Sometimes when potential clients reach out they ask why they need both me and a vet or a veterinary behaviorist. It’s confusing! I get it! It can be hard for consumers to decode and understand all the letters and professional certificates out there. My post here includes details about all of that to help.
The simple answer for why a client may need both is that complex behavior issues in dogs require different types of support. I am not a vet. I cannot diagnose pain or other physical issues that may be contributing to your dog’s behavior. We know there are strong links between behavior and pain, and I can help you identify observations and areas of concern to discuss with your vet, but a vet ultimately needs to make a diagnosis and/or prescribe medications or a treatment plan. Pain, including oral pain or anal glands, GI imbalances, neurological issues, skin or allergy issues or ortho issues can all affect how a dog behaves. In many situations, a dog’s anxiety is genetic and without medication intervention, progress in behavior modification can be limited. Training and meds always need to be done together. Medication is not a quick fix or a magic bullet that will cure everything without real behavior modification. This is where involving your veterinarian, or a veterinary behaviorist, can be essential.
Depending on the school, general vets often do not get much, if any, behavior training in vet school. In many cases, behavior is an elective. This is changing with newer graduates and I know several VBs who lecture at vet schools but general vets need to learn about so many species and being good diagnosticians often takes precedence over behavior education, which is why there are Veterinary Behaviorist (VB) specialists. VBs are Board certified in the specialty of Veterinary Behavior and carry the DACVB after their name. There are also vets who are mid-process or haven’t completed the Board certification part but are qualified to see behavior clients. And since it takes at least 8 years to become a VB, this isn’t surprising! VBs are sort of the dog equivalent of human psychiatrists. A regular doctor or PA could prescribe you medication if you’re having trouble sleeping or don’t like to fly, but if you have a diagnosed mental illness like depression or bipolar, you’re likely going to see a psychiatrist, because they’re better able to manage your care and know what medications to prescribe.
Complex behavior issues often require a team approach. If you share your life with a dog who struggles with aggression, resource guarding, or fear of strangers, you already know how stressful and isolating it can feel. As a multi-credentialed, certified and experienced behavior consultant, my job is to help you understand why your dog is behaving the way they are and create a safe, customized, incremental plan to address it. Unlike basic obedience training, behavior consulting focuses on the underlying emotions and motivations behind behavior. I help you implement strategies that reduce stress, prevent unsafe situations, and gradually shift your dog’s responses in positive directions. These are not simple training issues. They are complex behaviors that require a thoughtful, incremental, science-based, positive reinforcement approach. The good news is, I am here to help you, to be part of your behavior team to help you and your dog have a better life together.
In many cases, partnering with a veterinary behaviorist that I recommend and have a working relationship with can be essential. I maintain relationships with many veterinary behaviorists all over the country, and I collaborate closely with veterinarians and VBs when a case calls for it. Not all veterinary behaviorists are created equally, and knowing who to trust and who is a collaborative team player is an important part of helping your dog succeed. By working together, we create a comprehensive support system for both you and your dog.
Medication is never a replacement for behavior modification, but it can lower the intensity of your dog’s fear or reactivity so they are able to learn, cope, and start to feel more comfortable. When medication is recommended, it is paired with a behavior plan so we can make real, lasting progress.
Beyond providing training plans, your behavior consultant is your cheerleader and can offer a level of support and contact that a vet usually cannot. A vet usually doesn’t provide regular weekly check-ins for quick questions or video review or emotional support. If your dog has complex behavior issues, it can feel daunting, but with the right support, behavior change is possible. My role is to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you have the tools, management, education, knowledge, and professional collaboration you need to be successful. Together, we can help your dog feel safer, more comfortable, and more capable of thriving in your home and in the world.
If you are new to online remote training, I recommend you read my post here on why this type of training is preferred for fearful or aggressive dogs. I know it can feel weird to not have the trainer in your home but it’s actually easier on your dog. And it helps you learn the skills you need to in order to live with your dog when we’re not together.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards helping your dog, you can schedule your session here!
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