Table of Contents

• Foreword xix
• Preface xxi
• Acknowledgements xxii
• 1 Animal Behavior: A Key Element in Veterinary Medicine 1
• Prevention of Behavior Problems 2
• Role of the General Practitioner 2
• Common Behavior Problems 3
• Conclusion 4
• References 4
• 2 Normal Behaviors and Body Language Interpretation 6
• Normal Dog Behavior 6
• Understanding Body Language 6
• Domestication and Its Effect on Behavior 15
• The Role of Breed in Interpretation 16
• Social Behavior 16
• Reproductive Behavior 17
• Ingestive Behavior 18
• Elimination Behavior 20
• Normal Cat Behavior 21
• Conclusion 31
• References 31
• 3 Basic Learning Theory and Choosing a Trainer 36
• Types of Learning 36
• The Four Contingencies of Operant Conditioning 40
• Capturing, Luring, and Shaping Behavior 45
• Stimulus Control of Behaviors 46
• The Effects of Aversive Techniques 47
• When a Trainer Is Needed 47
• Trainers versus Behavior Consultants 47
• How to Choose a Trainer 52
• Setting Clients Up for Success 53
• Conclusion 53
• References 54
• 4 Meeting Basic Needs, Triage, and Management 56
• Measuring Welfare 56
• The Interplay of Physical Health and Behavior in Animal Welfare 59
• Choice, Control, and Agency in Animal Welfare 60
• Quality of Life Assessments 60
• Pain and Grimace Scales 64
• Enrichment 65
• Management Tools 66
• Behavioral Triage in Practice 67
• Understanding Normal Behavior 68
• Behavioral in General Practice 68
• Behavioral First Aid 71
• Conclusion 77
• References 78
• 5 Setting Puppies Up for Success 82
• Developmental Periods of Behavior with Kittens for Neonatal Period through Social Maturity 82
• Socialization: Understanding the Concept 89
• Safety and Vaccination 95
• Adjusting the Socialization Plan 95
• Puppy Kindergarten Classes 95
• Setting Puppies Up for Success 95
• Confinement Training 96
• Foundational Behaviors 101
• Troubleshooting Common Puppy Behaviors 107
• Conclusion 113
• References 113
• 6 Setting Kittens Up for Success 115
• Developmental Periods of Behavior 115
• Understanding Feline-Specific Needs and Welfare Assessment 123
• Pillar 1: Providing a Safe Place for Cats 124
• Pillar 2: Providing Multiple and Separated Resources 127
• Pillar 3: Encouraging Play and Predatory Behavior 130
• Pillar 4: Positive, Consistent, and Predictable Human-Cat Interaction 130
• Pillar 5: Respecting the Cat's Sense of Smell 135
• Conclusion 137
• References 137
• 7 What Is a Behavior Problem? 139
• Differentiating Between Normal and Abnormal Behaviors 139
• Role of Veterinarians in Behavior Identification 139
• Perceptions of Pet Behavior 141
• Behavior and Medical Conditions 141
• Intervention and Behavior Problems 141
• Common Behavior Problems in Dogs 141
• Common Behavior Problems in Cats 144
• Training Problems versus Emotional Issues 144
• How to Approach Behavior Problems in Practice 146
• Medications 147
• Conclusion 152
• References 152
• 8 Pet Selection 154
• Pet Selection Counseling 154
• Genetics and Behavior 154
• Choosing Between Shelter, Rescue, and Breeders 155
• Puppy Culture 157
• Breed and Breed Type 158
• Realistic Expectations and Desired Traits 158
• Age of Adoption 159
• Gender 160
• Temperament Testing and Behavioral Evaluation 160
• Living Situation and Space 161
• Activity Level and Time Commitment 161
• Desired Traits and Compatibility 162
• Introducing Pets 162
• Conclusion 167
• References 167
• 9 The Shelter Dog 171
• Unique Needs of the Rehomed and Shelter Dog 171
• Adjustment Process 171
• Health and Wellness 172
• Common Behavior Problems in Shelter Dogs 172
• Unruly Behaviors 179
• Positive Reinforcement Training 183
• Pattern Games for Dog Training 186
• Dog-to-Dog Introductions for Shelter Dogs 187
• Conclusion 189
• References 189
• 10 The Shelter Cat 191
• Unique Needs for Rehomed and Shelter Cats 192
• Assessing Shelter Cat Behavior 193
• Common Behavior Problems in Shelter Cats 195
• Enrichment for the Shelter Environment 198
• Cat-to-Cat Introductions 201
• Basic Training and Social Skills 201
• Behavior Modification for the Shelter Environment 202
• Conclusion 203
• References 203
• 11 Prevention and the Veterinary Hospital 207
• Early Recognition of Fear and Anxiety 207
• Fear, Anxiety, Frustration, and Stress Start at Home 208
• Carriers 209
• Collars and Harnesses 210
• Car Rides 212
• Preparing the Veterinary Clinic Environment 214
• The Exam 216
• Low-Stress Hospital Stays 217
• At-Home Medications and Sedation 219
• Cooperative Veterinary Care 219
• Medications 220
• Preventing and Treating Fear of the Veterinary Hospital 225
• Specific Strategies 229
• Returning Home After the Visit 232
• Communicating with Clients 232
• Conclusion 234
• References 234
• 12 Pets and Children 240
• Potential for Dog and Cat Bites 240
• Educating Parents on Responsible Pet Ownership 244
• How to Approach 246
• Teaching Children Respect and Boundaries 247
• Preparing Pets for Children 248
• Understanding Pets' Needs 251
• Socialization and Training in Preventing Dog and Cat Bites 254
• Conclusion 256
• References 256
• Index 258