Dogs with a job are happier than dogs with an idle mind. Fisher talked briefly about the advantages of the click and treat method of training . Fisher made great use of video-taped cases in his presentation. He described the case, then showed the tape, then explained the process of identifying and eliminating the unacceptable behavior and replacing it with appropriate responses. His cases involved health checks to rule out medical problems, short term drug therapy when indicated, and behavior modification.
Fisher works with several veterinarians in England and has been doing so for years.
Dog psychology has not been given much attention in the US, but the recent establishment of a veterinary specialty in behavior should give the profession more stature. With the anti-dog folks ambushing us from all sides, it is imperative that dog owners understand their pets' behavior and take steps to shape that behavior to avoid destruction, aggression, and nuisance. You may print or download this material for non-commercial personal or school educational use. All other rights reserved. If you, your organization or business would like to reprint our articles in a newsletter or distribute them free of charge as an educational handout please see our reprint policy.