1. Dog Behavioural Problems Lecture 3 VETS1023
Using the Principles of Learning to Solve Behavioural Problems of dogs.
Case Studies
Presented by
Dr Cam Day
Animal Behaviour Veterinarian
Cam Day Consulting Ph
Access PPT and MP3 files of this presentation 1

2. Recap When solving behavioural problems:
Try to use PR and NP and minimise PP
Bring the end of the behaviour up to the beginning to stop self-reinforcement
Use cognitive therapy to teach the dog the commands it needs to respond to when it is calm
Cone down (or focus) on the problem by eliminating wrongful behaviour when you are not there to solve it. Then plan to deal with the behaviours when you are available. 2

3. Recap What does behaviour therapy entail?
Is it medical?
Can the animal learn to be good?
How will the behaviour be managed to create a solution
Will medication be needed?
For first year – we will concentrate on the question
Can the Animal Learn to be Good 3

4. Pierre the Attention Seeker
Pierre’s problem
Use the ‘invisible dog’ principle – visualise the behaviour you want, not the behaviour that offends and then work on how to get that behaviour
The ‘invisible’ behaviour is Pierre sitting still for 5 seconds or more and then getting a reward
Method – the Circle of Commands
Result
The Circle of Commands patterns left-brained logical thinking behaviour – exactly what this dog needs
What would happen if you tried to PP this behaviour? 4

5. Mad Muchin’ Maddie Case Study:- Maddie 5yo Fox Terror
Problem – aggression to visitors (and behaviour veterinarians) 5

6. Maddie’s Therapy What is the invisible dog we need?
A dog that is sitting quietly and listening
What do you do when he shows aggression?
Be a statue – ignore it
What do we do when he calms?
Reward the behaviour but wait for 5 seconds to be sure you truly have the behaviour you want. 6

7. The Attack of Zoro Aggression always involves risk assessment
Case Study:-
Zoro, 65kg 5 years Mastiff Cross
Problem:- Aggression to family especially the 10 y.o. daughter
Dog weight 65kg – daughter 24kg!!
What is the risk?
Children under 10 = 43% of dog-bite hospital admissions
48% of dog bite injuries in children are head, neck and trunk
If you were the parent – what would you do? 7

8. Barking Boris Case Study Boris 18 m.o. Bull TerrierX Problem:
Barking at fence
Therapy:-
How would you cone down?
What is the ‘invisible dog’ that is desired?
How could you achieve that?
What could be done to better manage the problem? 8

9. The Kelvinator Masticator
Case Study
Skippy 2 yo Cocker Spaniel
Problem:-
Chews fridge!!
And door handles, corners of cupboards, legs of furniture, door jambs etc.
An important question –
When does Skippy do this?
When owners are present or absent?
Answer – both – therefore not just a separation anxiety type behaviour
This is a compulsive behaviour and is ABNORMAL
Mostly they are not responsive to training
Therapy – repetitive left-brain patterning with the circle of commands, cone down, create the ‘invisible dog’ using commands and PR.
And compulsions come in other forms. (View movie) 9

10. The Whirlpool Whumper Case Study Problem:- Result Whizzy Noise fears
3 yo Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Problem:-
Noise fears
Result
$25,000 damage in 8hrs 10

11. The Whirlpool Whumper continued
Therapy:-
What to advise when the owner is away (A sound proof Den)
What to advise when the owner is home (Left brain patterning the COC)
Desensitisation (Using sound effects)
Pheromones (Dog Appeasing Pheromone)
Medication 11

12. Summary
This lecture has dealt mostly with how the principles of learning can be applied to common behaviours
However, we have also introduced the concept that some behaviour is abnormal and cannot be solved by training techniques.
Most behaviours, like Whizzer, require a balanced and multi-faceted approach involving:
Is there a medical reason for the behavioural problem?
Can the animal learn to be behave appropriately?
How is the problem managed?
Is medication or pheromone therapy needed 12