Learning doesn’t stop, and continued professional development for clinical animal behaviourists is essential.

So for her latest CPD, Vicky wanted to focus on a subject that seemed to factor in a significant number of her behaviour cases, and something she has had first-hand experience with her own dogs.

In 2022, 39% of her dog behaviour cases were diagnosed with a musculoskeletal condition (and likely chronic pain) by a vet. The diagnosis was made just before the referral or during the behaviour treatment programme.

Vicky embarked upon, and has completed, Canine Arthritis Management CAMadvocate Level 1. The course is comprehensive, with discussions from veterinary professionals across the industry, from first-opinion vets, orthopaedic surgeons, and physiotherapists, and access to a great library of resources, including scientific research into the efficacy of the prescription medication and complementary therapies used to treat musculoskeletal conditions (primarily arthritis) in dogs.

Only vets can diagnose and prescribe medication for your dog, so they are the first port of call if pain is suspected. Once chronic pain is well managed, often through a multi-modal approach, your dog’s behaviour can significantly improve because they “feel” happier.