Behavioral Counseling
Is unwanted behavior driving a wedge between you and your animal companion?
Pets act out in a number of ways, and many of their behaviors can be quite unpleasant. Whether it’s a simple house training issue or something more serious, like aggression, bad behavior can be stressful for everyone. In fact, it’s the number one reason why people relinquish their pets to shelters. At Animal Hospital of Richmond, we want to step in before it gets to that point. Our team is experienced in companion animal behavior and can provide the guidance you need to restore peace and balance back into your home.
Understanding the Problem
The key to overcoming behavior issues in animals is identifying the precise problem. First, we must examine your pet to rule out any potential medical causes. Many ailments have symptoms that can be easily mistaken for bad behavior. For instance, a cat that urinates outside the litter box may not be acting out, but actually be experiencing a health issue. We must eliminate this possibility before moving forward.
Once your best friend has been given a clean bill of health, the next step is pinpointing the true behavior we’re dealing with. This is critical because in many cases, a bigger problem may manifest itself in several smaller ways. For example, destructive behavior when left alone may actually be a symptom of separation anxiety. We will work with you and your pet to determine precisely what the situation is so we can address it most effectively.
Some of the behavior problems we can provide assistance with include:
- House training
- Excessive barking
- Jumping
- Digging
- Biting
- Destructive behavior
- Aggression
- Anxiety Modification
A Plan That Gets Results
With a correct diagnosis in hand, the next step is developing a strategy for overcoming the behavior problem once and for all. There are a number of different ways we can approach a behavior issue, both from a natural or medical approach. Whether it’s positive reinforcement, rewards, training or something else, we’ll work with you to create a customized plan that gets results.
Don’t let unwanted behavior stand in the way of bonding with your animal friend. We can help you enjoy the loving, peaceful relationship you both deserve. Give us a call today to get started!
