MOST COMMON QUESTIONS CLIENT'S ASK BEFORE BOOKING
1. CAN YOU HELP ME?
Can a plumber help you with your leaking tap? Yes, definitely, they are trained professionals who can assist with taps as well as more complicated plumbing issues. The same applies here. Need help with a behaviour problem with your pet? We've got you covered!
A professional Animal Behaviourist is a trained specialist who works within the Veterinary field. We are not self-taught, or gain limited qualifications online. We don’t profess to be professionals because we know a thing or two about animals, have helped our own and a few others… We are not dog trainers. An Animal Behaviourist is someone who has undergone extensive training and gained a wealth of experience by working hands-on with animals in a veterinary clinic.
Once we have acquired extensive experience and professional animal behaviour qualifications related to veterinary science, an Animal Behaviourist might choose to work independently with clients.
Many people ask us, ‘Can you help me?’ Unfortunately, ineffective advice from others has left people feeling defeated by their pet's behavioural problems. It's crucial to ask the appropriate person when seeking assistance. To effectively address a significant plumbing issue, it's crucial to consult a professional plumber. Asking someone who enjoys handling bathroom plumbing, has gained a qualification online, and claims to be able to help might result in a messy bathroom and you feeling defeated.
Our clients are extremely impressed with the wealth of expertise and valuable information our Animal Behaviourist provides during consultations. When their Behaviour Consultation is complete, they feel motivated and fully equipped to correct their pet's behaviour. They’re ready to tackle the behavioural issue all guns blazing. Defeated? On the contrary…Quite the opposite!
2.WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
The answer to this question is everywhere. Because our services are available Australia-wide.
3. CAN YOU COME & SEE MY PET AT HOME?
No. Because we want to ensure that you and your pet receive the highest level of service. The presence of a stranger during the consultation can negatively impact the true analysis of your pet's personality and behaviour. Our Animal Behaviourist would opt for a video call for your Behaviour Consultation, even if she lived next door to you because it produces far better results. We founded and developed Animal Behaviour Australia for this very reason.
4. DO VIDEO CALL BEHAVIOUR CONSULTATIONS REALLY WORK?
DEFINITELY YES! After over 15 years of face-to-face, in-clinic and home consultations in the UK and in Australia, our Behaviourist was sceptical about the effectiveness of video-call Consultations, too. However, experience has proven that video calls not only work, but yield far better results compared to traditional methods. The limitations of traditional in-clinic and home consultations do not apply to a video-call consultation.
Video-calls outperform in-clinic appointments and home visits for Behavioural Consultations. Here’s why:
A) During the Consultation, your pet will exhibit their normal behaviour because no stranger is present. This allows our Behaviourist to quickly assess their true innate personality. This is essential for her to be able to help you efficiently and effectively.
B) Behaviour issues might be linked to aspects of their home environment, so it's important to assess this. Pets are at ease in their familiar surroundings, and so are you. This means you can focus on learning without distractions or worrying about your pet.
C) Clients can access professional services not available locally. At a time that enables all family members to attend (including after-hours consultations). Having all family members attend the consultation helps achieve better results;
D) We keep consultation prices as low as possible by eliminating unnecessary overhead costs. Professional behavioural services are now accessible at an affordable price.
Still not convinced? Click on the button below to find out more:
5. WHICH TYPE OF BEHAVIOUR CONSULTATION DO YOU RECOMMEND?
Visit the Book Now page to explore the variety of Consultation types offered for cats, dogs, and small furries. For more in-depth information on the behaviour issues we address, check out our Services Page. Should you have trouble choosing the right Consultation service, send us an email explaining the behaviour problem you're facing with your pet and we'll provide you with the correct service link.
6. WHAT IS THE BEHAVIOUR CONSULTATION PROCESS?
After you have booked your Consultation you will be asked to complete a detailed questionnaire. Providing information about your pet(s) enables our Behaviourist to perform a Pre-Assessment.
Pre-Assessment:
You've given details about your pet's personality, behaviour issues, daily routine, other pets and people in your household and more. Prior to your consultation, our Animal Behaviourist will evaluate this information and commence developing your customized plan. The information you provide is a crucial part of the process. To ensure a comprehensive evaluation of your case, answer the questions openly and honestly, and provide as much information as possible.
Behaviour Consultation:
Expect the consultation to take around 90 minutes, but be prepared for up to 2 hours (without any additional fees). We will evaluate your pet, provide an explanation for problem behaviours, and establish a Behaviour Modification Plan outlining techniques to resolve the issues.
You can choose to take your own notes during the consultation or pay an additional fee for the Animal Behaviourist to create a written plan afterwards. Next, you proceed with implementing your plan.
Follow Up Consultation:
It is recommended to have your 30-minute Follow Up Consultation as soon as you begin implementing your plan. Usually, this occurs about four weeks after your initial consultation. This ensures you are following the behaviour modification techniques correctly, and it allows our Behaviourist to make any necessary modifications to the plan after assessing the initial implementation. Checking for any misinterpretations is the primary reason for the fast Follow Up Consultation. Misinterpretations will delay your progress, and we want you to achieve your goals efficiently and effectively. Your Follow Up is an essential part of the process.
