Is It Time to See a Dog Behaviourist? These 7 Signs Say Yes
Not every unwanted behaviour in dogs is a serious problem — but some are. Understanding when it’s time to seek professional help can prevent long-term suffering for your dog and unnecessary frustration for you.
As a veterinary behaviourist, I often meet clients who waited months (or years) before asking for help. Why? Because the difference between a behaviour that’s merely undesirable and one that is clinically problematic isn’t always obvious.
In this post, I’ll help you recognise that difference — and share 7 clear signs that it might be time to book a behavioural consultation for your dog.
🐾 Undesirable vs Problematic Behaviour: What’s the Difference?
Let’s clarify an important distinction.
Undesirable behaviour is something the owner dislikes. Examples might include jumping on guests, barking at the mail, or pulling on the lead.
Problematic behaviour is one that also reflects distress, dysfunction, or a compromised emotional state in the dog. These often stem from anxiety, fear, pain, or an underlying medical condition.
In fact, clients are far more likely to report behaviours they personally find annoying — not those that indicate the dog is actually suffering. That’s where a professional assessment can make all the difference.
✅ 7 Signs It’s Time to See a Dog Behaviourist
1. Your Dog Shows Persistent Anxiety or Panic
Separation anxiety, noise sensitivity, or generalised fear aren’t quirks — they’re real emotional disorders. Dogs with anxiety often suffer in silence for months before owners realise it’s not “just stress.”
Look for:
Pacing
Destruction when alone
Excessive vocalisation
Attempts to escape
2. There’s Aggression — Even If “Minor” or Occasional
Many dogs show aggression due to fear, pain, protectiveness, or impulse control issues. Even a single incident should be taken seriously — especially if it’s unprovoked or escalates.
Look for:
Growling or snapping
Lunging on lead
Guarding food, toys, or people
Freezing when approached
3. You Notice Sudden Behaviour Changes
A sudden shift in personality, reactivity, or social behaviour can point to an underlying medical problem — including chronic pain, neurological changes, or endocrine disorders. In many behavioural consultations, a physical issue is discovered during the diagnostic process.
Look for:
Withdrawal
Sudden aggression
Change in sleep or eating habits
Disorientation or confusion
4. Your Dog Reacts Excessively to Everyday Situations
A behaviourist should assess dogs who become overwhelmed by common triggers — such as other dogs, visitors, noises, or changes in routine. These exaggerated reactions may indicate sensory or emotional dysregulation.
Look for:
Barking or whining during normal activities
Shaking, hiding, or hypervigilance
Spinning or tail-chasing
5. Behaviour Is Affecting Your Relationship or Lifestyle
Sadly, behavioural issues are among the leading causes of euthanasia and relinquishment in dogs — more than most major medical conditions. The earlier we intervene, the higher the chance of success and preservation of the human-animal bond.
Look for:
Avoiding guests due to embarrassment
Being afraid of your own dog
Cancelled vet visits due to reactivity
Considering rehoming
6. Training Alone Isn’t Helping (or Makes Things Worse)
When behaviour worsens despite well-meaning training — or if your trainer suggests “dominance-based” approaches that increase fear — it’s time for a veterinary evaluation. True behavioural medicine identifies underlying pathology, not just symptoms.
Look for:
Recurring training failures
Escalation after punishment
“Good days” alternating with sudden regressions
7. You Feel Something’s Not Right — But Can’t Explain It
Sometimes, the signs are subtle. A dog might freeze when touched, compulsively lick the floor, or shadow-chase for hours. These behaviours often signal compulsive disorders, pain, or even learned helplessness — and they deserve a medical evaluation.
Look for:
Repetitive or context-less behaviours
Loss of playfulness
Avoidance of certain rooms or people
Overreacting to being left alone
🩺 Behavioural Problems Are Often Medical Problems
Veterinary behaviour consultations often uncover hidden medical conditions. Pain, hormonal imbalances, and neurological dysfunctions are frequently found in dogs with unexplained behavioural changes.
That’s why involving a vet with expert behavioural training ensures your dog is assessed holistically — both emotionally and physically.
📅 Ready to Get Help?
If any of these signs sound familiar, your dog could benefit from a behavioural consultation. As a certified veterinary behaviourist offering remote consultations across the UK, I’m here to help.
✅ We'll work with your primary vet
✅ We’ll build a tailored behaviour plan
✅ You’ll receive a written report and support
📞 Book an appointment
or
📧 Email us at info@theonlinevetbehaviourist.co.uk
