Andrew Hale and Hannah Capon explore the crucial yet often overlooked role of communication in managing a dog’s health and well-being. They discuss how personal belief systems shape judgment, influence behavior, and affect how caregivers perceive their dog’s actions—especially when pain may be a factor. The conversation highlights how a caregiver’s past experiences, emotional attachment to therapy, and interactions with veterinary professionals impact treatment decisions. Andrew challenges listeners to rethink how they communicate, train, and care for their dogs, promoting a more dog-centered approach to caregiving.

Brief Bio: Andrew Hale

Andrew Hale is a Certified Animal Behaviourist specializing in Dog Centred Care, an approach that prioritizes a dog’s emotional well-being. With over 10 years of experience, he is a certified member and trustee of the Association of INTOdogs. Andrew is also the behavioral consultant for Pet Remedy and Animals In Distress. He actively promotes compassionate training and education through his Dog Centred Care Facebook group and the Beyond the Operant YouTube series, which challenges conventional beliefs about dog behavior and care.

Key Takeaways

1. Communication shapes care—how owners interpret and respond to their dog’s behavior influences treatment success.
2. Beliefs impact decisions—a caregiver’s personal experiences and emotional attachment to therapy shape their willingness to follow veterinary advice.
3. Pain can affect behavior—owners must recognize that changes in their dog’s behavior may be a sign of discomfort or pain.
4. Dog-centered care is key—approaching training and healthcare with empathy and compassion improves the dog-owner relationship.
5. Challenging existing views—caregivers should be open to rethinking traditional methods and exploring new ways to communicate with and support their dogs.

Relevant Links

Dog Centred Care Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dogcc/
Beyond the Operant YouTube Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA4tZ-siV3s&t=1573s
Association of INTOdogs: https://www.intodogs.org/

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Have questions send them to: info@caninearthritis.co.uk

Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.