Shelters and adopters of animals rescued from puppy mills and hoarding situations were surveyed to inquire about the methods used to help rehabilitate those animals. Specifically, the aim was to determine which practices were most effective, and what, if anything, caused a set back in the animals' progress toward recovery. Regarding psychological conditions, it was found that specific traditional therapeutic methods, as described in current clinical behavior texts, were beneficial for some individuals but were unhelpful and even harmful to others with the same apparent disorder. This presentation, which was given at the 2012 Maddie's® Shelter Medicine Conference at the University of Florida by Franklin D. McMillan, DVM, DACVIM, Director of Well-Being Studies at Best Friend's Animal Society, outlines a wealth of clinically useful information for helping these animals overcome their physical and emotional difficulties.
Setting boundaries.
Pushing the dog beyond his or her comfort zone.
Patience, time, not pushing and allowing the dog to go at his or her own pace.
Providing the dog with a safe place.
Going for walks.
True
False
Are role models from which to learn.
Take the pressure off (no one-on-one intensity).
Make it easier for an adopter to accept a rescued dog’s deficiencies (decreases the likelihood of frustration and giving up).
All of the above.
Other dogs are not helpful.
True
False
Scolding, disciplining and raising voices.
Allowing the dog to sleep with them.
Comforting the dog’s fear.
Feeling sorry for the dog.
Providing the rescued dog with another dog.
True
False
A scary event.
A vacation (i.e., attached human was away).
A change in routine.
A trip to the veterinarian.
All of the above.
Patience, introduction to a cat, love and affection, speaking softly and calmly, moving slowly and a regular routine.
Patience, another dog for companionship, love and affection, speaking softly and calmly, moving slowly and a regular routine.
Patience, introduction to another dog, love and affection, speaking loudly and clearly, moving quickly and a regular routine.
Patience, introduction to another dog, constant attention, speaking softly and calmly, moving slowly and a regular routine.
Patience, another dog for companionship, love and affection, speaking softly and calmly, moving slowly and an irregular routine.
Petting and touching, socializing, training, giving attention, going for walks and respecting their comfort zone.
Petting and touching, socializing, training, giving attention, moving slowly and pushing beyond their comfort zone.
Petting and touching, socializing, training, giving attention, going for walks and pushing beyond their comfort zone.
Petting and touching, playing with other dogs, training, giving attention, walks and pushing beyond their comfort zone.
Petting and touching, socializing, establishing consistent rules, giving attention, going for walks and pushing beyond their comfort zone.
Yes
No
Unknown
Not applicable
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