There is also an ethical tension regarding "convenience" behaviors. Should a vet medicate a dog for separation anxiety if the owner works 12-hour days? Or is the solution a dog walker, a daycare, or rehoming? Veterinary behaviorists argue that psychopharmaceuticals should be used to facilitate learning and reduce distress, not to render an animal compliant with an unsuitable lifestyle.
Animal behavior is shaped by a combination of genetics, past experiences, and the current environment. zooskool horse ultimate animal full
Despite progress, hurdles remain. Many general practice vets report feeling ill-equipped to handle severe behavioral cases due to a lack of undergraduate curriculum time. Furthermore, there is a shortage of board-certified veterinary behaviorists—there are fewer than 100 DACVBs in North America, compared to thousands of generalists. There is also an ethical tension regarding "convenience"