Here’s what you should know about us and how we work:

There are less than 150 veterinary behaviorists world-wide — and we have the most experienced Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist in Colorado.

It takes an average of 12 years of schooling to become a veterinary behaviorist—a veterinary doctor specially trained to work with behavior problems. Veterinary behaviorists can legally diagnose behavior issues, assess and treat the medical components of behavior problems, and prescribe diets, supplements, and medications when needed to support behavior modification and training.

The Behavior Vets team is led by our Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, and rounded out by veterinary behavior residents, veterinarians with a special interest in behavior, and the best behavior consultants and animal trainers to be found in our great state.

In an unregulated industry, our trainers and behavior consultants hold the highest credentials

There is no educational requirement for dog trainers and behavior consultants. That’s right—none. That’s why we’ve pursued and hired only the most highly credentialed dog trainers in Colorado. These are the team members who will support you through your training plan (and in many cases even carry out the training for you). We’re guessing you agree they should know what they’re doing and be the best at what they do.

Meet our behavior consultants.

Most behaviorists and trainers require clients to do the heavy lifting—we’re here to help shoulder the load

Too often owners living with challenging animals are told what they’ve been doing wrong, given lengthy instructions about how to fix their problems, and then left to their own devices to change their animal’s behavior, with minimal ongoing support. We believe this is unacceptable, and we know it to be ineffective. We stay alongside you every step of your journey, providing both practical and emotional support. Our trainers and behavior consultants can often train your pet for you.

We use only the most sound, humane training methods for your animal’s well being and your peace of mind

“First, Do No Harm”

We believe veterinary behaviorists, behavior consultants, and dog trainers should adhere to the same standards as medical physicians: First, Do No Harm. Our ultimate goal is to support clients in creating behavior change in their animals, and research demonstrates the use force, fear, intimidation, or pain is not necessary to achieve this goal.

We adhere to the humane hierarchy and the principles of LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) to ensure that the animals we work with enjoy the highest welfare during both the behavior modification process and veterinary procedures. Learning theory applies to all species – including humans – so we are as committed to the positive care of our human clients as we are to your beloved animals.

Too often vets, behaviorists, and trainers focus only on the animal—we support you, too.

If you’re reading this, you’re likely living with a challenging animal and all that can entail: frustration, fear, embarrassment, limitations on your activities and social life, even a sense of being trapped. Our goal is to welcome you to hope and change, to invite you into a safe support network designed to help you and your animal create a new life together.

We also work closely with a number of veterinary specialists,
many of them located next door at the Animal Care Center of Castle Pines

To coordinate comprehensive care for our patients we often arrange specialty consultations both in and out of our clinic, including dermatology, orthopedics, surgical procedures, rehab, pain management, cardiology, radiology, specialty dentistry, integrative and holistic medicine, neurology and more!