DM4 Pt2-7 Employing a Behaviouralist

Question 1

Who do reputable pet behavior counselors work with on referral?

Answer 1

Reputable pet behavior counselors work only on referral from veterinary surgeons.

Question 2

What associations are notable in pet behavior counseling in the UK?

Answer 2

The Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC) and the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC).

Question 3

Why is it important for a pet behaviorist to have experience and qualifications?

Answer 3

Experience and qualifications, along with voluntary regulation by a professional body, assure clients of the behaviorist’s expertise and adherence to standards.

Question 4

What should be confirmed when hiring a behaviorist for a cat?

Answer 4

Confirm that the behaviorist has been trained and assessed for working with and treating cats, even if they work with multiple species.

Question 5

What are common consultation formats for cat behavior counseling?

Answer 5

House visits, virtual/video-narrated home tours, and in-house clinics at universities, colleges, or practices.

Question 6

What might a pet behaviorist request if consulting online?

Answer 6

They may ask for a virtual/video narrated home-tour or video footage, photographs, and a floor plan.

Question 7

What insurance requirement applies to Clinical Animal Behaviourists (CCABs) or Clinical Animal Behaviourists (CABs) who are not vets?

Answer 7

They should have professional indemnity insurance and be signed up to a professional body for quality assurance.

Question 8

What regulatory body represents animal trainers and behavior therapists in the UK?

Answer 8

The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC).

Question 9

What role does the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) serve?

Answer 9

It represents animal trainers and behavior therapists to the public and legislative bodies, sets standards, and maintains registers of qualified trainers and behaviorists.

Question 10

Where can one find accrediting bodies for animal behaviorists in the UK?

Answer 10

The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB), the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC), and the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC).

Question 11

What is the primary accrediting body for international certified cat behavior consultants?

Answer 11

The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).

Question 12

What is the difference in accreditation level between the UK and international behaviorists?

Answer 12

In the UK, FABC and APBC members are accredited as Clinical Animal Behaviourists, while IAABC members are generally at the Animal Behaviour Technician level.

Question 13

What is a veterinary behaviorist’s qualification level?

Answer 13

Veterinary behaviorists are either board-certified in behavioral medicine or have Clinical Animal Behaviourist qualifications in addition to a veterinary degree.

Question 14

Why do behaviorists provide written reports after consultations?

Answer 14

Written reports ensure clients have clear instructions and can thoroughly follow the recommended program.

Question 15

What additional support is typically needed after a behavior consultation?

Answer 15

Clients often need continued moral support and guidance throughout the program to adapt to changing behaviors.

Question 16

Why is a medical work-up essential before a behavioral referral for a cat?

Answer 16

A medical work-up helps identify any physical factors that may cause, influence, or worsen behavioral issues.

Question 17

What type of assessment might involve client-submitted videos of a cat’s movement?

Answer 17

Videos of the cat walking, running, or jumping may be requested to assess pain or physical issues affecting behavior.

Question 18

What might a veterinarian provide before a behavioral referral?

Answer 18

The veterinarian might prescribe short-term anxiolytics or trial analgesia to manage symptoms before the referral.

Question 19

What is the purpose of “behavioral first-response” advice?

Answer 19

It helps maintain safety and welfare by identifying and minimizing triggering situations before the consultation.

Question 20

What is recommended for creating a safe space for a cat?

Answer 20

Provide ample resources in suitable arrangements to meet the cat’s needs and reduce anxiety.

Question 21

What should clients prepare for a cat behavior counselor’s visit?

Answer 21

Clients may prepare video footage, photos of problem behaviors, or keep a diary to track behavior patterns.

Question 22

What paperwork is essential for the cat behavior counselor’s visit?

Answer 22

Relevant paperwork includes the referral, medical history of all involved cats, and records from adoption or purchase.

Question 23

Why might a client be asked to complete a detailed questionnaire before a visit?

Answer 23

A detailed questionnaire provides important information about the cat’s lifestyle, history, and behavior, essential for diagnostic accuracy.

Question 24

How can clients prevent distractions during a cat behavior counselor’s visit?

Answer 24

They may ask someone to supervise young children during the visit to avoid interruptions.

Question 25

What should be done with the cat during the counselor’s visit?

Answer 25

The cat should be kept indoors to allow for observation of its behavior and interactions with the client.

Question 26

Why is it useful to have pen and paper during the visit?

Answer 26

To take notes on immediate advice or solutions that can be implemented before receiving the written report.

Question 27

What reassurance might a client need before the behavior counselor’s visit?

Answer 27

Clients should know that the counselor’s role is supportive and non-judgmental, aimed at helping, not assigning blame.