Earlier this week, I spoke with a client that I have known for close to 15 years. She and her partner and their pets have worked with me several times during the years I have had the pleasure of their acquaintance. When something weird/bad/strange happens with their pets, they know who to call. They call me. We laughed about how some folks might consult the internet (Doctor Google!), or rely on the information they saw on TV, but these folks go to "a trusted source" for their animal behavior questions. And I so appreciate that they do!
Whether your question is about your own health and well-being, or that of your beloved pets, consulting the internet may not be the best strategy. Oftentimes the answers you find there may be too simplistic at best, and dangerous at worst. Sometimes the answers you find will be misleading or seem counter-intuitive. And sometimes the answers you get may seem utterly ridiculous! I've often joked that I never want to google any of my aches or pains because I'm sure I'll discover that I have some exotic disease for which there is no known cure, rather than simply realizing that my current pain is probably the result of lifting two chunky collie dogs up and down off of the grooming table.
While I love the internet as much as the next person, and I definitely use it to locate resources for myself and my clients, I don't rely on it for diagnostics. Knowing when you need assistance is the first step, finding out who can help you best is the next one. And if you are in doubt about what your pet might need, ask your veterinarian first. You always want to rule out medical causes for changes in behavior first anyway. Once you've done that, however, you are ready to move forward and consult with an animal behavior specialist. Plus, your vet can help you decide who it is that you might need. Do you need a veterinary behaviorist? A certified animal behaviorist like myself? Or does your pet need a really competent dog trainer? The internet can't help you make those fine-tuning decisions; it can, however, help you locate someone in your area once you know who you are really looking for to help your pet.
I love being a resource for my clients. I've had clients move out of the area (and out of the country!) who said I would be one of the people they missed the most. While I am flattered and pleased to be on that list of folks they will miss, I also remind them that a move out of the area doesn't mean we can't still consult, if needed. I happily provide email, phone, and video consults all around the world! And if the problem is something that can't be addressed other than in person, I am happy to help my clients find the right resource wherever they are located. Peace of mind from a trusted source and no need to dive too deep into the unknown on the internet!
As always, if you are having a problem with your pet's behavior, you know where to find me. And now you know that we can "talk" in many different ways no matter where you are located!
My office assistant, Desi, and I are just a phone call or email away!
And he loves being available on the video consultations too!
And he loves being available on the video consultations too!
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