When to See a Vet Versus a Trainer
There is a subtle difference between a problem behaviour and a behaviour problem. Some issues are a result of an underlying mental health disorder or maladaptive behaviour, in which case a combination of medications and training can assist. If your training is not progressing, your dog has underlying anxiety or there is an element of aggression it may be that a veterinarian is needed. Not all vets are experienced in behaviour. Many have more of an interest in medicine or surgery, so consulting with a veterinarian who has extra skills with behavioural medicine like Dr Eloise will help you progress faster. Not sure if you need a vet, a behaviourist or a trainer? There is more information about the difference here.
Medications and Pets
Many pet owners feel very strongly about medications and their pets. Just as many health conditions need pharmacological treatment, mental health conditions also benefit from safe, effective medications. Options are always discussed, taking into account your personal preferences, however if medications are recommended, it will ultimately help your pet's brain biochemistry improve so that they are able to learn and adapt. We are not aiming to drug your pet for convenience or to change their personality. The aim is to improve their happiness and reduce anxiety and fear.
Do we Advocate Force-free, Positive Techniques?
Yes, we believe that using positive techniques are ultimately safer and more productive. This is backed up by years of research and is based on current knowledge and recommendations. Trainers that are using 'balanced' training or use any form of punishment are incredibly damaging, particularly to pets with an underlying anxiety disorder.
How do I Find a Good Trainer?
Ideally find a trainer that advertises they use force-free, positive and reward-based methods. Avoid those that use terminology like Alpha or Dominance or advocate balanced methods or choke chains. Those that are Delta trained, registered with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers or the Pet Professional Guild are also generally modern trainers.
What Should I Expect During a Behaviour Consultation?
Prior to the consultation we will ask you to fill out a behaviour questionnaire to gather some background information. When Dr Eloise arrives she will chat to you and ask you what your priorities are and observe your dog or cat, watching body language and interactions. If multiple people are training and interacting with the dog, they can also join in at this stage. Some additional history-taking and physical examination may then be done (depending on what the problem is). If you have any video footage of the problem, this can be useful to observe behaviours, though it is important not to put your dog in a compromising position, particularly in relation to aggression. The reasons for your dog's behaviour may then be discussed, as identifying the motivation is a first step in finding alternatives. Once it is possible to make a diagnosis, recommendations will be made for first steps and a plan will be agreed on. If medications, supplements or pheromones are recommended these will be discussed and options will be given for sourcing these (many can be scripted at the time and sourced from human pharmacies or online). Suggestions for behaviour modification and reducing triggers for the behaviour will be made and some short-term solutions will be initiated. After the consultation, within 7 days a summary will be emailed to you. You are welcome to contact Dr Eloise for clarification or advice at any stage after the consultation to fine-tune the plan and work out any difficulties. Approximately 4 weeks a free Zoom discussion can be utilised to check in and discuss how things are progressing.
What Follow-up is Provided?
After the consultation you are welcome to contact Dr Eloise by phone or email with questions. A scheduled follow-up appointment will be made (usually 4 weeks after the intial consultation) and conducted by Zoom or phone. If further in-person consultations are needed, these will be charged at $160 per hour session. Often for complicated problems these are recommended at 3, 6 and 12 months after the initial assessment. If medications are recommended, these can be scripted initially for up to 6 months, then a recheck will be required at your veterinarian or with Dr Eloise to dispense ongoing medications. This review is a legal prescribing requirement.
Will you Talk to my Regular Veterinarian?
A report will be sent to your veterinarian to summarise the treatment plan if ongoing medications are required. This will mean your rechecks for medications and/or blood tests can be undertaken at your regular veterinarin as well, which can ultimately be more convenient. You can advise your preference for follow-up at the time of the consultation.
What Websites, Books or Resources are Recommended?
The Pet Professional Guild has some great instructional videos and position statements about training methods. The Dog Welfare Campaign also nicely describes why the Dominance Myth has been well and truly debunked. Karen Pryor has a great book called 'Don't Shoot the Dog', great for training family and friends also! There are some great resources on her Clicker Training website also.
What Common Dog Problems are Treated?
Aggression, barking, anxiety, separation-related distress, leash reactivity, hyperactivity, fear of noises, new situations and other dogs, house soiling, guarding (food, objects, space or people), repetitive behaviours like pacing or spinning and any problem behaviour that is causing issues at home.
What Common Cat Problems are Treated?
Aggression, not using the litter tray, night-time vocalisation, destructive behaviours, inter-cat aggression and any problems that are causing issues at home.
