Behavior

Behavioral health is an often overlooked branch of veterinary medicine.  More animals are euthanized due to behavior problems than for any other reason.  This statistic concerns us, because most of these problems are preventable.  The behavior team at the Kiel Veterinary Clinic is available to help you solve minor behavior and training problems, provide referrals for more serious problems, and to help you get started on a path that would prevent problems from ever occurring.

Behavior problems seldom have just one cause.  More commonly, behavior issues stem from a variety of causes including: lack of positive leadership, insufficient exercise, poor nutrition, lacking socialization, inadequate or no training, and genetics.

To get off to the best possible start, be sure to adopt your pet from either a reputable breeder or rescue group.  Good breeders and rescues strive to place pets that have good temperaments.  Not sure what a "good" breeder or rescue is?  Give us a call, and we'll be happy to steer you in the right direction.

Below you will find a list of links to sites that we feel provide excellent information about raising a behaviorally healthy pet.

www.flyingdogpress.com  This website is a great source of free articles about dog behavior/training and the relationship between people and dogs.  The author, Suzanne Clothier, is a nationally known behavior expert.

www.clickersolutions.com  A wonderful source of information on clicker training.  This site also has many good articles that can help solve problem behaviors.

www.bluedogtraining.com  Sarah Kalnajs is a behavior consultant based in Madison, Wisconsin who specializes in helping resolve problems people have with their dogs.  She works on anything from aggression to housbreaking problems to puppy primer classes, and we highly recommend her.

www.dogsbestfriendtraining.com  Patricia McConnell is an applied animal behaviorist based in Madison, Wisconsin.  Her business, Dog's Best Friend offers training classes and behavior consultations.

www.dogwise.com  An excellent online source for books/DVDs and abouth anything dog related.  

www.readytorundogtraining.com  We recommend this training facility, located in Kiel, Wisconsin.  Classes offered include:  Puppy, Basic Obedience, Canine Good Citizen Certification, and much more.