Veterinary Behavior Consultations

Why should I take my pet for a behavior consultation?

Pets can exhibit many normal behaviors that are nevertheless undesirable. Some of these behaviors can be resolved using a combination of reward-based training and management adjustments.

When your pet behaves in a way that creates a physical or emotional threat to themselves, or to the safety of people or other animals, it is critical to get a timely and accurate assessment. Extreme fear, anxiety, phobias, and aggressive behavior are all serious problems that represent a safety risk.

Your veterinarian may assess your pet for an underlying medical condition that contributes to their concerning behavior. They may also refer you to a veterinary behaviorist who is uniquely trained to recognize both physical and behavioral illnesses that can contribute to behavioral concerns. If a veterinary behaviorist is not available, your veterinarian may work closely with a non-veterinary animal behaviorist with advanced training.

What happens during a behavioral consultation?

During your behavior consultation, you and the veterinary behaviorist will sort through the history and development of your pet’s behavioral concerns. For example, you may be asked to share information about the timeline: 

• When did you first notice the behavior?
• Have you noticed any triggers or patterns? 
• How have you been managing so far? Have any strategies been helpful?

Your veterinary behaviorist will carefully observe your pet’s body language and activity to accurately identify the emotional basis for any concerning behaviors. Without even touching your pet, veterinary behaviorists can recognize subtle signs of physical discomfort. They may perform a hands-on physical exam, as long as it is not too stressful for your pet. You will also have an opportunity to discuss your pet’s overall health and diet, both of which can greatly affect behavior.

The detailed behavioral history and physical observations are used to determine the diagnosis or the reason for the behavior. With this understanding, a veterinary behaviorist can design a treatment strategy that is both effective and manageable for your personal circumstances.

Who should be involved with the behavioral consultation?

Your pet’s behavior is affected by each member of your household, and vice versa — each household person affects your pet. Input from all family members is helpful and welcome.

In some cases, your behaviorist may request that a specific person attend the consultation, but typically the entire household does not need to be physically present. Most veterinary behaviorists provide a behavioral history intake form that can be completed prior to the visit. This form allows all family members to provide their perspectives. 

After the session, it is important that everyone in the household understands and follows the treatment guidelines. Consistency and predictability can improve your pet’s success. 

Will I need to bring along my pet?

Yes. Veterinarians and animal behaviorists are trained to observe behavior and body language, so they will observe your pet to evaluate general behavioral responses. They will also note the nature of any communication that occurs between you and your pet. Often, specific behavioral testing is done during the consultation.

The veterinary behaviorist will observe your pet for evidence of any physical abnormalities that may affect behavior. Additional diagnostics may also be recommended, such as laboratory testing. If there are concerns about the interactions between household pets, your behaviorist may request you bring more than one pet to the consultation. Ask your behaviorist if this is necessary in your situation.

If there is a specific behavior that you would like your behaviorist to observe, you may be able to capture that behavior on video before the consultation. Never intentionally create a situation that could be stressful or physically dangerous to create a video. In most cases, your description of an aggressive or frightening situation will be adequate. Your behaviorist does not need to see your pet behaving aggressively to understand the behavior. The most important behaviors to capture on video are the very subtle communications that occur day-to-day.

What does treatment involve?

Behavioral treatment involves a combination of behavior modification, environmental modification and sometimes medication (pharmacological intervention). Behavior modification may include techniques such as desensitization, counter-conditioning, response substitution, or shaping. A reward-based training program may be recommended to improve communication.

Your behaviorist will discuss changes that can be made in the environment as well as management techniques that can help you improve safety and reduce stress. Particularly during the initial treatment phase, it is important to find ways to avoid the triggers for undesired behaviors to keep people and other animals safe and comfortable.

In some cases, drug therapy may be recommended. Medications that reduce anxiety and frustration can improve your pet’s ability to learn. Medications can also have unwanted side effects. Before prescribing, your veterinary behaviorist will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using medication. 

Wouldn’t it be easier to send my dog away for training?

You and your family are the key to modifying and managing your dog’s behavior. Behavior therapy focuses on improving communication—your ability to understand and communicate effectively with your dog as well as your dog’s ability to understand your messages. Each relationship is unique. You have established a relationship with your dog and are in the best position to provide effective therapy. 

There are other concerns when sending your dog away for training. If your dog is fearful of unfamiliar people, that fear can increase in an unfamiliar environment. Additionally, many boarding and training facilities continue to use correction-based training methods that have been shown to contribute to fearful and aggressive behaviors. If you choose to send your dog away, be sure to carefully investigate the trainer’s methodology.

Your behavioral treatment plan will involve creating a physical and social environment that supports your pet’s ability to continue to succeed. By bringing the behavior training into your own home, these positive changes can be easily incorporated into your daily routine.