Synergy Veterinary Behavior

07/14/2025

What is "prey drive" in dogs? Is it different from "reactive" or aggressive behavior? Join our trainer, Lorenzo Fox (FDM, SAPT, PDT, CCUI), for a discussion on these topics, including how we use positive reinforcement principles to train alternative behaviors in dogs who love to chase critters.

When: Tuesday, July 15th at 4:30 PM Pacific Time
Where: Live on Facebook! (Link in bio)

See you there!

07/13/2025

❓ Do you know how to read a dog's body language ❓

Based on these photos, which of these dogs do you think would be comfortable with being petted?

What do you notice from their body language to help you tell whether or not they'd want to be petted? Break it down in the comments ⬇️!

07/11/2025

⭐ Synergy Veterinary Behavior's Reactive Dog Classes ⭐
Held online and at our facility at 2127 NW York St, Portland, OR 97210

Does your dog bark, lunge, or "freak out" when they see other dogs or people on walks? We've got you covered!

Sign up here: https://www.synergybehavior.com/dog-group-classes/

🐶 Reactive Rover: Homeschool: Starts Mon, 7/14 at 6:30 PM
Our 4-week-long virtual class, where you'll learn practical and fun foundational skills to build upon for quick improvements and easy learning!

🐶 Control Unleashed: Reactive to Resilient 1: Starts Weds, 8/20 at 5:30pm
Our 6-week-long in-person class, based on the acclaimed book series and training program created by Leslie McDevitt. You and your pup will work on deepening your team’s communication, engagement, and agency as you face increasingly challenging environments.
*It is recommended, but not required, to take Reactive Rover: Homeschool first. You will be expected to have confident leash handling skills, a basic understanding of reward markers and reward delivery, and the ability to reasonably redirect and engage your dog in the presence of other dogs and humans.

07/10/2025

What can behavioral treatment look like when you come in for a Behavior Health Assessment or Bite-Sized Behavior Consult?

First, we want to make sure your pet’s behavior is manageable both at home and out in the world. Preventing unwanted behaviors from being practiced is a critical part of treatment because the more a behavior is repeated, the more ingrained and resistant to change it becomes.

Second, we’ll begin behavior therapy and behavior modification to support long-term changes. This includes teaching alternative and incompatible behaviors, and using desensitization and counter-conditioning to help your pet feel better about their triggers. These exercises should happen in controlled settings and at a pace your pet can handle successfully.

Third, we may consider using medications, supplements, or other supportive therapies. These can help reduce stress and improve your pet’s ability to learn and respond to training.

Fourth, we’ll continue to re-evaluate the treatment plan based on your pet’s progress, your goals, and any life changes that could be affecting behavior.

Each patient is an individual, so treatment plans are tailored to best support the pet in front of us!

07/09/2025

❓ How can we help reactive dogs and their handlers? 🐶

Because the world could use more kindness, courtesy, and understanding, we created this post to help spread awareness and support for those of us living with reactive pups.

Reactive dogs aren’t “bad” dogs! Their humans are often working hard to manage and improve behaviors like barking, lunging, or growling.
But sometimes, things happen. Dogs get surprised, space runs out, or we just can’t get away fast enough.

💙 Give them space! If you see someone crossing the street or moving away after noticing you, let them pass or maintain distance before you continue.

💙 Avoid staring—especially your dog! A direct stare can feel threatening to dogs. Teach your pup to look at you on walks instead by playing an attention game.

💙 Leash your dog unless you're in a designated off-leash area. It's often the law, and it keeps everyone safer. Your dog included.

💙 Don't approach unknown dogs without asking. Your dog might be friendly, but the one they’re excited to greet may not want that kind of interaction.

💙 If you're running, biking, or jogging, cross the street when passing a dog—especially from behind. Sudden movement can startle dogs and leave them with no escape route.

💙 Please don’t take it personally if someone moves away. It’s usually not about you! Reactive dogs just need space. Many of us would be more than happy to wave from afar!

