Samantha Lindley graduated from Bristol University Veterinary School in 1988 and after five years in practice developed an interest in behaviour therapy, pain management, acupuncture and the welfare of captive wild animals. She has been treating referral behaviour cases for 12 years and lectures to vets, students and nurses on this and related subjects

NEW qualification for Veterinary Nurses!

This programme is now accredited by the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies and leads to the qualification Nurses Certificate in Animal Behaviour - NCert(AnBeh)

Cases showing inappropriate behaviour are commonly seen in veterinary practice and this is an area that is of great interest to many veterinary nurses. This fascinating course will lead delegates through the common causes, diagnostic methods and treatment regimes of the various types of behavioural problems encountered in general practice. The course will include case-based discussions and where possible the examination of actual behaviour cases. The course will be ideal for those nurses looking to enhance their skills in this area or gain a qualification, and who may wish to establish their own ‘in-practice’ service.

Module One

An introduction to animal behaviour

• Understand the origins of behaviour in the cat and dog
• Understand the domestication of the dog and cat
• Understand the normal behaviour of the dog and cat

Module Two

Clinical causes of behaviour problems

• Understand the breadth of medical conditions causing or contributing to behaviour problems in the cat and dog
• Understand the range of social and environmental causes of behaviour problems in the cat and dog
• Understand how to relate events in the animal's life with the development of behaviour problems
• Understand how to take a history and the meaning of each component of that history
• Be aware of how to make the distinction between clinical and social/environmental causes of behaviour problems

Module Three

Aggression in companion animals I

• Understand the causes and principles of dealing with aggression in dogs and cats in all contexts.
• Be aware of safety aspects in aggression problems
• Be aware of general and specific approaches to aggression to owners, intraspecific aggression, barrier behaviours, aggression to children, predatory behaviour
• To engage in the practical examination of actual behaviour cases/discussion of cases and prepare plans for the patients.

Module Four

Aggression in companion animals II

• Understand the causes and principles of dealing with aggression in dogs and cats in all contexts
• Be aware of safety aspects in aggression problems
• Be aware of general and specific approaches to aggression to owners, intraspecific aggression, barrier behaviours, aggression to children, predatory behaviour
• To engage in the practical examination of actual behaviour cases/discussion of cases and prepare plans for the patients.

Module Five

Anxiety and conflict in companion animals I

• To understand the causes of fear, anxiety, phobias and compulsive disorders in dogs and cats
• To understand and be able to apply the principles involved in dealing with fear, anxiety and phobia in dogs and cats
• To understand specific approaches to problems such as separation problems, noise phobias, desensitisation, tail chasing, self-mutilation, spraying and toileting problems
• To understand the development and complexity of compulsive disorders
• To understand the principles involved in treating compulsive disorders
• To engage in the practical examination of actual behaviour cases/discussion of cases

Module Six

Anxiety and conflict in companion animals II

• To understand the causes of fear, anxiety, phobias and compulsive disorders in dogs and cats
• To understand and be able to apply the principles involved in dealing with fear, anxiety and phobia in dogs and cats
• To understand specific approaches to problems such as separation problems, noise phobias, desensitisation, tail chasing, self-mutilation, spraying and toileting problems
• To understand the development and complexity of compulsive disorders
• To understand the principles involved in treating compulsive disorders
• To engage in the practical examination of actual behaviour cases/discussion of cases

Module Seven

Behaviour modifying medication nutraceuticals, pheremone therapy and complementary therapies for behaviour problems

• To be aware of the range of behaviour modifying drugs available to the veterinary profession
• To understand the principles involved in using these drugs
• To understand some specifics about these medications
• To understand how and when they should be used
• To be aware of alternative and complementary treatments for behaviour problems
• To understand the range of ways in which these may work
• To understand the safety and welfare implications of using both behaviour modifying drugs and alternatives

Module Eight

Case discussions

• To review the progress of cases seen and previously discussed
• To review the delegates own cases
• To discuss case scenarios
• To ensure an understanding of the issues covered, where to go for further help
• To air and discuss some ethical and practical issues