Dog Behaviour Advice

Issues with a dog’s behaviour can be complicated. Our vets and nurses can offer advice on the basics of dog training, and troubleshoot some simple behavioural issues, but many of these issues need more time to address than we may have during a routine appointment. There are also some more complex issues which are better addressed by someone with specific qualifications and experience in dog behaviour.

Your vet can discuss any issues that you may be having, and advise you on whether a trainer or a behaviourist may be best suited to help you.

Trainers
Dog trainers can help you to work on your dog’s obedience so they can focus on you, listen to your instructions and not become distracted by the world around them. Many people will take their puppies to classes when they are young, but they can be beneficial for older dogs, too.

Trainers may be able to help you with issues including:

• Pulling whilst walking on the lead
• Recall (coming back when off the lead)
• Jumping up to greet humans
• Barking excessively at home

If your dog is otherwise happy and healthy, and does not have any emotional issues such as anxiety or aggression, then you may be best looking for a trainer to help you out. Training may be done in groups, or one-to-one, depending on the trainer.

Finding A Trainer
To find a local trainer, check out the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) website (www.abtc.org.uk). The ABTC is a charity who make sure their members use effective, up-to-date techniques for animal training and behavioural therapy.

Alternatively, your may be able to find a local trainer online. Be sure to look for someone who uses positive reinforcement techniques (not punishment), as studies show that these methods get the best results.

Some trainers are also offer behavioural therapy, but again make sure that they are suitably qualified.

Clinical Animal Behaviourists

Behavioural issues are very common in dogs of all ages, and can begin at any stage of life, from growing puppies through to grizzled old hounds.  These kinds of issues include:

• Anxiety (including separation anxiety)
• Aggression
• Destructiveness
• Toileting issues

Most of these kinds of problems are easiest to treat if you start early, so do not be put off if feel that your dog’s issues might be  “too mild”. A good behaviourist will be more than happy to see you even if your dog has only just become anxious about being left, or only had one episode of aggression .

Finding A Behaviourist
Ideally, you want someone who is a Chartered Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) – a list of these can be found on the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour (ASAB) website (www.asab.org).

Alternatively, check out the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) website (www.apbc.org.uk). The APBC is a member organisation of the ABTC (see earlier), and also make sure their members use effective, up-to-date techniques for animal training and behavioural therapy.

If your dog is insured and you take them for sessions with a qualified behaviourist, you may be able to claim back the cost. Check your policy details or speak to your insurer for more details.

Veterinary Behaviourists
Behavioural issues and physical medical problems can share many of the same symptoms, and if can sometimes be difficult to tell if a dog’s symptoms are related to one, or the other, or a mix of the two. In these kind of situations it may be beneficial to see a behaviourist who is also a qualified vet, as they can look at both aspects of your dog’s health together.

It is also useful if your dog may need medication as part of their treatment (for example, to help with anxiety) as veterinary behaviourists have a wider experience of this.

Unfortunately there are not many of these doubly-qualified vets in the UK. The nearest one is Dr Jon Bowen at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in Potter’s Bar, but there are also some who will offer remote consultations (via Zoom or similar) from other parts of the UK. Your vet will need to arrange a formal referral in order for you to see one of these vets, so speak to them for more advice.

Medication
Some dogs with behavioural issues may also benefit from treatment with supplements or medication, and your vet can advise you on what is likely to be helpful for your dog. However, medication alone is usually not sufficient to address these kinds of issues, and it requires ongoing training and changes at home to assist.

 If you’re concerned your dog’s behaviour and you need guidance, we’re here to help. Contact your nearest practice today to speak with our caring veterinary team and ensure your pup gets the support they need.