7. HOW MANY ANIMAL BEHAVIOURIST'S DO YOU HAVE?
Providing you with the best is our top priority. Dionna Newton is our sole Animal Behaviourist. As the founder of Animal Behaviour Australia, she brings over 20 years of experience as a qualified Animal Behaviourist.
Originally from the UK, Dionna pursued her passion for Animal Psychology at University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree, with a specific focus on animal behaviour. Once she finished her university studies, she received specialised training in Pet Animal Behaviour from the Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE). Dionna is an affiliate member of the international organisation CABTi, which stands for COAPE Association of Behaviourists and Trainers International.
8. HOW WILL MY PET'S BEHAVIOUR PROBLEM ACTUALLY GET FIXED?
Picture an Animal Behaviourist as a Personal Trainer. Despite trying all the fabulous diets and exercise programs, you're still struggling to get fit and lose weight. A detailed evaluation will be conducted by a Personal Trainer. They will consider the unique you, your goals and ambitions while creating a personalized fitness program for you. They enable you to get fit, lose weight and hit your goals.
It's comparable to an Animal Behaviorist. Our Animal Behaviourist will evaluate your pet and identify the underlying causes of their behavioural issues during your Pet Behaviour Consultation. They offer the expertise, strategies, and techniques necessary to effectively assist you in changing your pet’s unwanted behaviour using fun and motivating solutions.
After the initial consultation, you will have all the information needed to address your pet's behavioural issues.
You then work with your pet to modify your pet’s behaviour, in your own time, and at your own pace.
One Follow Up Consultation is necessary to ensure there are no misunderstandings and you are executing your plan efficiently. To make sure you are kicking goals and in case adjustments are needed after initial implementation.
It may be recommended to schedule further short Follow-Up Consultations. This depends on the complexity of your case. They are also fitting for owners who’d like ongoing support and guidance. A Personal Trainer fulfills the role of an advisor and coach. Your Animal Behaviourist can do that too!
9. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Please click on the “Book Appointment” button below to see consultation prices.
10. DO I NEED TO SHOW YOU MY PET DOING THE PROBLEM BEHAVIOUR?
No. This is less important than our Behaviourist seeing your pet acting normally! And in some cases, this could be dangerous. Seeing the problem behaviour being conducted is the least important thing from an assessment point of view. Weird, right? Depending on the case, sometimes it can be easily captured and might be helpful, but our Behaviourist doesn't need to witness the problematic behaviour to be able to help you.
You can easily describe to our Animal Behaviourist when, where and how the behaviour occurs. Believe me, when I say this, with over two decades of Pet Behaviour Consultations undertaken, our Behaviourist has seen first-hand every behaviour problem imaginable. Nevertheless, if you think it might be helpful, you can always send us short video clips of your pet's problem behaviour prior to your consultation for her to review.
11. I'M NOT SAVY WITH TECHNOLOGY HOW DO I DO A VIDEO CALL?
It’s really easy. Most people already have the technology to make video calls. Your consultation can be done on a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer. Anything that has internet access, a camera, microphone and speakers. We use the Zoom video call platform because it is reliable, slick, and extremely user-friendly. All it takes is a click on the link provided in your Booking Confirmation email at the designated start date/time to effortlessly join your consultation.
If you are still hesitant, send us an email and our Tech support will walk you through the process before your consultation. You will need a good internet connection with an internet speed of 3Mbps or higher for video calls.
12. WHEN ARE YOUR APPOINTMENT TIMES?
We undertake consultations on weekdays, with early evening appointments available to cater for people who work full time. Please click on the “Book Appointment” button. By clicking this link, you will access the booking system and be able to view consultation appointment times on the booking calendar. If none of the appointment times work for you, send us an email and we'll figure out a solution.
13. WILL MY PET NEED MEDICATIONS PRESCRIBED?
This is case-dependent. Medications alone cannot fix behaviour problems.
In most cases, medications only help to treat the symptoms of a behavioural problem. Medications cannot address the root cause of the problem. Here at Animal Behaviour Australia, we are committed to fixing the root cause, not just treating the symptoms. In most cases, medication is not required. If medication is necessary, we collaborate with your pet's veterinarian to address the issue from both a medical and behavioural standpoint. Veterinary practices all over Australia refer their clients to us for help with their pets, although some clients find us without a referral.
Regardless of whether medication is necessary, it's important to ensure your pet is physically fit and healthy, with no medical conditions impacting their behavioural issues. Prior to your consultation with us, it may be necessary for your pet to be assessed by their regular veterinarian. If your vet sent you here, then the necessary steps have been taken.
Is it necessary for me to have my pet evaluated by their veterinarian beforehand? It depends on the case.
Occasionally, an undiagnosed pre-existing medical condition can affect a pet's behaviour. For example, sudden onset of aggression. Is your dog experiencing pain from an obscure injury or arthritis? Your vet can ensure that any medical conditions impacting your pet's behaviour are ruled out or treated accordingly. You, your Vet and our Behaviourist work together, in unison, as the perfect team to help your pet.
14. HOW DO I BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?
Ready for fun and motivating solutions to your pet’s behaviour problems? To schedule a consultation, simply click the "Book Appointment" button below. Select your pet type, select your consultation type, and select a date and time in the booking calendar: