Compassionate, Professional Behaviour Help

Behaviour changes can be worrying — from barking and destruction to hiding or aggression. These are often signs of stress, fear, or underlying medical conditions.
At My Kind of Vet, we take a kind, science-based approach to help pets feel safe and confident again to provide advice on Behaviour and Anxiety Support.

We recommend starting with a veterinary behaviour consultation rather than seeking advice from unqualified trainers or online forums. Incorrect techniques can cause harm and make anxiety worse.

Our approach is informed by resources like the Australian Veterinary Association and the Fear Free Pets movement, which focus on empathy and low-stress veterinary care.

Dog Behaviour & Anxiety

Recognising Stress in Dogs

Dogs show stress in subtle ways long before they growl or snap.
Common signs include:

• Licking lips, yawning or “whale eyes” (whites showing)

• Trying to escape or hide

• Tail tucked under, trembling or freezing

• Growling, barking or lunging

• Intense focus or inability to settle

⚠️ Never punish these signals. Your dog is communicating discomfort — it’s their language for “I’m not okay.”

You can learn more about canine body language and emotional health from the RSPCA Knowledgebase.

How to Reduce Stress at Home

• Safe space: Give your dog a quiet retreat — a bed, crate, or corner where no one disturbs them.

• Routine: Feed, walk, and rest at predictable times to create stability.

• Healthy nutrition: A quality diet and omega or probiotic supplements can support mood and brain health.

• Positive reinforcement: Reward calm behaviour; avoid yelling or punishment.

The Australian Dog Welfare Science Centre has great insights on how daily choices affect canine wellbeing.

Socialisation: Calm, Not Chaos

True socialisation means being comfortable and calm in a variety of environments — not running up to every dog.
Gradually expose your puppy or adult dog to:

• People in different outfits and voices

• Controlled interactions with other calm dogs

• Household noises like vacuums and mowers

• Short car rides and different surfaces

Aim for confidence, not overstimulation.
For further reading, see the RSPCA’s article on socialising your dog.

Impulse Control & Enrichment

Teaching impulse control helps dogs make better choices, while enrichment prevents boredom and frustration.

Try:

• Sitting before meals, pats, or going out the door

• Food puzzles, lick mats, or scent-based games

• Short, fun training sessions using positive reinforcement

• Sniffing walks — let them explore at their pace

Dogs learn best when training is calm, consistent, and fun. Avoid “dominance” methods — they often increase fear and aggression (Delta Institute explains why).

Reactivity & Desensitisation

Reactivity stems from fear, not defiance.
Pushing a dog too close to their trigger causes panic.
Instead, desensitisation works below the fear threshold — rewarding calmness at a safe distance, and only progressing slowly.

If your dog growls, lunges, or panics, don’t wait. Early help gives the best results.
Read about behaviour modification and anxiety treatment options on the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.

Cat Behaviour & Anxiety

Recognising Stress in Cats

Cats often express fear quietly — hiding, urinating outside the tray, or grooming excessively.
Other signs include:

• Tail flicking, ears back, or hissing

• Reduced appetite or vocalising more

• Avoiding people or other pets

A calm, enriched home helps cats feel secure. Provide vertical spaces, quiet zones, and consistent routines.
Visit International Cat Care for detailed feline behaviour guides.

Enrichment for Cats

Cats need both mental and physical stimulation. Offer:

• Wand toys and tunnels

• Scratching posts or cat trees

• Food puzzles or foraging toys

• Sunny windows or high perches

Small daily enrichment steps make a big difference to a cat’s confidence and wellbeing.

Toileting & Behavioural Clues

Changes in toileting are often the first sign of stress or illness.
If your male cat is straining or unable to urinate, treat it as an emergency and seek immediate veterinary care.

If medical issues are ruled out, evaluate:

• Litter type (most prefer unscented, fine-grain litter)

• Box size and accessibility

• Location (quiet, away from food)

• Number of boxes (one per cat + one extra)

Learn more at RSPCA’s litter box advice.

When to Seek a Behaviour Consultation

Book a veterinary behaviour appointment if your pet shows:

• Fear of storms, fireworks, or travel

• Separation distress or destructive behaviour

• Aggression, growling, or hiding

• Overgrooming or toileting changes

• Panic at the vet or during grooming

Early assessment can prevent these issues from worsening.

Anxiety Management — Beyond Medication

We approach anxiety with multiple tools, tailored to each pet:

• Environmental changes and predictable routines

• Training plans and desensitisation programs

• Natural aids such as pheromones (Adaptil, Feliway)

• Nutraceuticals or calming supplements

• Short- or long-term medication when needed

Medication doesn’t change your pet’s personality — it helps them feel safe enough to learn.

Fear-Free Veterinary Care

Our entire clinic operates with a fear-free philosophy.
We use gentle handling, pheromone diffusers, and soft bedding to make every visit calm and positive.
This approach helps reduce vet aversion and prevents future stress for both dogs and cats.

Learn more about the principles behind this approach at Fear Free Pets.

What to Expect at a Behaviour Appointment

1. Comprehensive history: discussion of triggers, routines, and environment

2. Health check: ruling out pain or illness

3. Behaviour assessment: understanding emotional causes

4. Custom plan: management, training, and medication if required

5. Follow-up: progress checks and ongoing support

You’ll receive a written plan and personalised guidance for your pet’s wellbeing.

Helping Pets Feel Safe Again

Behaviour problems aren’t disobedience — they’re communication.
We’re here to help you understand what your pet is trying to say and create a plan that rebuilds confidence, trust, and calm.