Behavioural Advice

Every pet has their own personality! If you’re dealing with unwanted behaviours or just want to understand your pet better, we can provide practical advice and gentle training tips to help your pet become a happy, confident companion.

Problem behaviours can manifest in a number of different ways, from separation anxiety and destructive behaviours in dogs to urine spraying or over grooming and self mutilation in cats and they can arise from many causes – medical, behavioural, or a combination of both. Our vets will take the time to understand your pet’s full history, environment, and routine and then perform a thorough physical examination (and sometimes blood or urine tests) to help rule out underlying medical issues so we can accurately diagnose the cause of the behaviour.

It’s important to understand that your pet’s behaviour is influenced by genetics, early socialisation, and daily experiences. Changes in the home environment, such as moving house, a new family member, or the loss of a companion, can cause stress that shows up as unwanted behaviours. Ageing and health conditions can also make pets more sensitive to change. Learning and training play a major role too. Early, positive socialisation helps prevent many problems later in life. Punishment-based methods can make behaviours worse, so we focus on positive reinforcement and reward-based techniques to encourage the right responses and strengthen your bond.

How Behavioural Issues Are Treated

There’s no one-size-fits-all cure for behavioural issues, and quick fixes often overlook the real cause. Instead, we try to identify why your pet is behaving a certain way and then create a plan tailored to their needs. For some cases, such as separation anxiety, aggression, or excessive barking, a home visit may be beneficial to assess your pet in their usual environment and we can recommend qualified trainers who are able to do this.

In some situations, medication may also be recommended alongside training to help your pet feel calmer and more responsive to learning. Changing behaviour takes time and consistency, but with patience and the right support, most pets can make great progress, so, if your pet is showing signs of anxiety, aggression, or other unwanted behaviour, contact us to arrange a behavioural consultation.