How does the behavior consultant define a dog behavior problem?
The behavior consultant should consider any behavior in opposition to client’s expectations as a problem behavior. However, this conclusion is subjective, what an individual client may consider objectionable or even abnormal may in fact be quite normal for dogs. The knowledgeable behavior consultant will be able to sort out the many behavior problems that may be as insignificant as nuisance behavior i.e. barking, jumping, chewing and digging along with more serious behavior problems such as aggression and compulsive disorders. Often the behavior problem is solved simply by educating the client concerning normal dog behavior that seems to conflict with their own personal misconception. Occasionally there are clients who may defend inappropriate behavior; this requires the behavior consultant to instruct through education so an effective understanding can be reached along with taking into consideration how the behavior may influence the human-dog relationship specifically in cases of agg
