Behavioural Counselling

Good communication builds good relationships, and what better way to improve your furry family member's unwanted behaviours than through counselling? You might have noticed changes in your pet's behaviour recently that make it harder for you to interact with them. Despite the time and effort put into training and finding remedies, they continue to be problematic. What started out as a minor nuisance is now destructive and aggressive. There are many factors that can lead to unwanted behaviours so if you notice anything unusual, please call us at 416-444-7387 to book an appointment. 

What are behaviours that would indicate the need for counselling?

Some of the more common unwanted abnormal behaviours in dogs include aggression and separation anxiety. Pets don't have the same understanding or language as we do, so their behaviour might be their way of protecting their owners or toys. In other cases, they might just be fearful. In cats, aggression and inappropriate litter box habits top the list. If you notice these behaviours for a prolonged period of time, then you should book an appointment with a veterinarian as there may be an underlying health issue. 

How do you treat behavioural issues?

During the initial consultation, we will obtain a thorough history of your furry companions' lifestyle and the situational environment. When did the problem start to arise? How long has it been? What are some specific triggers that activate the behaviour? Depending on how the consultation goes, your veterinarian will discuss treatment plans tailored specifically for your pet. If your pet has not had the opportunity to attend basic obedience training yet, then we may look into getting started with enrollment first. We will also go over techniques to modify your pet's behaviour, such as desensitization, response modification, or shaping. In severe cases, we may begin drug therapy.

Does my pet need to be present during the behavioural consultation?

Yes! It is important for us to observe how your furry companion behaves around other people, as well as their relationship with you. Oftentimes, there may be an underlying disease making your pet uncomfortable. The consultation will allow the veterinarian to observe their behaviour and body language and identify if there is something else going on first before we curate a behavioural plan specifically for your pet.