Veterinary Behaviour

If only they could talk.

Behaviour problems are complex in any individual, but in veterinary behaviour, our patients can’t talk to us to explain how they are coping with certain events. At Hope On A Leash, we will gather information prior to and during the consultation to develop a customised plan for you and your pet.   We’ll discuss this with you in detail, and support you with the skills and understanding you need to set your pet up for success.

How it works.

  • 1. Pre-consultation questionnaire

    Before we meet, we’ll send you a questionnaire to provide background on your pet, your home, their health, activity, habits and of course the issues you’re experiencing.

    This is an important part of our initial assessment. Often behaviours are being driven by health or environmental factors you may not realise. Likewise things like diet and activity may be playing a role in behaviour. We want to make sure we are looking at everything, to give both you and your pet the best path to success.

  • 2. Initial Consultation & First 8 Weeks

    The initial consultation phase includes:
    - Our detailed review of your completed pre-consultation questionnaire.
    A two hour consultation session where we discuss your pet’s needs and your capabilities.
    - The development of a personalised management plan.
    - follow-up, monitoring and support over the eight weeks post-consultation to implement the plan.

    Fee: $450

  • 3. Revisit Consultation

    The revisit consultation occurs eight weeks after the initial consultation. In this session we discuss and assess your pet’s progress and adjust the managment plan as needed.

    Fee: $200

  • 4. Follow Up Consultations

    Follow up veterinary behaviour consultations (1 hour) may be required every 3, 6 or 12 months depending on your pet’s progress and any issues that arise.

    Fee: $200

How is veterinary behaviour different to dog training?

A Behaviour Vet (sometimes also referred to as a behaviourist) is a fully qualified and experienced veterinarian who has completed additional training in dog psychology and behaviour. So a bit like a human psychologist they can assess and treat underlying conditions like anxiety, compulsive behaviours, aggression, drive intensity etc.

Because they are veterinarians, they also have the medical background to assess whether physical issues such as pain may be underlying or contributing to behavioural issues. They can also prescribe any relevant medications to address physical and/or behavioural issues.

Dog trainers do not have a medical background. They are skilled at teaching procedures and techniques for dogs to respond to human commands. That can be for obedience, tricks, dog sports or any range of activities. If there are no underlying issues requiring a medical approach to your dog’s behaviour issues, or once any underlying medical factors are under control, your vet behaviourist may suggest you transition to working with a trainer.

In addition to being a behaviour vet, Dr Louise is also a qualified dog trainer. This allows her bring some of this additional expertise into her behavioural approach, but she does not take on training-only clients (except for UnChase programs).