How to Find a Dog Psychiatrist

People frequently joke about sending Fido to a shrink, but sometimes someone trained in animal behavior can help correct unwanted behavior quicker than the family who may actually be encouraging it. It's not easy to find a dog psychiatrist. You need a licensed professional, not the lady down the street claiming to be a "dog whisperer" or the ex-cop who wants to turn your dog into a raging commando overnight.

Instructions

1. Rule out physical problems before going the dog psychiatrist route. Sometimes certain behaviors are directly related to diseases or even an unknown injury.

2. Begin your search for a psychological professional if all is well with your canine physically. These days a dog psychiatrist is called a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) and has had supervised graduate training in animal behavior and other sciences at accredited universities. Settle for nothing less.

3. Check with dog guardians in your area, including those you meet at the dog park and beaches, your vet and local dog clubs, such as agility and Frisbee. Ask if anyone has had need for an animal behaviorist in the past and if so, who they hired and how they liked them. Check out for yourself the ones that seem to get the most satisfactory reviews.

4. Search online for "Certified Animal Behaviorists." There are web sites with directories to lead you to a professional in your area.

5. Check out online forums and chats specific to dog training issues. Sometimes issues such as the one you are working on with your dog are addressed in these venues and may keep you from having to pay a fee for an in-person visit.

Tips & Warnings

• Web sites like AnimalBehaviorServices.com offer pet chats and free 15 minute advice sessions.

Resources

• Offers a public directory of certified animal behaviorists.
• The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants offers a myriad of resources.
• If you're having trouble finding a certified animal behavior counselor, why not become one yourself.