Behave Yourself – Behavior Counseling and Your Veterinary Practice

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In this episode of the Veterinary Business Podcast, Dr. Peter Weinstein welcomes Dr. Chris Pachel, a leading veterinary behaviorist and Vice President of Veterinary Behavior at Instinct Dog Behavior and Training. Together, they explore the vital role of behavior in veterinary medicine, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Pachel offers his expert perspective on why a team-based approach is essential in veterinary practices, how telehealth can be effectively utilized for behavioral cases, and the complexities of addressing pet behavior challenges. Whether you’re a general practitioner, a veterinary student, or someone with a keen interest in animal behavior, this episode is filled with practical insights to enhance your understanding and management of behavioral issues in your practice.

Key discussion points include:

• Behavioral Challenges Post-Pandemic:
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted pet behavior, leading to an increase in anxiety, aggression, and other behavioral issues. Veterinary practices with a solid foundation in behavior management were better equipped to handle these challenges.

• Telehealth as a Valuable Tool:
  • Telehealth has proven to be an effective tool in veterinary behavior, allowing veterinarians to observe pets in their home environments and provide care without the stress of an in-clinic visit. This is especially useful for practices located in rural areas with limited access to behavioral specialists.
    

• Team-Based Approach in Veterinary Practices:
  • A successful approach to veterinary behavior involves a cohesive team, including veterinarians, technicians, and client service representatives. A unified team ensures consistent communication and better outcomes for patients and clients.

• Understanding and Training Cats:
  • Cats have unique behavioral needs that differ from dogs, and they require specific training methods that account for their independent nature. Providing species-appropriate enrichment and understanding their natural behaviors are crucial for maintaining their well-being.

• Managing Client Misinformation:
  • When clients come in with potentially misleading information from unreliable sources, it’s important to acknowledge their effort while guiding them toward credible and scientifically-backed resources. Open communication and setting boundaries are key to maintaining a productive veterinarian-client relationship.

• The Need for Comprehensive Behavior Education:
  • Veterinary schools must include more comprehensive behavior education in their curricula to better prepare graduates. Understanding behavior is essential for diagnosing and treating health issues, as behavior is closely linked to overall health and well-being.

Timestamp

• 00:00 – Introduction
  • Dr. Peter Weinstein introduces the podcast and the guest, Dr. Chris Pachel.

• 02:02 – Dr. Chris Pachel’s Background
  • Dr. Pachel shares his journey into veterinary medicine and behavior.

• 08:40 – The Impact of COVID-19 on Pet Behavior
  • Discussion on how the pandemic has influenced pet behavior and veterinary practices.
    
• 19:10 – Telehealth for Behavior Cases
  • The role of telehealth in managing behavioral issues remotely.
    
• 24:40 – Team-Based Approach in Veterinary Care
  • Importance of having a cohesive team in delivering effective behavioral care.
    
• 33:30 – Fear-Free Movement
  • How the Fear-Free movement is reshaping veterinary practices.
    
• 34:22 – Common Behavioral Issues
  • Top behavioral problems seen in practice, including separation anxiety and pain-related aggression.
    
• 40:44 – Challenges in Behavior Cases
  • Dr. Pachel shares the most frustrating aspects of handling complex behavior cases.
    
• 48:04 – Addressing Pet Owner Misinformation
  • Strategies for guiding clients who come with potentially misleading information.
    
• 52:21 – The Role of Pet Insurance in Behavior Cases
  • Discussion on the role of pet insurance in covering behavioral treatments.
    
• 53:33 – Importance of Behavior Education in Veterinary Schools
  • The need for more comprehensive behavior education in veterinary curricula.
    
• 01:01:00 – Understanding and Training Cats
  • Insights into cat behavior and the importance of tailored training approaches.
    
• 01:03:12 – Closing Remarks
  • Dr. Pachel shares final thoughts and information on how listeners can connect with him.

Dr. Christopher Pachel

Veterinary Behaviorist
Owner of Animal Behavior Clinic, Portland
Vice President of Veterinary Behavior at Instinct Dog Behavior & Training

Education:

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
  University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine

Certifications:

• Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB)
  American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
• Certified Animal Behavior Consultant (CABC)
  International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants

Dr. Chris Pachel is a renowned board-certified veterinary behaviorist and the owner and lead clinician at the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland. With a career dedicated to advancing the field of veterinary behavior, Dr. Pachel has become a trusted expert, educator, and speaker, making significant contributions to both the academic and practical aspects of the discipline.

Dr. Pachel earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Minnesota in 2002. After two years of general practice in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, he pursued a residency in veterinary behavior, driven by his passion for understanding and improving the lives of animals and their human companions. He became board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB) in 2010 after completing an extensive residency under the mentorship of Dr. Jacqui Neilson at the Animal Behavior Clinic, where he later assumed ownership in 2011.

Known for his holistic approach to behavioral therapy, Dr. Pachel combines his deep knowledge of learning theory with his medical expertise and a genuine compassion for his patients. His treatment plans are meticulously tailored to address the unique needs of each animal, emphasizing the crucial role of the human-animal bond in therapy and overall well-being.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Pachel is a sought-after speaker and educator. He has lectured extensively across the U.S. and Canada, sharing his insights on veterinary medicine, animal behavior, and the psychology of behavior change. He has taught at the University of Minnesota and the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, inspiring the next generation of veterinarians. His published works include research on feline behavior, as well as contributions to book chapters on intercat aggression, behavioral euthanasia, and pet selection for animal-assisted therapy.

Dr. Pachel’s expertise extends beyond the clinic. He serves as Vice President of Veterinary Behavior at Instinct Dog Behavior & Training, where he plays a key role in shaping the organization’s approach to behavior management. He is also a specialist consultant for Dutch Pet, a veterinary telemedicine platform, and a veterinary behavior expert for both The Vets, a nationwide house-call veterinary care provider, and AnyQuestion, an app-based information service.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Dr. Pachel enjoys an active lifestyle. He is an avid distance runner, strength trainer, and yoga enthusiast, often participating in weekend RV excursions. He has a deep appreciation for Portland’s vibrant food scene, frequenting local beer festivals and wineries. Dr. Pachel shares his life with his husband, Robert, who is also a veterinarian, and their beloved Bull Terrier mix, Corneliuz.

Dr. Pachel’s mission is to enhance the lives of both animals and humans through compassionate care, education, and the application of behavioral science. His work continues to inspire both his colleagues and the countless pet owners who seek his expertise.

Connect with Dr. Christopher Pachel

LinkedIn – Dr. Christopher Pachel
Facebook – Dr. Christopher Pachel
Animal Behavior Clinic
Instinct Dog Behavior & Training

Email: drpachel@animalbehaviorclinic.net
Website: www.drpachel.com