How long does it take?
A behaviour consultation takes anywhere from one and a half to two hours depending on your pet's problem. We want to get a full history before determining the best course of action, we spend time discussing the problem with you, and then providing ways to modify and manage the behaviour.
Why is seeing a veterinarian for a behaviour problem different to going to a dog trainer?
The focus of behaviour modification is very different from obedience training. A behaviour consultation is not a replacement for dog obedience training classes. While obedience training is still an important part of teaching your dog good manners, behavioural problems are not the same as training problems. Many highly trained obedience dogs still require a behavioural consultation as their problem is not related to training or lack thereof.
How long before my pet is 'better'?
While many behavioural problems cannot be completely cured, their symptoms can be greatly reduced and managed so the animal, and owner, are no longer distressed. There is no easy answer as to how long this will take. Our pets are constantly influenced by the world around them, and therefore their behaviour is constantly evolving.
While in behavioural medicine there can be no guarantees, we can help you with many strategies to improve your pet's behaviour. In most cases there will be noticeable improvement. But the outcome will depend on many factors. One of those factors includes your commitment to working with your pet. Is there medication that will help?
In some cases, behaviour-modifying medications will be prescribed to help your pet better cope with their problem. There are no magic medications that 'cure' a behaviour problem, but we can help many of our patients by reducing their levels of anxiety. This provides a calmer animal that is better able to learn.
How do I make an appointment?
You can make an appointment by contacting me via email or by phone. I will contact you to set up a time that suits you.
Do I need to go to the clinic to have a complete physical exam done first?
Although you do not need a complete physical exam first, it is a very good idea to have your pet checked thoroughly before scheduling a behaviour visit. In many cases there can be underlying medical causes to the behaviour, and they will obviously need to be addressed to successfully resolve the problem.
In many cases a full blood profile is also recommended to rule out illnesses that may affect not only the animal's behaviour, but also their suitability for medication. With cases of inappropriate elimination both urinalysis and faecal examinations may be required. |
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