When behaviour concerns become difficult to manage.
Behaviour problems in dogs and cats can be stressful and, at times, unsafe. Many owners have already sought help — through training, advice, or multiple approaches — without seeing clear or lasting improvement.
In many of these cases, the problem is more complex than it first appeared. Behavioural disorders are not training issues. They require proper diagnosis, clinical reasoning, and a structured plan for treatment.
This is where specialist care is the appropriate next step.
CONDITIONS WE TREAT
Behaviour Problems We Assess and Treat
Specialist assessment and treatment for a range of behavioural disorders in dogs and cats, from early concerns to complex and high-risk cases.
Aggression
Directed toward people, other animals, or both. May include growling, snapping, biting, lunging, or conflict within the household.
Anxiety and Fear
Generalized anxiety, fear of people, unfamiliar environments, handling, or specific situations.
Separation Distress
Distress when left alone, including vocalizing, destructive behaviour, restlessness, or house soiling.
Reactivity
Exaggerated responses to triggers such as other dogs, people, vehicles, or environmental stimuli.
Sound Phobia
Intense fear responses to thunderstorms, fireworks, construction, or other sounds. Often worsens without treatment.
Compulsive Behaviours
Repetitive behaviours — such as excessive licking, pacing, or chasing — that are difficult for the pet to interrupt.
House Soiling
Urination or defecation in inappropriate areas, including litter box avoidance, marking, and anxiety-related accidents.
Multi-Pet Conflict
Tension, avoidance, or aggression between pets sharing a household or during encounters with unfamiliar animals.
Cognitive Dysfunction
Age-related changes in behaviour including disorientation, disrupted routines, altered sleep, and increased anxiety in senior pets.
Diagnosis
Assessment begins with a thorough review of the pet's history, environment, medical factors, and emotional state. The goal is to identify the underlying causes of the behaviour and formulate a clear, structured diagnosis
Explanation
Findings are reviewed in detail with the owner or referring veterinarian. This includes interpretation of the diagnosis and a clear account of the factors that need to be addressed.
Plan
A structured course of action is developed, tailored to the patient and household. This may include behaviour modification, management strategies, environmental changes, and medication when clinically appropriate.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Clinical Services for Pet Owners and Veterinary Professionals
Comprehensive assessment and treatment planning for dogs and cats with complex or persistent behaviour problems.
Structured evaluation of aggression and safety concerns, with practical guidance for management and decision-making.
Specialist input for veterinarians on behavioural cases, including diagnostic support, treatment planning, and medication guidance.
Expert advice, continuing education, speaking, and media consultation for professional and organizational audiences.
ABOUT THE PRACTICE
Led by a Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviour Specialist
Dr. Sagi Denenberg brings specialist-level clinical expertise to every case. His work is grounded in accurate diagnosis, behavioural science, and evidence-based treatment — with a focus on cases that have not improved with previous approaches.
Author of Small Animal Veterinary Psychiatry. Board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviourists.
How to Get Started
The consultation process is designed to ensure that behaviour concerns are properly assessed, diagnosed, and treated.
Book a Consultation:
Schedule an initial appointment to discuss your pet's behaviour history and current concerns.
Comprehensive Assessment:
A detailed evaluation of your pet's behaviour, medical background, environment, and relevant triggers to determine the underlying cause.
Diagnosis and Plan:
You will receive a clear diagnosis and a structured, individualized treatment plan suited to your pet and your household.
Treatment and Ongoing Support:
Treatment may include behaviour modification, management strategies, and medication when clinically indicated. Support continues as your pet progresses.
Testimonials
"Herbie is a rescue with anxiety and fear-related aggression who had reached the point of biting my husband — this was our last attempt to keep him with us. Dr. Denenberg, Lindsay, and Tamara were kind, supportive, and genuinely concerned throughout. Herbie is now calmer, more settled, and far more relaxed in daily life. We cannot thank the team enough."
