K. (2015). This Can Emotionally Scar Your Dog for Life, Even If It's Not "Extreme". Available at: bit.ly/2Sb10SG Crespi, L.P. (1942). Quantitative Variation of Incentive and Perform‐ ance in the White Rat. The American Journal of Psychology 55 (4) 467– 517. Available at: jstor.org/stable/1417120 Crime Museum. (2017). Crimes Against Animals. Available at: bit.ly/2XJ0Qmu Debiec, J., & Sullivan, R.M. (2017). The neurobiology of safety and threat learning in infancy. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory 143 49‐58. Available at: bit.ly/2xH7bV5 Dutton, D.G., & Painter, S.L. (1993). Emotional Attachments in Abu‐ sive Relationships: A Test of Traumatic Bonding Theory. Violence and Victims 8 (2) 105‐20. (1993). Available at: bit.ly/32mI0p5 Fitzsimmons, P. (n.d.). How to Heal an Emotionally Traumatized Pet. Available at: bit.ly/2G3mb4j Harlow, H. F., & Harlow, M. (1971). Psychopathology in monkeys. In H. D. Kinnel (Ed.). Experimental Psychopathology. New York, NY: Academic Press Humane Society of the United States. (2019). Animal Cruelty Facts and Stats. Available at: bit.ly/2XGFI0n King, A. (2018). How to Help an Emotionally Traumatized Dog Learn to Play. Available at: bit.ly/2LiPbZR McLeod, S. (2018). Skinner‐Operant Conditioning. Simply Psychol‐ ogy. Available at: bit.ly/2YIgjER Pace. (2019). What is Trauma Bonding? Available at: bit.ly/2JtAkK3 Rajecki, D.W., Lamb, M., & Obmascher, P. (1978). Toward a general theory of infantile attachment: A comparative review of aspects of the social bond. The Behavioral and Brain Sciences 3 417‐464. Avail‐ able at: bit.ly/30uREUS Ramirez‐Moreno, D.F., & Sejnowski, T.J. (2012). A computational model for the modulation of the prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex. Biological Cybernetics 106 (3) 169‐176. Available at: bit.ly/2DzqZ1G Seksel, K. (2004, May). The Behavioral Manifestations of Animal Cru‐ elty/Abuse. AVA & AVAWE Conference Proceedings, Canberra, Aus‐ tralia. Available at: bit.ly/2xKjIY0 Siebert, C. (2010). The Animal Cruelty Syndrome. New York Times.

Available at: nyti.ms/2Sa35yn Beth Napolitano worked as a staff nurse in hospitals for 40 years.

Since retirement, she obtained certification as a pet care technician, level 2, and is currently working for certification as a dog trainer.

She volunteers at Courteous Canine, Inc. DogSmith of Tampa (courteouscanine.com/Florida) and is an AKC Star puppy kinder‐ garten instructor.

business

Ask the Experts: Helping More Dogs Veronica Boutelle of PPG corporate partner dog*biz responds to pet professionals’ questions on all things business and marketing

Q

: I heard you speak at PPG’s Canine Aggression and Bite Pre‐ vention Summit in Portland, Oregon in April. It was really in‐ spiring, and I’ve already put a few of your tips into place, but there’s one thing I’m having a hard time about. My rates are pretty low and I’d like to raise them like you suggested. I want to be less stressed about money and I believe you when you say it’ll help me get more clients. But I feel guilty. What about all the dogs whose people won’t be able to afford me? ‐ Dogs R Us, Seattle

A: Thanks for the R+ and for the great question! You’re definitely not alone in your worries about raising your training rates.

First, I’m glad to hear you’re considering it. So many trainers labor under financial stress. Trainers have only a finite number of paid hours per week, and if our rates aren’t set to make us what we need to cover bills and save for the future, we’re going to struggle no matter how busy we are. And often that means shorter careers or having to work part time—both of which mean helping fewer dogs.

Then there’s the phenomenon you mentioned—that higher rates actually draw more clients. It’s true. We’ve seen this born out for trainers (and all other dog pros, too) thousands of times across all the time zones and countries we’ve worked in since we started supporting and educating trainers about business in 2003. The most expensive trainers tend to be the most in demand.

Committed Clients And here’s the thing: It’s not that the most expensive trainers are only serving the wealthiest dog owners. Turns out it doesn’t actually work that way. Higher rates don’t screen out lower income dog people. They screen out less committed dog people. In other words, the higher your rate, the fewer “shopping” calls you get from dog people (of all economic levels) who are only interested in training if it’s going to be

© Can Stock Photo/dvorakvero

Setting higher rates can help screen out clients who may not be so committed to all that the training or behavior change process entails

cheap. So raising your rates generally results in spending less time on the phone, fewer one-offs, and getting to work with more serious clients who are willing to put resources—both time and money—into their dogs.

Still, there are going to be dedicated dog lovers who simply can’t afford to hire you, even if you take credit cards and offer payment plans.

But that’s true no matter what your rates are—I’d bet that you’ve experienced this with your current rates.

Avoiding Burnout Bringing th e best of the pet chat, chuc industry to kle and sh are

Join hosts Niki Tudge and Louise Stapleton-Frappell with their special guests discussing news and views on force-free training, behavior, and pet care!

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BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

Here are some thoughts to balance against the guilt you feel about raising your rates: Whether your rates are low and you’re struggling financially, or your rates are set at a more professional level and you’ve got financial breathing room, you won’t be able to serve everyone. As I said, there will always be people who can’t afford you. But more than that, you only have space in your schedule to serve a finite number of people and dogs at a time. Dog training is not a volume business, particularly not when done well. If you can serve X dogs at a time, does it matter which X dogs? Is the dog stuck outside by herself in a large yard because she’s too hyper not suffering just as much as the dog stuck outside for the same reason in a small yard? No small business that provides a service can thrive by trying to be all things to all audiences. You must set your rates at a sustainable level and then work with the clients who can—and are willing—to pay those rates.

