Teo: Old Dog, New Tricks

Teo's owner asked for Behavioural Coaching which began with a pre-consultation assessment form - this is a great way to collect as much context as possible on the situation and help us to make the most of the face to face time dog, owner and behaviourist have together. Once this is done,  I arranged for a home visit which can take anywhere from 2-4 hours and results in a personalised report and modification plan which is easy to follow and understand.  The initial observations involved assessing Teo's communication style, physicality, and motivations. Teo's interactions during walks, his reactions to various stimuli, and his genetics and unique behaviours at home were all part of the extensive analysis. This laid the foundation for a tailored program aimed at improving Teo's overall well-being as well as address Annie's concerns around his toileting inside. 

Teo's behavioural challenges were multi-faceted. His owner shared his history as a rescue dog and his challenges in previous homes. As a rescue dog, his past experiences shape his responses, and being part of a multi-dog household posed additional complexities. The specific issues included occasional indoor accidents, particularly in the conservatory or kitchen, highlighting anxiety during irregular alone time. Teo's health concerns, notably arthritis and an unusual gait, added another layer to the challenges. The assessment revealed Teo's stoic nature which is common in dogs, masking signs of potential pain. Teo's preference for a fussy diet and reduced water intake further complicated the picture. 

The collaborative effort resulted in a detailed plan of action to address Teo's behavioural and health challenges. To tackle toileting issues, thorough cleaning with enzymatic products was recommended to prevent the spot Teo liked using inside the house from appearing too appealing. A plan was also put in place to increase his confidence and comfort while Annie was out. Certain distraction toys that would increase his serotonin levels (the happy hormone) were brought out when he needed to be alone for any period of time. Counter conditioning was required to help Teo see time alone as something that was not anxiety inducing. A vital aspect was providing Teo with a better space to rest in while his owner was away, a small ramp or steps for comfortable access to his preferred sleeping spots as well as the use of a baby gate to limit access to certain areas  . The plan aimed to enhance Teo's mobility and comfort, suggested a review of Teo's medication for his arthritis and managing his levels of exercise so he wasn't over exerting himself.