Ángela González: «We must educate our pets through positive reinforcement, avoiding punishments and quarrels»

Defence mechanisms, emotions or activity patterns such as anxiety, aggressiveness, fear or phobias are not exclusively confined to humans: animals are also susceptible to suffering their consequences.

That is why understanding their behaviour is unavoidable when it comes to ensuring their well-being and, consequently, promoting a healthy and safe connection with the people with whom they interact. 

Diagnosing behavioural disorders, identifying the factors that can cause them in our life companions and designing treatments accordingly are some of the tasks of clinical ethology, a discipline that has Ángela González Martínez as one of its best ambassadors at a national level.

Associate Professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Campus Terra, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Santiago de Compostela, Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Behavioral Medicine - Companion Animals... The impressive curriculum of Ángela González is the most faithful reflection of a boundless vocation, which is based on the value of experience, innovation and excellence.

Today we talk with her a little about the reasons that crossed her vital path with clinical ethology, her daily life as a doctor at the Rof Codina University Veterinary Hospital and the importance of promoting a dynamic and active transfer of knowledge.

-What led you to specialize in clinical ethology?

-I have always loved animal behaviour. As a child, I watched documentaries on animal behaviour and read everything I could. When I was finishing my degree, a dog, Trasno, came into my life with many problems. Let's say that getting a proper coexistence with him and improving his welfare was an impulse toward this specialty.

-What are the most common consultations you see daily? What species have you treated so far?

-I generally treat dogs and cats, but I also see consultations from rabbits, parrots, guinea pigs and other species. Usually, they are consultations related to aggressive behaviours of fear or anxiety.

-You are an European diplomate in this specialty, considered the highest degree of specialization that can be achieved in the veterinary world. What steps did you have to follow to obtain this accreditation? What has your experience been like throughout the whole process?

-In the beginning, I started studying by myself, attending courses, and staying in different prestigious centres. Then I started doing my residency with Silvia García-Belenguer in Zaragoza. It was three years of studying and traveling to Zaragoza, and then I had to take several very complicated exams. All this is combined with a master's degree and a doctorate.

-Disorders such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) not only affect us but can also be suffered by our pets. How can this disorder be identified in pets? What is its treatment?

-ADHD is well-defined in dogs. It usually presents with hyperactivity, attention problems or aggression. A combined treatment of behavioral guidelines or medication, such as fluoxetine, is used.

-Education is, without a doubt, fundamental for the correct development of people and the societies in which we live, which includes pets. How should we educate our furry companions?

-Always with positive reinforcement, avoiding punishments and quarrels.

-You work at the Rof Codina Veterinary University Hospital, and at the same time, you are an associate professor at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the Terra Campus. What are the dynamics of knowledge generation and transfer in your immediate environment?

-We have a Clinical Ethology University Group (GUECA), and we meet weekly to prepare lectures and congresses, do behaviour modification, do puppy classes, participate in studies, etc.

In addition, there is a program for students to collaborate with the Ethology Service of the HVURC. In it, students come for consultation and behaviour modification with me.

On the other hand, in the Rotatory course, students from the Veterinary School of Lugo come to consult with me and receive a 4-hour workshop.