And if you do that, you make yourself more able to help more dogs.

business Dog training is not a volume business, particularly not when done well. If you can serve X dogs at a time, does it matter which X dogs?

Is the dog stuck outside by herself in a large yard because she’s too hyper not suffering just as much as the dog stuck outside for the same reason in a small yard?

This is partly because you keep yourself in the game by avoiding burnout from financial stress or having to change careers or go parttime to make ends meet. But also because if you’re paid well, you are more likely to have time to devote to serving those who truly cannot afford you even though they’d be willing.

You can do that by teaching classes, offering triage and management appointments at your local shelter or for rescue groups, creating handouts and video lessons for those shelters and rescues to share with their adopters (and to put on your own website as well), giving public educational talks, and even setting aside time to take pro bono or reduced rate cases. All of this work to help those with limited financial means is possible in a sustainable way if you’ve set up your business to

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provide for your own financial needs.

I hope this helps. The dogs and dog lovers in your community are fortunate to have such a thoughtful, caring dog trainer in their midst.

Treating yourself with the same consideration isn’t selfish—it’s smart business that allows you to serve more dogs over the course of what we hope will be a long, successful career for you! n Veronica Boutelle MA Ed CTC is founder and co‐president of dog*biz (dogbizsuccess.com), and author of How to Run Your Dog Business and co‐author of Minding Your Dog Business. dog*biz offers professionally designed positive reinforcement dog training class curricula, including Open‐Enrollment Puppy, Open‐Enrollment Basic Manners, and short Topics classes built for retention.

Do you have a question for the business experts at dog*biz?

Submit your question for consideration to: barkseditor@petprofessionalguild.com

Learn how

can help your business:

www.dogbizsuccess.com (On this subject, we particularly recommend the dogbiz University course Money Matters 101: Pricing, Policies, and Packages. See also ad on p.2 - Ed.)

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canine / feline / equine / piscine / pocket pets / ly holds current,850 ar ticles, murine / avian / behavior / training / business / 2 over s, podcasts, trends / PPG news / book reviews / studie nd videos ! member profiles / opinion blogs a growing daily and is

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Pet Professional Guild has partnered with BarkBox to provide all members with a 20% discount. * Order a monthly box of dog goodies for your canine friend! * Special rates available for gifts for dog friends * A portion of proceeds from each box will go to help dogs in need The promocode can be found in the Member Area of the PPG website: PetProfessionalGuild.com /benefitinformation

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business

Misrepresentation and Misleading Marketing In the first of a two-part article, Niki Tudge discusses marketing ethics and consumer transparency and their relevance to the, currently unregulated, pet industry

A

s the pet services industry is currently unregulated in the United States and many other parts of the world, any one individual can set themselves up to work as a dog trainer – regardless of qualifications, knowledge, skills, or experience.

States Foubert (2016): “Scientific research in animal behavior and canine ethology indicate how to humanely train dogs, but nothing in the law requires that dog trainers apply these proven methods in practice. Dog trainers may use training techniques that bring harm to dogs and deceive consumers as to its efficacy. The onus is on consumers to educate themselves to these dangers when selecting a 'qualified’ dog trainer." This strikes us as both unfortunate to say the least (for both dogs and their owners) and incongruous, given that across an overwhelming number of other products, services and industries, consumers are protected by legislation—at both state and federal levels.

© Can Stock Photo/NomadSoul1

The practice of dog training is unregulated in the United States, so anyone can set themselves up as a trainer, regardless of education, knowledge, skills or ethics, while consumers may remain completely unaware of the differences in training methods or philosophies

Marketing and Conditioning To compound this lack of industry regulation, professional and seasoned marketers know they can manipulate and influence consumers through the science of associative learning, using both operant and respondent conditioning. By using respondent, aka Pavlovian, conditioning, marketers attempt to influence the customer through stimulus association.

For example, a beautifully groomed dog with an adorable family may be paired with a particular dog food, pet store or piece of training equipment. An image such as this leads to a conditioned response, convincing the pet owner that if they use that specific piece of equipment, shop at that specific store or buy that specific food, they too can be the guardian of a beautifully well-behaved pet living in a gorgeous house with a perfect family, all the while feeling incredibly content. It is not by chance that expensive sports cars are sometimes advertised with beautiful, glamorous women standing next to them or lying across the hood.

The conditioning association is that, if you purchase the car, you too can have that life, i.e. that ideal represented by the advertisement and the beautiful, successful people featured in it. Consumers may thus “associ-

A key question, then, is this: How should dog trainers be marketing and delivering their services so consumers can make informed decisions about their pets’ education and care?

After all, clients are entitled to be made aware, in a timely, honest, and transparent manner, which methods and equipment a business operator will be using to perform their services.

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ate good feelings and having fun with the product and may be more likely to buy the product.” (Magloff, 2017). Marketers use associative conditioning such as this when designing and planning marketing campaigns, whether through digital or print media, online ads, or television or radio commercials. It is the basic conditioning premise of stimulus association, whereby one stimulus is paired with another stimulus that generates a conditioned emotional response (CER), i.e. a feeling or emotion associated with the product.

Emotional Association Politicians also use this technique when trying to educate or build consensus around party platforms and ideas. Fear tactics may be used to drive buy-in, e.g. the fear of not being well protected in the event of an accident if you do not choose the, allegedly, safest product; the fear of losing your pet if you do not install an electronic boundary system; the fear of becoming more ill if you do not take a specific medication; the fear of being overrun by “the enemy within” if you allow immigration.

