What is a Veterinary Behaviorist?

By Marilyn Soltis for WebVet

Who you gonna call when your pet won't behave? Veterinary behaviorists help with pet aggression and behavior modification.

Before calling an animal trainer, first consult your veterinarian. Depending on the problem, your vet may refer you to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, especially if aggression is the culprit.

"I see aggression cases in dogs and cats primarily,'' said veterinary behaviorist Gary M. Landsberg, DVM, of the North Toronto Animal Clinic. Speaking at the American Animal Hospital Association conference in Tampa in March, he said anxiety and phobia disorders can be seen in dogs, and compulsive disorders in both dogs and cats.

Ask about qualifications

With animal trainers, dog whisperers and pet psychics vying for attention, it can be difficult to cut through the fog of different designations. People in "many different groups call themselves animal behaviorists,'' Landsberg said. "Some behaviorists may have one year of community college or take an online course. Others may have a Ph.D. in animal behavior.'' He advised obtaining qualifications and referrals from trusted vets.

When the problem is more difficult than the vet can handle, a referral to a Vet Behaviorist may be the best answer. "We are the higher line call,'' he said. "A vet behaviorist is a board-certified specialist like any other specialist in veterinary medicine.''

As veterinarians, these behaviorists are able to distinguis...

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