It's OK Pooch

When to see a vet or a behaviour professional

Guides · 6 min read · Not yet reviewed by a certified behaviour consultant

Asking for help is not admitting defeat. Some dogs need more than a training plan, and spotting that early is one of the kindest things you can do for them. This guide covers the signs that mean it's time to talk to your vet or a qualified behaviour professional, what each of them does, and where to look.

Start with your vet

Behaviour and health are closely linked. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior advises that serious fear, anxiety and separation problems should be checked by a vet for medical causes [1]. The RSPCA and Dogs Trust both note that health problems can cause or worsen how a dog behaves when alone [2][3].

Pain is a big one. In a peer-reviewed study of 100 dog behaviour cases referred to specialists, about a third or more involved a painful condition, and the authors note that pain is often missed as a cause of problem behaviour [4]. Amy Pike, a veterinary behaviourist, advises that a sudden change in behaviour should first be checked for medical causes, including pain [5].

Red flags: see your vet first

Please book a vet appointment before, or alongside, any training if you notice any of these.

Your dog has bitten, or tried to bite. The PDSA advises seeing a vet promptly after a bite or aggression, because pain can cause it, and then working with an accredited behaviourist. It also notes that muzzle training helps [6].

Your dog hurts themselves when alone. The PDSA lists licking or biting their own body among the signs of separation anxiety [7], and the RSPCA includes self-injury among the hidden signs of distress [2]. Any injury needs a vet.

The problem started suddenly, or has recently got worse. A sudden change can have a medical cause [5][4]. Dogs Trust and the PDSA both advise a vet check when behaviour is new or has changed [8][7].

You've noticed signs of pain or discomfort. Dogs Trust lists signs of pain that can sit behind reactivity, and recommends a vet check first [8]. Changes in how your dog moves, eats or likes being touched are all worth mentioning [8].

Signs your dog needs a qualified professional

Some dogs need a professional guiding the plan, not just a vet check.

Your dog won't eat when alone. Very anxious dogs often won't eat when left [9]. If your dog ignores food they love when you're out, that points to a level of worry where expert help is valuable.

Your dog tries hard to escape. Malena DeMartini notes that crates can increase distress for some dogs and can lead to injury [10]. Digging or chewing at doors and windows is a sign of a very upset dog.

Things aren't improving, or are getting worse. The ASPCA says moderate or severe separation cases need a qualified professional [9].

What each professional does

Your vet can check for pain and other medical causes, and talk to you about every option, including whether medication might help. Medication is a decision for your vet [1][9][3]. DeMartini adds that medication doesn't replace training; the two can work together [10].

A veterinary behaviourist is a vet who specialises in behaviour. Like any vet, they can check for medical causes and talk with you about medication [1]. Ask your vet whether a referral makes sense.

A certified behaviour consultant or trainer builds and guides the training plan with you. The AVSAB recommends reward-based methods only and suggests looking for members of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants [1].

A Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT) specialises in dogs who struggle alone, with plans that can include up to five sessions a week [11].

Whoever you choose, look for someone who uses reward-based methods only, as the AVSAB recommends [1].

Where to find help

These directories list credentialed professionals. We have no connection to any of them.

What to bring

Whoever you see will want to know what happens, when, and how often. Short videos of your dog alone or on walks can show signs that are easy to miss in the moment [2]. If you use It's OK Pooch, the Vet Link and PDF report gather your logs, charts and any medication changes into one place you can share. If you'd like to start building that record, you can get your dog's first week, free, no card.

While you wait for an appointment

Keep things easy. Avoid leaving your dog longer than they can cope with [3], walk at quiet times and places [8], and give your dog a day or two of rest after a big reaction [8]. Never tell a dog off for growling. It's an early warning, and dogs whose early warnings are ignored may skip steps on the way to a bite [16].

This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your dog is hurting themselves or others, talk to your vet.

Sources

  1. Position Statement on Humane Dog Training, American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), 2021
  2. Treating separation anxiety in dogs, RSPCA
  3. Separation anxiety in dogs: signs, causes and how to help, Dogs Trust
  4. Pain and Problem Behavior in Cats and Dogs, Mills DS and 18 co-authors, Animals, 2020
  5. That 'behavior issue' may actually be a symptom of pain, dvm360, interview with Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB
  6. Dealing with an aggressive dog, PDSA (written by its vets)
  7. Separation anxiety in dogs, PDSA (written by its vets and vet nurses)
  8. Reactive dogs: why it happens and how to help, Dogs Trust
  9. Treating Separation Anxiety in Dogs, ASPCA, 2020
  10. Dog separation anxiety FAQ, Malena DeMartini, CSAT programme
  11. Why hire a CSAT trainer, Malena DeMartini, CSAT programme
  12. IAABC consultant locator, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
  13. Certified dog trainer directory, Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
  14. AVSAB member directory, American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)
  15. ABTC practitioner directory, Animal Behaviour and Training Council (UK)
  16. Canine communication: recognising stress in your dog (ladder of communication), PDSA

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