Veterinarian + Behavior Consultations
When you are struggling with a behavior issue that may have an underlying medical component, it can be very difficult to know where to turn for advice. Should you go to your vet? Should you go to your trainer? Do you need to go to both? Can you trust them to communicate with one another? To make matters worse, all of the titles that trainer give themselves are confusing. Is this guy really a behaviorist? What does that mean? Is it a reasonable cost?
You shouldn’t have to waste have your life reading crummy articles online or burn through your savings account trying out every option in town, only to fall over and over gain and watch your behavior issue worsen. We know firsthand how stressful this can be, and we were eager to find a solution.
Introducing Veterinarian - Behavior Consultations
We have partnered with Dr Miller of Nearfield Vet to provide in-person, tandem consultations for folks whose dogs are struggling with behavior issues that require both training and medical attention.
Here’s how it works:
Schedule an appointment.
Come with your dog to our training facility on W85th street.
Meet with two experts at once: Dr Miller (a veterinarian with extensive knowledge of behavior) and Melissa Arbitman (a certified dog trainer with extensive experience addressing even the most intense behavioral concerns).
Melissa and Dr Miller will assess your dog, your goals, and your history before making recommendations for moving forward and working to meet your training goals with a focus on both health and wellness in tandem.
We are also available to work with your current vet! It’s a little more complicated but you have someone you already trust, we’d be happy to meet with you and give them a call. For years, we’ve helped clients overcome their behavior challenges by collaborating with local veterinarians to provide both medical and behavioral expertise.
The important thing is that you get the help you need asap. Sessions are now available on 5/18, 6/15, 7/13, 8/17 & 9/21.
Call us to book if you do not see availability.
*Note: We are not board-certified veterinary behaviorists! Recently, the only veterinary behavior practice in NYC closed it’s doors, and we all miss them. Believe it or not, there are only 88 diplomates (that’s what they’re called) of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists in the entire country! To find one of those folks, click here. A board-certified veterinary behaviorist is a Phd-level specialist straddling two different fields (unlike that snake-oily shmo down your block who claims to be a behaviorist, but is actually not one at all). Veterinary Behaviorists are experts in both veterinary medicine and behavioral modification. They are awesome, but rare.
My name is Matt Miller, and I have been practicing as a small animal general practitioner in NYC for the past five years. My interest in veterinary medicine began when I was a teenager working in an animal shelter in my home state of Kentucky. From administering medication to the sick, crusty kittens with upper respiratory infections, to changing fluid bags for puppies battling parvovirus, there was always something beautiful (nearly magical) about taking away suffering with medical knowledge and expertise.
From my time working with these animals, and in the course of my education, I developed a deep interest in animal behavior: the way dogs and cats experience fear, stress, and anxiety; or the way systemic problems like allergies or undiagnosed chronic pain contribute to behavior changes.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, running, and helping my wife with her life-saving work at Muddy Paws Rescue.
Melissa Arbitman is a dedicated lifelong resident of New York City with a deep and enduring commitment to dogs. Her passion for dog training was ignited at the age of fourteen through her volunteer work with local rescue organizations.
Building upon her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hunter College, Melissa pursued specialized education at the San Francisco Academy for Dog Trainers. Graduating with honors, she gained a comprehensive understanding of learning theory and science-based dog training methodologies.
Upon her return to NYC, Melissa successfully managed her own dog walking and training business for several years. Her dedication to animal welfare then led her back to shelter work, where she contributed to the behavior department at the Monmouth County SPCA. For seven years, prior to joining the team at AGDT, Melissa held the significant role of Canine Behavior and Outreach Trainer at Animal Care Centers of NYC. In this capacity, she applied her expertise to enhance the well-being and adoptability of countless dogs within the city's shelter system.
Melissa is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and brings her valuable skills and experience to the team at Amanda Gagnon Dog Training. She resides in NYC with her Pit Bull mix, Pippa.