Behavioural Counselling

Having a well-trained pet result in a contented pet and owner; nonetheless, even with significant time and effort spent on training, pets may exhibit undesired behaviors that can deteriorate your bond with them. These behaviors can develop into destructive habits that were initially a minor inconvenience. Common abnormal behaviors observed in dogs are aggression and separation anxiety, whereas in cats, it's aggression and inappropriate litter box habits. Our veterinary team can assist in identifying the root cause of their behavior. However, it's necessary to determine if there are any underlying medical concerns first. To book a consultation with one of our veterinarians, please call us at 250-727-2125.

When should my pet see a behaviour specialist?

As a pet owner, it's easy to recognize when your pet's behavior becomes unmanageable, and you may need to adjust your routine to accommodate their actions. Some of the mischievous behaviors that require the assistance of a specialist include aggression towards people and other animals, hiding, whining, pacing, separation anxiety, house soiling, excessive scratching, and licking. If your pet displays any of these behaviors, it can be harmful to themselves and others.

What happens during a behaviour consultation?

At your first appointment with our veterinary team, you'll have the chance to discuss your pet's complete history of problematic behavior and habits, including when it started, how long it's been going on, and specific triggers that exacerbate the issue. We'll work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your pet's individual needs. After the visit, we'll follow up with you to monitor progress and adjust the plan as necessary. It's important to be as specific and objective as possible when describing your pet's behavior to help us formulate the best possible treatment plan.

Is it possible to train my pet at home?

One solution you could try at home is to help your pet create positive associations with things that they find unpleasant, like during a thunderstorm. For example, providing distractions and treats, rather than giving into their fear with sympathetic talk. However, if these techniques do not work, it may be necessary to seek help from a trained professional in behavioural counselling.