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Just like people, some animals have challenges with certain situations. The BIG difference is that our pets
can't sit down and tell us in words what's wrong. Sometimes something they have never been exposed to can scare them; other
times it can be residual effects from a bad experience.
Behavior problems are one of top reasons why family pets are given up, put
in shelters, or even euthanized. Finding a solution to your pet's behavior problem is Paws for Training’s priority.
Behavioral consultation is the solving of more complex and involved problem
behaviors. It involves taking a thorough inventory of your pet’s lifestyle (including diet, living arrangements, personality
profile, major life changes, medical status, etc.).
The consultation will take place in your home or the environment
in which the problem behavior is occurring. This type of consultation is recommended when the behavior is occurring
primarily in the home.
FAQs
1. Can
you guarantee that following your behavior modification will fix our problem?
Guaranteeing a cure or fix for a behavioral
issue is unethical. Animals are living beings with varying emotional and health factors that effect behavior. No one can ever
completely understand, control or predict behavior. I will do what I can to give you advice and suggestions on how to help
you change your pet's behavior. Because I'll be teaching you mechanical training skills, observational skills, some canine
behavior and some learning theory - your results will greatly depend on you.
2. How long
is this going to take?
This varies a lot from case to case.
There are multiple factors to consider when doing behavior modification. Some see positive changes in just a few days, while
others take months to years to achieve their realistic goal. Part of the issue is the environment the animal is in, the people
influencing the animal's behavior (or lack thereof), the physical health of the animal and the owner, and if the problem is
mild, moderate or severe.
3. How much work is this going to take?
Again, this will depend on the case. Some of the exercises are quiet
simple but implementing them in a program/regime is where it will take an owner to be fully committed and compliant to the process. Sometimes it's
a matter of changing something or managing something in the environment, altering a routine, changing the diet, changing an
exercise program or implementing some training to teach the animal alternative behaviors - helping to extinguish undesired
responses. It could be some or all of the above.
4. How many times will I need
to see you?
Again, this will depend on the behavior
in question along with other factors. I find programs to work best if owners are taught some fundamentals on mechanical skills,
observational skills, canine behavior and learning theory. Minimum requirement is 2 sessions - serious cases such
as aggression may require a minimum of 4 sessions if not more.
5. Should I make an appointment with my
Veterinarian before I see you?
It's always a good idea to rule out possible
medical conditions that might affect behavior especially if you notice a sudden change in your pet's behavior. It's also a
good idea to get a baseline health record of your pet.
Initial
consultation, printed educational materials, a written report are included.
Books will
be sold at cost if appropriate.
Follow
up visits will be discussed at initial consultation and are dependent on the nature of the behavior problem.
Additional
visits are additional.
Call or email us to recieve a Behavioral Profile Form to fill out so we will have it BEFORE your initial appointment
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