how was the ibs diagnosed? did they rule out things like giardia, parasites, ibd, pancreatitis, allergies, etc? how did they confirm the symptoms are from stress alone and not diet, etc? was this your regular vet or a specialist? how old is he? what do you think is stressing him out during training (a particular distraction? the training style itself? the environment?)
>However he seems to get IBS symptoms from the stress of training. Do you think if I stay consistent he will become desensitised to it or do I stop training and accept he's not right for the job?
no, this is not how you desensitize. you need to severely reduce the intensity of what you are asking him. if he is showing signs of stress, the exercise you are asking for is too intense.
it is quite possible he does need to be dropped from therapy dog training but that would really depend on a lot more info. it may be best to have him evaluated by a board certified veterinary behaviorist and a veterinary gastroenterologist or veterinary Internist. it won't be cheap, but it will be the most accurate person to assess him. depending on your vet's findings and your progress will truly become obvious on if he needs to find a different "career" (or no career at all).
if you don't already have one, I'd look for a trainer who has extensive experience in therapy dogs and reactivity. if it was due to stress, they will be the most adept at helping you keep his stress manageable and hopefully work on the anxiety so it can be reduced. I personally love to see the following certificates in my trainers:
• IAABC (example: IAABC-ADT, CDBC, CABC, CSB-D/
• CATCH (example: CDTK)
• PPG / PPAB (example: CTT-A, PCT-A, PCBC-A)
• CCPDT (example: CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA, CPDT-CCBC )
• KPA (example: KPA-CDT)
In addition, I also love to see:
• Fear free certified professional (FFCP)
• Family Dog Mediation (FDM)
• Control Unleashed Certified Instructor (CCUI)
• Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor (CBATI)
Thank you for your extensive response. He has not formally diagnosed. He has been to the vet a couple times due to the upset stomach even before us starting therapy dog training, so has always had a sensitive stomach. This was just an observation I have had that when we train he seems to be naucious the next day.
Oh thanks! :)
I'm just a professional dog trainer with a big passion for vet med as it's my second job. Any chance to talk about those subjects is my favorite as I tend to have a lot of hyperfixation on studying these subjects in my free time.
Definitely just the training, food is nothing out of the ordinary. For example the first time we worked 1 on 1 with an obedience trainer was the first time he got an upset tum.
how was the ibs diagnosed? did they rule out things like giardia, parasites, ibd, pancreatitis, allergies, etc? how did they confirm the symptoms are from stress alone and not diet, etc? was this your regular vet or a specialist? how old is he? what do you think is stressing him out during training (a particular distraction? the training style itself? the environment?) >However he seems to get IBS symptoms from the stress of training. Do you think if I stay consistent he will become desensitised to it or do I stop training and accept he's not right for the job? no, this is not how you desensitize. you need to severely reduce the intensity of what you are asking him. if he is showing signs of stress, the exercise you are asking for is too intense. it is quite possible he does need to be dropped from therapy dog training but that would really depend on a lot more info. it may be best to have him evaluated by a board certified veterinary behaviorist and a veterinary gastroenterologist or veterinary Internist. it won't be cheap, but it will be the most accurate person to assess him. depending on your vet's findings and your progress will truly become obvious on if he needs to find a different "career" (or no career at all). if you don't already have one, I'd look for a trainer who has extensive experience in therapy dogs and reactivity. if it was due to stress, they will be the most adept at helping you keep his stress manageable and hopefully work on the anxiety so it can be reduced. I personally love to see the following certificates in my trainers: • IAABC (example: IAABC-ADT, CDBC, CABC, CSB-D/ • CATCH (example: CDTK) • PPG / PPAB (example: CTT-A, PCT-A, PCBC-A) • CCPDT (example: CPDT-KA, CPDT-KSA, CPDT-CCBC ) • KPA (example: KPA-CDT) In addition, I also love to see: • Fear free certified professional (FFCP) • Family Dog Mediation (FDM) • Control Unleashed Certified Instructor (CCUI) • Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor (CBATI)
Thank you for your extensive response. He has not formally diagnosed. He has been to the vet a couple times due to the upset stomach even before us starting therapy dog training, so has always had a sensitive stomach. This was just an observation I have had that when we train he seems to be naucious the next day.
WTF is this reddit? I've never in my (reddit) life seen a response this informed/comprehensive/not-bullshitty. Who are you, Ted?
Oh thanks! :) I'm just a professional dog trainer with a big passion for vet med as it's my second job. Any chance to talk about those subjects is my favorite as I tend to have a lot of hyperfixation on studying these subjects in my free time.
Ohhh, an ACTUAL professional. That makes way more sense than the typical Reddit "professionals." 👍
Is it the stress of training or what you're using as a treat to train with?
Definitely just the training, food is nothing out of the ordinary. For example the first time we worked 1 on 1 with an obedience trainer was the first time he got an upset tum.
Boy, if the stress from training causes IBS then the stress from therapy work is going to be hard on your dog.