behaviour consultation

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At times, fear, frustration or pain can lead to behavioural problems in dogs, such as aggression, anxiety, phobias, and repetitive behaviours. These disorders can affect the animal's and their caregiver's relationship and quality of life. Moreover, pets are often abandoned or euthanised due to problematic behaviours. In addition, cases of aggression in dogs can also pose a risk to the public and may result in legal consequences if not managed appropriately. Therefore, seeking a behavioural specialist's help to manage such conditions is essential. 

Clinical animal behaviour is the field of veterinary medicine and other disciplines that promote a harmonious relationship between humans and companion animals by preventing, diagnosing, and treating animal behavioural disorders from their underlying motivation.

 Dr Sharyn Bistre Dabbah is a veterinary scientist who has been working in private practice as a clinical animal behaviourist since 2011, managing dogs and behavioural problems such as aggression and separation anxiety. She's passionate about assisting families with dogs to establish healthy and harmonious relationships. Sharyn completed her PhD in Veterinary Sciences from the University of Bristol. Her research focused on studying the performance of medical detection dogs and their behavioural attributes. She also holds an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour from the University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom and a BSc in Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM). Sharyn worked at the Clinical Animal Behaviour Hospital at UNAM. She has experience as a lecturer, teaching Animal Behaviour and Welfare, and coordinated the Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Welfare at UNAM in collaboration with the WOAH. Currently, Sharyn works as a clinical animal behaviourist, and she's an honorary research associate at the University of Bristol. Sharyn holds CCAB Pre-Certification and she is in the process of achieving full certification. Additionally, she is a candidate member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC) and a provisional member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC). 

In behaviour consultations, common issues addressed often include:

• Aggression: Towards people, other animals, or both.
• Anxiety-related behaviours: Separation anxiety, general anxiety.
• Fear-related behaviours: Fear of specific stimuli or situations.
• Resource guarding: Aggression when guarding food, toys, or resting places.
• Repetitive behaviours: Excessive licking, chasing shadows, tail chasing.
• Behaviour changes associated with aging
• Inappropriate elimination: Urinating or defecating indoors.
• Destructiveness.
• Excesive barking.

Ethos also focuses on preventing behaviour problems and helping dogs adapt to new situations, such as the arrival of a puppy, dog adoption, pregnancy and the arrival of a new baby, improving the relationship with children in the household, or moving home or country. 

 The diagnostic consultation is the first step towards initiating change. It entails a thorough interview conducted chronologically, where the patient's history, interactions with their family and environment, and behavioural issues are discussed comprehensively. The session also involves observing the patient in person or through videos, along with behavioural tests and other diagnostic tools. Based on this information, the likely motivation behind the problematic behaviours is identified, and an integrative treatment plan is indicated to be carried out at home. The consultation can be conducted through a home visit (availability depending on location) or a remote session via Zoom.   The session lasts two to three hours. 

Please follow the next steps to booking a behaviour consultation.

Step 1: Please get in touch with us by completing our contact form in the "Contact Us" section, by email or WhatsApp. We will arrange a suitable time for the consultation.

Step 2: You will receive an email that includes the following:

a. A comprehensive online behaviour questionnaire that will provide crucial information and help evaluate your dog's behavioural issues in detail before the consultation.

b. A referral form that your vet must complete. It is essential that your vet rules out medical problems that may be causing or contributing to a behavioural problem, as this relationship is very frequent. You can send the referral form to your vet, or they can contact the clinician directly.

c. A Zoom invitation if the consultation is happening online.

d. Payment information for the consultation.

Step 3: You will also need to send short videos of your pet in different contexts of their daily life, such as when they are playing, interacting with your family, and walking. Capturing problematic behaviours without provoking them or putting yourself, your family, or your pet at risk would be very useful

At the end of the consultation, you will be explained the presumptive diagnosis of the behavioural problems that may affect your pet and a tailored behavioural treatment to conduct at home which frequently includes behavioural modification and environmental changes. Occasionally, Sharyn may recommend you discuss with your vet the potential use of pharmacological therapy if your vet considers it suitable. 

After the consultation, you will receive an email with:

a. The behavioural treatment indications.

b. A report of the consultation findings.

c. A behavioural assessment questionnaire for a confirmation of the diagnosis to be discussed upon follow-up.

d. Useful links and resources.

During our follow-up sessions, Sharyn will assess your dog's progress and advise how to continue working with them. She will also coach you on practical exercises for modifying your dog's behaviour. Initially, sessions will occur every two to three weeks. If progress is positive, you will transition to a maintenance stage with less frequent follow-ups phone or email communications. We recommend at least five sessions. 

Each follow-up session typically lasts around one hour or more. You have the option of a home visit or a virtual consultation. We also offer session packages at discounted prices. Please inquire about these options.