This is not working out…
There are times when training alone is not enough.
When we say training is not enough, we are talking about the skills that we have taught the dog (such as chin rest, or loose leash walking). We are also talking about the skills you have learned (such as leash handling, and responding to your dog’s body language). Training also includes setting up systems that the dog can trust and that make interactions predictable (telling the dog you are clipping their leash on before you clip, for example). And training can include management strategies, such as playing in the house before walks to get some energy out before the dog has to walk on leash, or taking the dog away from something they might bark at if they came too close to it.
Training can take time and consistency to show results, but sometimes training is not going to work alone. Sometimes, we just cannot protect the dog from the noises that stress them out. Sometimes, we just cannot help the dog feel relaxed enough to be able to focus on learning skills consistently. Sometimes, the dog can make lots of progress but then suddenly regress and start showing stress or lack of fluency again.
In such situations, we often recommend that you look into behavior medication to support your dog’s learning. You can do this in a number of ways:
One: Discuss behavior medication with your vet with support from your trainer. This option is:
- fast, easy to make appointment
- most general practice vets are amazing but have the least amount of specialized training and up-to-date information on behavior medication
Two: Consult directly with a Veterinary Behaviorist. These professionals are trained as veterinarians but also have additional training in animal behavior and specialized knowledge on the intersection of behavior and medicine. This option is best pursued with the support of your trainer and your regular vet, and should include continued training with your current trainer or another trainer that collaborates with the Veterinary Behaviorist. This option
- usually takes some time to get an appointment
- goes directly to the most qualified and experienced professional for behavior meds
and therefore often the most efficient and effective
- This is the most expensive option
Three: Ask do a vet to vet consult with the Veterinary Behaviorist and your regular vet: ask your current vet or a new vet to do this
- This is the middle - ground option, taking advantage of of the Veterinary
Behaviorist’s knowledge, but not as thorough an examination of your case,
and also not as expensive
- The vets that have a special interest in behavior are more open to
medication, and they are more experienced with fearful animals - this makes
them easier for many animals to tolerate during exams
