Behavioral Therapy
Our behavior therapy service is available to aid families that have a dog with behavioral problems. Dogs, just like people, suffer from mental illnesses and disorders. They feel fear, stress, and frustration as a result of mental imbalances and the misinterpretation of their surroundings. Unlike people, we cannot sit a dog down and talk it out. The only means we have of easing their fears and anxieties is to show the dog that he can change through exercises designed for this purpose. Often a dog will enjoy a happy life once his fears and anxieties are relieved.
Some of the most common behavioral problems that we treat through the VCVREC behavior therapy service include:
- Aggressive behavior to people and/or other animals
- Anxieties- Separation and Generalized
- Excessive barking
- Noise phobias/thunder phobia
- Fearful behavior
- House training/Elimination disorders
- Jumping
- Inappropriate behavior
- Mounting behavior
Ultimately, any behavior that is a problem for the family and the pet is a behavior problem.
Consultation
A consultation appointment will last anywhere from one to two hours, depending on the type of problem. The appointment may cover the following:
- Thorough evaluation in order to make a diagnosis and identify appropriate therapies
- The cause of the pet's behavior(s)
- Coaching of each pet owner to teach the owner how to change the pet's behavior and to prevent further behavioral problems
- Development of a treatment plan.
Treatment Plan
The treatment plan will vary according to the type of behavior problem(s). It may involve a variety of exercises to counter condition and rehabilitate the problem behavior. The owner will be expected to execute the plan at home. Veterinary medical testing may be required.
The plan may involve anywhere from one to four meetings with the behavior consultant and possibly phone or email follow up.
For information about your pet's consultation, please click here.