Animal Behaviour
Behaviour is an animal's primary form of communication and understanding not only how to read their body language, but also what shapes and influences, is essential to reducing stress and improving wellbeing on every level.
Featuring; Max & George (background)
How does this relate to your pet & booking?
Your pet's behaviour is important to me when they're in my care because their behaviour is their communication!
I know that A LOT goes into influencing how your pet might behave in any given situation. My aim is to always be aware of these factors and of how my own behaviour is going to affect your pet. Every pet is an individual and I want to treat them as the unique being that they are!
When interacting or working with any animal, I am always evaluating the situation moment-by-moment and keeping several questions in mind:
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Are they enjoying the current situation or interaction?
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What can I do to improve the current situation or interaction?
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I am continuously observing the animal for changes in body language and for reactions to the external environment. These are cues that act as a form of communication from the animal to me.
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Keep on reading if you want to learn more about animal behaviour!
LET'S TALK
BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE!
Behavioural science refers to the study of why people and animals act the way they do and how interactions with the environment affects this behaviour.
Featuring; Crash (left) & Aspen
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Biology & Genetics
An animal's specific species is going to have a huge impact on their behaviour. Think about the differences between a dog to a cat to something like a leopard or shark!
We can go even further with this and compare the genetic differences between the breeds within species. Within dogs, a great dane, a chihuahua, and a border collie all have contrasting characteristics and behaviours.
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Experiences with Others
Just like people, animals are influenced by the experiences they have with others, including people and other animals. Experiences can impact an animal's social skills, confidence, fears & anxieties, and so much more!
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Reinforcement and Correction History
This goes hand-in-hand with an animal's experience with others and is a key component in training. Although reinforcement or punishment of behaviours can be deliberately implemented and shaped, they also often happen by accident.
For example, a scenario where your cat meows loudly when you wake up in the morning and you proceed to feed them. Although it is not a deliberate training situation, you are reinforcing your cat for meowing by providing them with something they want.
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What makes animals behave the way they do?
It essentially all comes down to a combination of nature (the way they biologically are) and nurture (how the world around them has affected them)!
Every behaviour happens for a reason.
Remembering this is the key to viewing your pet's behaviour through a lens of compassion and understanding, no matter the circumstance.
This is especially important when it comes to the behaviours that we don't want our pet doing because it allows us to look at them from their perspective.
Let's consider the following scenarios:
Scenario 1:
Your dog pulling on the leash.
This is a very common issue for dog-owners! So, why do our dogs do it?
A lot of the time it's just because they are so excited to get out and explore the world! In that moment, the environment is more reinforcing than you are.
Featuring; Fergus (left) & Walter
