When your companion starts showing behaviours you find troublesome, or you simply want to improve your relationship with them, it is natural to wonder who to turn to. Whether for a planned adoption or for existing behaviour problems, the roles of vets, behaviourists and dog trainers can seem blurred. Yet each of these professionals brings specific, complementary skills that can greatly benefit both your animal and you.
The roles clarified
Working together, each with their own expertise, these professionals give your four-legged companion complete care for their well-being.
- Vet: The first port of call when your animal is ill or needs medical care. As you know, vets look after our pets’ physical health, a bit like a GP for us humans. But what should you do when your companion shows problem behaviours? That is where the animal behaviourist comes in.
- Animal behaviourist: The behaviourist focuses on understanding the animal’s behaviour and on the relationship between animals and humans. Trained in the behavioural sciences, they analyse the family and environmental dynamics that influence your companion’s behaviour. A bit like a psychologist or a coach, they will help you improve your life and have a better relationship with your ball of fluff.
- Dog trainer: Specialising in teaching your dog the rules for living alongside people in our human world, the trainer helps you keep everyone safe by teaching basic obedience through practical exercises. These sessions can become special moments that strengthen the bond with your companion. Dog training works best when it builds on an already calm relationship and an understanding of your dog’s needs. A relationship of trust, built with the behaviourist’s help, makes training more natural and smoother. In this context, training becomes the icing on the cake of this solid relationship.
If you are not sure which professional to see, I always recommend starting with a vet. Make sure your animal is in good health and that their behaviour is not being influenced by a medical problem. And ideally, addressing the physical and behavioural aspects together provides complete care for your companion’s overall well-being.
My approach as an animal behaviourist
As an animal behaviourist, I specialise in understanding your pets’ behaviour in depth, whether cats or dogs. My aim is to create a harmonious, balanced relationship between you and your companion.
- Comprehensive approach: I take a holistic approach to understanding and solving behaviour problems. Drawing on knowledge of ethology (the study of animal behaviour), psychology and communication, I explore the interactions between you, your animal and their environment to identify the root causes of the behaviours you find troublesome.
- Prevention and solutions: Ideally, seek advice before behaviour problems become serious. As a behaviourist, I can guide you in adapting your environment and your interactions to prevent future problems. When a behaviour is already established, I identify the root causes and suggest solutions tailored to your situation. Follow-up is strongly recommended to ensure complete support and coaching over time, helping you apply the solutions and adapt your responses at each stage.
- Treating causes, not just symptoms: I go beyond simply treating symptoms; my aim is to understand the source of the problem, often linked to some form of suffering or unease in the animal, resulting from an unsuitable environment or a misunderstanding in the relationship with your companion. By adjusting interactions and daily routines, I create an environment that supports the well-being of both animal and human.
- Collaboration and education: Your role in the process is crucial. As guardians, it is up to you to put the suggested solutions in place, deepening your understanding of your companion and nurturing your relationship. By working together, we will learn to better meet your ball of fluff’s needs and strengthen this relationship with mutual respect.
Common behaviour problems
Here are a few examples of behaviour problems for which feline and canine behaviourists are often consulted:
In cats:
- Litter problems: refusing to use the litter tray, urine marking…
- Aggression: towards humans or other animals…
- Compulsive behaviours: incessant meowing, excessive grooming…
- Stress and anxiety: reactions to changes in the environment, new animals or people, the arrival of a baby…
In dogs:
- Destructive behaviours: destruction, chewing furniture, digging holes in the garden…
- Compulsive behaviours: excessive barking or compulsive behaviours when the dog is left alone…
- Aggression: towards humans or other animals…
- Stress and anxiety: for example with the arrival of a baby in the family, the arrival of a new companion, etc.
In summary
In summary, a behaviourist brings their expertise to understanding and improving the relationship between you and your four-legged companion. Their aim is to give you the keys to creating an environment where your animal can fully thrive, while strengthening the bond between you. For a happy, well-balanced companion, a behaviourist’s expertise can make all the difference.
Any questions? Feel free to contact me, and together we will see what we can do to help you and your companion!
It all starts with getting to know each other.
