Behavior

Quinn Veterinary Clinic and Behavior Center was created from Dr. Quinn’s passion for understanding and observing our pets’ behaviors and helping identify physical causes for change in behavior. Behavior has many definitions, but we here at Quinn VCBC think of it as the manifestation of an animal’s response to its external and internal environment. Think of it almost like a thermometer, where we are “measuring” how well our dogs and cats are coping with both what is going on around them as well as how they feel physically and emotionally inside. By thinking in these terms, rather than “good” or “bad” behaviors we are better able to diagnose behavior issues and help resolve them.Over the last few decades our society has seen an overall increase in anxiety, stress, trauma-related behaviors, and aggression in our pets for a variety of reasons. Through multiple branches of science including ethology, animal welfare, physiology, applied animal behavior and neurobiology we have learned so much more about our pets’ emotional lives. We know that the majority of the problems we currently see are not resolved through “training”, as we have traditionally approached them, but rather, understanding why behaviors are happening in the first place. Accounting for other factors (such as the environment, genetics, past learning history, and the individual’s current needs) and recognizing how our own behaviors and interactions affect our pets, are both critical factors in helping address the variety of behavior issues we see today. This emerging knowledge leads to new and more successful ways of helping our pets have a better quality of life.

So, what behavioral services does Quinn VCBC provide? We offer private sessions in the clinic, at home, or sometimes virtual if needed. Through our sister business (Pet Pals Country Club) we offer group classes for basic skills, games and social activity. Fear and anxiety concerns that we commonly address are: noise phobia, separation anxiety, aggression, leash reactivity, reactivity with other pets, and stressful veterinary visits. When addressing behavior concerns, we will first get a complete history (over the phone or in-person) followed by a discussion of why the behaviors may be happening and what they mean. We will also discuss your pet’s medical history and do any physical exams and diagnostic tests that are needed to reveal any underlying physical causes for the behavior(s).

Finally, we will set up a plan, including safety measures, enrichment ideas, and behavior modification techniques that will be recommended to start with. Most behavior concerns will benefit from follow up sessions which will depend on the individual. Initial sessions will typically be scheduled for 2 hours.

Along with our training and consultation services we offer a number of other options to address behavioral concerns. Because we make every effort to ensure kind and gentle care for your pets, we will often recommend antianxiety medications, supplements, and/or protocols prior to coming to your pets medical or behavioral appointment. We can also schedule “Pets Luv Vets” sessions to help your pet become more comfortable with visiting a veterinary atmosphere.

Behavior is a complex and ever evolving field of veterinary medicine. We believe it is just as important as medical care when it comes to the health of our pet. We have integrated both into our practice to bring the best care to our patients.