Veterinary Medicine - September 2008 - (Page 511)

The fact is, when used appropriately, food rewards are an excellent and effective way to teach a dog new behaviors. Once a dog learns a behavior, these rewards should be used intermittently. One of the more common mistakes a pet owner makes is to think that a dog knows a behavior long before it actually does. To learn more and to help interested clients learn more, refer to the books and other resources listed in Table 1. MYTH #8 “Dogs chase their tails because they are bored.” This statement is a dangerous oversimpli cation of a problem that we still have much to learn about. Repetitive behaviors such as tail chasing and pacing have long been noted and studied in con ned domesticated and wild animals. A commonly held belief is that these behaviors are a response to a barren or somehow inappropriate environment.28 However, the etiopathogenesis is probably much more complicated. Evidence suggests that what initiates these behaviors and what maintains them may be two separate mechanisms.28 In addition, these behaviors are often a response to an underlying medical condition. Recent studies have documented that at least two problems (psychogenic alopecia in cats and acral lick dermatitis in dogs) previously thought to be primarily behavioral have a good probability of being primarily medical problems.29,30 In my experience, painrelated discomfort is an often overlooked cause of behavior problems such as tail chasing. Since our patients cannot talk to us and we do not always have the diagnostic capability to identify the presence of pain or altered sensation, it is imperative that we not dismiss these possibilities too quickly. Clinicians also need to understand the role that learning may play in behavioral conditions. An animal that discovers that its behavior results in attention—whether good or bad (e.g. being yelled at)—from its owner may continue to perform the behavior even after the inciting cause is alleviated. This situation is similar to a cat that quits using its litter box because of urinary tract disease yet continues housesoiling after treatment because of a learned substrate or location aversion. When confronted with dogs or cats performing repetitive behaviors, rst diligently rule out underlying medical causes for the behavior. Collect a complete and detailed history, and perform appropriate diagnostic tests, preferably before referring the patient to a behaviorist. The fact is, the cause of repetitive behaviors can be a complicated combination of physiological, environmental, and learned factors. without having any education in the eld. Making the wrong choice can have potentially devastating consequences to their pets’ health and well-being. Referral to a trainer Veterinarians need to have a basic knowledge of learning theory so they can tell the difference between a trainer using appropriate techniques and one using dangerous, outdated techniques. Even if you have the interest and the knowledge, if you are in a busy practice you may not have time to demonstrate training methods. So it is critical that you know which trainers in your area you can safely send your clients to. Trainers are especially helpful for a pet that needs basic training such as learning to sit, stay, or come on command. A good trainer uses primarily reward-based training, doesn’t insist that a pet owner do anything ethologically unsound or dangerous (e.g. trying to force a dog over in an alpha roll), and is willing to work with other professionals such as a veterinarian to develop a plan that works for the individual. The AVSAB has an excellent position statement on behavior professionals and how to choose a trainer (www.avsabonline.org). MYTH #9 Referral to a veterinary behaviorist Be prepared to refer a pet that has a problem that may be anxiety-related (e.g. barking or housesoiling) or that poses a public health threat (e.g. aggression) to an appropriate professional when you do not feel comfortable handling the case. The ideal rst choice would be a board-certi ed veterinary behaviorist. Veterinary behaviorists (diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists [ACVB]) are licensed veterinarians who have undergone extensive training in the science of behavior, psychopharmacology, learning theory, and behavioral development. They are in the best position to recognize the complex ways in which medical conditions affect behavior and have a good understanding of how genetics and “Any trainer can handle all behavior problems.” Sending a dog with a behavior problem to the wrong person can be as dangerous as not recommending any treatment. Not all trainers and behaviorists are the same. Explain to your clients that anyone can call himself a behaviorist or a trainer VETERINARY MEDICINE September 2008 511 http://www.avsabonline.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Veterinary Medicine - September 2008

Veterinary Medicine - September 2008 Contents Leading Off Practical Matters Idea Exchange A Challengin Case: Thymic Cyst and Recurrent Chylothorax in a Cat 10 Life-Threatening Behavior Myths CE Form Advertiser Index Marketplace/Classifieds Mind Over Miller

Veterinary Medicine - September 2008

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