Dr. Rolan Tripp, DVM, CABC, a graduate of U.C. Davis, owned and operated the La Mirada Animal Hospital in Southern California for ten years prior to starting AnimalBehavior.Net, online pet behavior education provided to pet parents in veterinary hospitals in 26 states, Canada, and worldwide. Dr. Tripp learned that pet parent education is more important that pet training, although both are needed.
Dr. Tripp is offering a free course for the month of June where pet parents will learn ways to manage pet behavior through positive reinforcement, and other non-aversive methods.
I had a chance to interview Dr. Tripp to learn more.
How has the pandemic affected pets? Pets tend to do best when people give them predictable routines. Those routines include feeding time, walks, companionship time, school and work schedules. Any change may cause some confusion and anxiety for some pets. Dogs and cats are also very tuned in to how their favorite people, their human family members, feel. During the pandemic people may show more stress from lifestyle and financial changes. When people are anxious, pets tend to be more anxious.Pets that enjoyed a quiet home during the day before the pandemic, might live in busier homes if adults work from home and children learn from home. When people work from home, they might scold pets for interupting them and put pets in an isolated room or yard. For pets that are happier with everyone home, may stress when going back to an empty home.
What do pet owners need to know about re-introducing socialization to people or other pets? Any time a pet is meeting a new person or other pet, it's important to use distance, treats, walks or play, to help pets feel the new person or pet is an "upgrade" not a threat to their lives. A step-by-step approach without any scolding or any negative pet reaction is vital. Steps can be learned from PetHappiness.net if needed.
How can people help their pets adjust to new routines as they return to work? Before going back to work, start a new routine to give pets increased security. Include time away from home, starting with short periods of time. An example of a dog routine might be: take dog out to potty, provide a short walk or play session. Hold off on any meal. Feed the meal in a food puzzle when you leave. Feed both am and pm meals in the puzzles. Keep the dog restricted to a favorite room, if possible, away from the front door or visibility of outdoor sights. Add Adaptil, a calming pheromone by spray or diffuser. Add "Through a Dog's Ear" music or put on the Cooking Channel. When you get home, be calm. Do not give an enthusiastic greeting. Talk the dog out to potty. Go on a walk or add a play session. Leash the dog near you. Provide a bully stick or rawhide that the dog only gets at this time. Hold it and praise chewing to start. Keep the dog near you but not where they can reach you or follow you. If you leave and come back, ignore fussing - no looks or talking. Before bed, take the dog out to potty. Provide a play session. For cats, set up a room that has everything the cat needs and enjoys. Add Feliway, a calming pheromone. The best investment for a cat is a floor to ceiling climber to climb, perch and hide. Keep cats away from windows with sights of other cats or other stresses. Do put cat climbers next to windows that look out on birds. Add a fish tank if possible or put on a TV channel designed for cat watching. Provide cat prey-type play twice daily. Start the free PetHappiness.Net plan, after a brief survey, rating and graph, for specific recommendations.
How can pet owners work with their dogs' temperament for positive behavior management? First, get to know your breed. It's easy to research breeds online using a reliable source like the American Kennel Club. Then, think about your pet as an individual with specific needs, likes, any fears, or dislikes. Think about when your pet is happy, and when your pet shows stress or anxiety. First and foremost, pets need to feel safe. That means no scolding, rough handling, physical punishment or pain, from us. People make the mistake of training pets the way they remember childhood pets were trained, or by following their instincts or an unreliable online source or television program. There is new science that helps us train pets and protect their welfare. Always choose a certified trainer such as CPDT or KPA credentials or a veterinary behavior consultant. Start the free PetHappiness.Net plan, after a brief survey, rating and graph, for specific recommendations. The Pet Happiness Network also offers Teleconsults with Dr. Tripp, Custom Plans, and a Pet Coach, as desired or needed.
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