Professional help for canine behavioral problems

Professional Help For Canine Behavioral Problems

INFORMATION, PLEASE!

Dodger is soiling, spinning, barking, biting. He's out of control. What's a caretaker to do? Call for help! But who - "therapist," "counselor," "consultant," "pet psychologist" or "doggy shrink?" The titles alone boggle the mind. What service does each one provide? Basically, three types of professionals can offer help for canine behavior problems - dog trainers, applied animal behaviorists and veterinary behaviorists.

A trainer learns his or her craft through apprenticing, assisting in group classes, volunteering at animal shelters, attending seminars and working with as many dogs as possible. While thousands of people call themselves trainers, this is an unlicensed profession in most states, so quality and methodology vary tremendously.

Canine training takes place either in group classes, private lessons or board-and-train sessions. All manner of canine etiquette and dog sports are taught in group classes. Private lessons are best for solving in-home problems or for obedience instruction when owners have erratic schedules. Board-and-train allows someone else to train the dog without owner supervision. For this to be effective, the caretakers must be brought up to speed on what the dog was taught and how.

Applied animal behaviorists have an advanced degree in animal behavior and may also be certified by the Animal Behavior Society (see box below). They are fewer in number than trainers, with only 29 certified behaviorists in North America at this time. They work with the client's veterinarian to rule out any physical causes for behavior problems, and treatment can include drug therapy. The field is well-suited for solving severe fears and phobias, obsessive/compulsive disorders and aggression.

Veterinary behaviorists are the newest members of the problem-solving triad, as the specialty just became available for board certification by the American Veterinary Medical Association's Behavior College in 1995. These professionals perform the diagnostic tests needed to rule out physical sources for a problem behavior and then recommend appropriate behavior modification techniques, coupled with nutritional and drug therapies, if needed.

Not all trainers/behaviorists are created equal. Some have more experience working with certain breeds or types of behavior. Some are more adept at working with the general public. It is up to the caretaker to find the person with whom they will work most comfortably and effectively. Referrals from a veterinarian or local humane society are a good place to start. Pet-loving neighbors, dog walkers, pet sitters or pet supply store personnel also may provide referrals. Do the same names keep popping up? Either your community has few choices or the cream has risen to the top.

Call several of the pros with the best feedback and ask about their credentials, experience, methodology, availability and price structure. Speak with them long enough to get a feel for their personality. Is this someone you want to spend several hours with, someone whose directions you will be eager to follow, someone whom you can trust with your pet's life? If not, continue your search. In the case of group classes, consider observing a class before signing up for a complete series.

Once the selection has been made, come to the session with an open mind and an open notebook. If you are given advice you know you are unable or unwilling to take, let the specialist know so that he or she may offer you another option if one is available. Be willing to commit to the recommended protocol for at least 30 days before throwing up your hands and declaring it a failure. It takes time to change problem behaviors, especially if a dog is elderly or the problems are well established.

There is no magic wand or secret pill to correct behavior issues. Time, hard work and the guidance of a professional are the keys to success.