Fresh Start Pet Coaching

It never fails. Anytime someone asks me what I do and I tell them that I am an animal behaviorist I get the same response. “Really? I have this dog and he barks too much. Any suggestions?” The type of animal and the problem varies depending on who I am talking, but the essence is the same. It seems that just about everyone has a pet with some sort of problem that they would like to change in some way.

While I was in Iowa recently visiting family it turns out that two of my cousins are having problems with their pets. One has a biting kitten and the other has a dog that can be aggressive around children. Both are problems that require an animal behaviorist that specializes in problem behaviors. The great thing is that I can still help them even though we are on completely opposite sides of the country. Several scientific studies have found that remote sessions with an animal behaviorist (sessions provided over the telephone, fax, or email) are equally as effective as in person sessions in resolving behavior problems in pets.

So, what do you do if you want to hire an animal behaviorist and their isn’t one in your area?

You find a behaviorist outside your area that offers sessions via fax, email, and/or telephone.

If your pet is having a behavior problem that you want resolved, the most important thing is that you find someone that you are comfortable with who is qualified to work with that problem. That person may not be within driving distance of you. Because behavior evaluations done over the phone (or via fax or email) are just as effective as those done in person, do yourself the favor of finding a qualified behaviorist to help you with your problem, no matter where they are located.

If you are looking for a qualified animal behaviorist to help you with you pet’s behavior problem be sure to do the following:

• Look for a degree. Anyone can call themselves an animal behaviorist regardless of their background. Beware of anyone using the term that doesn’t have at the minimum a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Ask for references. Any behaviorist that has been working professionally for any length of time should be able to give you references to contact.
• Ask if they do remote sessions. Not all behaviorists offer sessions via phone, email, and fax so be sure that you clarify this with the behaviorist if they are not in your area.

Is your dog or cat having a behavior problem that you would like to resolve? If so, contact us today for a complimentary 15 minute telephone consultation.