There is a subtle difference between a problem behaviour and a behaviour problem. Some issues are a result of an underlying mental health disorder or maladaptive behaviour, in which case a combination of medications and training can assist. If your training is not progressing, your dog has underlying anxiety or there is an element of aggression it may be that a veterinarian is needed. Not all vets are experienced in behaviour. Many have more of an interest in medicine or surgery, so consulting with a veterinarian who has extra skills with behavioural medicine like Dr Eloise will help you progress faster. Not sure if you need a vet, a behaviourist or a trainer? There is more information about the difference here.
Medications and Pets
Many pet owners feel very strongly about medications and their pets. Just as many health conditions need pharmacological treatment, mental health conditions also benefit from safe, effective medications. Options are always discussed, taking into account your personal preferences, however if medications are recommended, it will ultimately help your pet's brain biochemistry improve so that they are able to learn and adapt. We are not aiming to drug your pet for convenience or to change their personality. The aim is to improve their happiness and reduce anxiety and fear.
Do we Advocate Force-free, Positive Techniques?
Yes, we believe that using positive techniques are ultimately safer and more productive. This is backed up by years of research and is based on current knowledge and recommendations. Trainers that are using 'balanced' training or use any form of punishment are incredibly damaging, particularly to pets with an underlying anxiety disorder.
How do I Find a Good Trainer?
Ideally find a trainer that advertises they use force-free, positive and reward-based methods. Avoid those that use terminology like Alpha or Dominance or advocate balanced methods or choke chains. Those that are Delta trained, registered with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers or the Pet Professional Guild are also generally modern trainers.
What Should I Expect During a Behaviour Consultation?
Prior to the consultation we will ask you to fill out a behaviour questionnaire to gather some background information. When Dr Eloise arrives she will chat to you and ask you what your priorities are and observe your dog or cat, watching body language and interactions. If multiple people are training and interacting with the dog, they can also join in at this stage. Some additional history-taking and physical examination may then be done (depending on what the problem is). If you have any video footage of the problem, this can be useful to observe behaviours, though it is important not to put your dog in a compromising position, particularly in relation to aggression. The reasons for your dog's behaviour may then be discussed, as identifying the motivation is a first step in finding alternatives. Once it is possible to make a diagnosis, recommendations will be made for first steps and a plan will be agreed on. If medications, supplements or pheromones are recommended these will be discussed and options will be given for sourcing these (many can be scripted at the time and sourced from human pharmacies or online). Suggestions for behaviour modification and reducing triggers for the behaviour will be made and some short-term solutions will be initiated. After the consultation, within 7 days a summary will be emailed to you. You are welcome to contact Dr Eloise for clarification or advice at any stage after the consultation to fine-tune the plan and work out any difficulties. Approximately 4 weeks a free Zoom discussion can be utilised to check in and discuss how things are progressing.
What Follow-up is Provided?
After the consultation you are welcome to contact Dr Eloise by phone or email with questions. A scheduled follow-up appointment will be made (usually 4 weeks after the intial consultation) and conducted by Zoom or phone. If further in-person consultations are needed, these will be charged at $160 per hour session. Often for complicated problems these are recommended at 3, 6 and 12 months after the initial assessment. If medications are recommended, these can be scripted initially for up to 6 months, then a recheck will be required at your veterinarian or with Dr Eloise to dispense ongoing medications. This review is a legal prescribing requirement.
Will you Talk to my Regular Veterinarian?
A report will be sent to your veterinarian to summarise the treatment plan if ongoing medications are required. This will mean your rechecks for medications and/or blood tests can be undertaken at your regular veterinarin as well, which can ultimately be more convenient. You can advise your preference for follow-up at the time of the consultation.
What Websites, Books or Resources are Recommended?
The Pet Professional Guild has some great instructional videos and position statements about training methods. The Dog Welfare Campaign also nicely describes why the Dominance Myth has been well and truly debunked. Karen Pryor has a great book called 'Don't Shoot the Dog', great for training family and friends also! There are some great resources on her Clicker Training website also.
What Common Dog Problems are Treated?
Aggression, barking, anxiety, separation-related distress, leash reactivity, hyperactivity, fear of noises, new situations and other dogs, house soiling, guarding (food, objects, space or people), repetitive behaviours like pacing or spinning and any problem behaviour that is causing issues at home.
What Common Cat Problems are Treated?
Aggression, not using the litter tray, night-time vocalisation, destructive behaviours, inter-cat aggression and any problems that are causing issues at home.