We can see a real-life example of associative conditioning in the term “pit bull.” For a number of years, this term has been sensationally reported in the media and strategically paired with tales of dog fighting and dog bites so that now, for some, the term itself brings about an unpleasant emotional response. The associated fear and prejudice, however, drive behavior that is not necessarily thought through in a cognitive sense. In this example, decisions are thus made regarding the so-called bully breeds that are not in any shape or form based on science or current data.

Another application of associative learning in marketing and adver-

business tising is the manipulation of buyer behavior through the application of operant conditioning. Here, customers are positively reinforced for making small, entry level buying decisions using discounts, coupons, or free services. In the pet training industry, some companies offer “lifetime guarantees,” yet this is essentially unethical as no behavior can be independently controlled and therefore “guaranteed.” By its very nature, behavior is a voluntary or involuntary reaction or action to the individual’s environment and is, thus, a variable factor. Behavior is considered the dependent because, in applied behavior analysis, to change a behavior you need to control and/or manipulate either of the variable factors, antecedents or consequences (DogNostics, 2018).

Negative reinforcement, or the removal of an aversive (i.e. something the buyer wants to avoid or escape), can also be used to encourage a consumer to purchase a product or service. Using the pet industry as an example, a dog training practice may promise the unsuspecting dog owner that if they use their method, or buy this or that piece of equipment, they will no longer be subjected to whatever is the problematic behavior. Thus, they offer a solution and the problem is, supposedly, magically removed. As we have already examined, however, the consequences of such practices are flawed and can be wide reaching.

Marketing Ethics Recognizing the impact marketing can have on the behavior of consumers when they are not necessarily cognitively aware of it inevitably leads to a discussion on the importance of marketing ethics and the need for practitioners to abide by a set of guidelines that promote transparency and consumer protection.

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Trade Commission Act into law and so formed the Federal Trade Commission. The Commission began operation in March 1915 and one of its core missions was to protect consumers. Until this time, consumers had had no protection whatsoever and had to verify for themselves the quality of any goods or services they purchased. Only in situations of gross negligence could a seller be held responsible.

The Federal Trade Commission (2019) identifies its principal mission thus: “Protecting consumers and competition by preventing anticompetitive, deceptive, and unfair business practices through law enforcement, advocacy, and education without unduly burdening legitimate business activity.” The first of its Strategic Goals is to “protect consumers from unfair and deceptive practices in the marketplace.” Similar wording is used to designate one of three bureaus that fall under the Federal Trade Commission, the Bureau of Consumer Protection, which states (2019) its mandate as to “protect consumers against unfair, deceptive and fraudulent business practices.” The Bureau extends this, stating that the mandate stops such practices by “collecting complaints and conducting investigations, suing companies and people that break the law, developing rules to maintain a fair marketplace, [and] educating consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities.” (Bureau of Consumer Protection, 2019).

States Foubert (2016): “Scientific research in animal behavior and canine ethology indicate how to humanely train dogs, but nothing in the law requires that dog trainers apply these proven methods in practice. Dog trainers may use training techniques that bring harm to dogs and deceive consumers as to its efficacy. The onus is on consumers to educate themselves...” made aware, in a timely, honest, and transparent manner, which methods and equipment a business operator will be using to perform their services.

Misrepresentation Each year, companies are fined for misrepresenting their services or products. Hiscott (2017) shows how certain large organizations flippantly misrepresent or blatantly lie about their products. In several cases, this has led to them being penalized with multimillion-dollar legal settlements. What follows is a summary of some well-known brands who have lied about their products: • In 2012, Skechers reached a $40 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission for making scientifically unfounded claims about its sneakers.

• In 2005, a federal judge forced Listerine to pull ads that claimed the mouthwash was clinically proven to be as effective as floss in fighting tooth and gum decay.

• In 2016, All Natural Juice faced a class action lawsuit for using phrases like “100% Fruit,” on their packaging. The company paid $9 million to settle the suit.

• In 2009, Kellogg’s made unsubstantiated scientific claims about Rice Krispies, stating that the cereal provided 25% of the daily recommended number of antioxidants and nutrients. The Federal Trade Commission also took Kellogg’s to task for claiming its Frosted MiniWheats were “clinically shown to improve kids’ attentiveness by nearly 20%.” The Federal Trade Commission prohibited Kellogg’s from making any more claims that were not backed by scientific evidence. (Hiscott, 2017).

In other reports, companies have been identified as being deliberately misleading in their advertisements, not just by pushing the boundaries of truth but by making blatant statements that omit any fact or evidence, scientific or otherwise. In 2017, Business Insider India reported the following: • L’Oréal claimed that two of its skincare products could “boost

Consumer Protection What, then, are a consumer’s rights and responsibilities with regard to pet dog training and behavior consulting, and who is the consumer?

The pet industry is somewhat unique in that the consumer is both the pet and the pet’s owner.

Collectively, with the Federal Trade Commission Consumer Protection Bureau and the State Consumer Protection Acts, one might be inclined to think that pet industry consumers are automatically covered and protected from deceptive marketing and fraudulent business practices. But is this actually the case?

A key question, then, is this: How should dog trainers be marketing and delivering their services so consumers can make informed decisions about their pets’ education and care? After all, clients are entitled to be

© Can Stock Photo/tang90246

As pet training is currently unregulated, consumers may be unaware of the differences in methods a trainer may use for their pets

BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

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business Article adapted from ‘Pet Training and Behavior Consulting: A Model for Raising the Bar to Protect Professionals, Pets and Their People’ by Niki J. Tudge, Susan J. Nilson, Debra A. Millikan and Louise A. Stapleton‐Frappell (see ad below).

