Dog Trainers' Methods are Linked to Views on Vet Referrals, Studies Show
It turns out that some dog trainers are more willing than others to suggest referrals to a veterinarian. Photo: Danielle W Press By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. For dog trainers and behaviourists, there are times when a vet referral is helpful or even essential for dog behaviour issues. But some types of trainers are more likely to suggest a vet visit than others, according to two studies. They show that trainers who use out-dated aversive methods are less likely to suggest referrals to a vet than those who use reward-based methods . But first, it’s important to know why vet referrals may be advisable. One reason is that pain and other medical issues can play a role in behaviour cases, something that we are increasingly aware of (Mills et al, 2020). Any time you notice a sudden change in your pet’s behaviour, it’s important to see your vet to check for medical issues. Another reason is...
