In general practice, we're often asked to do it all—treat disease, manage pain, reassure worried owners, and increasingly, navigate complex behavioural concerns. Yet many veterinary professionals feel underprepared to offer meaningful behavioural support. If you've ever found yourself wishing you had more tools to help a nervous dog in consult or to respond confidently to questions about separation anxiety or neutering, this new course is for you.

Canine Behaviour in Practice: A Clinical Guide for the Veterinary Team is now available free with membership and is specifically designed to integrate behavioural understanding into everyday veterinary work. Tailored for vets and nurses alike, the course equips you with practical, evidence-based strategies to support the emotional and behavioural wellbeing of your canine patients.

Why Behaviour Matters in Clinical Practice

Behaviour is a key component of animal welfare and clinical success. Problem behaviours are one of the most common reasons for euthanasia and relinquishment of dogs to shelters, even in cases where the animal is otherwise healthy (Diesel et al., 2010). As trusted sources of advice, veterinary professionals are uniquely positioned to identify behavioural issues early and provide timely support or referral.

Chronic stress and anxiety in animals can also mask clinical signs, exacerbate health conditions, and make handling more difficult and risky for staff. An understanding of behaviour enables veterinary teams to create low-stress environments and improves the safety and wellbeing of both patients and practitioners (Mills et al., 2020).

What You’ll Learn

The course comprises a series of expert-led webinars covering the most common and challenging behavioural issues encountered in practice:

🐾 First Aid Canine Behavioural Advice for General Practitioners

Led by Clare Wilson, this session offers essential first aid advice to help GPs and nurses feel more confident when approached about behavioural concerns. From barking to biting, learn how to triage behaviour cases safely and effectively, while signposting clients to appropriate long-term support.

🧠 Understanding the Health Triad and Its Impact on Behaviour

Sarah Heath introduces the concept of comprehensive healthcare, explaining how physical health, emotional wellbeing, and behaviour are interlinked. This “health triad” approach acknowledges that unresolved pain and illness often contribute to behavioural changes (Heath, 2018).

💔 Separation-Related Disorders in Dogs

Dr Claire Corridan delves into the signs, causes, and wider welfare implications of separation-related behaviour issues. These disorders are not simply a matter of disobedience; they are often linked to emotional distress and can significantly impair quality of life for both pets and their owners (Sherman & Mills, 2008). Learn how to guide clients through this all-too-common challenge with empathy and clarity.

✂️ Neutering and Behaviour – When, Why and How to Keep or Cut

Presented by Miriam Prior, this evidence-based session examines the behavioural and health implications of neutering. While neutering is often beneficial, timing and individual patient factors must be considered. Research suggests neutering may influence behaviour in complex ways depending on breed, sex, and age (Hart et al., 2014). This webinar provides practical guidance to support informed decision-making.

🐶 Nipping it in the Bud – Preventing Behaviour Problems in Puppies

Another insightful session from Sarah Heath, focusing on early intervention in puppy consults. Puppyhood is a critical window for behavioural development (Serpell & Jagoe, 1995). Equip your team with the knowledge to prevent problems before they arise, and help clients raise confident, well-adjusted dogs.

Who Is This Course For?

Whether you're a new graduate still building confidence in consults or a seasoned practitioner looking to refresh your behavioural knowledge, this course is a valuable addition to your CPD portfolio. It's ideal for anyone wishing to offer more rounded, compassionate care to their patients while strengthening the vet–client relationship.

Included with your membership, this course is also available to purchase for £124.99 (excluding VAT).

Help dogs thrive, not just survive.
By deepening your understanding of behaviour, you’ll not only improve clinical outcomes—you’ll make every visit less stressful for patients, clients, and your team.

Start learning today and bring behavioural confidence to your practice.

References

• Diesel, G., Brodbelt, D., & Pfeiffer, D. U. (2010). Characteristics of relinquished dogs and their owners at 14 rehoming centres in the United Kingdom. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 13(1), 15–30.

• Heath, S. (2018). Behavioural medicine for veterinary professionals. Veterinary Nursing Journal, 33(3), 55–59.

• Hart, B. L., Hart, L. A., Thigpen, A. P., & Willits, N. H. (2014). Long-term health effects of neutering dogs: Comparison of Labrador Retrievers with Golden Retrievers. PLOS ONE, 9(7), e102241.

• Mills, D. S., Karagiannis, C. I., & Zulch, H. (2020). Stress—its effects on health and behaviour: A guide for practitioners. In Practice, 42(1), 8–18.

• Serpell, J. A., & Jagoe, J. A. (1995). Early experience and the development of behaviour. In J. Serpell (Ed.), The Domestic Dog: Its Evolution, Behaviour and Interactions with People (pp. 79–102). Cambridge University Press.

• Sherman, B. L., & Mills, D. S. (2008). Canine separation anxiety: Strategies for treatment and management. Veterinary Clinics: Small Animal Practice, 38(5), 1081–1106.