Companion Animals

Companion Dog Behaviour Referral

When and how to seek specialist behavioral help for dogs with complex behavioral welfare problems.

Key Facts

Many behavior problems are amenable to general veterinary behavioral advice
Complex conditions including severe anxiety disorders and aggression require specialist referral
Clinical animal behaviorists hold postgraduate qualifications in animal behavior and welfare
Veterinary behaviorists can prescribe pharmacological adjuncts to behavioral treatment
Early referral before problems escalate improves treatment outcomes substantially

Welfare Considerations

Complex behavioral welfare problems cause significant ongoing suffering for dogs and risk to owners. Timely specialist referral before problems become entrenched achieves better welfare outcomes. The welfare cost of delayed referral is unnecessary suffering that could have been avoided.

What You Can Do

Ask your vet for referral to a clinical animal behaviorist for complex behavioral issues
Choose behaviorists with recognized qualifications including CCAB or CAAB credentials
Never use trainers who advocate punishment-based methods for behavioral problems