Understanding Animal Behavior: When to Consult a Zoopsychologist
In recent years, with a growing understanding of the importance of mental well-being, people are seeking help for their pets' behavioral challenges through the expertise of zoopsychologists.
Sometimes, the joy of bringing a new cat home can be overshadowed by its difficult personality, or a previously well-behaved dog suddenly starts showing aggression. Whatever the initial circumstances, a pet's behavior can be modified with the help of a zoopsychologist. By delving into the root of the issue, they can identify the true causes of the problem and offer solutions. (For example, they may find that the primary focus of the work needs to be with the owner.) Let's explore this profession, its features, and nuances in more detail.
Who is a Zoopsychologist?
A zoopsychologist is a specialist in the study and correction of animal behavior, as psychological trauma is not exclusive to humans. They most often work with domestic pets (primarily cats and dogs), although they may also assist animals in pet hotels, cat cafes, farm animals, and even wild animals.
What Does a Zoopsychologist Do?
A zoopsychologist acts as a mediator between humans and animals. They help reduce stress, fear, and aggression in pets, while teaching their owners to understand their four-legged friends' behavior. This combined approach improves the relationship and makes living together more understandable and comfortable.
In addition to solving existing problems, a zoopsychologist can also prevent potential ones. For example, they can provide guidance on litter training, street walks, joint trips, and preparing a pet for the arrival of a new baby.
Zoopsychologist vs. Dog Trainer: What's the Difference?
At first glance, it might seem that a zoopsychologist is simply a new name for a dog trainer. However, this is a misconception. A zoopsychologist studies animal behavior, while a dog trainer trains animals, i.e., is responsible for preparing them to perform certain commands. The most important task of a zoopsychologist is to answer the question of what needs of the pet are not being met, as this is the very factor that causes behavioral disorders (aggression, fears and phobias, uncleanliness, self-harm, eating disorders). A dog trainer does not deal with anything like this. Furthermore, the responsibilities of a zoopsychologist include working not only with the pet but also with its owner.
Zoopsychologist vs. Veterinarian: What's the Difference?
A veterinarian treats physical ailments, while a zoopsychologist works specifically with psychological problems. Just as with humans, it often turns out that the cause of a physiological illness is a mental deviation. For example, it may be found that a cat refuses to eat not because of problems with the gastrointestinal tract, but because it is stressed by the arrival of a baby in the house.
What Does a Zoopsychologist Do?
A zoopsychologist works with an animal in the following way: they collect a physiological and behavioral history, put forward a hypothesis, and then work it out with the animal's owner or guardian. In order not to make a mistake with the conclusions, it is important to establish a trusting relationship with the pet and be observant, so affection, warmth, and confidence should emanate from the zoopsychologist.
After identifying the cause of the behavioral disorder, the zoopsychologist gives recommendations on how to correct the situation. Most often, specialists advise enriching the animal's habitat, reinforcing desirable behavior, reducing the impact of stressors, adding activities and intellectual pursuits (games, training, puzzles).
What Problems Can a Zoopsychologist Help With?
- Aggressive behavior
- Uncleanliness
- Neurosis of obsessive-compulsive states (obsessive-compulsive disorder in animals)
- Phobias
- Lack of socialization towards people
- Resolving conflicts between animals
- Eating disorders
- Depression and others
When a Zoopsychologist Cannot Help
A zoopsychologist is powerless in a situation where the problem of behavioral disorder is directly related to physiological diseases or abnormalities. In this case, the problem must be solved with medication, by consulting a competent veterinarian.
