What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your pet's behavior consultation appointment will last for approximately two hours. During that time Dr. Luescher and/or Dr. Martin will take a very detailed history of your pet's behavior. This will allow them to give you a complete explanation (called the behavioral diagnosis) of what is happening with your pet and explain the likely reasons for why it started.

Julie Shaw, an animal behavior technologist at the clinic, may work with your pet during the consultation to help put your pet at ease and to determine which training techniques will work best. Though it may be difficult to do, you should try to ignore your pet during the consultation so they will interact fully with Ms. Shaw.

During your appointment, veterinary students and veterinary technician students will observe to facilitate their learning.

Treatment Plans
An individualized treatment plan will be created for your pet with your input. You and your veterinarian will receive this plan in writing. Dr. Luescher and/or Dr. Martin will go through each step of the treatment plan with you to make sure you understand every aspect of your pet's plan. Ms. Shaw will demonstrate and instruct you on training techniques and the prescribed behavior modification plan. As part of the treatment, your dog may be fitted with a Gentle Leader Head Collar.

Follow-up Care
A veterinary student will contact you approximately one week after your appointment for an update on your case. Feel free to contact us at any time with any questions or problems you may have.

Your case also will be discussed at rounds and we will periodically contact you by phone and e-mail for updates. We may recommend a follow-up appointment if your pet has multiple problems, an extensive treatment plan, if we are not making progress, or if there are new developments in your case. A follow-up appointment will last approximately one hour.