Behavior Counseling

Behavior Counseling

“The single biggest killer of pets is not infectious disease; it is behavioral problems”
- Karen L. Overall, 1997.

Preventing Behavior Problems

Chipper waits for instructionsMore pets are euthanized everyday because of undesirable behaviors than from medical problems. The sad fact is that many of the behavioral problems could have been prevented or corrected. If only pet owners could have had the proper information and/or tools in the beginning, these situations could have been avoided and our animal shelters would not be so full.

As a pet owner, we learn quickly that our pet’s requirements go far beyond the basic needs of providing food, water and shelter. We also learn the importance of parasite and disease prevention.

Though all of those needs mentioned are very important, we have still missed a vital component to a long and healthy life for your pet: interactions with your pet. These are everything from playing, walking, and feeding, to socialization and formal training. These are probably the biggest challenges an owner faces when deciding to add a new member to the family.

Common Behavior Problems

Dogs

  • Aggression towards people
  • Intra-dog aggression
  • Excessive barking/vocalization
  • Destructive behavior
  • Begging
  • House-soiling
  • Jumping on furniture
  • Jumping on people
  • Running away
  • Fear of loud noises
  • Disobedience
  • Excited/unruly/hyperactive
  • Stealing food items
  • Eating feces
  • Separation-related problems

Cats

  • House-soiling
  • Aggression
  • Spraying
  • Destruction
  • Separation-related problems

Birds

  • Screaming
  • Biting
  • Egg laying
  • Feather picking
  • Self-mutilating

Tools & Information for a Happy Pet

Our goal at Poquoson Veterinary Hospital is to provide our clients with the tools and information needed to raise a healthy and happy pet.

Many of the unwanted behaviors listed above are caused by a lack of knowledge. Young animals are often much easier to work with because they have not had a chance to learn undesirable behaviors, or they are still impressionable enough to correct bad ones. Though it is our goal to be involved from the beginning, sometimes it just is not possible or situations arise later in life. Whatever behavioral issues you may be having, at any stage of your pet’s life, we will do what we can to help.

Some of the topics that we may discuss during new pet visits:

  • Housing breaking/litter box training
  • How to reduce food aggression
  • Importance of handling feet, ears, mouth etc.
  • Preventing biting
  • Preventing destructive behavior
  • Crate training
  • Importance of puppy classes and when to start
  • Importance of obedience training and when to start
  • Teaching your bird the "step-up" command
  • My friend Mr. Towel! – How to get your bird comfortable being held with a towel.

Puppy Socialization Classes and Basic Obedience Classes

A well socialized and obedient dog will be a happy member of the family.  Please take a look at our news page to see about any upcoming classes

We Can Help

Stairs Mural

Our hospital cats guard the hallway leading to the Obedience Classroom in hopes that someone will drop a treat

These are just a few topics that we address during our new puppy, kitten and bird visits.

The key is preventing bad behaviors before they start. If you are having a problem that isn’t mentioned please ask us about it. If we don’t have the answer we will direct you to someone who can help.

Please make an appointment with us today so that we can help you create that everlasting bond with your new pet.

Our hospital cats guard the hallway leading to the Obedience Classroom in hopes that someone will drop a treat.

Content provided by Amy Lassiter, LVT Poquoson Veterinary Hospital