The truth is that there are several different titles used for those who work with dog training and behavior. Many of them deal with both dog training and behavior because the two go hand-in-hand. However, not all are equipped to handle major behavior issues.

It's important to understand that anyone can call themselves a dog trainer or even a behaviorist. Unfortunately, there are no laws dictating what defines a dog trainer or a behaviorist.

Veterinary Behaviorist. A veterinary behaviorist is an actual veterinarian who has gone on to specialize in behavior. This generally means earning a bachelor's degree, then attending four years of vet school. After becoming a DVM, the candidate must complete an internship, a residency in behavior, author a scientific paper, write peer-reviewed case studies, and pass a rigorous examination. Upon completion, the vet can become a Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Only an individual with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or other equivalent degrees (VMD, BVSc, BVetMed, BVMS) can prescribe or make specific drug recommendations.

Animal Behaviorist. Again, anyone can claim to be a behaviorist. However, technically speaking, professional behaviorists are called Applied Animal Behaviorists. They earn this title through formal education and earning an MS, MA, or Ph.D. in animal behavior. Some go on to earn additional certifications such as CAAB (Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist) or ACAAB (Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist). Behaviorists are experts in behavior modification and also deeply understand the normal behavior of the particular species being treated.

The short answer is no. Our veterinarians have strong interests in behavior, additional behavior-focused training and experience in counseling and helping pets that need behavioral support both inside and outside of the veterinary facility. They can prescribe medications to support a behavior modification plan. We frequently refer to and work with patients from Animal Behavior Clinic and Synergy Veterinary Behavior to provide general veterinary care and diagnostics.

We do not provide behavior support for those animals that utilize another veterinary facility for care. In order to utilize our behavior support services, you must be an established client or transfer to Brooklyn Yard for all veterinary care.

This is a 60 minute examination with a veterinarian that is mostly discussing a behavior-focused questionnaire and then laying out a plan for that individual animal. This may include referral to one of the board-certified veterinary behaviorists in Portland, recommendations for training support, scheduling a follow-up diagnostic examination with a specific medication plan, and/or prescribing medications. We also offer Vet-to-Vet Consults with Animal Behavior Clinic.

Please be aware that if you want to discuss behavior concerns during a wellness/physical examination, you may be asked to schedule a behavior-focused exam or follow-up virtual consultation. These are often involved discussions with follow-up that often cannot be adequately covered without a specific behavior history questionnaire and more time than a regular exam allows.

We reserve specific time slots for these consultations and have limited availability per month.

Please call the hospital to set up an appointment and pay a deposit.

You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire as a very important part of this examination. We must receive this information at least 24 hours before your appointment time.

A breakdown of initial expected costs is HERE.

Our list of positive reinforcement training professionals is HERE