Have you heard about the Dog Friendly Clinic scheme (DFC)?

This is an exciting new collaborative project between Dogs Trust (DT) and the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA).

Whether you are an experienced RVN or just starting out on your career as a student this scheme can change the future for you, your clinic, your clients, and most importantly our canine companions.

Studies have found that over a third of owners believe their dog ‘hates going to the vet’ and we have all seen those reluctant patients who don’t even want to enter.

You could become an advocate for canine behaviour and welfare.

Veterinary nurses play a pivotal role in the operation of any vet clinic, including running the reception area, carrying out consultations, caring for hospitalised patients and theatre work. RVNs are a vital source of knowledge and expertise for all staff members and pet owners. How often is it that the owner asks the RVN to explain what the vet has told them? Or asks the RVN questions about subjects that they did not wish to ask the vet?

The DFC scheme can help you and your clinic make simple changes to reduce canine stress. You can learn how to understand canine body language including the more subtle signs that are often over-looked or misunderstood and then you will be able to respond accordingly by tailoring your approach and providing appropriate treatment. The more we can understand our patients and practically apply our understanding in the way we communicate and handle them the better their emotional experience will be.

Becoming a member of the Dog Friendly Clinic scheme will highlight to everyone that you are dedicated to improving canine welfare, promoting positive behavioural practices within the clinic, and you will lead the way as a role model to others by joining a behaviour-centred community. The scheme compliments the ISFM ‘Cat Friendly Clinic’.

Freely available online resources for the veterinary team include:

  • The impact of the vet environment and improvements to reduce canine stress
  • How to use low stress handling techniques (LSHTs) throughout the clinic
  • How to prevent behaviour problems developing
  • How to successfully run puppy habituation and socialisation appointments
  • Situation or ‘trigger’ stacking including travel and pre-clinic owner advice
  • Desensitisation and counter-conditioning
  • Canine behaviour, how dogs learn and the physiology of canine stress

In addition, you will gain the confidence to know what to do when there is a dog with a behaviour problem including providing behavioural first aid advice, treatment considerations and how to refer to a suitably qualified trainer or behaviourist when this is required.

DFC also includes free owner resources providing a wide range of advice including how to prevent behaviour problems developing, tips on medicating, clipping nails, being happy to wear an Elizabethan collar, travelling and what to take, tips on helping their dog stay calm at the vets, how to health check at home, responsible acquisition or relinquishment and much more.

Clients will become more bonded to the practice with you as a Dog Friendly advocate showing care and dedication, as this will give them reassurance that you will try to make each visit as positive an experience as possible.

Engaging puppy socialisation events can create a strong client-clinic bond right from the beginning of a dog’s life, which can last for their lifetime.

If you or your colleagues wish to join the Dog Friendly Clinic you can request an application form by visiting; https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/how-we-help/professionals/vet-clinics/why-join and click on ‘Request an application pack’. The team will then email you an application form to complete which asks questions around the knowledge you will have gained by reading the online resources.

Individual memberships are available for vets, RVNs, receptionists and support staff members (which would include student vets and SVNs).

A membership fee of £35 is payable once your application has been accepted and then we will post out your certificate and well earned ‘Dog Friendly Advocate’ badge. In addition, you will also be given access to a bank of free CPD webinars covering many aspects of dog behaviour, and new webinars will continue to be added each month.

Why not come and meet our DFC Team RVNs Tam and Malcolm, and vet Kate, at stand A11 during the BVNA Congress on 7-9th October? You can find out more information and /or request an application form PLUS register your interest in the DFC ‘Clinic’ scheme launching later this year.

Don’t forget to take a look at the free resources at; www.dogfriendlyclinic.org.uk