Who is the 'Dangerous dog' consultation for?

The 'Dangerous dog' consultation is for dogs that have been served a ‘Dangerous Dog Order’ by their council. It is important to understand before starting this program that there is no ‘cure’ or ‘quick-fixes’ for aggression problems. The only guarantee that your dog will never be aggressive again is euthanasia.

We are here to assess your dog, ensure you understand your dog’s behaviour and to implement a program to help you manage (not cure) your dog’s behaviour, to help keep you, your dog and members of the public safe.

If you are having any problems attending the consultation's you MUST discuss this with the council officer in charge of your case.

Pre-requisites prior to a consultation

Questionnaire

A questionnaire will need to be completed and returned BEFORE the consultation.

• Download the questionnaire...
• It is important to fill out the questionnaire in detail, with inputs from different family members, so that we can obtain a detailed history and information about the behaviour problem. This will ensure we don’t miss any important information to enable a correct diagnosis and management plan.

Blood tests and urinalysis

Performed by your local veterinarian. The results need to be forwarded to Australian Veterinary Behaviour Services PRIOR to the behaviour consultation.

• Blood test – CBC, biochemistry, with T4 level (eg. Wellness profile by Gribbles).
• Urinalysis – specific gravity and dipstik.
• This is to ensure your dog does not have any significant medical problems.

Physical examination

Performed by your local veterinarian and the results forwarded to Australian Veterinary Behaviour Services PRIOR to the behaviour consultation.

What happens in a consultation?

• The 'Dangerous dog' program consists of 3 consultations. The two revisit consultations are required at 3-5 week intervals following the initial consultation.
• Home visits are NOT available for 'dangerous dog' consultations.
• Consultations are held at our base - SA Veterinary Referral centre at Plympton Park. Other options are at an organised council venue or your regular vet clinic - travel costs will be added to the consultation fee for the latter two options.
• For clients that live a long distance from our base, then a phonecall or Skype consultation may be an option, depending on the circumstances.
• The initial consultation involves:
• An individual assessment of your dogs problem/s.

• A detailed discussion including:
  • Why the behaviour/s is/are occurring.
  • How to identify the triggers for the behaviour/s.
  • Observation of your dog’s body language – learning the warning signs of the behaviour.
  • Ensuring you understand your dog’s behaviour.
  • The responsibility, risks and danger of keeping a dangerous dog.

• Treatment:
  • A program will be designed to meet your dog’s individual needs – to modify and manage your dog’s behaviour.
  • Some dogs require anti-anxiety medication to help manage their behaviour problem. This will be discussed during the consultation if appropriate. Medications are not included in the price of the behaviour consultation.
• A written report and relevant information will be given to you, and sent to the referring council and your regular vet. This is included in the consultation price.

Follow up consultations

The 'Dangerous Dog' program requires three consultations.

The two follow up consultations are required at 3-5 week intervals.

• Revisit consultations will either be with Tracey Henderson and/or Tracy Irons – who you will see will depend on your pet’s problem.
• Please note - If your pet is prescribed anti-anxiety medication, revisit consultations with Tracey Henderson will be required whilst your pet is on the medication.
• Average time for the revisit consultations vary depending on your pets problem.
  • The revisit consultation are generally between 30 minutes to 1  hour.
• Free follow up support:
• This is a service we offer with FREE phone calls/emails at no cost, whilst your dog is under our care.
• If however the problem is complex or time consuming Tracy will advise you that either a charged phone call or visit with either herself or Tracey Henderson (depending on the problem) will be required.

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Book a consultation

If you have decided that you would like to go ahead with a behaviour consultation, then please contact us and we can organise a suitable appointment time for you.

Please read the pre-requisites required prior to a consultation.