References

© Can Stock Photo/vaeenma

Currently, dog trainers are not required by law to disclose their methods or philosophies, leaving unknowing pet owners to conduct their own research regarding their pet’s training

genes” and generate "visibly younger skin in just seven days."

• Activia brand yogurt landed the company with a class action settlement of $45 million in 2010. The yogurts were marketed as being "clinically" and "scientifically" proven to boost the immune system and able to help regulate digestion.

• In 2016, the Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against Volkswagen for its advertising campaign promoting its "Clean Diesel."

• Energy drinks company Red Bull was sued in 2014 for its slogan "Red Bull Gives you Wings."

• New Balance was accused of false advertising in 2011 over a sneaker range that it claimed could help wearers burn calories.

In the pet training industry, it is not uncommon to see claims similar to these, which are labels at best and factually inaccurate at worst, given the scientific research now available to us. We will review these in more detail in the second part of this article. n

Business Insider India. (2017). 18 false advertising scandals that cost some brands millions. Available at: bit.ly/2LzlF2l DogNostics Career Center. (2018). A Practical Lexicon for Pet Train‐ ers & Behavior Consultants: The Language You Need to Know. (n.p.): Authors Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection. (2019).

About the Bureau of Consumer Protection. Available at: bit.ly/2XZw9yD Foubert, E. (2016). Occupational Licensure or pet Dog Trainers: Dogs are not the only ones who should be licensed. Chicago, IL: The John Marshall Law School Hiscott, R. (2017). 8 Companies That Sold You Lies. Huffington Post.

Available at: bit.ly/2MeKReb Magloff, L. (2017). Operant Conditioning vs. Classical Conditioning in Advertising. Available at: bit.ly/2MeLB2X Niki Tudge PCBC‐A AABP‐CDBT AAPB – CDT is founder and presi‐ dent of the Pet Professional Guild (petprofessionalguild.com), The DogSmith (dogsmith.com), a national dog training and pet‐care li‐ cense, and DogNostics Career College (dognosticselearning.com), and president of Doggone Safe (doggonesafe.com). She has business degrees from Oxford Brookes University, UK and has achieved her DipABT and DipCBST. Recently, she has published People Training Skills for Pet Professionals – Your essential guide to engaging, educating and empowering your human clients, Training Big for Small Businesses, and A Kid’s Comprehensive Guide to Speaking Dog.

Pet Training and Behavior Consulting: A Model for Raising the Bar to Protect Professionals, Pets and Their People Pet Training and Behavior Consulting: A Model for Raising the Bar to Protect Professionals, Pets and Their People is a newly published book in which the authors present their views on: • •

• • •

The need for a level and model of oversight in the fields of pet training and behavior consulting and for those choosing to practice within them.

The prevalence of individuals who hold no credentials, formal education, knowledge or skills, yet who are today working across the nation with full responsibility for the well-being and welfare of their unknowing clients’ treasured pets.

The lack of consumer protection and transparency across the marketing and operations platforms of many pet-related businesses.

The inherent weakness in how pets are legally classified.

How the current lack of reported and enforced animal cruelty laws means there is insufficient protection when it comes to holding pet professionals accountable for their methods, approach and philosophies toward their craft and the pets they serve.

The authors advise on the pertinence of all these issues to the development of an infrastructure for oversight to support the professional evolution of the pet training and behavior industry while providing a complete recommended implementation model from which to do so.

"I would urge anyone interested in the direction of the industry to get a copy. It has been invaluable for a project I am involved in, and identifies and clarifies really important aspects of the industry that desperately need addressing. Even as an individual practitioner it provides a great resource for identifying best practice." - Andrew Hale, chair of association of INTOdogs "Check out this groundbreaking new resource for the pet training and behavior consulting industry written by the best in the business." - Paula Garber, owner of LIFELINE Cat Behavior Solutions and chairwoman of the Pet Professional Guild Feline Committee "Reliable, scientifically accurate behavioral information from experts in the field."

- Gallivan Burwell, owner of Upward Dog Training & Counseling

Online: petindustryregulation.com Available in print and ebook format from: Facebook: facebook.com/petindustryregulation bit.ly/PetTrainingBehavior Twitter: twitter.com/PetTrainingReg Available in pdf format from: petindustryregulation.com

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BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

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b o o k s

A Tale of Two Puppies Breanna Norris reviews Jack and Billy: Puppy Tales by Steven Goodall and Sally Bradbury

T

ake two littermates and place them in two very different homes. Will the pups grow up to be identical in personality or will their early training affect their future lives? Of course, as trainers and behavior consultants, we know the answer to this, but our clients and the general public may not.

Jack and Billy: Puppy Tales begins like many typical children’s books and sets a simple idyllic scene. Within just a few pages, however, the reader will see that there is much to be learned. The narrative follows two puppies, Jack and Billy, during that all-important first year of their lives.

Aimed at a young audience (yet equally applicable to adults), the book explains how a puppy’s early learning experiences help set the foundations for his future behavior – for better or for worse. It showcases two very different approaches to training and socializing, and consequently, two different outcomes. Sadly, as a result, (spoiler alert) one of the pups ends up in rescue before his first birthday. But don’t worry, there is ultimately a happy ending for both dogs!

By implementing an effective teaching style that allows readers to see both sides of the story and make their own decisions about what would be best for the dog, the book cleverly details how to raise a puppy. It is formatted in such a way that the left-hand page consists of one or two paragraphs of text in a large font that makes for easy reading and following along for young readers. On the adjacent, right-hand page there is a delightful illustration to back up the text and provide greater educational insight.

