Q: What is a “holistic” approach to dog training?
Holistic training encompasses every area of a dog’s life. It includes good manners, but also a number of skills that help keep your dog safe. Effective dog training starts with a dog that is calm, relaxed, and focused on you. If she only pays attention when it’s of interest to her, it could end up putting her at risk.
For example, let’s say you train your dog to “sit” on command. She always complies when you are at home. But when you put her on a leash and take her for a walk, she’s more interested in the birds in the trees and sniffing the smells that other dogs have left behind. She doesn’t even listen to you or look in your direction no matter what you say.
Now, say she takes off after one of those birds and breaks free from your grasp. She chases the bird onto the busy road and into traffic. What are your options?
If your dog is trained to pay attention the first time you speak to her and follow commands in any situation, you should never have to face a scenario like the one above. She isn’t going to break free from your hold but, if she did, a simple ‘sit’ command could stop her from going into the busy street.
Holistic dog training affects every aspect of the dog’s life. Not only does it make life better for you and your dog; it also makes it safer.
Q: What’s different about your approach to dog training?
First of all, our team has a wealth of experience and training in all areas related to dog behaviour. We also use a custom approach that is right for the dog. We employ only positive techniques and place dogs in an atmosphere that is fun and relaxing. All of the techniques we use are evidence-based. They’ve proven to be the most effective methods of dog training today.
Q: Can any dog be trained?
All dogs are trainable once you get past the issues that cause them stress. Dogs aren’t born with bad behaviours. There is a cause. At Kalmpets, we use behaviour consulting to get to the root cause of the dog’s behaviour and change it. Once they become calm, they are more open to the fun and educational atmosphere we create to help them learn.
Q: How much do consults cost?
Initial Consultations
60 – 90 minutes
Conducted in our consulting rooms in Claremont. This allows us to observe how your pet copes in a new environment which is very helpful to the assessment process.
You will be required to complete a Patient Intake Form which our behaviour vet will read ahead of the consultation. During the consultation, the behavioural and medical history will be discussed. Next, we will discuss your pet’s diagnosis explaining why they behave the way they do and a treatment plan and timeline.
We welcome video tours of your home and videos of your pet that you would like us to see.
At the end of the consultation, you will receive a full report detailing the consultation and treatment plan.
Your veterinarian and trainer will receive a copy of all reports, so they are fully informed of your pet’s treatment.
House calls or telemedicine consults can be arranged in select circumstances. House calls incur travel fees.
Cost: $385
Revisit Consultations
40-60 minutes
Conducted in our Claremont consulting rooms although a telemedicine option is also available if required.
Your pet’s progress and ongoing challenges will be reviewed and discussed.
We welcome videos of your pet’s behaviour progress and ongoing areas of concern.
We will update the treatment plan making adjustments where necessary.
You will receive a written report at the end of the consultation and your primary care vet and trainer will be fully informed of any changes to the treatment program.
Cost $185
Medication review calls
20 minutes
Phone review is required between visits to respond to queries, and concerns and adjust your pet’s treatment plan.
Cost $125
Expert Opinions
2-3 hours
Dr Kate is able to provide assessments and opinions on animal behaviour for courts or tribunals and has an extensive trial experience as an expert witness.
Cost
Initial assessment and report $885
Appearance in court $175 per hour or part thereof.
Q: Do I need a Veterinary Behaviourist or trainer?
Qualified trainers with relevant qualifications can manage many problem behaviours. Good trainers have knowledge of animal behaviour, but not to the extent that is expected of a Veterinary Behaviourist.
For more complex behaviour problems such as anxiety, aggression, agitation, hyperactivity and repetitive behaviours you need expert help. Frequently there are medical conditions that are contributing to these behaviours that need to be identified and treated. A behaviour veterinarian has the skills to investigate, diagnose and treat behaviour problems.
Kalmpets behaviour vets have achieved board certification in the speciality area of behaviour medicine. These veterinarians work with pet owners and collaborate with other animal professionals to manage and resolve behaviour problems and improve overall well-being.
Behaviour problems can result from learned fearful associations, underlying medical conditions, or neurochemical imbalances. A behaviour is uniquely skilled in the diagnoses of medical conditions that can cause behaviour problems as well as treating conditions that are solely behavioural. With both medical and behavioural knowledge Kalmpets behaviour vets can evaluate behaviour cases to determine if there is an underlying medical condition. They can determine which medication, if any, would be appropriate as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behaviour modification. Kalmpet’s vets can identify key information in medical and behaviour histories that can help in both understanding the behaviour problem and optimising treatment.