The Role of Companion Animals in the Management of Chronic Health Conditions – October 2021

By Dr Helen Brooks BSc, MRes, PhD., University of Manchester

Personal communities – the set of active and significant ties which are most important to people – are increasingly being recognised as important for the management of long-term physical and mental health conditions. Whilst emphasis is often placed on the value of social interaction with other people, such as friends and family, the role of pets in relation to supporting the management of chronic health conditions has been under-acknowledged.

This webinar presented the findings from two research studies, and aims to help delegates develop an in-depth understanding of the role of companion animals in the management of physical and mental health conditions.

The Companion-Animal Multi-Species Risk Management Tool (CAMSRMT) – Working towards Safe Animal Friendly Eldercare – September 2021

By Dr Janette Young, University of South Australia

Through 2020 and 2021 an Australian team of human and animal experts, academics, researchers, community consultants and veterinarians worked together to develop the Companion-Animal Multi-Species Risk Management Tool (CAMSRMT). This is a risk management tool aimed at supporting the safe inclusion of personal pets (that is, those that people have pre-residential relationships with) in communal residential aged care.

The framework enables users to assess the risks that both humans and animals may encounter in these settings. It encompasses the major species groups kept as pets: dogs, cats, birds, fish, small mammals, reptiles). The level and impact of these risks and methods to reduce them to acceptable levels is detailed. Very few risks are unmanageable and CAMSRMT offers the opportunity to carefully explore the potential for co-residence when this is desired or appropriate for both human and animal members of these relationships.

This presentation will introduce the audience to the team and the tool; identifying the circumstances in which it is envisioned to be used and stepping through how and for who (human and animal) it will be useful.

This project was supported by Society for Companion Animal Studies funding.

InKennel Training Method: Dog staff behavioural change as a means of promoting welfare in shelter/kenneled dogs – July 2021

By Evangelos Diamantakos, BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD cand

This webinar was delivered by Evangelos Diamantakos (Vangelis), an ABTC registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist and full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC).

The presentation is part of Vangelis’ project titled: Challenging the Present Creating the Future. This webinar presents Vangelis’ InKennel training method and deals with dog – staff interaction in the shelter/kennel environment.. This interaction even though appearing to be “ok” hides aspects needing a much more thorough consideration.

The presentation begins by defining briefly dog – human interaction and mentions some key factors that influence it. It then discusses the patterns of dog – staff interaction and focus on when and where that occurs, what it encompasses and what the restrictions are. According to Vangelis’ observations it seems that patterns of dog – staff interaction during every day routines have certain effects on dog behaviour that not only negatively affect their welfare but also inevitably have some undesired consequences on future adopters. Undoubtedly, there are many areas that need work and improvement as far as the behavioural patterns of shelter/kenneled dog are concerned. Therefore, a realistic approach would call for a targeted change of these behavioural patterns. At this point it is briefly outlined the procedure with same relevant videos of his work and offered some useful tips to begin with. Afterwards, it is mentioned, in summary, the expected results of the previously explained method and procedure for optimising dog – staff interaction. Last, but not least, it is stressed the importance of statistics and how they can help us to extract information about dogs’ welfare and also evaluate the efficiency of every plan, strategy or method applied.

As this webinar was offered free of charge, if you missed it you can watch the recording below.

The role of companion animals in healthy, active, human aging – June 2021

By Dr Sandra McCune V.N., B.A.(Mod), Ph.D.

The aim of this webinar is to raise awareness of the health benefits and challenges of living with companion animals as we age. The webinar will provide basic knowledge and help all those who are interested in the role of companion animals in human healthy, active aging to:

• Understand the societal context for supporting healthy, active aging in humans
• Recognise the benefits companion animals may bring to the socio-emotional, cognitive and physical health, and mobility of older adults
• Recognise the challenges of living with companion animals as owners age
• Understand the alternatives to companion animal ownership when responsible pet ownership becomes no longer possible

Life expectancy is increasing in many parts of the world and with that comes new and unprecedented challenges. Consequently, it is vital that healthy, active aging for humans is supported in our society. There is an increasing body of evidence for the beneficial impact of companion animals on physical health and mobility, and on socio-emotional and cognitive health. This webinar explores the role of companion animals in healthy, active aging for older adults.

Download the Key References for this webinar here.

Dog-Assisted Interventions: Recognising signs of stress in body language – May 2021

By Evangelos Diamantakos, BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD cand, an ABTC registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist and full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC, UK).

The beneficial effects of dogs on humans across the lifespan is very well documented by present literature. The introduction of Dog Assisted Intervention (DAI) Programmes in educational, care, health and other therapeutic settings is gaining ground both in the UK and internationally. The training and participation of dogs in these programmes is very demanding. It needs special preparation and should be designed by a team of professionals who will promote both dog welfare and human health and safety.

Unfortunately, not all programmes operating in this field are following guidelines issued by organisations like SCAS. Others lack the contribution of accredited dog behaviourists in their design teams.

The aim of this webinar is to raise awareness of and promote dog welfare during training and participation in DAIs. The webinar will provide basic knowledge and help all those who are interested in DAIs, dog behaviour and training to:

• Recognise DAI terminology and identify training needs.
• Explain the function and factors that trigger stress behaviour.
• Describe the signs of stress in dog body language.
• Understand the general guidelines to avoid stress in DAIs.

As this webinar was offered free of charge, if you missed it you can watch the recording below.