In the case of Jack and Billy, both puppies go to homes that are similar: they both have children, both puppies have access to toys, both puppies are to be crate trained and house trained, and both puppies go out for walks. But, there is a big difference in the two families’ approaches. While Jack’s family is organized in their puppy raising plan, it is easy to see that Billy’s family is not terribly prepared. For example, when Billy is brought home for the first time, the children are running and screaming around him. They are very excited, of course, but Billy is scared. The illustrations by Steven Goodall capture excellent examples of what this may look like: Billy’s tail is tucked, his eyes are wide and he is licking his lips. Later, while sniffing his crate and exploring, someone shuts the door and locks him in.

Billy is left in his crate all night and cries a lot.

Meanwhile, when Jack gets home he is allowed to sniff and explore.

© Steven Goodall/Tom Joyce

On his first night in his new home, Jack’s crate was full of treats and was placed in his owner’s bedroom so he would not be alone

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BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

Jack and Billy: Puppy Tales follows the varying fortunes of two littermates after they are adopted into two very different homes

Aimed at a young audience...the book explains how a puppy’s early learning experiences help set the foundations for his future behavior – for better or for worse. It showcases two very different approaches to training and socializing, and consequently, two different outcomes.

© Steven Goodall/Tom Joyce

On his first night in his new home, Billy’s family is noisy and he ends up being shut on his crate, alone and afraid

b o o k s Take two littermates and place them in two very different homes. Will the pups grow up to be identical in personality or will their early training affect their future lives? Of course, as trainers we know this answer, but our clients and the general public may not.

There is a fluffy bed and liver treats are sprinkled on the floor of his crate.

When he explores the crate his family gives him more liver treats and tells him that he is a good boy, but does not shut him in. “‘This is the best place in the whole world, it rains liver treats in here.’ Thought Jack, as he munched contentedly,” writes Bradbury. Jack’s family stayed up late with him making sure to take him out for potty breaks and then bringing his crate into the bedroom. This side-by-side comparison of the two puppies’ different experiences helps young readers compare and discuss what worked for Jack or what could be changed to make Billy’s situation better.

Puppy Training Throughout the book, we play witness to the lives of Billy and Jack’s families as they deal with common puppy training issues such crate training, house training, car travel, meeting other dogs, interactions with toys, off-leash play, resource guarding food bowls, leash walks, trick training and more. To take one example, Jack is taught to walk on a loose leash. He is reinforced with cheese and liver treats when he gets it right. Billy’s family, on the other hand, does not use training and Billy ends up pulling on the leash to get to the places he wants to go. He is also allowed off leash but not trained to recall, so he chases rabbits and squirrels while his family shouts at him. Jack is also allowed off leash, but instead of being left to his own devices his family plays tug with him and reinforces him with play and delicious food for staying with them.

In another example, Jack’s family attends a puppy school where they learn to use a clicker and Jack learns how the clicker works. “Jack noticed that whenever he put his bottom on the ground, he would hear the click and then get a yummy treat. He loved this game and couldn’t wait to go back and try again,” writes Bradbury. But while Jack and his family were bonding over training, Billy’s family had stopped taking him for walks altogether and were no longer really doing much at all with him. Finally, one day Billy’s family put him in the car, drove him to the shelter and left him there. “Billy cried out and tried to scramble after them, but they were gone,” writes Bradbury. Poor Billy was left alone and scared at the shelter.

At this point, Jack and Billy, now just a year old, have had completely contrasting experiences in their young lives, having started out together so full of hope. Luckily for Billy, Jack’s conscientious family decided to adopt another dog. But to find out what happens next, you will just have to read the book!

Jack and Billy: Puppy Tales is a family book and a great educational tool for any reader, young or old. In my opinion, it would be invaluable for breeders or rescue groups to send home with new puppy parents, or for canine behavior consultants and trainers to use in educational classes. I have already lent my copy to several people and every time it is being returned, I ask: “Did you learn anything new?” Everyone has given a resounding “Yes!” which I think speaks volumes for a children’s book.

Indeed, Jack and Billy: Puppy Tales presents a charming story which has an important message for children of all ages. n Jack and Billy: Puppy Tales Authors: Steven Goodall and Sally Bradbury Rethink Press 79 pages ISBN: 978‐1‐78133‐337‐2 jackandbillypuppytales.com facebook.com/JackandBillyPuppyTales

© Steven Goodall/Tom Joyce

Jack’s family trains him to walk nicely with a loose leash by reinforcing him with cheese and liver treats

© Steven Goodall/Tom Joyce

Jack’s family plays games with him and reinforces him for staying with them when he is off leash

© Steven Goodall/Tom Joyce

Billy’s family does not teach him to come when called and instead shouts at him when he runs off to chase rabbits

BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

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p r o f i l e

Taking a Cognitive Approach In our ongoing series of PPG member profiles, this month BARKS features Fran Griffin of Glanamman, Wales, United Kingdom

F

rom a very early age, dog training was Fran Griffin’s passion and something she always wanted to do, as was studying animal behavior.

Q: Can you tell us a bit more about yourself, how you first got into animal behavior and training and what you are doing now?

A: I got into the profession after owning a dog who had an extremely high prey drive, and because of her I went on to study behavioral science. Once I started running a dog training school, I then went on to study psychology and developed a specific interest in cognition (the learning processes). I am now living in Wales, running my dog training school and am currently looking at ways of developing the business to take the message to a much wider audience, both online and locally, using a games-based training approach which is absolutely transformational.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your own pets.

A: I live with three Irish setters, two Irish red and white setters and an Irish red. I used to compete in agility with my old red, but I now compete in obedience with my red and whites. I am hoping one will be accepted as a medical detection dog as he has a natural ability to help me. They both love their training as, to them, it's one big game we play together.

