The Animal Behaviour Doctors

In Part 2 of Episode 18 - we further explore training paradigms with the  inimitable  & generous Simon Gadbois  - Neuroscience, classical conditioning, reinforcement strategies & more!

In Part 1 of Episode 18: 
Dr Mel Starling & Dr Kat Gregory chat with Dr Simon Gadbois about his work & research on dogs with roles as detection dogs - biomedical & conservation detection, & service dogs (PTSD) - their training, their deployment & ethics.

Get READY for Part 2!

University Teaching Fellow, Dalhousie University

Department of Psychology and Neuroscience

Research Topics:

• Animal behaviour
• Animal learning
• Olfactory processing in Animals
• Neuroethology of action sequences
• Behavioural endocrinology of social behaviour and stress
• Canids
• Reptiles (Wood turtles and Ribbons snakes)
• Waterfowl as a teaching model in ethology

Research Interests

I study domestic and wild canids (wolves, coyotes, and red foxes). I have studied the behavioural endocrinology and social behaviour of wolves (socioendocrinology; with John Fentress and Peter McLeod) as well as food caching action sequences in red foxes, coyotes and wolves (with John Fentress and Fred Harrington). I am currently focussed on olfactory processing in canids and the applications of canine scent processing, particularly with wildlife conservation dogs (dogs trained to search and track species at risk, particularly Nova Scotian reptiles, i.e., Northern ribbon snakes, wood turtles) and dogs used for biomedical detection, diagnosis and assistance (for diabetes and anxiety/PTSD).

Every young animal has an alarm system in their body that is designed to keep them safe from harm. When activated, the alarm system prepares the body to fight or run away.

Dr Mel Starling & Dr Kat Gregory introduce the topic of early life trauma  - the potential effects on puppies - short & longer term.     
 How might we- as primary caregivers - help mitigate the outcomes of trauma?  
An important preliminary discussion with the Animal Behaviour Doctors,  for everyone who lives with dogs of all ages.

Dr Mel Starling & Dr Kat Gregory discuss how to help your dog manage separation distress.  The impacts on the welfare of dogs & their people can be significant, but with an integrated, comprehensive approach, outcomes can be positive, over time. Support is out there, you aren't alone.

The Separation Struggles Class mentioned - moderated by Trish Allan:

https://www.allpetseducationandtraining.com.au/separation-struggles---12-week-virtual-course.html

In this episode Dr Mel & Dr Kat discuss consent - as it applies to animals in human managed care. 
They also discuss some important aspects of Cooperative Care - including the patient & more.
What is useful to teach?  
Effective reinforcement strategies. 
Handling & restraint.
Pre Visit medication strategies.
The entire team delivering care to the animal patient - Primary carers, Trainers & Vet Teams - all need to collaborate to deliver quality patient care.  The goal - to create patients - who have a sense of agency - who feel safe & supported in the clinical setting.

Dr MJ  & Dr Kat - discuss & describe the rehabilitation of dogs with behavioural challenges. Why the modus of treatment matters, with respect to outcomes for the dogs & their guardians - & why ethical standards matter.