Welcome to this episode of The Underdog Vet Podcast! In this episode’s Animal Advocate Interview I spoke with Laura Ward a Clinical Animal Behaviourist, who specialises in dog aggression.   Laura set up Minds Alike Animal Behaviour after working as a veterinary nurse for 10years. She has always had a passion for how animals think and feel and now dedicates her time to helping owners solve their dog’s behavioural issues. Laura firmly believes in using only positive approaches and that having an understanding of how your dog is feeling means you can then appreciate why they are behaving in the ways they are.   Laura and I spoke about the importance of using a qualified dog behaviourist, the difference between a dog behaviourist and a dog trainer and why it is vital dog owners understand some dog psychology! Laura used some words that some listeners may not be familiar with, here's some explanations: Desensitisation: Desensitisation means very gradual exposure to the scary thing, starting at a very low level and building up very slowly, at every step on the way, you dog should be happy and comfortable.

Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement training means training with rewards, such as a treat, praise or a toy. You give your dog something they want when they’re behaving in a way that you like (more info here: https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/training/techniques/positive-reinforcement-training-with-rewards).

Socialisation: The process of getting a puppy/dog comfortable and familiar with everyday things.

Positive Punishment: The addition or application of something unpleasant to the dog or it's environment eg using a prong or electric collar or hitting the dog.

Threshold: The point at which a dog will be triggered by something. Links: Minds ALike Website: https://www.mindsalikeanimaltraining.com/ Grain free diet info: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/outbreaks-and-advisories/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy Ladder of Aggression/Communication: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/canine-ladder-of-communication The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (UK): https://abtc.org.uk/ Find an accredited practitioner in your area (UK): https://abtc.org.uk/practitioners/