Why Behaviour Matters
Behaviour is your pet’s way of communicating with you. Whether it’s anxiety, aggression, excessive barking, inappropriate elimination, or destructive habits, these changes often reflect an underlying emotional, medical, or environmental cause.
Addressing behaviour concerns early can:
– Improve your pet’s quality of life
– Strengthen your bond with your pet
– Prevent issues from becoming more serious over time
Our Role in Behaviour Support
While we are not certified veterinary behaviourists, we play an important role in helping you understand what may be contributing to your pet’s behaviour and guiding you toward the right next steps.
Our support may include:
- Reviewing your pet’s medical history, or recommending diagnostics, to rule out underlying health concerns
- Helping you identify potential triggers and patterns
- Providing initial management strategies
- Helping you determine when more specialized support is needed
When to Seek Additional Support
Some behaviour concerns benefit from working with experienced trainers or veterinary behaviour specialists.
Here are two places we recommend our patients, based on specific needs:
When Hounds Fly
600 Orwell St Unit 1, Mississauga, ON L5A 3R9
www.whenhoundsfly.com
When Hounds Fly offers specialized support for dogs who struggle with reactivity toward other dogs. Their programs focus on positive reinforcement techniques to help your dog respond more calmly and confidently in the presence of other dogs. Please note that their services are best suited for dog-to-dog reactivity and is not appropriate for dogs displaying reactivity or aggression toward people.
North Toronto Veterinary Behaviour Specialists
2974 King Rd, King City, ON L7B 1L6
www.northtorontovets.com
For more complex or severe behavioural concerns, including cases that may require medication or advanced intervention, we recommend consultation with a board-certified veterinary behaviourist out of North Toronto Veterinary Behaviour Specialists.
A Team-Based Approach
Behaviour care is most effective when it is collaborative. Our goal is to support you, connect you with trusted resources, and remain part of your pet’s care team throughout the process.
We’re Here to Help
If you’re noticing changes in your pet’s behaviour or have any concerns, we encourage you to contact us. We can schedule you for an exam with one of your veterinarians to assess your pet, or we will guide you toward the most appropriate support. Early intervention can make a meaningful difference!