🐾 A little awareness goes a long way—pass it on by sharing this post!

07/09/2025

If no one in your house likes the litter box, including your cat, we have problems! 🐱😳
Join Jenn, our Veterinary Behavior Technician, for an informative look into litter boxes and some ways to make them better for you and your feline housemates.

07/08/2025

📖 Behavior Term Tuesday ➡️ ➡️ Weaving

Weaving is a repetitive behavior in horses where they shift weight from one foreleg to another in a rhythmic motion, while also moving their head and neck side-to-side. Weaving may be induced by stress, frustration, or disregulation.

Affected horses will often weave for hours on end. This can result in weight loss, muscle fatigue, uneven and excessive wearing of their shoes or hooves, and dehydration. All efforts should be made to minimize and ideally extinguish this behavior due to the harm it can cause.

07/08/2025

07/07/2025

If no one in your house likes the litter box, including your cat, we have problems! 🐱😳

Join Jenn, our Veterinary Behavior Technician, for an informative look into litter boxes and some ways to make them better for you and your feline housemates.

When: TOMORROW! Tuesday, July 8th at 5:00 PM (Pacific Time)
Where: Live! On Facebook

See you there!
P.S. We'd love to see pics of your kitties! 📷

07/06/2025

⭐ Lorenzo will be hosting a webinar for the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors - APBC this Thursday, July 10th, starting at 12:00 PM Pacific Time! ⭐

🩺 Rehearse and Repair: Practical Problem-Solving for the Vet-Phobic Patient

Get your ticket here: https://www.apbc.org.uk/Events/rehearse-and-repair/

This presentation will be geared towards veterinary professionals and trainers and will provide them with pathways towards achieving successful veterinary procedures for animals showing moderate to severe signs of stress in veterinary settings.

07/04/2025

🇺🇸 Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸
We hope you and your pets are staying safe, comfortable, and finding some joy today, especially during the loud moments ❤️

As we celebrate this holiday, we’re reminded that July 4th is not just about fireworks and BBQs. It’s a day to reflect on the values of freedom and independence, and to recognize that those rights must extend to everyone, regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or background.

Thank you to those who continue to work towards building a more just, inclusive, and compassionate country.
Here’s to building a future where no one is left out of the promise of freedom. 💙

07/02/2025

🎆 Setting up your pet's "Zen Den" for July 4th 🎇

Fireworks can be fun for us, but for many pets, they’re anything but. If your furry friend struggles during loud celebrations, you're not alone. Let's help keep them calm, safe, and as stress-free as possible this July 4th. 💥🐾

1. Pick a quiet area of your home. This can be a bedroom, bathroom, or office space. Make sure your pet has spent time in here beforehand.
2. Cover any windows with curtains or blankets. This will block visuals of the fireworks, but can also provide some noise-buffering.
3. Set up a speaker or white noise machine. If you choose to play music, go for classical, reggae, or bioacoustics.
4. Provide enrichment throughout the time they will spend here if they will eat. Aim for higher-value items like frozen Toppls, a long-lasting chew, or snufflemats/treat-dispensing toys.
5. Provide access to food, water, their favorite beds and blankets, and any other items they may find comforting.

Be sure to give any medications for stress as directed by your pet's vet ahead of time. Some of you may need to start these medications a few days before the 4th if you're in an area that expects multiple fireworks shows.

⭐️ Preparation for next year: ⭐️
If your pet experiences stress from the 4th, start working on playing firework noises at a low volume while they are doing something they enjoy (playing, getting treats, receiving enrichment). Start at a low enough volume where they do not show any signs of fear/stress, and gradually increase the volume over time. Practice this for a few minutes every day until you can have it on "full blast" (ha) without them minding. If the volume worries your pet, decrease it back to a level they can handle or end the practice session by tossing some treats around them. For extreme phobias, you may need professional help. If that's the case, please reach out to us! 💙