We are suspending in-person services of all types until further notice.
In an abundance of caution and with respect to everyone’s health, we are expanding our Tele-Training appointment options so that you and your pet can keep progressing toward your behavior goals while staying healthy during the COVID-19 outbreak. Whether you’re heading out of town or limiting visitors to your home, we can swap your scheduled in-person sessions with virtual appointments so that you can keep progressing through your training plan while we do our part to “flatten the curve” and limit potential disease transmission.
Tele-Training? What’s that?
TeleTraining training is training via Skype, Facetime, Zoom, or another platform. We have years of experience supporting families with tele-training for a variety of situations. The level of expertise and care provided by our team can’t be found everywhere, so we help those who live in areas without certified behavior professionals. In fact, sometimes not having an in-person trainer is best for progress. For instance, if a family can’t safely accommodate guests due to the level of their pet’s aggression, or training needs to occur when the animal is alone, like for separation-related problems. As a bonus, because we don’t have to commute, these sessions are significantly less expensive than in-person appointments.
Does it really work? I’m used to working in person, and like it that way.
Yes. We are an evidence-based practice and our number one mission is to help you reach your goals. Bottom line: we wouldn’t offer remote training appointments if they weren’t effective. Research in the field of applied behavior analysis and organizational behavior management has demonstrated that video modeling alone, video modeling with instructions, and video modeling with instructions plus feedback are all effective strategies for teaching a wide variety of new skills (Catania et al., 2009; Collins et al., 2009; Giannakakos et al., 2016; Guerico & Dixon, 2010; Lipshultz et al., 2015; Macurik et al., 2008; Phaneuf & McIntyre, 2007; Spiegel et al., 2016; Vladescu et al., 2012). Further, studies suggest that remote behavior consultations can be just as effective as in-person consultations (Cottam, Dodman, & Moon-Fanelli, 2008).
At this time, we will be moving all Exams with Dr. Tu or Dr. Spano to Skype, Facetime, Zoom, or another platform.
As a medical team, we think it’s important to see our patients in person every six months. However, these requirements have been lifted temporarily due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) requires a veterinarian to see a patient in person at least every 12 months in order to maintain a legal Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (VCPR). A VCPR is required to prescribe medications and offer medical recommendations. If your pet has not seen Dr. Tu or Dr. Spano in over a year, we may not be able to provide direct support, and may need to have your regular veterinarian help get your pet the medications and recommendations he or she needs.
Of course, COVID-19 is a rapidly changing circumstance, and the AVMA is actively evaluating the VCPR and telemedicine requirements and laws. We are currently following the legal guidelines established by the AVMA and, depending on the decision by the AVMA, hope to soon set up the infrastructure needed to offer assistance to patients we have not seen in person within the last in 12 months. Please stay tuned for more information.
Working from home, with extra time to spend with your pet? There’s no need to put a pause on your progress. We can see you online for:
- Puppy training
- puppy preparation, problem solving, house training, chew training, crate training, socialization
- Manners training
- loose leash walking, leave it, drop it, sit, down, stay, come, appropriate greetings
- Baby Preparation
- Dog/Baby and Dog/Toddler Problem Solving
- House Soiling
- Relaxation Work
- Helping dogs learn to CHILL OUT: The foundation for all behavior modification
- Separation Anxiety
- This has always been done virtually, since the dog has to be along for the training process
- Cooperative Care
- Teaching our pets to love being touched, have their nails trimmed, hold still for eye drops and injections, take medications willingly
- Muzzle Training, Head Halter Training, & Harness Training
- Thunder/Noise Phobia
- Fear/Aggression towards people in the home
- Another issue for which we always start with virtual training
- Foundation work for Leash Reactivity
- Inter-Dog Aggression
- If your pups are fighting, we can work with you online!
- Cat Training
- Due to the limited number of professionals skilled at cat behavior modification, cat training is often done remotely
Privately or in a class setting, in real time or at-your-own-pace… we have options that will work with your needs and your schedule
We look forward to seeing you online!
Warmly,
The Behavior Vets Team