Herbie's Mom and Herbie
"Our dog developed severe guarding behaviours that escalated to biting — and with a newborn at home, we were desperate for answers. Dr. Denenberg and Lindsay used a thoughtful combination of medication and behavioural strategies that truly transformed him. It has been almost two years since he last showed any aggression, and he is calmer and more settled than we ever thought possible. We are profoundly grateful."
Vivian, Albert and Porgi
"Dr. Denenberg and Lindsay were a wonderful support over the course of about a year, helping us develop strategies to manage aggressive behaviour in our cockapoo Charlie. Charlie is now three, and we are all still a work in progress — but we are happy with where we have gotten. We are sincerely grateful to the whole team."
Leslie, Bill and Charlie
"Lily was highly reactive, anxious at home, and difficult to manage around visitors or other dogs. Since working with Dr. Denenberg and Lindsay, she is calmer at home, sleeps through the night, and is far less reactive on walks. She is still a work in progress, but the improvement has been remarkable. We are very grateful for everything they have done for us."
Connie and Lily
"Millie had fearful aggression and separation anxiety that left her reactive, unsettled, and impossible to take to the vet. At our first assessment, Lindsay and Dr. Denenberg identified signs of anxiety I had never recognized, and for the first time I had real hope things could improve. Two years on, with medication and behaviour work, Millie is calmer, enjoying walks, and living a much better life."
Millie's Mom and Millie
"Charlotte had been considered for euthanasia at a local shelter. The team not only confirmed that it was not warranted — they helped her recover. She is living proof of what the right care can do."
Maria and Charlotte
"Dr. Denenberg and his team have taught our whole family how to support our reactive dog at home. They listen carefully, understand everything we describe, and clearly care deeply about the animals they work with. We couldn't be happier having them as part of our dog's care."
Azzano Family and Juve
HELP AND SUPPORT
Frequently Asked Questions
A veterinary psychiatrist is a veterinarian with advanced postgraduate training in the diagnosis and treatment of behavioural disorders. This includes the medical, neurological, and emotional factors that influence behaviour.
Training is focused on teaching specific behaviours. Veterinary psychiatry is focused on diagnosing and treating the underlying causes of behaviour problems — which may include anxiety, fear, chronic stress, or other medical conditions.
A behaviour consultation is a comprehensive assessment of your pet, the behaviour concern, and the environment in which it occurs. The process includes gathering a detailed history, identifying contributing factors, establishing a diagnosis, and developing a structured treatment plan.
Consultations typically last 1.5 to 2 hours and may be conducted in person or virtually, depending on the case. Follow-up appointments are often part of the ongoing care process.
Medication is used when it is clinically appropriate. Some behavioural disorders involve significant anxiety, fear, or neurological factors where medication supports welfare and improves the effectiveness of treatment.
Medication is not used in isolation. It forms part of a broader plan that includes behaviour modification, environmental changes, and practical management strategies.
Yes. Many cases involve aggression, significant anxiety, or complex behaviour problems that have not improved with previous approaches. These cases benefit from careful assessment, structured risk management, and a clear treatment plan.
Neither. Early intervention can prevent concerns from becoming more established, but long-standing problems can still improve with the right approach. The duration of the problem is one factor among many. Proper diagnosis and a structured plan matter more.
Previous work is reviewed carefully as part of the assessment, to understand what has been done and how the pet responded. In some cases, adjustments are needed. In others, a different approach is more appropriate. The assessment builds on prior history and develops a plan suited to the current situation.
This service is intended for pets with complex or persistent behaviour problems that affect safety or quality of life. If the concern is limited to basic obedience or general training, a trainer may be more appropriate. If the problem involves anxiety, fear, aggression, or has not improved with previous approaches, a specialist behavioural assessment is the recommended next step.
GET IN TOUCH
Ready to Get Started?
If you are concerned about your pet's behaviour, the first step is a comprehensive behavioural assessment. This allows us to understand the problem clearly and develop a structured treatment plan.