Pet Psychology

A member of our staff is currently working towards a qualification in Pet Psychology via a correspondence course from The BSY Group. This Pet Psychology course covers a wide variety of pets including dogs, horses, birds and exotic pets, as well as cats and small animals. Having a recognised qualification will improve our (already high-standard) understanding of the cats and small animals we care for.

Introduction

Thousands of years ago, animals were seen by our ancestors as a source of food and little more. However, as time went on, man began keeping wolves in pens. By keeping the wolves in an enclosed space, he quickly realised there was much less involved in finding dinner - as the wolves bred, so there was more and more food readily available!

As the families began interacting with these wolves and their cubs, so a bond began to form. The animals seemed capable of displaying moods and emotions, showing fear, anger and submissiveness. The humans saw similarities between the wolves and their own families, and began to realise that a wolf could become a friend to man.

Over a period of time, the wolf cubs started to become nurtured by the humans - instead of being eaten, they were befriended, allowed to mature and trained to hunt alongside their human companions. The wolves had a natural instinct to guard and protect, as well as having a sense of deference to their human superiors, and thus the domesticated pet came into being.

Over hundreds of years, cats also became domesticated. Man saw the value of these feline companions as they hunted vermin and prevented the crops and grains from being damaged.

Horses were trained to carry both man and his burden.

As man began relying less and less on animals for food and survival, so he could afford to keep them for pleasure - finding they could offer companionship and affection. Thousands of years later, pets are part of our everyday life. In fact, research has shown that 85% of children see their pets as playmates, and 40 % of owners look to their pets when they feel bored or upset.

Dog-walking provides exercise, stroking a cat or watching fish promote a sense of well-being, and all kinds of shared affection create positive reactions in both the body and mind of humans.

Meeting the needs of pets

Pets are not humans, and as such they have differing requirements in terms of food, environment and attention. If these needs are not met, the animals may become distressed, depressed and ultimately destructive to themselves and their surroundings. As counselling and therapy becomes more and more popular for humans, so there are now increasing opportunities for specialist pet psychologists.

It is essential to first check that there is no medical reason for negative behaviour, but once a pet is given the all clear health-wise, there is the opportunity to examine the mind and emotions.

Introduction taken from literature provided by The BSY Group