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

 * It is possible to attend individual modules from this course. Please contact us for more information *

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 and who may wish to establish their own ‘in-practice’ service. Delegates will be eligible to sit an examination leading to the ‘Level One Accreditation’ in Animal Behaviour.

An introduction to animal behaviour - Origins, domestication and normal behaviour of the dog and cat. Behaviour, form and function.

Clinical causes of behaviour problems - A detailed review of medical conditions causing or contributing to behaviour problems. To include making the distinction between clinical and social/environmental causes of behaviour problems; pain, dietary intolerance, pseudopregnancy and other clinical causes described in detail.

Aggression in companion animals I - Causes and principles of dealing with aggression by dogs and cats in all contexts. To include aggression to owners, aggression to strangers, aggression to other dogs, safety issues, handling, causes and solutions.

Aggression in companion animals II - Causes and principles of dealing with aggression by dogs and cats in all contexts. To include intraspecific aggression, barrier behaviours, aggression to children, predatory behaviour. Practical: examination of actual behaviour cases/discussion of cases.

Anxiety and conflict in companion animals - Causes and principles of dealing with fear, anxiety, phobias and compulsive disorders in dogs and cats. To include separation problems, noise phobias, desensitisation, tail chasing, self-mutilation, spraying and toileting problems. Practical: examination of actual behaviour cases/discussion of cases.

Behaviour problems in exotic animals and behaviour modifying drugs - Causes and principles of behaviour problems in small furries and exotics. A review of drug therapy. Case based discussion session and final forum. Review of progress of live cases.