Episode 01

On the benefits of medical training in everyday veterinary practice

Experts from practice and research discuss medical training from different perspectives and share their experiences and scientific findings. What are the challenges of using co-operation signals in everyday practice and how do sensitive dogs in particular benefit from them? What is meant by a happy visit and what is needed for a trusting collaboration between vet, dog owner and dog trainer?
This and much more will be discussed under the moderation of Karin Bayer (Lab Manager at the Clever Dog Lab/Messerli Research Institute):

• Eybel Ursula: Veterinarian specialising in behavioural medicine, dog trainer
• Riemer Stefanie: Assistant Professor for Companion Animal Management, Messerli Research Institute for Human-Animal Interaction at Vetmeduni Vienna
• Weissenbacher Karl: Head of the Testing and Coordination Centre for Animal Welfare Qualified Dog Trainers at the Vetmeduni

Episode 02

What exactly do therapy assistance dogs do and why do they make very special patients in veterinary practice?

Therapy assistance dogs are specially trained dogs that support people in a variety of ways. They are true partners in therapeutic settings and make an invaluable contribution to people's mental and physical health through their presence and interaction. Their ability to connect naturally makes them unique helpers, especially where words alone are not enough.

In this episode, you will find out what requirements a dog must fulfil to be used as a therapy companion dog and what training is required for both animal and owner. We will also discuss what veterinarians have to look out for during the mandatory annual examination for suitability for use and why false ambition on the part of owners is detrimental to the dog's welfare.

Under the moderation of Karin Bayer (Lab Manager Clever Dog Lab, Messerli Research Institute for Human-Animal Interaction):

• Karl Weissenbacher from the Testing and Coordination Centre for Therapy Companion Dogs at the Vetmeduni and the
• vet Rosmarie Poskocil, who has been training therapy assistance dogs herself for many years.

Episode 03

A unique partnership: Focus on assistance dogs and their owners

Assistance dogs are true everyday heroes: In Austria, they are supporting more and more people with physical or mental disabilities and enabling them to lead a more self-determined life.

But what makes this special human-animal relationship so unique? What tasks does an assistance dog perform for its owner? And how do I deal with assistance dogs in the veterinary practice?

In this episode, you will find out which groups of assistance dogs there are, how they are trained and which legal regulations apply in Austria. Why are assistance dogs allowed almost everywhere? What is the difference between external training and self-training or integrative training?

Our experienced experts provide insights into a unique partnership between dog and human and explain which tests the dog has to pass and which the future team has to master together. They will also explain what research and movement analyses of guide dogs for the blind reveal and how they can further develop guide harnesses. In this episode, veterinarians also receive valuable tips for dealing with assistance dogs and their owners in everyday practice.

Moderated by Karin Bayer (Lab Manager Clever Dog Lab, Messerli Research Institute for Human-Animal Interaction):

• Barbara Bockstahler: Vice Rector for Teaching, Teaching Innovations and Clinical Affairs at the Vetmeduni; in the podcast she can be heard in her role as a scientist and veterinarian. For many years, she has worked intensively on movement analyses of guide dogs for the blind and the specific effects of wearing harnesses on the dogs.
• Karl Weissenbacher: Testing and Coordination Centre for Assistance Dogs at the Vetmeduni
• Birgit Dastig: Veterinarian and head of TGZ - Tiergesundheitszentrum GmbH (Ragnitz), trainer for assistance dogs, owner of an assistance dog

Episode 04

Focus on the family dog - needs in harmony. What we know about stress in dogs.

Many family dogs often have a turbulent life and have to fulfil many demands and expectations. The needs of the children and the dog have to be harmonised. In this area of tension, the dog's needs often fall by the wayside.
How can we ensure that the dog is not over- or under-challenged in everyday family life? What needs to be considered before buying a dog, regardless of whether it is a puppy or an adult dog. What do we know about the causes of stress in dogs and how does it manifest itself or how can it manifest itself in current or chronic form? What common misconceptions are there and what is "Kiss to Dismiss" all about?
As a vet, how can I help to ensure that the family dog can lead a balanced and stress-free life? The experts discuss this and much more in this episode. These topics are central when it comes to focussing on the well-being of the dog while taking into account the demands of family life.

Moderated by Karin Bayer (Lab Manager Clever Dog Lab, Messerli Research Institute for Human-Animal Interaction):

• Christine Arhant:
  Veterinarian specialising in behavioural medicine
• Karl Weissenbacher:
  Testing and Coordination Centre for Assistance Dogs at the Vetmeduni
• Stefanie Riemer:
  Assistant Professor for Companion Animal Management, Messerli Research Institute of the Vetmeduni