I first met Bruno in July 2018. We have been working together since then relatively regularly (monthly for a few sessions and then every few months).
Bruno's mum approached me regarding his fear in veterinary clinic situations. He is often suspicious and was even with his own family. He was relaxed for scratches and continuous pats, however, a pause in movement and he would immediately react with what would easily be perceived as aggressive behaviour.
We spent time learning his small signals that indicate he is not comfortable - his ears are a great judge. We also taught him a start and stop cue, so that he could control a procedure or situation. And taught him to settle on a his mat. Calm behaviour is rewarding.
Late last year, Bruno participated in my Ready Vet Go! course. During this course we focused on having fun in the veterinary clinic as well as introducing him to commonly used veterinary equipment and situations.
Bruno is now comfortable in his basket muzzle - through which he can take yummy cheese or chicken chunks, as well as frozen ice blocks etc. Next we taught Bruno a sustained target - using a chair and towel to allow him to stand or sit with his head at a comfortable height. And then we paired the sustained target with the muzzled.
Something else that really helped Bruno, is ensuring he knows what is going to happen. So named his body parts and say the name prior to touching them. This includes Scruff, Tail, Paw, and Ear.
I can't say how proud I am of Bruno and his mum.
Over the past 12 months Sara has put so much work in to Bruno and the trust and bond that has blossomed between them is truly beautiful. I also feel the love when Bruno happily sits in my lap with his back toward me - not able to see what I am doing, whilst being comfortable with my touching - this is something that certainly wasn't possible to begin with.
During the past few months we upped the training again in preparation for his annual vet check and vaccination.
He also had several happy visits at the clinic with his Veterinarian Dr Jacqui.
I am happy to say his check up and vaccination went without a hitch.
Congratulations team Bruno.
Bruno's mum approached me regarding his fear in veterinary clinic situations. He is often suspicious and was even with his own family. He was relaxed for scratches and continuous pats, however, a pause in movement and he would immediately react with what would easily be perceived as aggressive behaviour.
We spent time learning his small signals that indicate he is not comfortable - his ears are a great judge. We also taught him a start and stop cue, so that he could control a procedure or situation. And taught him to settle on a his mat. Calm behaviour is rewarding.
Late last year, Bruno participated in my Ready Vet Go! course. During this course we focused on having fun in the veterinary clinic as well as introducing him to commonly used veterinary equipment and situations.
Bruno is now comfortable in his basket muzzle - through which he can take yummy cheese or chicken chunks, as well as frozen ice blocks etc. Next we taught Bruno a sustained target - using a chair and towel to allow him to stand or sit with his head at a comfortable height. And then we paired the sustained target with the muzzled.
Something else that really helped Bruno, is ensuring he knows what is going to happen. So named his body parts and say the name prior to touching them. This includes Scruff, Tail, Paw, and Ear.
I can't say how proud I am of Bruno and his mum.
Over the past 12 months Sara has put so much work in to Bruno and the trust and bond that has blossomed between them is truly beautiful. I also feel the love when Bruno happily sits in my lap with his back toward me - not able to see what I am doing, whilst being comfortable with my touching - this is something that certainly wasn't possible to begin with.
During the past few months we upped the training again in preparation for his annual vet check and vaccination.
He also had several happy visits at the clinic with his Veterinarian Dr Jacqui.
I am happy to say his check up and vaccination went without a hitch.
Congratulations team Bruno.
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