Practical Canine Behavior For Veterinary Nurses

Stephanie first began her veterinary medicine experience in 1990 as a student Veterinary Nurse. In 1992 she than became a qualified Veterinary nurse and worked in many areas of animal health, including small animal general practice, referrals, and critical care. Not only did she train student nurses, she also lectured on many topics pertaining to animal health and management. These included nursing, and animal behaviour and care. Upon her 1999 adoption of a German Shepard with various behaviour problems, Stephanie’s interest in canine behaviour increased. The acquisition of this dog then led her to attend the University of Southampton where she graduated in 2004 after studying applied animal behaviour. At her practice in 2005, Stephanie than

xiii). Even though there are many resources available for those individuals who are interested in behaviour, there are few that Veterinary nurses and technicians can reference (Hedges, 2014, p. xiii). It was Stephanie’s goal for Practical Canine Behaviour for Veterinary Nurses and Technicians to fill this gap (Hedges, 2014, p. xiii). The purpose of this book report is to determine if Stephanie was successful in her aim, and to examine any weaknesses of the work. There are four sections to this book which encompass many aspects of canine behaviour: normal communication and behaviour of canines, development of normal and problematic behaviours, how behaviour can be altered and the bond between human and canines; improving interactions and handling of canines that come into the hospital; how problem behaviours can be modified through services and advice to clients; how to respond to dogs displaying problem behaviours, and referral

The treat to welfare of inappropriate behaviour is often less obvious. However, it has as much potential to impact negatively on a dog’s quality of life as compromised physical health” (Hedges, 2014, p. xvii). This is important to understand and recognize because, as a whole, animal owners want their pets to be happy and healthy. If owners recognize that abnormal behaviours may have an impact on physical health, they may be more willing to seek