Veterinary Behaviour Consult

A Veterinary Behaviour Consult is an individual consultation for your dog or cat with a veterinarian who has done further study (and/or holds qualifications) in veterinary behaviour and training. The consult will focus on any behavioural issues or concerns you are having with your pet, and a tailor-made plan will be created together using force-free training techniques.
Behavioural issues may be:
  • Excessive in frequency
  • Excessive in intensity
  • Excessive in duration
  • Disruptive to the household
  • Detrimental to the health and welfare of your pet
  • Obsessive or repetitive in nature
  • Not improving with force-free training

Common behavioural concerns may include:
  • Vocalisation
  • Anxiety
  • Separation distress
  • Aggression
  • House soiling
  • Phobias eg noise, storms
  • Fixations
  • Difficult to handle
  • Council Control Order

Locations
  • Animal Behaviour Coaching in Keith
  • Blue Lake Veterinary Clinic in Mount Gambier (intermittently, travel fee applies)
  • Kangaroo Island Veterinary Clinic (intermittently, travel fee applies)
  • Your House (travel fee applies)
  • Telemedicine (via phone or Zoom)
What are force-free training techniques?
Force-free training primarily uses positive reinforcement training techniques to teach the desired behaviours. Positive reinforcers for include food, toys/play, and petting, with the value of each reinforcer varying between individuals.

What does a behaviour consult look like?
You and your pet will be welcomed into the consulting room, which is more like a lounge room. Your pet will be free to express it's behaviour in a relaxing and uninterrupted environment. The room is sprayed with Adaptil for dogs, or Feliway for cats, prior to your arrival to help them settle. Your pet is offered treats, toys, toilet breaks, and water throughout. In addition to the behaviour consultation, you will receive any relevant handouts, and an individualised plan will be formed for your pet. Your behaviour veterinarian will ensure a holistic approach is taken and work with your regular veterinarian, trainer, groomer, kennel staff, or other personnel as required.

Please select your pet's species for more information:
“Animal Behaviour Coaching has made such a positive impact for mine and my dog Mia’s life. When I first met Emma with Mia, she was extremely anxious, she was visibly always nervous at home, she was lunging and barking at my partner, we couldn’t go on walks where there might be other dogs around (even when harnessed). Now, after consultations with Emma, and lots of hard work on Emma and Mia‘s part, my sweet dog is so much calmer around the house, she doesn’t lunge or try to bark and bite at strangers and she enjoys her walks around town. I’m so glad my local vet recommended Dr. Emma; I have no idea what we would have done without her!” ~Ali