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Why some dog owners use punishment to deal with aggression
The study highlighted the potential for extreme negative emotional responses and feelings of failure in the dog owner when their dog shows aggression.
Study explores motivation for using positive and negative methods 

Bristol scientists have explored the factors affecting whether dog owners use positive or negative training methods to deal with aggression in their pets.

Current evidence suggests that positive reinforcement techniques are a humane and effective way to treat aggressive behaviour, whereas punishment-based methods are likely to impact welfare and potentially increase aggression levels. Yet many owners continue to use these outdated techniques.

Researchers from the University of Bristol wanted to find out why some owners still use punishment methods, and what the barriers and drivers are for using positive reinforcement.

Their findings, published in the journal Risk Analysis, suggest that key factors are the owner’s perception of how effective the behaviour modification will be, as well as their own ability to apply them.

The research team concluded that clinical behaviourists should focus on helping dog owners to feel confident about the effectiveness of the techniques they recommend and in their ability to use them successfully.

In addition, the study highlighted the emotional impact of managing a reactive dog and the potential for extreme negative emotional responses and feelings of failure in the dog owner when their dog shows aggression. Dr Emily Blackwell, from Bristol Veterinary School, said it is important for practitioners to consider the wellbeing of the owner as well as the dog.

She added: “Our findings highlight the need for behaviourists to offer practical support to owners, to demonstrate the effectiveness of reward-based training and to provide them with an opportunity to practice under expert guidance, so that they feel confident in their ability to use the techniques before attempting to apply them independently.”

Dr Emily Williams, from Bristol’s School of Psychological Science, said: “The majority of research on companion animal behaviour has focused on the behaviour of the animal itself, rather than the behaviour of the owner. We believe this is the first time that psychological theories exploring how people respond to threatening situations, such as Protection Motivation Theory, have been applied to understand people’s interactions with their pets.”

The study provides a foundation for future research exploring the influence of different psychological factors on an owner’s decision to use positive reinforcement techniques to manage aggressive behaviours.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.