Media release

A series of free local talks and demonstrations will give local dog owners the skills to deal with phobias and antisocial behaviour in their pets.

As part of a national ‘Polite Pets’ campaign by the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), Camden Valley Animal Hospital will host free talks throughout November.

Dr Andrew O’Shea from Camden Valley Animal Hospital says that problems like dog bites and barking can be avoided through the use of positive training methods.

“Training methods like giving the dog a reward for good behaviour, increases the likelihood of the good behaviour in the future,” said Dr O’Shea who is president-elect of the AVA’s behaviour interest group.

“With dog bites such a major concern in the community at the moment, it’s one of the key areas that we will be addressing in these public seminars,” said Dr O’Shea.

Representatives from Camden Council and three local accredited trainers will also be available to discuss the practical side of preventing and managing pets responsibly.

The three free talks for local pet owners which will take place throughout November are:

Anxiety problems in pets (12 November)-- this will look at what anxieties area and how to identify and manage pets with anxiety problems

Noise fears and phobias in pets (19 November)-- this talk will discuss fears and phobias in pets concentrating on the identification, treatment and management of pets with thunderstorm and noise phobias.

Dog bites: together we can prevent them (26 November)– this talk will look at how to prevent dog bites and the need for education and socialisation of people and pets from an early age. There will also be a practical illustration of how children and adults should behave around dogs.

The AVA believes that positive reinforcement is the best and most humane method of training dogs as it avoids undesirable behavioural side effects. It also makes training more enjoyable and helps to improve the bond with the pet.

“It’s much better to prevent behaviour problems than have to fix them. Puppy classes are one of the best things you can do to produce a polite pet. Anyone with a puppy should talk to their local vets about these classes,” said Dr O’Shea.

Further information on positive training methods is available online at: www.ava.com.au/training

These talks are  free but anyone who wishes to attend should contact the Camden Valley Animal Hospital on 46476199 as soon as possible to register