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Resource guarding (a.k.a. “possessive aggression”) can be easy to spot when a dog shifts gears from their role as a cuddly family member to one that is growling, posturing, or snapping when their access to a valued resource is perceived to be threatened. But why does this happen? This presentation will dive deep into which aspects of this human-directed aggression pattern may be considered “normal” and which may have underlying influences of medical diagnoses or emotional disorders, before taking an even closer look at management and behavior modification strategies that can be used for the prevention of this pattern as well as for intervention. Patterns of behavior that are specific to individual resources will be compared to dogs showing a more “generalized” pattern, and case examples will be provided to discuss when or if medication may be helpful as part of a comprehensive intervention plan.

Many different methods exist for training animals of all species: most rely on some variety of reinforcement or punishment. Food is generally considered to be a primary reinforcer, which means that it is something that the majority of animals find inherently rewarding, even without prior training or experience. With that said, there are several good reasons why using food in training may not always be a great idea. This presentation will cover these reasons, as well as extensive information about how to use positive reinforcement based training methods without the use of food.

Covered in pet Hair - Season 2, Episode 8 with Veterinary Behaviorist, Dr. Christopher Pachel What an honor it was for me to sit down with Dr. Christopher Pachel of the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Pachel is one of fewer than 100 Animal Behaviorists in the WORLD! Dr. Pachel specializes in cats and dogs but he's drawn toward dogs as pets therefore, in this iteration of LAST CALL, he tells us his favorite and least favorite dog breeds. He also shares about that one dog he grew up with, a dog he thinks of often, albeit with a tinge of guilt, and inspires his work every day. To learn more about Dr. Pachel's career trajectory and his work as a Veterinary Behaviorist, please click here: https://youtu.be/UtmD-NtdZ7Q GUEST BIO I choose to believe that each and every person, including me, is doing the best they can with the tools they have available to them in that moment. With this in mind, my approach to behavior modification within animals and humans is closely focused on the individual—their needs, past experiences, and future goals. I have always wanted to be a veterinarian. I consider it my highest calling—a vocation—as well as a profession, where I can positively impact the lives of people and their animals on a global scale. I believe very strongly that I have been given an opportunity to change lives in a meaningful way. I measure my greatest achievements through transformations—little light bulb moments clients share with me—where, through working with their animals, they have incorporated a better way of being into their personal lives. We offer the world our best selves through intention and integrity. Onward and upward, Dr. Christopher Pachel

Covered in pet Hair - Season 2, Episode 9 with Veterinary Behaviorist, Dr. Christopher Pachel What an honor it was for me to sit down with Dr. Christopher Pachel of the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Pachel is one of fewer than 100 Animal Behaviorists in the WORLD! In this episode, we discuss what it takes to become a Diplomate of the ACVB and earn the right to call oneself an Animal Behaviorist. Apart from a Veterinary degree, and a bunch of research and on-the-job training, Dr. Pachel describes his 4+ year process of attaining ACVB certification in our first game, "What's a Behaviorist?" In the second part of the show, we discuss the role Vet Behaviorists play vs. traditional veterinarians and certified dog trainers. Dr. Pachel describes vet behaviorists as psychiatrists, psychologists, and even social workers. I am always thrilled to hear that we have support for our furry and four-legged companions. Dr. Pachel specializes in cats and dogs. CHAPTERS 00:00 INTRO 5:06 GAME #1 - WHAT'S A BEHAVIORIST 20:59 GAME #2 - MUCH ADO ABOUT NAUGHTY GUEST BIO I choose to believe that each and every person, including me, is doing the best they can with the tools they have available to them in that moment. With this in mind, my approach to behavior modification within animals and humans is closely focused on the individual—their needs, past experiences, and future goals. I have always wanted to be a veterinarian. I consider it my highest calling—a vocation—as well as a profession, where I can positively impact the lives of people and their animals on a global scale. I believe very strongly that I have been given an opportunity to change lives in a meaningful way. I measure my greatest achievements through transformations—little light bulb moments clients share with me—where, through working with their animals, they have incorporated a better way of being into their personal lives. We offer the world our best selves through intention and integrity. Onward and upward, Dr. Christopher Pachel

Sneak Peek Episode 9, Season 2 with Veterinary Behaviorist, Dr. Christopher Pachel of Instinct Dog Training in Portland, Oregon If you're been in the pet care industry long enough OR spoken to friends and family about board and train facilities, you may have realized that dog training has some nuances and controversies, including the polarizing perspectives on board and train for dogs. Board and train means that the dog goes to a facility, usually for a couple/few weeks and learns manners and desired behaviors at the hands of professional dog trainers. Over the years, this training method has taken a hit due to forceful techniques that are often used in these settings. In this upcoming episode of Covered in Pet Hair, I spoke to world renowned Veterinary Behaviorist, Dr. Christopher Pachel on his interest in taking this approach on at what will soon be his new Instinct Dog Training facility. What are your thoughts, would you send your dog to board and train? Dr. Pache's full interview drops Thursday, 11/4/2021

Dr. Chris Pachel is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and is the owner and lead clinician at the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Pachel lectures extensively both domestically and internationally, teaches courses at multiple veterinary schools in the United States, and has authored numerous articles and book chapters for veterinarians and pet owners. He is a sought-after expert witness for legal cases and serves on the Editorial Advisory Board for dvm360. He is also a Vice-president of Veterinary Behavior for Instinct Dog Behavior and Training, as well as co-owner of Instinct Portland, which opened in the fall of 2020.

Veterinarians and behavior professionals are frequently faced with questions about aggressive behaviors that may include biting, scratching, lunging, or threatening postures. As with other behavioral questions, it is rare for there to be a single “right” answer to a question, or a “one size fits all” solution to the problem that is occurring. This presentation will discuss risk factors that affect the likelihood of achieving a safe and successful outcome for these patients. Strategies for approaching topics such as rehoming or humane euthanasia will also be covered.

A Vet Behavior-Focused Virtual Behavior Chat with Dr. Lore Haug (DVM), Dr. Chris Pachel (DVM), Dr. Valerie Tynes (DVM), and Dr. Eduardo (Eddie) J Fernandez (PhD). In this chat, we cover many topics related to the science and practice of veterinary behaviorism. Some specifics include the history and evolution of veterinary behaviorism, understanding medical models and functional approaches to problem (e.g., "abnormal") behaviors, and bridging the divide between behavior analysis and vet behaviorism.

Wondering whether a veterinary behaviorist can help recover your dog from anxiety, fear, and sensitivity? In this video, we speak with Dr. Christopher Pachel, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, about what a vet behaviorist actually does and how they can help you and your dog. Vet behaviorists often see dogs demonstrating significant behavior problems such as reactivity, aggression, noise sensitivity, separation anxiety, and stereotypes.