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, but there are a few things : 1. But 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 to give accurate advice. We need a long conversation....and THAT is what an Assessment IS. Plus that long 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, and reduces how much detail I can give you to explain what needs to be done to fix things. 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 it!

How do I know if you can help me? - Well, first, there's no guarantees bc I'm not clairvoyant and 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. In some cases the behavior is resolvable, but not in the current home with the current family, and rehoming is the best option. I'll guide you through that. In a few cases, the pet is suffering emotionally or poses too great a danger, and behavioral euthanasia is the most humane and safe route. If you decide on that, I'll guide you there as well.

Why are you so expensive when my sister's friend is a dog trainer 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 or to retreive birds or tyo track lost humans - I am not your person! You are paying for expertise, I didn't learn from my uncle who learned from his dad. I learned from the best of the best in my industry. Your sister's friend could have been the best K9 handler in his unit - that is impressive and deserving of respect - I certainly am not qualified to do such work. Likewise, such experience in no way qualifies someone to modify your pet's behavior. It is apples and koalas. I am academically trained to know how your pet's brain and body function, how animals learn, and how to change behavior. It is not through training. It is through behavior modification. If your sister's friend has the same academic training AND decades of experience, they most certainly would not be cheap. I like the saying "if you think hiring an expert is expensive, wait until you hire an amateur."

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!

I've had dogs (or cats) my whole life, what can you tell me that I don't already know? - I'd bet you've had teeth your whle life as well. I'd also bet you still go to a dentist. Each pet is an individual, what worked for your last 100 pets won't work for all of them - even if they're all related. I know how their brains work and how 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. Look, 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. I can help your dog that attacks other dogs on leash walks or your cat that stalks your guests, withoutevering being outside with you or entering your home. I've done it hundreds of times already.

My cat is anxious, can you prescribe medications? - No. I am ,not a veterinarian. I cannot recommend nor provide medications or dosages or medical.procedures, etc. 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 chart with your vet about anything at all.