Purdue News
Purdue NewsThe fee for the initial visit is $65. Consultations for herd animals will take place at the farm.
"It's estimated that between 40 percent and 50 percent of pets have some form of a behavioral problem," said Andrew Luescher, a Purdue veterinarian and board certified animal behaviorist. Luescher said the Animal Behavior Clinic can treat various pet problems including aggression, compulsive disorders, house soiling, excitability and separation anxiety.
For farm animals, environmental factors may contribute to the problems. "These are often related to management, barn climate and equipment," Luescher said. He said common problems in pigs include tail or ear biting, pen fouling and aggression. Cattle may exhibit problems of soiling of stalls and udders, injuring themselves and sucking the milk of other cows.
Birds also provide some unique behavioral challenges, he said. "Birds are wild animals, and if kept in cages they can start to become aggressive and territorial," he said. Birds also pair bond. As a result, Luescher said, they may 'mate' with one person in the home, and become aggressive towards others.
"Overall, behavioral modification techniques curb animals of their behavioral problems with about a 65 percent success rate," Luescher said. Behavioral psychology techniques utilized in the clinic include desensitization and counter-conditioning.
The clinic also soon will provide prepurchase counseling to help people choose the right pet for them; puppy classes for socialization, early training and problem prevention; and courses for dog trainers and breeders in humane and effective training methods.
For more information on behavior modification for animals, or to set up an appointment,
contact the Purdue Small Animal Clinic at (765) 494-1107.
CONTACT: Luescher, (765) 494-8775; e-mail, luescher@vet.purdue.edu.
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
