Behaviour

An increasing number of requests for help in our surgery are for behaviour problems. Many of these are caused by poor socialisation and training at puppy and kitten level, but others are hormonal, age related or caused by disturbances to the central nervous system.

In all such cases your pet needs a full physical examination and then an investigation into what might have triggered the behavioural upset. Our two senior nurses have special training as behaviour counsellors, and there are sometimes medical treatments which can help. We can also arrange referrals to behaviour specialists who can be helpful in the most unusual cases.

Many of these behavioural problems can be prevented if your pet receives the right “house” training when they are young and newly arrived at your home.

This does not just involve toilet training, or preventing a hyperactive puppy from destroying your house but a careful educational programme involving socialisation with humans and other animals and positive training of useful habits and behaviour patterns. Our practice will give advice on this training and recommend classes.