A zoopsychologist is a specialist who studies the nature of animal behavior and works to correct it. The specialist's primary goal is to establish rapport and mutual understanding between pet and owner.
In what cases is the help of a zoopsychologist required?
Animals experience stress but can't express it in words. Stress following separation from their owner or a change of environment can manifest in destructive behavior. Owners are often unable to establish a bond with their pet and provide proper training. This requires professional help.
Behavior problems primarily occur in dogs. Owners often confuse dog trainers with animal psychologists. A dog trainer trains dogs and instills obedience instinctively. A animal psychologist studies the motivations behind a pet's actions, trains the animal, and corrects its behavior.
It is recommended to contact a zoopsychologist in the following cases:
- Pet aggression towards the owner, family members, and other animals.
- Damage to property, toilet problems.
- Excessive timidity of the pet.
- Diseases of non-physiological origin. The main cause of health problems in animals, as in humans, is stress. A zoopsychologist identifies the source and helps alleviate the disorder.
- Problems with adaptation in animals taken from shelters or from the street.
- Choosing a pet. A zoopsychologist will help you choose the right breed based on your future owner's temperament and preferences.
How to choose the right animal psychologist
Animal psychology is a new field in veterinary medicine. For this reason, many scammers posing as professionals have appeared online. When choosing an animal psychologist, consider the following:
- Education. There are very few universities that teach animal psychology. The subject is primarily studied in specialized courses after training as a canine handler or veterinarian. Having a related education is a significant advantage. It's best if the treatment of illnesses and behavioral correction are handled by the same person.
- Knowledge and experience. A good specialist continually improves their knowledge by attending trainings, seminars, and courses. Before choosing a zoopsychologist, it's recommended to review their qualifications. It's best to choose a specialist with a specialized background, one who specializes in cats, dogs, or exotic animals. The behavior of different animal species varies significantly.
- Interaction with the animal. The animal psychologist must be gentle, calm, and patient with the pet. If the animal shows anxiety or fear in the presence of the specialist, the sessions will be ineffective and will only worsen the situation.
If your pet's behavior changes abruptly, it's best to consult a specialist. Animal psychologists work with all animals, including exotic ones. A specialist will determine the causes of the behavioral disturbance, help address them, and restore complete understanding between owner and pet.
