Hot take coming in hot... medications should not be the first step for behavioral problems. Yep, we said it! Don't get us wrong - medications can be very helpful in managing some behavioral problems. But they should [almost] never be the first thing you try. 

Far too often loving owners become overwhelmed by their dog's behavior and are told by professionals (vets, other trainers, etc.) that the first and best option is to medicate their dog. 

As trainers who are dedicated to helping owners live optimally with their dogs, it is beyond frustrating to hear time and again of normal, manageable behavior being treated with Prozac instead of training. Puppies come with a lot of energy, working breeds have genetic needs that exceed daily walks, dogs with no structure in their life will struggle to understand boundaries, etc. 

There are certainly cases where medicating a dog is warranted and helpful, but not until diet, exercise, mental stimulation, structure, and most importantly training are implemented and optimized.

Dogs are being over medicated and under trained. When selecting a dog, carefully reflect on your lifestyle. Choose a dog that fits your current and [realistic] future life, not the life you aspire to (i.e. don't get a dog to motivate you to run if you don't already run daily). Before ever bringing them home, find a trainer you trust and commit to training both for their benefit and your own. Provide the structure they need to help them understand boundaries and expectations, and prevent behavioral issues from developing. Find a vet who is willing to look at your dog holistically and get to the root cause of any issues that arise down the road (medically or behaviorally). 

If you are struggling with your dog's behavior, please reach out and explore training before you decide to medicate them! We work with dogs from all over the country (and beyond!), both in person and online. Make sure to check out the services and online courses that we offer!

Let's work together to ensure fewer dogs end up on medication for behavioral issues that could be solved with a little of training. Thanks for coming to our TED Talk.