Behaviourist Journey. Take Two [1]

Here we go again.

We have decieded after taking a couple of weeks to talk things over that we need to get another Behaviourist on board. One that this time can cover everything we need including medication.

The thought of starting over again is so disheartening but we are hopeful that this time we will get to where we need to go. This Behaviourist might have a completely different method that might work better for Roo but if not, they are fully qualified and can make the necessary recommendations to our vet.

Our vet's recommended a somewhat local Behaviourist but unfortuantely she is fully booked and no longer taking on clients. But through the ABCT register we managed to find a Behaviourist who offers consultations via zoom, as in our area there is only one ABCT registered Behaviourist. It was very important this time round that we made sure whoever we went with would be able to link in with our vet and sort medication if needed. We are in the process of arranging our first zoom call, filling out lots of questionnares and providing her with as much information about Roo as possible.

The decison to go down this road again was a hard one to make. We thought maybe we would just try different methods/approches we knew about or could find online, natual anti-anxiety medication, CBD oil etc but after a week or so we both knew this needed more than that. Our fear was still being in the same positon in six months time, with more time wasted. As dogs get older, it does get harder to change things. Not impossible but harder. We are already in a tough situation and one that we really don't need to get harder with Roo turning two next July.

The unregulatedness of the dog training industry is very frustrating. Anyone can put up on their website that they are a dog trainer and behavourist when in fact they are not. Well they might be a trainer but again, there aren't really any governing bodies for it so they might just be someone who has trained a few dogs over the years and think they know what they are doing. No hate, just if you end up in a position like us, you really do need to find the professionals with the right backgrounds and qualifications.

Roo is not your average dog and therefore your average dog trainer and "Behaviourist" is not going to cut it - as we have found. To become a Behaviourist you need to be educated to a degree level in a suitable displine most likely Zoology with a specalisim in clinical animal behaviour. Most will join a recognised professional membership organisation such as the Association for Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) or other Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) recognised organisation. Be sure to look out for those on people's websites.

If you are looking for a Behaviourist, please make sure they are part of the ABCT register as you don't want to end up in a situation like us. Wasting time and money to just have to go through it all again. You never know whether you will need to go down the medication route and with an ABCT registered Behaviourist you have that option. We really didn't give it much thought when trying to find someone, it was honestly more like we are overwhelmed who can we find to see us now! If in doubt, speak to your vet, they should be able to provide you with a list of local trainers and Behaviourist. Our vet was very clear with us what level of training and qaulification the person needed to have in order to provide them with the report to start medication.