Behaviorists for Dogs: Miracle Workers for Mischievous Mutts

Behaviorists for dogs solve issues where everything else seems to fail. Before you throw in the towel on your dog digging, barking, licking, or jumping, think about a canine behaviorist specialist.

Every year dogs are surrendered when dog parents can’t solve issues like escaping, marking, furniture destruction, biting, or nipping. Perhaps all that’s needed is to understand the root cause of these issues and make corrections. That’s where an animal behaviorist walks into the picture. 

Today, let’s dig in and discover what behaviorists for dogs are all about, how they can help your pup, and how they can save you money. Get ready to enjoy the dog that is desperate to break through and be your BFF. 

Budget tip:

While a canine behaviorist may cost you nearly as much as a vet visit, you may find a brand new happy pup. Not only that but your bills can decline in this more harmonious environment. It’s a major win-win for your budget and your dog’s well-being. What could be better?

What is a canine behaviorist?

An animal behaviorist searches for the issue resulting in the displayed behavior with your dog. A behaviorist is trained to use animal science and animal psychology approaches along with proven techniques to effectively modify your fur kid’s undesired dog behavior. 

Is an animal behaviorist a dog trainer?

No. Generally, they are different. Although, a professional dog trainer could be also trained as a canine behaviorist. However, the focus of dog training is to teach your dog skills and commands. That is different than behaviorists for dogs whose goal is to modify behavior by identifying the issue and addressing it. 

Can my dog see a vet behaviorist?

While there are veterinarians who have taken extra courses to become a behaviorist, not all vets are behaviorists. You will need to ask your vet if this is a service provided by your veterinary clinic. 

What is the benefit of a vet behaviorist?

A vet can evaluate your dog’s history, identify what’s important, and if necessary prescribe appropriate medications. It should be noted that a veterinarian is the only professional able to write prescriptions for your furry buddy. 

What sort of issues can behaviorists for dogs address?

A behaviorist can address issues that you can’t solve. They will discover the underlying problem, suggest a way to modify the behavior and when necessary advise you on prescriptions. However, as mentioned above, only a vet can prescribe medications. But you can see your regular veterinary clinic with these suggestions from your behaviorist if that is needed. Often your vet and behaviorist can work in concert to address the behavior problem.

In general, the most common pet behavioral problems an animal behaviorist are trained to delve into include:

Aggression

Separation anxiety

Noise anxiety from thunderstorms, wind, and rain

Destruction anxiety

Constant licking

Dog jumping

Escaping

Excessive barking

Digging

Pacing

Scratching

Growling

Lunging

Whining

Chewing (destructive or self-mutation)

Spinning (compulsive behaviors)

Chasing tail

Aggressive food, bed, or toy guarding

Reactivity

Shadow chasing

Mouthing

Submissive behavior (such as submissive urination)

Peeing or spraying

Defecating or marking

For example, my dog Henry gets severe anxiety when he’s in the car and I need to put on the windshield wipers. That is trauma from his previous owners. I’m glad it has gotten better over time, and I’m certain he is as well. 

Note: Think about the dog you adopt who goes into full-on fear anxiety at the sight of a dog toy. That could be a strange response, but if that dog associates being beaten with a dog toy, they will fear toys. Thus, the behaviorist will find the cause and help to solve the behavior problems. 

What can I expect from a session with an animal behaviorist?

Your dog will be evaluated. The issue should be identified and a plan created. Additionally, you will be given specific customized behavior modification plans to use at home. Think of it as your homework with your dog. It will help you both achieve a better life. Also, your behaviorist will give you a general idea of how many sessions or how regularly your dog will need to be seen. 

How do I find a canine behaviorist?

You will want to hire a trained and certified applied animal behaviorist. The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants has a directory you can review here. 

However, if you are interested in a veterinary behaviorist, then you’ll want to look at the directory from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorist here. 

How much do dog behaviorists cost?

Your location, dog’s behavior issues, and the number of sessions needed will impact the cost. However, the national average for a canine behaviorist is a bit less than a vet trip at about $30 – 100 per hour. This could definitely be a great investment to solve undesirable behaviors and give you and your dog a better quality of life. 

How do I know it’s time to call an animal behaviorist?

You may want to try to correct an issue yourself. That’s natural. But if the behavioral issue persists, gets worse, becomes destructive, or even dangerous, then it’s time to look for help. For example, if your dog goes from being scared of the doorbell to wanting to bite who’s at the door, it has become a behavioral problem. Thus, it might be time for a behavior consultation. 

What should I avoid with a dog behaviorist?

If you see a website touting “leader of the pack” or the use of a shock collar or “modification collar” keep looking. Anyone with this on their website isn’t a legitimate dog behavior expert. 

Also, you can ask your vet for a recommendation. He/she should be familiar with professionals in this field and know the good ones from the awful ones. Additionally, don’t forget to check the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultant or American College of Veterinary Behaviorist sites to verify the person is certified. This will at least tell you they’ve been through the appropriate courses.

Can I use pet insurance for a dog behaviorist?

Yes, many pet insurance companies cover at least part of the cost of an animal behaviorist. You will want to check your policy to verify.  However, you can also use your pet savings account, or even your dog emergency fund for the service. Moreover, you may even be able to use CareCredit with veterinary behaviorists.

How much can I save with the use of a canine behaviorist?

Of course, behaviorists for dogs will cost you money. But you can end up saving a lot in the end as you resolve your dog behavior problem. Consider the following for a moment.

Related articles:

• 10 Steps to Find the Best Vet
• 8 Surprising Benefits Of Mobile Vet Services For My Dog
• My Dog Loves Savings Accounts. Surprised?
• Emergency Dog Fund: How Much Money Should You Save?
• Does My Rescue Dog Need A Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer?
• Alarming Dog Shock Collar Side Effects: Too Costly!
• Quick Help: Benefits of Online Vet Advice

How a behaviorist reveals a new dog

Your dog may not be able to control his behaviors of digging, biting, or barking. But finding what is causing those issues, and making the proper adjustments can release your dog from his own personal prison. You get to enjoy the pup your pooch dreams of being and your bills dramatically decrease. While it may not be a miracle, it very well could feel like one when your once shy or fearful dog snuggles with you for the first time.