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Therapy For Animals and Their People

Consultant Psychologist, Veronica (Vicky) Bliss has worked with people who have autism, chronic mental health problems and / or learning disabilities for over 25 years, 9 of which have been with the NHS in North West England.

Now Vicky is using her behavioural and solution focused expertise to help animals who are challenging their owners.

Vicky has training to a Master’s Degree level in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), and over 20 years experience using the principles of reinforcement and extinction to shape and teach new behaviours whilst eliminating unacceptable behaviours both with people and with animals. She has another Master’s Degree in Solution Focused Brief Therapy, the principles of which compliment the behavioural work with horses AND provide a framework for working with the animal’s person (owner) to use their existing skills and expertise to achieve their own aims with their horse.

ABA is the method used by animal trainers around the world, from animal actors to police horses / dogs. The principles of reinforcement and extinction are the same principles used by the animals in their herds and packs and thus represent an ideal way of communicating with the animal about both wanted and unwanted behaviours.

Vicky has had her own dogs and cats since 1965 (She was only 5 then!). She has been working with her own and others’ horses since 1990.

Vicky works mainly with two groups of animals: Horses and Dogs



Horses are Meant to be and Have FUN!


Dan WINS Connect Four! (Gracie is disgusted)

Vicky’s animals have long been an important part of the ‘Board of Directors’ of The Missing Link Support Service, Ltd. and she has turned to them for all manner of wisdom, advice and support. Find out more about them here.

Vicky’s own two horses have been the subject of a 2-month long film exhibition in Castlefield Gallery, Manchester over Christmas last year. For this work, the horses descended a narrow stair case in order to ‘work’ in the basement of the art gallery, amongst lighting, sound and photography equipment, not to mention a crowd of artists.

The horses, of course were the pinnacle of professional behaviour, though they did note that the buffet lunch was not entirely to their vegetarian liking. They joined in all the activities with a willing heart despite the unfamiliar surroundings and expectations.

The premise for Vicky’s support for animals who challenge their owners has been borrowed directly from her own advisory group of animals. Animals, they say, are meant to be fun, and to have fun.



Winning in the show ring is not all there is to owning a prize horse

Vicky, who has spent time with the Intelligent Horsemanship group as well as in training with the Natural Horsemanship group, will use her 20+ years of behavioural experience to train horses to want to:

  • Load
  • Lead
  • Hack Safely
  • Be Handled / Caught
  • Be Ridden Safely
  • Cope with Anxiety
  • Work as an equal partner with their human
She will be using her Master’s Level training in Solution Focused Approaches to help owners to want to:

  • Develop an equal, respectful partnership with their animal
  • Notice what they are already doing that works
  • Use their own considerable expertise and knowledge
  • Identify the detail of their own goals with and for the animal or themselves
  • Identify how they will know when they are making even small successful steps in the right direction

Costs
Fees: Initial assessment and written estimate of follow up work (Between 1 and 2 hours meeting with you and your horse): £20.00
Expenses: Mileage to and from PR3 6SS @ £0.40 per mile

‘Typical’ Costs (these will vary depending upon your own, and your horse’s circumstances) (mileage will be in addition to these costs)
    Loading 2 hours @ £30.00 per hour £60.00
    Leading 1 hour @ £30.00 per hour £30.00
    Hacking 3 hours over 3 visits £90.00



Dogs Work and Play Hard!

Through the application of ABA principles,

Dogs can be trained to want to:

  • Lead Calmly
  • Come when Called
  • Fetch and Return
  • Obey basic requests
  • Manage Anxiety / Separation
  • Play the stock market, and clean your house (just kiddin’)

Through the use of Solution Focused principles,

People can be helped to want to:

  • Develop an equal, respectful partnership with their animal
  • Notice what they are already doing that works
  • Use their own considerable expertise and knowledge
  • Identify the detail of their own goals with and for the animal or themselves
  • Identify how they will know when they are making even small successful steps in the right direction
Costs
Fees: Initial assessment and written estimate of follow up work (Between 1 and 2 hours meeting with you and your dog): £20.00
Expenses: Mileage to and from PR3 6SS @ £0.40 per mile

‘Typical’ Costs (these will vary depending upon your own, and your dog’s circumstances) (mileage will be in addition to these costs)
    Leading 2 hours @ £30.00 per hour £60.00
    Basic Training (come, sit, lay down) 3 hour @ £30.00 per hour £90.00
    Decrease Anxiety 3 hours over 3 visits £90.00


See also: Animal Therapy Ethics

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Site Last Updated: 13/11/2008 07:14:52