Frequently Asked Questions

Veterinary behavior is analogous to the human field of psychiatry. Veterinary behaviorists in the United States are board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Veterinarians who specialize in behavior first undergo veterinary medical education (four years of veterinary school following a four-year undergraduate degree), then go on to receive additional specialized residency training in the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral disorders. This entails a rotating medicine and surgery internship and/or several years of experience in general medicine, followed by a 3-8 year program of coursework, supervised cases, diverse species experience, and the publication of original research in veterinary behavior. After completing the training program, a resident must then pass a rigorous two-day examination in order to become board-certified. Dr. Gerrish is currently completing her ACVB residency in private practice.

Unfortunately, use of the title “dog behaviorist,” “cat behaviorist,” “animal behaviorist,” etc. may not necessarily reflect any particular knowledge or expertise on the part of the user. Dog training is an unregulated industry in the United States, and some trainers, even those claiming to be “behaviorists,” employ methods that are not only unlikely to be successful, but may even be harmful to the animal. Strictly speaking, only a veterinary behaviorist (described above) or Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist should use the designation of animal behaviorist. If a veterinary behaviorist is analogous to a human psychiatrist, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (https://corecaab.com/) is similar to a human clinical psychologist. CAABs have advanced degrees (Msc or PhD) in animal behavior, along with years of experience in animal behavior modification, and are certified by the Animal Behavior Society.

We are happy to consult regarding ANY behavior concern, from troublesome or frustrating “normal” behaviors to complex aggression cases. A veterinary behavior perspective allows for ruling out medical contributions to behavior (including but not limited to pain, metabolic disease, neurologic problems, urinary or GI disease, etc.) in addition to assessing the behaviors themselves. Cases where management and basic positive reinforcement training have been unsuccessful, a component of fear/phobia or anxiety are suspected, the animal has injured himself/herself or others, aggression is present, there are vulnerable individuals (children, elderly) in the home, or your veterinarian has recommended a referral are all reasons to consider consultation. Common concerns include:

• Anxiety disorders

• Fears/phobias, shy and shut down animals

• Aggression

• Reactive behaviors

• Destructive behaviors

• Hyperactivity

• Repetitive behaviors

• Difficulty with veterinary care, handling, or grooming

• Elimination disorders (urination and defecation)

In accordance with the preponderance of scientific evidence and the written statements of major veterinary and behavior organizations, we recommend exclusively employing humane training methods. This includes providing for the animal’s physical and emotional needs, employing rewards-based and force-free methods to modify behavior, and giving choices when we are able. We do not use or recommend force-based training or using punishment, fear, pain, or intimidation to modify dog behavior. We will never use or recommend shock-collars, prong-collars, choke-collars, or physically manipulating your pet to gain compliance.

Both Fear Free® (link to: https://fearfreepets.com/) and Low Stress Handling® (link to: https://cattledogpublishing.com/LSH/) are organizations that provide education and certification to veterinary professionals in animal behavior, specifically reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in the veterinary setting. The presence of these certifications indicates that the professional you are working with is committed to reducing negative emotions in your pet and ensuring as positive an experience as possible with veterinary care. Both organizations also provide educational resources for pet parents, and Fear Free® also certifies trainers, groomers, pet sitters, and other pet professionals.

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