Cat and Dog Training in Granger

As any pet owner knows, the behavior patterns of our animal companions are unique. While many of the behavioral difficulties we experience can be regarded as simple “facts of life,” there are also cases in which problem behaviors can be a challenge for you and your family. When professional help is needed, Kryder & Harr Veterinary Clinic’s own Dr. Mariah Covey offers consults to help you address any behavioral problems your cat or dog may exhibit.

Nuisance Behaviors

We can offer advice on nuisance behaviors, such as barking, digging, and chewing. These problems are often related to dogs getting bored and not receiving enough mental and physical stimulation. We can recommend ways to improve these behaviors and help you choose a trainer to work with if needed.

Fears, Phobias, and Anxiety

Noise phobia (fear of storms, fireworks, and other noises) is a very common complaint from owners. Separation anxiety is another common anxiety disorder that many dogs suffer from. Fears of people, animals, or other situations are other common complaints. These animals suffer severe anxiety, beyond what we might consider normal for a timid dog. In these situations, pets need consistent deliberate behavior modification to help build confidence and reduce anxiety. We are not just teaching a command, but giving a dog coping skills. If your pet suffers from an anxiety disorder, please contact us today.

Aggression

Dogs can be aggressive to people they don’t know or their owners, dogs they live with or dogs they are unfamiliar with, smaller animals, or all of the above. They can be aggressive all the time or only in very specific instances. Cats are often aggressive to other cats or their owners. Aggression can be a very frustrating problem to deal with, and it is very easy for humans to make it worse by responding inappropriately. If your pet is aggressive, please talk to us today.

Fear of the Vet

Another common source of anxiety is the animal hospital! Many dogs that are friendly and relaxed in other situations come to the animal hospital and suddenly are a nervous wreck. Some cower and hug the floor, others flail and thrash around, and some become aggressive. And what about the cats? It starts at home from the moment they see the carrier and their anxiety worsens in the car.

Our goal is to make every trip to the vet a positive experience. We are firm believers in “low stress handling” (using gentle but firm, positive methods), using treats or toys to alleviate stress, and working diligently with sensitive animals to reduce their stress in the animal hospital. For animals that are very fearful of the hospital we recommend they actually come more frequently! We can provide you with tips to reduce anxiety and actively work with you to desensitize your pet to the animal hospital.