Episode 27 – The Risks and Downfalls of Punishment Based Dog Training   In this episode, Dr Katrin talks about punishment from a learning theory point of view, how and where it fits into B.F. Skinner’s 4 quadrants of operant conditioning, and why it is extremely risky and welfare-negative to use punishment-based training and methods.   Dr Katrin gives her top 10 reasons (although there are many more) why punishment-based training it NOT the way we want to go when working with our animals and why it is not sustainable or what we should be doing from a quality of life and welfare point ..read more

Episode 26 – Positive Reinforcement and Beyond – A chat with Ilse   We had so much fun making this episode as we got to talk about some of the things that are closest to our hearts – how we can use therapeutic approaches that go beyond the operant to help our patients.   In this episode you will learn all about our “5 Cs”: 1.      Calm 2.      Confidence 3.      Connection 4.      Coping Strategies 5.      Cognitive Abilities   We use these not only to tre ..read more

Episode 25 – Dominant Dogs – Do they exist?   This is a big topic and one that often sparks quite a bit of controversy! Dr Katrin unpacks the sometimes-confusing subject of Dominance Theory and why this does not apply to our domesticated dogs and certainly not to their relationships with humans.   In this episode you will learn: 1.      The difference between the colloquial use of the word “dominance” and its technical definition in ethology. 2.      How our domestic pet dogs differ from wolves in so many ways. 3.   &nb ..read more

Episode 24 – Anxious Puppies – Eva and Atlas’s Story   What is the right age to start treating puppies with mental, emotional, and behavioural ill health disorders? Well, the answer is that it is never too early. If a puppy had a bacterial infection or was in pain, we would not withhold antibiotics or pain relief, therefore, why would we not do the same when it comes to mental and emotional ill health?   In this episode, Dr Katrin chats to Eva, whose lovely boy Atlas was just such a puppy, about their journey together and how Atlas is doing now.   Listen as they talk about: 1.&n ..read more

Episode 22 – Diets and Pheromones with Dr Hannah Rowles from SV Animal Health Dubai   This is an episode you won’t want to miss if you are looking for products to support your pet’s behavioural health without the prescription of psychotropic medication.   In this episode, Dr Katrin chats to the wonderful Dr Hannah Rowles, veterinarian, and Head of Scientific Communications at SV Animal Health, one of the largest veterinary health supply companies in the Middle East.   Their conversation begins by taking a look at the Royal Canin Calm Diet, a veterinary prescription diet for cats ..read more

Episode 21 – Supplements versus Behaviour Medication – What’s the Difference?   This is a topic that was requested by a listener and I’m sure we can all agree that it can definitely cause a lot of confusion.   What is the difference between over-the-counter calming supplements and Behaviour Medication also known as psychotropic, psychoactive or psychopharmaceutical medication? How do you know what your pet needs or would benefit from? Do supplements work and when could they be used instead of Behaviour Medications?   In this episode, Dr Katrin explains the 5 main differences bet ..read more

Episode 20 – Life in a Multi-Cat Household – Theresia and Shiro’s Journey   Multi-cat households can range from 2 cats to over 20 cats and, whilst in many, the cats co-exist in relative harmony, in others, there can be a whole host of behavioural and mental health challenges.   In this episode, we take a closer look at a 6-cat household, we meet the individual cat personalities within the household, and we learn about the challenges that existed for both the cats as well as their lovely caregiver, Theresia.   Many cats, especially if they are not related or if they had different ..read more

Episode 19 – The Perfect Litterbox…From Your Cat’s Perspective   Is your cat peeing or pooping outside of the litter box? Have you tried everything? Are you at your wit’s end? In this episode, you will learn the 7 things your cat wants you to know when it comes to litterboxes! Feline House Soiling (aka peeing outside the litterbox) is the most common feline Behaviour Problem presented to Veterinary Behaviourists globally. While these cases are mostly complex and multifactorial and often require the assistance of a professional, litter box optimization is almost always part of the treatmen ..read more

Episode 18 – The 5 Pillars of a Healthy Feline Environment   In this episode, you will learn about the 5 things your cat needs to be behaviourally healthy in any environment including the home, garden, veterinary clinic, and shelter.   Based on the ISFM/AAFP Environmental Needs Guidelines , Dr Katrin shares the 5 pillars we all need to be aware of to meet our cats’ behavioural needs in different circumstances.   Here’s what you’ll learn: 1.      How to provide safe spaces in different settings. 2.      Your cat’s most important r ..read more

Episode 17 – Top Training Tips for Aggressive Dogs – with Dr Katrin and Ilse   In this episode, Dr Katrin and Ilse chat about possible behaviour modification strategies that can be useful when dealing with aggressive dogs. Of course, these should only be utilized in the context of a comprehensive treatment plan, and Dr Katrin explains why!   Here’s what we cover: 1.      A great exercise to help get you and your dog out of those tricky situations. 2.      Why muzzle- and crate training can be so very useful when working with aggressiv ..read more