Chicago, IL
Insight Animal Behavior Services
Insight Animal Behavior Services is a veterinary behavior practice that was founded by Dr. Kelly Ballantyne, a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Dr. Ballantyne grew up on the North Shore of Chicago and has been a lifelong animal lover. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2001 and earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2005. After 4 years in general practice, she started a non-traditional residency with the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) under the mentorship of Dr. John Ciribassi. Dr. Ballantyne earned her board certification through ACVB in 2015. Additionally, she worked at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine for 10 years, establishing the College's first behavior service.
Training Philosophy
Insight Animal Behavior Services' mission is to help improve your dog or cat's quality of life and help you to build a healthy relationship with them based on better understanding of their motivations, consistent guidance, and kindness.
Services
Insight Animal Behavior Services offers a variety of services, including:
- Intake Assessments: These are held virtually over Zoom and allow the team to gain a thorough understanding of the issues your dog or cat is struggling with. Prior to this appointment, you will fill out a detailed behavior questionnaire and have your primary care veterinarian send your pet's records. During this one hour appointment, you will discuss your primary concerns in depth with one of the behavior consultants. They will offer management suggestions to assist you until your Veterinary Behavior Evaluation.
- Veterinary Behavior Evaluation: This appointment is held in-person at the clinic with one of the veterinarians. They will incorporate the information obtained during the intake appointment with this veterinary behavior evaluation, which includes review of your pet's medical history, observation of your pet's behavior, a physical examination (if safe to perform), and diagnostic plan. Next, they'll review your pet's diagnosis and prognosis with you and work with you to set up a treatment plan to help you reach your goals.
- Follow-up Consultations: These are held with the Insight vet that conducted your pet's Veterinary Behavior Evaluation. They may be conducted in-person or over video conference or phone. These appointments allow the vets to evaluate your dog or cat's response to the treatment plan and adjust accordingly for continued progress. Follow up evaluations are typically scheduled every 3 months following the veterinary behavior evaluation early in the course of treatment to ensure continued progress towards your goals. Once your pet's behavior has stabilized, follow up consultations should be scheduled every 6 months or management of your pet's treatment and prescription medications can be transferred back to your primary care veterinarian.
- Vet to Vet Teleconsultations: This service is available to veterinarians around the world. If you are a veterinarian that would like to discuss the use of medical therapy for one of your behavior patients, have a behavior patient that needs immediate triage, or would like to expand your behavior medicine skillset, contact Insight to schedule a Vet to Vet teleconsultation.
- Human Support Services: Insight offers a free, 90 minute support group facilitated by Valerie Bogie, a Behavior Consultant and the Administrative Manager for Insight Animal Behavior Services. Support group meetings take place once a month. The goal is to offer support around the emotions, stressors, and impacts of having a pet with behavior challenges. Insight also offers 1:1 Support Sessions, which are a safe space where you are able to share and be heard by someone who understands your situation with your pet. Valerie is certified in Emotional CPR and earned a Veterinary Human Support Certificate at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. These Support Sessions are available to anyone and you do not need to be an Insight client to schedule.
Certifications
Dr. Kelly Ballantyne is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB).
Dr. Kristin Kuntz is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB).
Dr. Margaret Drewno is a resident with the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB).
Valerie Bogie is certified in Emotional CPR, earned a Veterinary Human Support Certificate through the University of Tennessee Knoxville and is Fear Free Certified.
Specializations
Insight Animal Behavior Services specializes in treating a variety of behavioral issues in dogs and cats, including:
- Aggression towards people and/or animals
- Aggression towards the pet owner or other household members
- Generalized anxiety
- Separation anxiety
- Fear of loud noises
- Repetitive behaviors/compulsive behaviors
- Self-injury
- Hyperactivity
- Excessive barking/vocalizing
- House soiling
Training Methods
Insight Animal Behavior Services uses a variety of evidence-based training methods, including:
- Positive reinforcement training
- Classical conditioning
- Operant conditioning
- Counterconditioning
- Desensitization
Media Appearances
Interviews with Dr. Ballantyne have been published in the Wall Street Journal, Real Simple, National Geographic, JAVMA News, PetMD, Pet Coach, the Dodo, and Catster. She has spoken on radio interviews and podcasts with WBEZ Chicago, WILL Urbana, Steve Dale's Pet World, Raising Your Paws, and Animal Academy Podcast and has appeared on television on WGN, WCIU, and NBC Chicago.
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
