FAQs
My dog isn’t behaving how I’d like, what are my options?
Dog trainer – a trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods should be able to help a dog that is neurotypical and is in a positive frame of mind. They can help with jumping, mouthing, pulling on the leash and some causes of barking. Trainers that use aversives such as check chains or electric collars can often make behaviour problems worse.
Veterinarian with behavioural interest – a veterinarian can help diagnose medical problems that can contribute to behavioural problems. A veterinarian who has done further study in behavioural medicine can help with emotional disorders such as fears/phobias and anxiety disorders. These might manifest as growling, barking, reactivity towards people or other dogs and separation anxiety.
Veterinary behaviourist – this is a specialist veterinarian who has done extensive study and exams in behavioural medicine. They can help with the above problems, as well as more serious anxiety disorders, compulsive disorders and more complex or rare psychological disorders
How do I know which one I need?
An assessment by a veterinarian with behavioural interest will help determine if your dog is showing normal but unwanted behaviour or abnormal behaviour. It may be that we need to start training or treatment plan and assess the response before we know what the next step is.
What's involved?
Email us at petconnectionsbehaviour@gmail.com or send a website enquiry with a brief description of the issue. If your veterinarian or trainer has referred your please ask them to email a medical history or summary. We will organise a time for a house call and email a questionnaire to be completed and returned 48 hours prior to the consultation.
The 2-hour house call consultation will include:
Going over history form with the aim of defining the problem behaviours and determining the triggering events, motivations and/or emotions behind the behaviour.
Working with you to set goals for you and your dog.
Demonstrating dog body language and teaching you how dogs learn so you can better communicate with your dog.
Developing a management plan to help your dog feel safe and secure, which will help their behaviour.
Demonstrating basic relaxation exercises for your dog to lay the foundations for future training and desensitisation.
Afterwards you will be emailed a report with an assessment and initial management plan.
Generally revisit consultations will be monthly. Once your dog has had a break from practicing the behaviour and has some foundation relaxation training, we can work on specific exercises towards your goals.
Depending on the response to management we may progress to the next exercises, refer to a trainer for ongoing work or refer to a veterinary specialist for more complex diagnoses and treatment.
Will my pet need medication?
Whether your pet needs medication is an individual decision involving you, your pet and the prescribing veterinarian. In general, if your dog has abnormal brain chemistry AND/OR we are unable to manage the triggering events AND/OR they are not responding to behaviour modification (training) alone, we may consider medication.
As with people, some anxiety disorders can be managed with lifestyle changes, and some require medication.
Just like people, not every medication will work for every dog and there may be some dose adjustments or changes in medication required.
How long will this take to fix?
We are not trying to fix your dog, they are not broken, they just need some help! We are here to help you and your dog understand each other and reduce unwanted emotions and behaviours.
If your dog has a normal emotional state but has developed unwanted behaviours, training is usually relatively quick at replacing these with wanted behaviours.
Behaviour problems will take longer to resolve if your dog has abnormal brain chemistry, if they have had more time practicing unwanted behaviour or if we are not able to remove the triggering events that set them off. Dogs with more severe anxiety and compulsive disorders may need lifelong management and treatment.