Behavioural Services

the Oak Bay Pet Clinic, we are pleased to offer a full range of behaviour consultations and evaluations. Whether you are a new pet owner having difficulty in adjusting your lifestyle to meet the needs of your new addition or perhaps you are struggling with a particular area of concern, Dr. Eva Dudzic would be pleased to offer you consultation and ongoing behaviour therapy.

The focus of the initial consultation is diagnosis and assessment, followed by a treatment plan. History-gathering is a major component of behavioural therapy because of the complexity of potential causes. Looking at environmental triggers in order to modify future situations is a large component of Dr. Dudzic's consultation. Behavioural modification to manage behaviour for the future is the key treatment module. Medication may sometimes be utilized to aid in the process. Outside training with CAPDT qualified trainers is available upon referral from Dr. Dudzic. The most successful cases usually occur when both are combined effectively. Dr. Dudzic is also happy to work alongside outside trainers once the initial diagnosis and severity have been established.

Why would you choose to do a behavioural consultation for your animal companion?

If you feel that your relationship with your cat or dog is suffering because of symptoms he/she is displaying, or you feel that you are unable to live a relaxed, normal life with your pet, then your pet would benefit from a behavioural consultation.

Many dogs do not have inappropriate or problematic behaviour and can truly benefit from something as simple as good obedience classes. We would be happy to refer you to a reputable trainer. However, behavioural problems in cats and dogs are one of the leading causes of pet abandonment in North America. "Problem" behaviours are only a symptom of a deeper anxiety and inner turmoil in our pets. If small problems are not addressed early, or are addressed poorly, they can develop into lifelong, severe and very serious behavioural tendencies which can indeed prove life-threatening disorders. The longer an inappropriate behaviour persists untreated, the longer and harder it will take to solve it.

A veterinarian trained in providing behavioural consultations and assessments can be the most effective and long-lasting treatment for your beloved animal friend. A veterinarian is able to distinguish whether there may be underlying health concerns with a thorough history. Many behaviour problems can become chronic conditions not unlike many health diseases. The disease process of the behavioural condition takes over and in many cases, animals simply cannot help their reactions. Inappropriate behaviours are not just animal acting out against us; they can be symptoms. Most behaviour disorders are deep anxiety disorders in animals that can be helped with the right tools. This is not an area for punishment of any kind so the wrong kind of training can make some animals much worse, which also affects safety of their owners for the future.

Behavioural assessments and consultations from Dr. Dudzic are based on the knowledge of leading veterinary specialists around the world and can prove invaluable in providing the best guidance for your animal companion.

We do not train animals, but we do help them to relax...

During her years at veterinary school, Dr. Dudzic was one of only two graduates that was given the opportunity to travel to the Ontario Veterinary College to complete an externship with Dr. Leuscher, a board certified veterinary specialist. He has continued to perform behavioural assessments and consultations since graduation and has assisted in many continuing education courses. She has completed two intensive training modules at the Veterinary Post Graduate Institute in Florida with Dr. Karen Overral, Dr. Kersti Seksel, Dr. Jacqui Nielsen and Dr. Vint Virga. She has also studied behavioural issues in Australia with leading experts in the field. Most recently, Dr. Dudzic traveled to Australia to visit and work with two referral practices where she assisted with cases, working with four veterinary behaviourists. She is currently completing a distance course with Dr. Seksel through the Sydney University. Dr. Dudzic hopes to complete her certification in Veterinary Animal Behaviour in the near future.

Dr. Dudzic is committed to combining her knowledge of veterinary medicine and surgery, and her extensive experience and contact with other veterinary behaviourists, to provide an in-depth and unique approach to animal behavioural issues.

Dr. Dudzic is dedicated to helping animals in all areas, but has a special affinity for these "problem" or "special needs" animals. In her experience she has found that most can indeed be helped - it is up to us to help them. She herself has a adopted such a dog and is successfully working with him through all stages of his development. She and Dr. Cathcart have also opened their home to two rescued dogs from Mexico, four abandoned cats, three abandoned sheep and two rescued horses that are happy to both share and enrich their lives.

When should you consider a consultation?

Dr. Dudzic's extensive background in animal behaviour and psychology allow her to go beyond the surface and work with you and your pet to secure a strong bond, build confidence and solve particular behavioural issues such as anxiety or aggression.

What is the difference between a behaviour consultation and training?

Behavioural consultations are geared to address specific problem behaviours. This is done by determining the underlying causes of the behaviours exhibited and focusing on the environment as perceived by the animal, to better understand the problem behaviours.

Although more trainers are adapting their systems to use positive reward structures, some are still based on punishing systems, with the main goal being to produce a well-behaved dog quickly.

Behaviour assessment and modification focuses on minimizing the anxiety and conflict that lead to problematic behaviour, and replacing the behaviour problems with positive responses. The focus is thus to distract dogs and cats from their environmental stresses and to teach them appropriate ways to act. We attempt to alter their environments to minimize the occurrence of an anxiety response, which helps to strengthen your bond with your pet.

Research shows that problems addressed early on have a much better chance of being resolved successfully than do lifelong habits which have already been established. However, it is never too late to help your pet since most behavioural problems can be managed or improved.

In certain cases, medication and/or blood work may be necessary elements of your pet's behavioural assessment. We recommend your pet has a complete physical as well as a comprehensive blood panel prior to a consultation.

A behavioural consultation will provide you with an assessment of your pet's problem and the correct resources and information you will need to help your dog or cat; but it is important to remember that there are no guarantees when dealing with animal behaviour. All solutions are up to you. We can provide you with the tools, but it is up to you to put them to good use.

Talk to the receptionist today to book your initial consultation to find out what this service can mean to you and your family.