VINDICATED COMPANION SOLUTIONS
BEHAVIOR SOLUTIONS
When you love a dog who displays behaviors that are worrisome to you, and possibly dangerous towards people, other animals, or themselves, how do you help them? Especially when you feel like you've tried everything? We know what it's like to feel helpless, and it's not a good place to be.
The two dogs pictured here are Alum Robyn and new friend, Admiral. With the help of veterinary behaviorists, we were able to reduce Robyn’s anxiety and reactivity. Admiral had undiagnosed pain, which caused him to lash out towards other animals. With Dr. Pike’s expertise, she was able to properly diagnose both dogs, and without her, this photo would never have been possible!
Because of our experience, VPBR has changed the way we approach behavior intervention. Rather than trying to train away negative reactions to triggers, we have started looking into medical and emotional reasons for them first.
We are now working in partnership with Animal Behavior Wellness Center to help our adoptable dogs who struggle with mental health issues like anxiety, fear, and pts. We've been doing this for about a year, and our success rate with treatment plans has been high. We are not behavior professionals, we are just people who really love dogs, so handing the responsibility of determining what kind of treatment our animals need is a huge relief.
FIND PROFESSIONAL HELP
Veterinary behaviorists
There are less than 100 actual veterinary behaviorists in the country. It is highly possible that there is not one near you. Don’t worry! Most DACVB’s will consult with your regular veterinarian to develop a treatment plan. All you have to do is ask!
National Directory of Veterinary Behaviorists
Certified animal behavior consultants
The IAABC definition of Animal Behavior Consultant: “The job of an animal behavior consultant, in a nutshell, is to help identify what is causing the problem, to develop an intervention plan to change the problem behavior, and to help the owners learn how to execute that plan.”
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants Directory
find a force free trainer
The training industry is unregulated, and anyone can tell you they’re a trainer and sell you services. How do you know you’re picking someone who is safe to work with your dog? Use this directory to find a force free, fear free, and pain free trainer near you!
Your Dog’s Friend
A local nonprofit based in Rockville, MD, YDF offers a website full of articles, videos, and referrals for all manner of training and problem solving. They hold regular FREE live webinars featuring local professionals from trainers to vet behaviorists on topics from puppy socialization to the benefits of psychotropic medication. They also have in person puppy socialization parties and group training classes in their facility.
Some of our favorite videos featuring Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorists and a Board Certified Behavior Nurse:
Helping the Under-Socialized Dog
Dog Sociability –a veterinary behaviorist explains why unsocial dogs aren’t abnormal at all!
We are proud to work in partnership with:
Dr. Amy Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CABC
Animal Behavior Wellness Center
11230 Waples Mill Rd.
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
FREEDOM HARNESS EXCHANGE
We believe there is never a situation where a dogs behavior should be corrected by methods that cause physical pain, discomfort or fear. A choke collar does exactly what its name describes- it chokes the dog as punishment for pulling.
The safest option for walking a dog who tends to pull is a Freedom Harness. When dogs pull or lunge while wearing a freedom harness, the front leash attachment redirects them toward the dog walker. With a little patience and positive redirection, every walk can be a happy experience for both you and your dog.
Give us your prong or choke collar and we give you a freedom harness for FREE.