Companion Animal Behaviour Problems

Behaviour problems are a significant cause of companion animal relinquishment and euthanasia. This book provides up to date information about animal behaviour as well as practical advice on how veterinary practice professionals can manage undesirable animal behaviour and give down to earth, appropriate and trusted advice to owners. This book: · Covers the important aspects of behaviour in dogs, cats, rabbits and rodents, parrots and birds, as well as how this behaviour has adapted to the domestic environment.· Discusses the role of the veterinary practice in improving the emotional experience of animals attending the veterinary practice, including practice design, socialisation classes for young animals and effective communication with owners.· Covers the clinical decision-making process in managing the signs of undesirable behaviour, appropriately handling pets in the practice to minimise distress, as well as: behavioural first aid, referral to a specialist, medical influences on behaviour and decisions about euthanasia. This practical and accessible book gives all the essential information needed by veterinary professionals in order to advise clients on the behaviour and well-being of animals in their care.

Rachel is Director of Canine Behaviour and Research at Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog charity. She is a RCVS and an EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine and an EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Animal Welfare, Science, Ethics and Law. She has research interests in canine welfare science, including identification of risk factors for undesired behaviours. Rachel also oversees community programmes aimed at preventing behaviour problems, and the behavioural rehabilitation of dogs in rehoming centres.

Sarah is both an RCVS and an EBVS® European Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine, as well as a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist. She was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in recognition of her work in establishing behavioural medicine as a veterinary discipline.

Helen is a veterinarian, a Diplomat of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine (BM) and a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Recognised Specialist in Behavioural Medicine. She is currently the Head of Professional Development in Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust where she has responsibility for staff education and professional development in dog behaviour and training. She is also a Visiting Fellow in the School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, UK and an Honorary Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, UK. Helen worked in a range of areas of veterinary medicine before moving into companion animal behaviour in 1998. She has lectured on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and co-developed the University of Lincoln MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour, a programme that she led for a number of years. She has spent many years consulting for pet owners and engaging with research across a range of areas in animal behaviour, learning and cognition. She is a speaker at national and international events, has authored books and book chapters as well as scientific articles and was instrumental in developing the Life Skills for Puppies programme. Over the years Helen has participated and competed in a range of dog sports, although currently she and her dogs prefer more leisurely countryside rambles.