Behavior

Course overview

Five, one hour lectures will be presented to familiarize the audience with common behavior concerns and medications. Can you hear me now?? Have you ever felt blindsided by a patient's sudden escalation in behavior? Whether it's a growl, a bite, or a scratch, these moments often leave us wondering what we missed. The truth is, animals are always communicating; we just need to learn how to listed. By learning to recognize early signs of stress and discomfort, teams can improve patient welfare, enhance staff safety, and build more trusting relationships with the animals in their care. The Chicken or the Egg: Behavioral or Medical? Behavior or pain: which came first? The connection between physical and emotional health is complex and easy to overlook. Subtle changes in behavior may be an animal's earliest (or only) way of expressing discomfort. Learn about how pain influences behavior and how behavioral signs can, in turn, help us detect pain sooner. By learning to recognize even mild shifts in behavior, activity, or interaction, veterinary professionals can better identify hidden sources of pain to enhance the care and quality of life of their patients. Clearing the Fog: Canine Aggression Canine aggression is never "just bad behavior." Debunk common myths about canine aggression. Learn about this complex, multifactorial condition rooted in physical, emotional, and environmental factors. Become more comfortable with safety and management, as well as pharmaceutical intervention. Improve outcomes for both patients and the people who care for them. Separation Anxiety Canine separation anxiety is more than a training issue; it's a clinical condition that requires a compassionate, evidence-based approach. Learn about a practical framework for understanding, diagnosing, and treating separation-related distress in dogs. Gain tools to recognize key behavioral signs and aspects of a treatment plan to address both emotional and environmental needs. How to implement Fear Free care into your practice Fear Free isn't just a certification, it's a mindset that transforms everyday practice. This session offers a crash course in practical, clinically relevant techniques to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in veterinary patients. Low stress handling strategies and simple environmental adjustments that teams can implement immediately to improve patient comfort, reduce staff injuries to create safer, more positive visits for everyone involved