To help veterinary team members reduce fear and problem behaviors while promoting positive veterinary care, Robin Foster, PhD, CAAB, CHBC, described behavior modification techniques based on principles of equine learning at the 2017 American Association of Equine Practitioners convention. Incorporating learning principles into equine practice all starts with addressing the source of procedural aversions: fear. The benefits include:
- Lower veterinary costs
- Promote positive care
- Eliminate problem behaviors
- Improve equine welfare
- Reduce risk of human or animal injury
Source: The Horse, February 15, 2018.
Fear and anxiety are the root cause of behavior problems with veterinary care, including not standing still for examination; barging or pushing; refusing to enter the exam room, stocks, or trailer; bolting or pulling away when led; being head-shy; and biting, kicking, striking, and rearing,” said Foster. “These behaviors are often inadvertently reinforced by the release of pressure (called negative reinforcement) and will be repeated.”