We are very excited to announce our next ground-breaking title, Pain and Behaviour: Understanding the Connection in Dogs.
For the first time in a First Stone book, many videos are accessible via QR code links, which illustrate the remarkable work of the authors.
The book is written by a leading Swiss vet Dr Patrick Blättler-Monnier and behaviourist Katrien Lismont, and identifies physical pain as a major factor in many behavioural issues displayed by so-called problem dogs. Based an extensive research and including many case histories, the authors offer a new perspective and solutions that can improve the lives of so many dogs and their guardians.
What drives problem or ‘undesirable’ behaviour in dogs? The reasons are so many and so varied that often the symptoms – the behaviour itself – is addressed, and the cause is largely ignored. However, it is now becoming increasingly evident that pain is one of the most common drivers of complex and problematical behaviour. Yet it remains the factor that is most commonly overlooked or misunderstood. Remedial training will not be effective if pain is the underlying cause, but if this is missed or wrongly diagnosed, the situation inevitably deteriorates. The dog continues to suffer and the caregiver despairs as there seem to be no viable solution.
Dr Patrick Blättler-Monnier, who specialises in orthopaedics and pain patients, and Katrien Lismont, a specialist in behavioural training, examine the link between pain and behaviour. They look at:
• Different types of problem behaviour, including a drop in performance.
• Definitions of pain and its consequences.
• The perception of pain and how it is expressed.
• The behaviour-pain spiral.
• Multimodal pain therapy.
• How to care for a dog in pain.
The book will be heading for our printer shortly. We will be offering readers an exclusive preview in July.
