Frustration is identified as a motivator in a range of behaviour problems in companion animals. But what is frustration, really? This talk Aims to give us an understanding of what frustration is and how it relates to behaviour and welfare of dogs in shelter. 
The talk takes us through what causes frustration behaviours, how to appropriately assess them and how the latest research can impact our work with dogs showing frustrated behaviours. Including but not limited to lunging, barking humping, and grabbing. 
The difficult shelter environment can often greatly increase the already challenging process of working with frustration related behaviours so Tom will also discuss practical methods and techniques for working with these dogs, with the end goal of successful adoptions. This is achieved through several real situational video of dogs in shelters as well as case studies of dogs Tom has previously worked with. 

With the Covid pandemic effecting the number of dogs in shelter, and possibly more importantly how the dogs expectations of life and the world around them changing regularly though changes in local restrictions there is likely to be further increase in the frustration levels of both dogs in shelter and homes making this a key topic of 2021 and beyond.

Key Learnings :

1. To understand how frustration effects the behaviour and welfare of dogs in our care.
2. To introduce practical approaches to dealing with frustration, therefore improving welfare and rehomability.
3. To explore how the latest research can be used to improve our knowledge and understanding of frustration related behaviour problems.