Click on links below for other pages :
A behavioural consultation lasts up to two and a half hours. 
To make the best use of your consultation time please avoid interruptions or distractions and be prepared to start the consultation promptly at the start of the appointment time.
Your pet will be seen in its normal home environment, as this best enables accurate assessment of the situation and problem(s) and of how best to effect resolution. This may also include seeing your pet in the area where it is normally exercised, if appropriate.
Firstly information is obtained about the pet; its history, management, daily routine,its interactions and relationships/bonds with various individuals and its normal and problem behaviour patterns, including any other influences, such as veterinary health reports, as these can all be significant factors. This would also include consideration of the owner(s) circumstances and of the individual, species and possibly breed requirements of that particular pet.
Together with Jennifer's own observations this detailed history allows assessment leading to behavioural diagnosis and so enables understanding and explanation as to why the problem(s) occur and how the situation can most appropriately and effectively be addressed.
Most
consultations will include a practical "hands-on" section (particular where dogs are concerned). This can allow further assessment of the pet's responses to handling and/or training and it is very helpful in providing clear visual demonstration of techniques to the owner.
Once the relevant techniques and their influence on the pet and its behaviour have been explained, the owners can take responsibility for implementing the programme. Ultimately it must be the people who live with the animal who will effect the changes in that pet?s behaviour. The behaviourist's role is to enable them to achieve these changes.
Following the initial consultation a full and comprehensive report is provided to the owner, with a summary provided to the referring vet. A single consultation is sometimes sufficient but, depending on complexity involved and time required, a further visit and follow-up session of one and a half hours will be offered when this would be beneficial to provide further advice, monitoring, owner feedback, and continuing progression of the programme.
Scroll up or click HERE to return to top of page.
Copyright © 2008 J Dobson