Q: Why did you become a dog trainer or pet care provider?

© Fran Griffin

Fran Griffin with her Irish setters (from left) DaisyMae, Tallulah and Barkley

Q: What drives you to be a force‐free professional and why is it impor‐ tant to you?

A: Passion for pets and their people.

Q: Are you a crossover trainer or have you always been a force‐free trainer?

A: I have always felt uneasy with compulsion and walked out of my first dog training club at the age of 13 when I couldn't stand what I was being told to do, or the atmosphere. I had been asked to push my dog into a down when she was resisting. I went home and rewarded her with a treat every time she laid down naturally, and you can guess the rest!

“The person who inspired me to set up force-free training classes about 30 years ago was Dr. Ian Dunbar and his Dogs with Dunbar series. I recognized the methods I was using on my own dogs, and thought, yes, this is how dog training classes should be. I took an awful lot of abuse from other trainers in those days, as it challenged compulsion methods to the hilt. But so glad I stuck to my guns and rode out the abuse.” - Fran Griffin

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A: To help stop people putting so much stress and pressure on their dogs and to develop realistic expectations about this other species we bring into our homes.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?

A: Seeing the dogs respond and watching and listening to the reaction of their owners when they see it happening and realize that their dogs are more than just animals who share their homes; that moment when they realize that their dog can think for himself.

Q: What reward do you get out of a day's training?

A: A real sense of accomplishment.

Q: Who has most influenced your career and how?

A: The person who inspired me to set up force-free training classes about 30 years ago was Dr. Ian Dunbar and his Dogs with Dunbar series.

I recognized the methods I was using on my own dogs, and thought, yes, this is how dog training classes should be. I took an awful lot of abuse from other trainers in those days, as it challenged compulsion methods to the hilt. But so glad I stuck to my guns and rode out the abuse. I continued evolving beyond Dunbar, and developed a lot of my own ways,

p r o f i l e using a more cognitive approach. I am now a pro member of Tom Mitchell and Lauren Langman's Naughty But Nice course and am finding these methods are supercharging everything I have done previously.

Not just for dogs, but for their owners too.

wanted to follow him. It became a huge game to them all, going in and out of this pipe, and the enjoyment it created for them was hysterical.

Q: What awards or competition placements have you and your dog(s) achieved using force‐free methods?

Q: What do you consider to be your area of expertise?

A: Learning processes.

Q: What are some of your favorite positive reinforcement techniques for the most commonly encountered client‐dog problems?

A: Engaging people and dogs in training games; using positive psychology with humans as well as dogs; teaching people the concept of chunking during learning (and getting them to see that any new learning for them involves chunking too); and trial and error games, so that humans become aware that dogs make mistakes during the learning phases just like they do, and that learning is more powerful when mistakes are recognized by both them and their dogs.

Q: What is the funniest or craziest situation you have been in with a pet and their owner?

A: A dog who loved hunting was enjoying himself going in and out of a pipe at an agility show. The pipe had obviously had some wild rabbits in it at one point. It was in the exercise area, and suddenly this dog had drawn a huge audience of dogs who were watching him and then

A: Agility - Grade 4 with Tallulah and Barkley; DaisyMae Pre-Beginners, Beginners and Novice in obedience. The other two like the obedience training too, but I haven't put them in for that, as they are not so passionate about it as Daisy Mae is. That is her “thing” as far as she is concerned.

Q: What advice would you give to a new trainer starting out?

A: To learn to do the job properly and not be tempted to mimic the latest TV show, or thinking you can do it straight from completing an online course. There are so many skills involved in setting up classes and conducting one-to-one sessions and these also have to be learned. If you have done an online course, please shadow somebody first who is established, has a good reputation, and is educated in and understands positive reinforcement training before starting out. n

St. Trainians School for Dogs (sttrainians.co.uk) is based in Glanamman, Wales, United Kingdom To be featured in the BARKS Profile section, please complete this form: bit.ly/2y9plS1

nt d Discou Early Bir l January d til Extende Payment !

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BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

See page 6 for the Speaker Lineup!

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comment

Take More than Me with You Rain Jordan explains why she believes that changing the landscape for our companion animals means changing ours too

I

magine a world in which all dogs go to a utopia otherwise known as Home. Home, where the human residents have evolved beyond viewing dogs as property or as subordinate members of the household. Home, where the humans practice lifelong learning and understand the difference between reinforcers and bribes. Home, where one dog is surrounded by all the other dogs at nail trimming time—because nail trims now predict every dog’s favorite form of reinforcement. The days of being pinned down to show the dog who is “alpha” are gone.

The days of shock and prong and choke collars are gone. The days of kicks and flicks are gone. All the horrors unmentioned are gone.

I came to canine behavior by way of running a dog rescue. The mission of that rescue was not only to save, but also to protect and elevate the lives of animals. Soon after my first intake of dogs, I knew I was going to need to volunteer more than experience, love, and an unbreakable determination if I was to honor that mission, so I began reaching out to respected trainers and behavior consultants, who kindly provided training and consults to guide me in working with the most difficult cases.

Nothing we have tried so far has worked well enough. That, I believe, is because it is we humans who need the “interventions.” So far, we have put too much of the responsibility on our companion animals and not enough on ourselves. We expect them to carry our water. What do they expect of us? Most people care enough to want the answer to that question, but an accurate answer would require scientific investigation.

For most people, that means acquiring new skills.

