WHAT KIND OF BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS ARE TREATED BY A CLINICAL ANIMAL BEHAVIOURIST?

Clinical Animal Behaviourists are trained to treat behavioural problems in all types of animals, from dogs and cats to horses and birds. Below are some examples of the problems that are best evaluated and treated by a Clinical Animal Behaviourist.

Aggression Toward People
Aggression is a complex problem, and there are many different reasons why an animal may display aggressive behaviour. Additionally, it can be a sign of an underlying physical problem.
If aggression is mismanaged, or if help is not sought early on in the progression of the problem, it often worsens. Because the potential consequences and liability are so serious, it is recommended that you get professional help from a Clinical Animal Behaviourist for any animal displaying aggressive behaviours.

Aggression Toward Other Animals
This problem is common in animals, and can be due to various causes. Aggressive behaviour can lead to serious problems for owners and animals alike. In order to prevent serious consequences, it is imperative to seek help before the behaviour progresses.

Anxiety, fear and frustration
Anxiety, fear and frustration are emotions that are considered to be common underlying causes of many behavioural conditions. Fears, such as those associated with sound sensitivity can, over time, result in phobias (potentially resulting in an animal refusing to enter certain environments and even becoming aggressive if owners attempt to expose the pet to the problem stimulus). Other behaviours such as aggression or compulsive disorders may be secondary to an underlying anxiety, fear or frustration. Additionally, the stress associated with emotional problems, such as anxiety, can aggravate certain medical conditions. When animals exhibit behaviours associated with emotional problems, it is critical to seek help from a Clinical Animal Behaviourist who can liaise with your veterinary surgeon so that all aspects of your pet's welfare can be addressed.

Urine Marking and Inappropriate Elimination
Urine marking is often related to stressors in a pet's household. Attempting to resolve this problem may require help from a Clinical Animal Behaviourist, who will take the entire situation into consideration, and can design specific behaviour modification techniques to help to resolve the problem.

Other Problem Behaviours
Other behaviour problems that are treated by Clinical Animal Behaviourists include, but are not limited to, those associated with an animal's life stage, excessive barking, phobias, eating of non-food objects, over grooming, excessive vocalization, and repetitive behaviours (such as those due to an underlying compulsive disorder).