Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have to fill out a history - can't I just tell you on the phone or over email? - I get that this makes sense to you, but there are a few things: 1. I get dozens of inquires a day and can't possibly keep it all straight. 2. Your "quick phone call" is not long enough for me to find out what I need in order to advise you. We need a long conversation....and THAT is what an Assessment IS. Plus that phone call, times dozens of people, = a whole day in which I can't help pets 3. You just want to know if I can help. Yes, I can. If for some reason you are the first person I cannot help significantly, I will refund your session and refer you. 4. As you will see by the history form, there are very specific details that are essential in addressing your behavior concern. Me gathering all of this info DURING our session eats up your valuable time, thus reducing how much advice I can give. You giving me the info (via the history form) gives me everything I need in an organized format, allowing more time to dedicate to advising you. 5. Receiving all of the info in a block of text via email or a phone call requires time to organize into usable notes. If you provide that to me via my form, it saves you from paying ME to do the legwork.

How do I know if you can help me? - Well, first, there are no guarantees bc I'm not clairvoyant. Also, I can't guarantee you'll follow my advice correctly. Also, you may not like what I tell you. But, I can definitely guide you to the next steps that are best for your situation. - Also, you don't know that I can help you any more than you know if your doctor can help you. There is a degree of trust involved. - Be ware of someone who guarantees they can help your pet. That is a huge red flag for "unqualified" in my industry.

Why are you so expensive when my sister's friend was a K9 guy in the military /PD and will do it for free? - First, semantics: I am not a trainer. I am a behaviorist. If you want to train your dog in agility, to retrieve birds or to track lost humans - I am not your person! - Second, your sister's friend could have been the best K9 handler in his unit - that is impressive and deserving of great respect - I am absolutely not qualified to do such work. Likewise, his experience in no way qualifies him to modify your pet's behavior. I am academically trained to know how your pet's brain and body function, how animals learn, and how to change behavior and it is not changed through training. It is changed through behavior modification. If your sister's friend has the same education AND experience, they most certainly would not be free. - Finally - great. Work with them and call me when things don't improve. Just know that a lot more work will be needed by that point...akin to the saying "if you think hiring an expert is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur."

What if I just want to discuss my case before booking? - I cannot, ethically or effectively, provide advice without an assessment. Perhaps you just want to chat to see if I can help? - I CAN help ALL cases where improvement is possible. Can I fix it entirely in one session? - Sometimes, but it's very unlikely that I or anyone else can. If your case resolvable? - I don't know without details, which is what the Assessment is for. Want to just find out what my approach will be? - check out my Philosophy. Want more details than that? - That is what an Assessment does.

Why can't I just call you? - I cannot, ethically, provide advice without an assessment. An assessment takes time. Giving accurate advice specific to YOUR case takes time. It is never a quick call - I get it, you want to be heard. However, so do about a dozen other people on a daily basis and in order to have time to help you with your pet, I can't be on the phone with everyone else!

I have pet insurance. What's next? - Great! Find out if your policy covers behavior consultations with an "animal behaviorist" or "a CAAB." If yes, you would pay me for the session and I would issue you an invoice to share with your insurance provider, who would then reimburse you. Note: if your pet's behavior is mentioned in vet records dated prior tro the start of your policy, it will be considered "preexisting" and likely not covered.

I've tried treats or clicker training before. and it didn't help. How will you be any different? - Reward and clickers work on all animals, I've personally worked with fish, turtles, rabbits, chickens, kangaroos, bobcats, pigs, and an armadillo! I'll show you how to use the tools correctly and effectively. Also, I don't always use treats and clickers. It depends on your case and your pet! Also, that statemernt is like saying "I tried a pipewrench but the sink still leaks"

I've had dogs (or cats) my whole life, what can you tell me that I don't already know? - Each pet is an individual, with unique genetics, experiences, needs, and desires. What worked for your last 100 pets won't necessarily work for the next one. I know howyour pets' brains work and how all animals learn and process. I've been doing this for a quarter of a century and worked with literally tens of thousands of pets - and I still see new things. I bet you've had teeth your whle life as well. I'd also bet you still go to a dentist. I can fix a basic pipe but when things get hairy I need to call a plumber.

How can virtual possibly work? Don't you need to see the behavior to fix it? - This is a VERY common misconception. No - I do NOT need to see the behavior to address it. Often times, I don't ever even need to see your pet. Hint: 90% of what I do is training the human ;) In fact, if your pet is exibiting fear, anxiety, or aggression, I do NOT want to see it at all. Ever. I can help your dog that attacks other dogs on leash walks or your cat that stalks your guests, without ever meeting your pet. I've done it hundreds of times already.

My cat is anxious, can you prescribe medications? - No. I am not a veterinarian and cannot prescribe. I also cannot recommend specific medican names nor dosages. However, I can recommend things to discuss with your veterinarian. I can also discuss with you if I think behavioral pharmocology in general would be appropriate for your pet. I am also happy to chat with your vet about anything at all.