I propose that for now, the best way to serve and protect both human and nonhuman animals is an innovative human-to-human offering: Nonaversive training and behavior literacy should be imparted to every fosterer/caretaker and adopter/guardian of a companion animal, and confirmed before the animal is taken home. In this brave new animal-wellbeing-centric world, your elderly friend would be a little less worried about what happens to her beloved dog if she dies before the little dog does, knowResponsibility ing that at least he will go to an adopter In the words of Saint-Exupéry who will know how to (1943): “You become responsible, kindly handle his fear, forever, for what you have tamed.” © Can Stock Photo/websubstance anxiety, or whatever odd It was running the rescue that ceHumans may expect newly adopted pets to adjust to their world, but the world of each individual adopter is unique; therefore, it is they who must know how to help the habit he might develop— mented these words for me, turnadoptees cope and eventually thrive in their new environments regardless of whether ing it from an inner sense to an that adopter can afford to outward purpose. Before that, I hire a reputable trainer. In this animal-well-being-centric world, when was like anyone else—I adored my animals and would “do anything” for you take home a new companion, you also take home invaluable new them. But the more I learned about operant and classical conditioning, skills that will serve you and all your companion animals for a lifetime. the more the reality continued to sink in that our companion animals The innovation that will make a truly positive difference for animals, need more than food, shelter, veterinary care, and our relentless adorachanging the landscape of animal welfare in a way that seals, not just tion. If that were all that they needed, we wouldn’t need so many restemporarily barricades, the crush of revolving doors—is this societal cues and shelters; there wouldn’t be so many dogs and cats neglected, commitment to nonaversive animal handling literacy, led by those in the surrendered, abandoned, abused, and killed. The very fact that so many fields of animal behavior and training, welfare, rescue, and sheltering companion animals end up in sanctuaries, shelters, rescues, and foster and supported by companion animal volunteers, fosters/caretakers, emhomes demonstrates that we, as a society, have not yet fully underployees, and adopters/guardians. More simply stated, the way to best stood what these animals need, nor have we, as a society, gained the help companion animals now and into the foreseeable future is to deskills required to provide it. It seems fair to stipulate that those who crease their need for help, by transforming adopters into responsible care for animals should be able to meet the animals’ needs. If we want and skilled companion animal guardians—bundle of skills and duty in to see companion animals freed from the revolving doors of suffering one hand, bundle of furry joy in the other. For every animal whose perand surrender, it is our job to learn about their needs and be willing and son adopts this innovation, one revolving door could be stilled forever. able to gain the skills necessary to fulfill them.

By “our” I mean not only individuals, but we as a whole. I mean Nonaversive Handling shelters, rescues, any and all organizations dedicated to “animal welfare,” and similar. I think many people in animal welfare, and many in Nonaversive training is a need for every companion animal. If you disanimal training, may agree that we need to do better to help animals. agree, I have one word for you: Housetraining. Most rational people will Various movements and methods have been promoted and impleprobably agree that their companion dogs need to be housetrained (or mented as solutions to what I will now call an animal welfare crisis. pad, or box trained), and indoor cats need to be litter box trained. Peo-

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comment ple do not want a pet eliminating in their bed, their child’s playroom, or their foyer. But there are myriad other examples—just think of the last thing your pet did that left you feeling embarrassed, frustrated, or scared. Conditioning dogs’ reactions to allow them to operate in the world of humans helps us meet other humans’ requirements (whether we like them or not), such as politeness and caution, which thereby helps us comfort and protect our dogs. Training our companion animals makes each of us a more responsible guardian, and it helps provide each of our dogs with safety—a basic need. A gentle, stable dog handled by a cautious, skilled guardian is less likely to be accused of or guilty of aggression, and therefore less likely to be confiscated or euthanized by animal control. Nonaversive handling and training support the animal feeling safe, which helps fulfill his basic needs. If aversive methods are included, there is risk of increasing behavior problems as a result of increasing the animal’s fear, anxiety, etc.

Learning nonaversive handling also enables guardians to manage and condition a dog in fear of scary situations, which fulfills more of the dog’s basic needs: 1) a sense of security and 2) a measure of freedom from fearful reactions, which in many cases may also prevent perceived “aggressive” reactions such as growling, lunging, chasing, snapping, and biting. Again, a dog who is deemed aggressive often is in danger of confiscation and quite possibly euthanasia, so our innovative adopter would be providing the dog the best possible chance of survival—the most basic of needs.

Maslow's (1943) Hierarchy of Needs is a “motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid. Maslow (1943) stated that people are motivated to achieve certain needs and that some needs take precedence over others. Our most basic need is for physical survival, and this will be the first thing that motivates our behavior. Once that level is fulfilled the next level up is what motivates us.” (Stapleton-Frappell, 2018).

As it turns out, the theory applies to animals as well as humans.

The original Hierarchy of Needs five-stage model, includes (summarized by Stapleton-Frappell, 2018): 1.

Biological and Physiological Needs: Air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sex, sleep. The things that we need to survive. All animals are motivated by these needs. If we are hungry we will want to eat, if we are thirsty, we will want to drink.

2.

Safety Needs: Protection from elements, security, order, law, stability, freedom from fear. Not having these needs met can lead to stress and anxiety and even to aggressive responses in an effort to protect ourselves.

3.

Love and Belongingness Needs: Friendship, intimacy, trust and acceptance, receiving and giving affection and love. Affiliating, being

BARKS from the Guild

We all have seen dogs and cats lose their places, their homes, their families, i.e. their belonging, due to their being surrendered for behavioral reasons. We have seen dogs and cats suffer loss of esteem the same way...The reality is this will continue until we change—until we stop expecting our companion animals to satisfy unreasonable, unearned demands, and instead start treating them like the sentient beings they are. part of a group (family, friends, work). The need for us to communicate with others and interact with others. If this need is not met we can become depressed and anxious. The same is true of animals.

4.

Esteem Needs: Maslow classified these into two categories: (i) esteem for oneself (dignity, achievement, mastery, independence) and (ii) the desire for reputation or respect from others (e.g. status, prestige).

