138 To Avoid or not to Avoid – That is the Question!

138 To Avoid or not to Avoid – That is the Question!   The avoidance of triggers and stimuli is such an important part of the treatment plan and falls into the Management "M" of the "7 Ms" Veterinary Behaviour Treatment Plan Template! However, it is also the part that gets possibly the most pushback from caregivers for a number of different reasons.   In this episode, I chat through those reasons as well as why I believe avoidance is so important for brain processes and eventually achieving a successful outcome. I also talk about the risks to the pet when we don't avoid and continue to expose them to threatening or frustrating triggers.   Finally, I talk about some of the strategies I use to get caregivers on board and how we eventually do start the process of re-introduction to those triggers, stimuli and contexts.  <