’He’s going to need six weeks crate rest; just keep him quiet while he recovers.’
These words – which often form part of the treatment requirements for dogs undergoing surgery, or requiring long-term medical care – can strike fear into an owner’s heart. Not a lot of advice is available regarding appropriate mental and emotional support for dogs whilst their usual exercise is limited, and owners are left to manage as best they can, which can be stressful for both owner and dog, and can lead to behaviour changes and problems.
This unique book, written by professionals in their field, aims to help owners identify the individual needs of their dog, and, in addition, offer support in preparing their dog for a period of restricted exercise, when surgical interventions are planned.
Ideas and tips for mental stimulation and emotional support – as well as alternatives to physical exercise and guidance on how to teach specific skills – are included.
Beautiful, specially-taken photographs illustrate every chapter, and worksheets enable owners to chart the progress of their dog’s care plan.
O autorze
Sian Ryan has an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour, and has her own training and education centre, Developing Dogs, where she runs classes, workshops and seminars. She has fostered dogs for several rescue organisations, one of which – a 12-week old sighthound puppy, who had been abandoned at a vets with a badly broken leg – was the catalyst for writing this book.