Did I Wait Too Long?

That's the question I received not once, but three times this week already!  The short answer is, "No!"  It's never too late to work with your pets on a behavior problem.  Sure, it's probably best to work on the problem as soon as it arises, but honestly, most people wait.  They wait to see if it will get better on its own; they wait to see if their pet will outgrow the problem; they wait to see if the problem gets worse; they wait to see if they can google a solution (or twelve) to try first; or they wait for their veterinarian to tell them they've actually got a problem. Sure, I'd prefer you came to me as soon as problems arise so that we can keep them from happening again and/or getting worse, but I understand why you waited. But, now that you have waited, you need to understand why the problem won't be fixed in one phone call.  Remember those twelve "solutions" you found on Google?  Well, I have a list of steps for you as well, and they will require you to do the work with your pet, every day.  While some behavior problems are straightforward, requiring a few changes to get the relief you and your pet are looking for, most will take time, patience, and consistency on your part for real, long term success. 

I'll have a lot of new clients reach out for help this summer.  Why? Because their kids will be home from school and/or they will be taking some time off, and pet behavior problems will arise (or at least become more readily apparent), and they'll need addressing.  I understand that you've got a trip planned and will be gone for a few weeks; I understand that you have guests staying with you for a month; and I understand that your kids are using the pool and having sleepovers.  You need to keep in mind, however, that the work with your pet still needs to get done in spite of all of those fun activities and distractions.  You may have to confine your pet more with guests.  You may have to keep your dog inside when the kids are in the pool.  You may need to hire an experienced pet sitter who is comfortable helping you with the treatment protocol for your pet's specific behavior problem. 

It's never easy to treat a behavior problem.  Yes, some are easier than others, but by and large, the kind of behavior problems pet owners are sent my way for help with fixing, are behavior problems that are going to take some time and creative strategies to get a handle on, and that's okay. That's what I'm here for. I will develop a treatment plan, specific to your pet and your living situation, but you will need to implement that plan and those strategies yourself. I don't live with you and your pet, so I'm going to teach you what to do, and then encourage you to be independent. I'll be here to support you by answering your questions and modifying strategies when we need to, but by and large, the heavy lifting, so to speak, will be up to you and your family.

Ah, and there's the kicker, right?  You AND your family.  You will need the help of your friends and family for this to work.  If your dog jumps on people, for example, then you'll need to have supportive people around that don't allow the dog to get away with jumping on them.  Just one person who says, "I don't mind when he jumps on me!" will make it that much harder to keep your dog from knocking over your elderly aunt when she visits. Everyone has to be on board with the solutions which is why I will suggest to you that when we meet, whether via video or in person, that all family members be present for that appointment. I know it's complicated with everyone's varying schedules and commitments, but it's really important that everyone is on the same page and no one is inadvertently (or maybe even on purpose!) working against the solutions we are trying to put into practice.

So, that's just the long way of saying that you didn't wait too long, so let's get started!  And as I always say, if your pet is having a behavior problem, you know where to find me.

Ozzie hopes everyone has a happy, safe, and fun-filled summer!