Behavior Therapy
Aggression, Affective Disorders, Learning Impairments, Sensory and Physical Impairments, Geriatric Issues
For Challenging Companion AnimalsSM
Let’s face it, some animals are “fundamentally challenged” when it comes to their capacity to be a good pet. Domestic animal behavior problems are complex and become disruptive for the entire family. Animal Learning Systems provides the diagnosis and treatment of behavior problems in domestic pets, specializing in maladaptive behaviors, including:
- Aggression towards people and other animals,
- Affective Disorders such as anxiety and depression, and fears and phobias,
- Learning Impairments caused by social and cognitive deficits,
- Sensory Impairments such as blindness and deafness, and extreme emotionality,
- Unruly Behavior including lack of control, attention seeking, and destruction,
- Inappropriate Elimination and difficulty in house training,
- Geriatric Issues that lead to the breakdown of prior learning and good behavior.
Treatment is centered on an academic approach to behavior and includes both environmental and bio-medical considerations. We can help with many species of pets including dogs, cats, and other domestic animals.
We begin with an initial screening of the problems you are experiencing to determine how we can best assist you and your pet. Our initial screening may results in recommendations you may try at home, or we may recommend a diagnostic evaluation to determine the causes and recommended approach to treating the problem. Diagnostic evaluations are fee-based and can be scheduled in your home or at one of our facilities. We will work with you to determine the best course of action. Upon completion of a diagnostic evaluation you will clearly understand the nature of the problem with your pet, how it came to be, how it is expected to change over time, and how you can best go about normalizing the behavior in question. If our assessment necessitates further work you will be informed of the time, cost, and effort needed to accomplish your goals.
How It’s Done
A diagnostic evaluation of your pet and the presenting problems utilizes a holistic approach.
First, our professional staff will conduct an observational assessment of the animal that may include specific behavioral tests to isolate the influences of biologic predispositions, prior experiences and environmental influences on your animal’s overall temperament.
This first impression is followed with a detailed history captured through an interview process with available household members to provide an understanding of the current environment, historical background of the animal (to the extent known), a health history that may include a consultation with your veterinarian, developmental patterns, and specifics to the problem behaviors.
Behavior therapy is the process of working in some combination with the household and animal to affect a desired change in the animal’s behavior and emotional state. Behavior therapy may include a variety of academically and professionally recognized humane treatment approaches. You will be informed of the process before it begins and have the opportunity to gain a full understanding.
Diagnostic evaluations typically require 1 1/2 to 2 hours to complete.
The Results
Behavior Therapy is not exacting.
Before entering into a Behavior Therapy Program you will be given pragmatic probabilities for success. We will clearly outline the goals and objectives of the therapy program and the likely results. Your participation in the process and adherence to the guidelines and procedures implemented by us is essential to the expected outcome.
Some problems may suggest optional approaches to treatment. Each will be explained to you along with the likelihood for success. Once an approach is agreed upon, the results will be monitored and adjustments may be made to the program to improve the overall outcome.
Animal Learning Systems will, at all times, utilize its best efforts to assure the optimum results for you and your animal.
