Dr. Ward specializes in consultations dealing with a wide variety of behavioral issues including (but not limited to) aggression, fears and phobias, anxiety, separation anxiety, compulsive behaviors, barking, digging, unruly behavior and more. The number one reason that people relinquish their dogs to shelters is because of behavioral issues, many of which can be improved or eliminated through behavioral modification and management.

Steps Involved in the Consultation Process:

1) Email or call to set up an appointment for a behavioral evaluation. All appointments take place in your home. The advantage to a home-based appointment is that Dr. Ward can assess the problem behavior and suggest corrective measures based on the dog's living environment. It's important that all adult family members are present at the evaluation appointment.

2) Once you set up an appointment, you will fill out a detailed behavioral history form and email it to Dr. Ward at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. That way, she can start reviewing background information about your dog before you actually meet. This helps to make the most efficient use of appointment time.

3) Most appointments last between 1.5 - 2 hours. It depends on the complexity of the problem. During the first appointment, Dr. Ward will evaluate your dog's behavioral problem(s) based on the findings from the behavioral history, additional information from the client, and her own observations. It's helpful for diagnostic purposes if you can videotape your dog engaged in the problem behavior. Dr. Ward will recommend a treatment plan to manage and/or modify your dog's issues, depending on your goals and the time you have to devote to a treatment plan. Subsequent appointments past the initial evaluation are often needed to work on behavioral modification exercises, and these last 45 minutes to 1 hour. The number of follow-up appointments past the initial evaluation will vary depending on the nature of the problem and progress you and your dog make..

Dr. Ward works very closely with her clients and provides one-on-one support and coaching along every step of the way. In addition, she'll provide you with background information on the problem, handouts, and written instructions detailing your dog's treatment.

If you have a dog exhibiting behavioral problems, it's best to seek treatment early on before your dog has the opportunity to practice these behaviors over and over again. Long-lasting problem behaviors can be more challenging to treat, although not impossible.

Other Services:

Phone Consultations

Dr. Ward offers phone consultations for clients out of the area. Please email or call if you are interested in more information.

Baby and Dog

Are you expecting a baby, but a nervous about how your dog will react? The best time toget a dog used to a baby is well before the baby arrives. This one-time consultation will help you set the right tone for the dog and baby and give you plenty of ideas to help make the arrival of your new addition as smooth as possible.

Pre-selection Consultation

This consultation is for the pro-active dog guardian. Dr. Ward will help you to determine if now is the right time to add a dog to your family and cover all of the basics that you should know before bringing your canine companion home. For example, are you thinking about a mixed-breed dog or have you always had your heart set on a purebred puppy? If a purebred dog is for you, what breed is most likely to suit your lifestyle? Where should you look for a dog--the shelter, a breeder? Where should you never go to adopt a dog? How do you introduce your new dog to a resident dog or dogs? and more!