monday 22nd september 2025 mentee session

0:00 The discussion focused on various behavioral issues in dogs, highlighting the challenges faced by caregivers and the need for effective management strategies. Hannah Pollard expressed her frustration with local veterinarians who are reluctant to refer clients, indicating her intention to reach out to vets in surrounding areas to improve referral rates. The conversation also touched on the autonomy of corporate veterinary practices, which may provide opportunities for better collaboration. Technical difficulties were noted, with Nikki McLeod having to switch to her phone to participate.

Nikki shared insights about Finn, a three-year-old working cocker Spaniel, whose reactivity towards other male dogs has escalated following a traumatic attack. The group discussed the impact of stressors in Finn’s caregiver’s life and the importance of addressing both behavioral and potential physical issues. Danielle emphasized the difficulty in distinguishing between acute and chronic pain, while Gemma pointed out that Finn’s past experiences could contribute to his defensiveness. The need for careful management of Finn’s interactions with other dogs was highlighted to help him regain confidence.

The conversation also explored attention-seeking behaviors in dogs, particularly in working breeds like spaniels. Danielle and Nikki noted that these dogs often struggle to relax and may become frustrated without proper cues or tasks. They discussed the importance of teaching dogs to settle and the potential welfare issues that arise when caregivers do not address these needs. Additionally, they examined the challenges of managing barking in response to external noises, with Hannah sharing her successful strategy of rewarding dogs for acknowledging sounds to prevent excessive barking.

Hannah evaluated Amber, a Labrador cross with a troubled background, and discussed strategies to improve her relationship with her caregiver. The group emphasized the importance of non-coercive techniques to foster trust and comfort, suggesting games and off-lead walks as potential solutions. They also addressed the behavioral issues of Ronnie, a Cocker Spaniel, and the complexities of managing aggression in dogs. The discussion underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing behavioral problems, including dietary interventions and understanding the dog’s signals to ensure safety and well-being for both the dog and its owner.

0:02 Discussion on Case Referrals and Personal Updates

Strategies for improving referral processes with local vets.

6:39 Finn’s Behavioral Concerns and Background

10:58 Discussion on Dog Behavior and Trauma

Discussion of Finn’s behavioral issues and reactivity towards other dogs.
The importance of understanding social and sexual maturity in dogs.

24:46 Understanding and Addressing Canine Behavior Issues

Relationship building between caregivers and dogs, particularly focusing on Amber’s case.

41:19 Barking Behavior and Acknowledgment Techniques

48:17 Addressing Dog Anxiety Related to Noise

The impact of environmental factors, such as noise, on dog behavior.

53:52 Understanding Dog Behavior and Puzzle Feeders

Techniques for teaching dogs to relax and cope with frustration.

1:02:11 Discussion on Dog Behavior and Environmental Factors

1:13:18 Amber’s Behavioral Assessment and Training Challenges

1:18:47 Strategies for Building Dog-Owner Relationships

The importance of non-coercive training methods and understanding dog behavior.

1:32:22 Behavioral Assessment of Ronnie the Cocker Spaniel

1:39:20 Discussion on Dog Behavior and Management Strategies

Strategies for managing resource guarding and aggression in dogs, specifically regarding Ronnie.

1:43:47 Discussion on Dog Behavior and Safety Measures

The role of diet and potential allergies in influencing dog behavior.