Behaviour Consultation Appointments

Before your appointment

Documentation: You are also welcome to email any photos or videos that would show your pets behaviour. We ask that you only document these behaviours if it is safe to do so. Never put yourself, your pet or anyone/anything in a dangerous situation.

Food: We ask that you refrain from feeding your pet at least a few hours before the appointment. Bring you pets favourite toys and treats with you.

Familiar items: Please bring any tools you have been using for your pets training; muzzles, leaches, harnesses, etc.

What to expect at your first appointment

Although in-person appointments are preferred, Zoom appointments are offered.

New clients start with an initial consultation. All initial appointment will be with Dr. Denenberg, a veterinary psychiatrist, certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine, and the UK Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. As well as Lindsay Johnston, a Registered Veterinarian Technician, Low Stress Handling® Silver certified, Fear Free certified, a member of the Society of Veterinary Behaviour Technicians.

Initial consultation is at least two hours long and may take up to three hours. The first part of the initial consultation is reviewing the current situation and problem(s), establishing a diagnosis, and evaluating any risk factors. Any previously used behaviour modification techniques, tools, and medications/supplements will be reviewed. The consultation will also serve to assess the pet’s emotional state and to evaluate any physical or behavioural pathologies.

The second part of the consultation includes a tailored treatment plan to modify your pet’s behaviour and environment (when necessary). This consultation is not a training session; it is an assessment by a veterinary psychiatrist to establish a diagnosis, determine what can be done to manage the situation and improve the problem, and set realistic goals and expectations of what might be achieved for your pet, your family, and your household. With training, you change basic learned behaviours or teach new ones. Behaviour modification may include training, but it also includes environmental changes, routine changes, and the way you, and other people approach and interact with your pet. Behaviour modification changes how your pet feels and behaves; based on learning principles, it restores normal behaviour patterns and reduces arousal, ultimately improving your pet’s life quality and emotional well-being.

You will receive a written report will all tools attached via email approx. 7 days after your appointment. A report will also be sent to your Veterinarian. This will include everything that was discussed at the initial consultation. Dr. Denenberg and Lindsay will be available by phone/email with any questions or concerns you have, but please allow 3-5 business days for reply.

Follow-up Appointments

The process of follow-up appointments will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with Dr. Denenberg or Lindsay. Follow-up consultations are needed to assess progress, make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan, and re-assess the medication protocol (if medications were given). Follow up appointments are usually 30 minutes long; some cases require a longer 50 minutes follow up.