5.

Self-Actualization Needs: Realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences.

An adopter who not only feeds, shelters, vets, and loves, but who also properly manages and trains their dog in order to provide the best possible safety for that dog and for others around that dog, is truly caring for the dog. This is a dog whose most crucial needs are met.

Esteem and Belonging Not only are we responsible for meeting our companion animals’ survival needs and safety/security needs, but ideally their belonging and esteem needs as well. Nonaversive training can also help meet these specific needs. We all have seen dogs and cats lose their places, their homes, their families, i.e. their belonging, due to their being surrendered for behavioral reasons. We have seen dogs and cats suffer loss of esteem the same way, in varied contexts and including quite painful ones. The reality is this will continue until we change—until we stop expecting our companion animals to satisfy unreasonable, unearned demands, and instead start treating them like the sentient beings they are.

It is time to make another giant leap. We’ve come a long way from the 1800s, when for a time, shelter animals were publicly killed in horrifying ways. But have we made enough significant change since then, relative to progress in other fields? In my view, absolutely not. Without ensuring that adopters are ready, willing, and able to provide for all of their adoptees’ needs, simply increasing adoption numbers is not

BARKS from the Guild is the 64-page bi-monthly pet industry trade magazine published by the Pet Professional Guild, available internationally to Pet Professional Guild members, supporters and the general public online (and in print, by monthly subscription).

Widely read by pet industry professionals and pet owners alike, BARKS covers a vast range of topics encompassing animal behavior, pet care, training, education, industry trends, business AND MUCH MORE! If you would like to reach your target audience, BARKS is the perfect vehicle to achieve that goal.

To contribute an article, please contact the editor, Susan Nilson: barkseditor@petprofessionalguild.com To advertise, please contact Kelly Fahey: Kelly@petprofessionalguild.com

BARKS from the Guild/September 2019

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comment enough, and placing all the responsibility of “good” behavior on the animals is not appropriate. We expect them to adjust to our world. But the world of each individual adopter is unique. Therefore, it is the adopter who must know how to help, without adding harm, the adoptee cope and eventually thrive in new conditions.

Meanwhile, instructions on how to make an animal more adoptable and more “appealing” to an adopter are now commonplace. There are even sizable grants given just for this purpose. Yet rarely are we taught how to make an adopter more suitable for an animal. Imagine how the lives and futures of adopted animals would change if that were the norm.

In my view, the next phase of excellence in animal welfare requires knowledge and skills grounded in the science of applied behavior analysis and a focus on teaching nonaversive training and handling skills to all animal guardians. It might sound hard, but it will be easier than rescue.

Certainly it will be easier than each of the terrible, depressing paths leading to the euthanasia of 1.5 million or more pets every year, not to mention the 6.5 million or more pets that enter American shelters every year (ASPCA, 2018)—and these numbers do not even include the animals in the 10,000 rescues in the U.S. (HSUS, 2018).

In our society, perhaps in most every society, dogs are largely judged and treated, by people and institutions, based on how they behave.

Until we make nonaversive training and behavior literacy part of the adoption process for adopters, empowering animal owners and guardians of every ilk to help at-risk animals bloom while simultaneously protecting them from fear, force, intimidation, and pain, the animals are still, always, going to be at risk, no matter how many homes we continue to find for them and no matter how many shelter kennels we continue to empty and re-empty. n

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References American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (2019).

Shelter Intake and Surrender: Pet Statistics. Available at: bit.ly/2z8zSMR Humane Society of the United States. (2019). Pets by the Numbers.

Available at: bit.ly/2JulBi6 Maslow, A.H. (1943). A Theory of Human Motivation. Psychological Review 50 370‐396. Available at: psychclassics.yorku.ca/Maslow /motivation.htm Saint‐Exupéry, A. (1943). Le Petit Prince. New York, NY: Reynal & Hitchcock Stapleton‐Frappell, L.A. (2018, May). The Hierarchy of Rewards.

BARKS from the Guild (30) 14‐21. Available at: bit.ly/2EIG10Y Rain Jordan is a certified training partner with the Karen Pryor Academy and a certified canine behavior consultant through the CCPDT. She is the president and canine behavior specialist for Sighthound Sanctuary & Animal Services (sighthoundsanctuary.org) on the northwest Oregon coast, where she also runs her own canine training and behavior business, Elevate Dog Training & Behavior (elevatedogtrainingandbehavior.com). She also holds a master’s in English/creative writing from San Jose State University, California and is a nationally and internationally published author. She writes a monthly canine behavior, training, and information column for local newspapers and has earned a certificate from Dr. Susan Friedman's renowned Applied Behavior Analysis course, which she audits every year.

There Is No Excuse

FOR ABUSE

It’s time to ban shock collars I would say that, as with any helping professional, your first and primary obligation is to do no harm, and we have compelling evidence that applying shock, either systematically or randomly, to domestic dogs increases their general level of stress and discomfort. So given that knowledge, there simply is no ethical rationale for using it.

Janis Bradley,

Director of Communications and Publications, National Canine Research Council

If there’s a tool which causes pain or discomfort, it has the potential of creating other problems. As animal care professionals, I feel that if we...can’t find kinder, gentler ways of doing something, then maybe we are in the wrong profession.

Ken Ramirez, Executive VP and CTO, Karen Pryor Clicker Training

“Until these devices are illegal, consumers must protect themselves and their dogs by looking beyond the marketing messages of those who profit from their sale and use. It is not necessary to use electric shock to change behavior.

It is not necessary in humans, in zoo species, in marine mammals or in dogs.”

Jean Donaldson,

Author, Train Your Dog Like a Pro

ShockFree.org