How will the initial virtual behavior consult work?
Virtual behavioral consults consist of 1-2 virtual visits, for up to 90 minutes total. A virtual visit is performed either via phone, zoom, or other online meeting service of your choice. We will start with a 30-45 kickoff visit, where we gather background information on the dog and their behavior, discuss any risks, determine goals, and then put in place any initial management/training protocols. During the kickoff visit, we will schedule a second virtual visit to further discuss, demonstrate, and/or practice implementation of protocols. The second virtual visit will use up the remainder of the time (up to 90 min total). However, we can also combine the two visits into a single visit, if that better suits the behavior of interest.

How will the initial in-home behavior consult work?
In the kickoff visit, we gather background information on the dog and their behavior, discuss any risks, determine goals, and then put in place any initial management/training protocols. During the kickoff visit, we will schedule the in-home visit. The in-home visit will be at your home and will use up the remainder of the time (up to 90-min total).

Do I need follow-up visits?
Almost all major behavior problems require follow-up visits, where the initial results will be assessed and protocol changes can be made. Follow-up visits are typically between 20-40 minutes and can be virtual or in-home.

What is the process for getting started with a training session or behavioral consult?
Step 1. Submit your contact information.
Step 2. You will be asked to choose a date/time for your training session or kickoff session.
Step 3. Once you choose your date/time, you will be asked to fill out the agreement and submit payment.
Step 4. Once you have signed the agreement and submitted payment, you’re all set! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out: mindy@animalbehaviorwi.com.

Can you prescribe medication for my dog?
No, only a veterinarian can prescribe or even recommend medications for your dog. However, I will be more than happy to work with your veterinarian to help them decide what types of medications may work well for your dog’s particular target behavior.

Do you allow for cancellations or refunds?
Before any service is provided, we will send you an invoice for the full agreed upon amount. Payment in full is required before the services will be rendered.

Clients are welcome to request cancellation in writing for any service except online courses and obtain a refund of fees paid, less cancellation fees. If cancelling more than 48 hours before the visit, a cancellation fee of $25 will be applied. If cancelling 12-47 hours before the visit, a $50 cancellation fee will be applied. Cancellation requests <12 hours before the appointment or no-showing for the visit will result in forfeiture of the full fee. Once a consultation has begun, all fees paid for that consultation are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Behavior consultations may be cancelled or rescheduled by ABP due to adverse weather, illness, catastrophic event, or other reasons as necessary.

ABP will cancel all future visits with a client and terminate the relationship if (a) client breaches any term or condition of the agreement; (b) client engages in violent behavior towards any animal or person; (c) client’s behavior is uncooperative, non-engaged, or threatening; or (d) for any other reason deemed reasonable by ABP. In the event of termination by ABP, the cancellation fees and timelines noted above will apply and will be dependent up on the timing of cancellation of future visits by ABP in writing to the client.

What is my role in changing my dog’s behavior?
You have a huge role! We will assist you in developing and setting up behavior protocols; however, it is your job to accurately and consistently practice any protocols agreed upon between us. This includes avoiding the use of any physical punishers (e.g., choke collars, prong collars, electronic/shock collars, or hitting), as these reduce the efficacy of the protocols recommended by ABP. It is also your responsibility to keep your dog, family members, the general public, and other animals safe from each other, especially if the dog has any history of aggression.

If I have a consult with you for my dog with a bite history, can you guarantee I can keep my dog?
You are responsible for knowing your state and local laws/regulations regarding the legal allowability of owning a particular animal. Wisconsin’s regulations are here: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/174. However, you likely also have local regulations pertaining to dogs with bite histories. Further, your home insurance may have restrictions based on your dog’s breed and/or behavioral history.

Must my dog be vaccinated before an in-home visit?
Dogs must be free of communicable diseases and fleas at the time of any in-home service. Dogs 6 months and older must be current on their Rabies vaccine. Proof of vaccination status is required for all in-person visits.

Who is responsible if my dog bites someone?
Per Wisconsin state law 174.02, owners of a dog are “liable for the full amount of damages caused by the dog injuring or causing injury to a person, domestic animal or property.” Often, your home insurance will cover these damages; however, many insurance companies will not provide coverage for the behavior of a dog with a bite history or based on breed, so it’s important to check with your insurance company whether they would cover future incidences.

Can you guarantee my dog’s behavior will change?
Dogs are living organisms, each with their own individual learning history and behavioral repertoire. Therefore, it is nearly impossible to guarantee any specific behavioral outcome. During the consults/training, we will do our best to make environmental changes which produces behavioral changes; however, we can never guarantee a specific behavior change. Be wary of anyone who provides a behavioral guarantee.

Can I give you a gift?
Our team follows strict ethical guidelines and cannot accept most gifts from clients. Your commitment and effort to working with your dog is gift enough for us.

If the ABP consultant sees abuse of animals or children, will they report it?
If any employee of ABP sees evidence of child or animal abuse or neglect meeting the definitions for reporting according to Wisconsin state regulations, we will report our findings to the state of Wisconsin. We will let the homeowner know the report is going to be made before doing so. See:
Crimes Against Animals WI Regulations (Chapter 951): https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/951

Crimes Against Children WI Regulations (Chapter 948): https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/948