Why the U?
Even obedient pets can exhibit problem behaviors, often due to unmanaged anxiety, fear, or certain inherited conditions. A board certified veterinary behaviorist runs the University of Minnesota Veterinary Behavior Service. Veterinary behaviorists are trained to evaluate your pet’s individual temperament, its health, and its physical and social environment. This evaluation provides the basis for overall assessment and treatment recommendations.
Changing the way your pet behaves often requires successful new learning. Some pets are not able to learn well because of excessive fear or anxiety. A veterinary behaviorist can determine whether certain behavior medications may help your pet learn better, whether they are safe for your pet, and if they can be used safely with your pet’s other medications. *Please note that in many cases medications are not indicated.
Our understanding of how animals learn has blossomed in recent years. Many of the older techniques and approaches that have been used over the years may actually be harmful. Veterinary behaviorists, as well as many innovative trainers have sought out advanced education in the science of learning – what methods are most effective, what methods can cause problems, how to recognize and fix human errors that impact the pet’s ability to learn. In some cases, after your pet has been evaluated and treatment recommendations explained, you may be referred to an educated trainer who can provide hands-on guidance as you put the techniques into practice.
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