Behaviour Clinics

Why does he keep doing that?
I wish he would behave!!
He won’t stop barking!!
Stop scratching and peeing on my chair!!!

Sound familiar?

Our assessment clinics are designed to offer support for clients who are experiencing behavioural problems with their pets.

Appointments with our Behaviour Counsellor, Ann-Marie, will be available on:

THURSDAY MORNINGS FROM 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m
AT NEWPORT ONLY
10 minutes consultation

You may bring your pet along, but it is not a good idea to bring your cat, particularly if stressed, as transport in a basket may make things worse!! A chat with you may be just as beneficial.

This will give clients a chance to outline their concerns and enable the counsellor to advise on how best to proceed. HOWEVER specific behavioural modification will not be given here, but is offered at our one-to-one behaviour clinics.

If the counsellor feels you need to progress with your pet along these lines, your pet may require a veterinary health check, to ensure there are no underlying disease problems causing behaviour modification.

BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY

What does it mean for you, your family and your pet?

Your pet will be referred by the Vet after a health check, so what happens next?

• You will be referred to the behaviour counsellor, Ann-Marie who will ask you to complete a detailed questionnaire. This will give an insight into your pet’s lifestyle and behaviour which is causing problems. You should complete this as accurately as you can, drawing no conclusions yourself and return it to the Riverbank Hospital.

• Be aware, the behaviourist can only act on the information you can provide. If that information is incorrect or inaccurate it may jeopardise your animal’s treatment.

• On receipt of your completed behaviour form the behaviourist will telephone you to book an appointment for an initial consultation which lasts 1 to 2 hours.

• This initial appointment is at the Riverbank Hospital, but a home visit can be arranged if essential.

• At this consultation your problem with your pet will be more fully assessed and decisions regarding its appropriate treatment will be made. Please bring your pet with you. You will receive advice and written protocols which will form the basis of the behaviour modification programme. A follow up consultation may be requested to check progress and modify protocols if needed; this is normally about half an hour.

• You may also receive (if appropriate) a written report after the initial assessment.

• If you’re pet is insured it is worth checking with your insurance company to see if behaviour modification is covered.

BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION REQUIRES

• Hard work!
• Commitment from everybody involved
• Persistence and patience
• A level of natural behaviour understanding
• It is important to realise that animals do not have behaviour problems - they behave and respond naturally for their species and breed within their environment, which is also your home. This can cause some owners problems!!
• Behaviour modification takes time - some problems will have to be worked on for the rest of the animal’s life.
• There are no "quick fixes"!
• No guarantees of success - BUT
• We give you the tools for the job
• The level of success is largely up to you.

We hope that we can help you and your pet to a more rewarding partnership and enjoyable life together.

Please feel free to contact us on 01983 522804 for further details and costs.

If at any time you feel you need to re-home your pet, pleas contact Ann-Marie who can help you with information on breed rescue organisations, making re-homing more appropriate.