FAQs
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As a Clinical Animal Behaviourist I a, required to work on veterinary referral.
A close relationship has been identified between health and behaviour, for this reason your veterinarian will need to examine your pet and rule out any illness or injury that could influencing your pets behaviour prior to behavioural assessment. Underlying health complaints may prevent animals from successfully progressing with their behaviour modification plans which could lead to stress in the animal and frustration for their owners.
Veterinarians regularly work alongside Clinical Animal Behaviourists and will be familiar with the referral process. A link to the referral form can be located on the referral page of this website.
Referral is not required for 1-1 training, if you would like to book a 1-1 session please get in touch by email.
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Once Becka has received the referral form and clinical history from your veterinarian, she will contact you by email or phone to discuss booking an initial consultation. Please be advised that waiting lists could be up to one month, however if you or your veterinarian feel that your case is urgent please request that they state this on the referral form.
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It is best to have all family members at the initial consultation as each person can provide valuable information about your pets behaviour.
You may be asked to prepare some favourite snacks for your pet, these should be cut very small (only enough for your pet to taste them, we don't want them to get too full!). Any other special requirements will be discussed with you prior to the consultation and will vary on a case by case basis.
For consultations outside wet weather gear is recommended when rain is scheduled.
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During an initial consultation Becka will assess your pets behaviour.
Firstly, a full behavioural history will be obtained from yourselves to identify the motivations or emotions associated with your pets behavioural complaint(s). Becka will then identify whether this behaviour is normal or abnormal for the species and will coach you on how to correctly identify canine body language, teaching you to better understand how they communicate. We will discuss goals that are achievable for yourself and your pet.
Becka will then write up a behaviour report with management and behaviour modification techniques for you to implement, you should receive this within 7 days of your initial consultation. Becka will discuss booking a follow up consultation to monitor your pets behavioural progress and to provide you with any additional support you may require.
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Initial consultations will be carried out in your home, this will allow Becka to observe your pet in their own environment and to identify any possible triggers or management techniques that could be implemented into your pets behavioural plan.
Follow up consultations may be carried out in public, however this will be discussed with you first.
Dog 1-1 training sessions would begin in the home, although alternative outdoor locations may be utilised at a later date.
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There is no set rule to the number of follow up appointments that you will require and this may depend on a number of factors:
The individual animal
The complexity of the behavioural case
The level of support you feel you would like as an owner
The rate of progression
One follow up will be included with your behaviour package and you will be provided with 3 months of email/telephone support starting from the date of the initial consultation, although further support can be arrange on an individual basis.
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The link below will refer you to a chart which was created by the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Counsellors (FABC), this clarifies the roles of different practitioners in the animal behaviour and training profession.
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Many behaviour 'problems' can never be cured and are instead managed. Becka will provide you with skills to reduce the intensity, duration and frequency of your pets behaviour 'problem' however it is your responsibility to follow the recommended behaviour modification plan, which in many cases can be time consuming.
Instead Becka will work with you to meet achievable goals which take into consideration the needs of both yourself and your pet.
Please beware of any practitioners who advise quick fixes or cures, these are typically unethical or misleading.
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Under the Veterinary Surgeon's Act 1966 and the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 only a veterinarian can prescribe a prescription only medication POM-V.
Some animals may require medication to assist them with their behaviour modification plan, Becka will pass any relevant points of interest onto your case veterinarian who can then make an appropriate clinical decision.
If your veterinarian feels that your pet requires medication, they will be in touch to discuss this with you personally.
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Please contact us by email for more information on fees.
Becka is recognised by many insurance providers. Your insurance company may or may not cover behavioural consultations and this will vary on the the company terms and conditions and your individual policy. For this reason, I would recommend completing a pre-authorisation form before booking your appointment.
Companion conundrums do provide payment plans for behavioural support, however fees must be paid in full prior to the initial consultation, which may lead to delays.
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Please be advised that your veterinarian should always be your primary point of contact, they will be able to provide 24/7 advice.
If you have any concerns regarding your pets behavioural complaint(s), you may contact Becka on WhatsApp or email and she will endeavour to reply at her earliest convenience. Please mark any emergency contacts as URGENT. Following your initial behaviour consultation you will be provided a what's app contact for messages or videos.
