Veterinary Behavior Consultations

History
Dr. Martin grew up in a multi-pet household of dogs, cats, birds, and many other exotic pocket pets. He has owned multiple different breeds of dog and began training dogs for AKC obedience and conformation when he was just eight years old. He has trained and handled dogs in Conformation, Obedience, Agility, Search and Rescue, Dog Therapy, and Ringsports.

Training Philosophy
Dr. Martin is highly dedicated to collaborating with pet owners and veterinarians to control undesirable behavioral issues & training problems. Veterinary Behavior Consultations specializes in both dog behavior and cat behavior.

Services
Veterinary Behavior Consultations offers a variety of services, including:

• In-Person Behavior Consultations: These consultations are available in the Central Texas region and involve a meeting at their Spicewood, Texas facility. The initial consultation typically lasts for one to one and a half hours and is provided by Dr. Kenneth Martin. Consultations range in price from $550 to $650 USD depending on the species and behavioral concerns. A follow-up consultation is suggested within 3 months of the initial appointment (~ $150-$175 USD).
• LONG-DISTANCE BEHAVIOR CONSULTATIONS with Veterinarians: These consultations are provided worldwide directly with veterinarians. Consultations can be initiated by completing a Patient Referral Form for Remote/Video Consultations and submitting a copy of the pet's medical history. Your client must also submit the appropriate new appointment behavior history form. After reviewing the medical and behavior history and discussing treatment recommendations with you, Dr. Martin will send a consultation summary and resources to assist with your treatment of the case. Remote/video consultations are $375 USD payable by the veterinary hospital prior to the consultation and includes up to 6 weeks of email follow-up support with Dr. Martin.
• Private Training Lessons: Private training lessons may be available for existing clients with dog behavior problems or clients who are training for dog sports.
• Seminars: Veterinary Behavior Consultations offers behavior and training seminars for dog trainers, veterinarians, vet techs, and pet owners. They offer seminars on a wide variety of animal behavior and training topics, including clicker training, problem solving and prevention, or behavior tools and modification techniques. They also offer a Puppy Start Right for Instructors Course to help people start offering Puppy Start Right Socialization Group Classes in their facility.

Certifications
Dr. Kenneth Martin is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and a licensed practicing veterinarian in the great state of Texas. He is a Fear Free Certified Professional. Debbie Martin is a KPA CTP, LVT, VTS (Behavior).

Specializations
Veterinary Behavior Consultations specializes in both dog behavior and cat behavior. They specialize in behavior issues such as aggression, fear, and separation anxiety.

Training Methods
Dr. Martin and Debbie Martin use a variety of training methods, including positive reinforcement, clicker training, and behavior modification techniques. They are known for their humane and effective approach to training.

Customer Reviews

— Kris with Sage & Lilli
My dogs responded well to the humane methods prescribed by Dr. Martin and I am very pleased with the progress they've made.
— Renee with Gretchen, Sarah & Isabelle
I don’t know where I would be without their help, patience, expertise and guidance all these years. I have learned so much from them and I am so grateful to have found them.
— Tink and Taz Austin, Texas
My young beagle had anxiety about being touched and handled and after he snapped at a vet tech while in post-op for neutering, I had to do something. After working with two different trainers and not seeing results, I reached out to VBC. They spent about an hour with my dog in an in-person observation, then provided me with a very personalized program for him that took about 20 mins daily to practice. We also discussed my dog’s progress weekly via phone or email and made modifications to the program as needed. I was hoping for any improvement I could get...what I got was a life-changing experience of learning and bonding. The VBC approach is rooted in positivity. They teach you how to understand your animal’s signals and body language and use positive reinforcement to mitigate anxiety. Once you can understand your pet’s cues, you use this knowledge to gradually work with him to help resolve his issues in a true animal-canine partnership. The exercises are very gradual - they build on each other over time- and easy to do. Within 3 months, my dog was doing significantly better; within 6 months, the difference was amazing. I saw his anxieties gradually melt away. His big test was his annual exam. He completed the entire physical, two shots and a heartworm test without even needing a muzzle. The whole vet’s office was talking about how well he did and congratulating him as we left! My friends also tell me how much happier and mellower he has become.
Before we started VBC, I could barely touch him without him showing anxiety, growling and getting mouthy. He also displayed leash aggression. He now plays without getting too rough, routinely jumps on my lap, gives me kisses, takes belly rubs happily, snuggles with me while watching TV, is much more comfortable with new people and is much easier to walk. I feel like I understand him so much better because I have learned how his body language conveys his feelings. I can help him be successful in any situation by understanding his comfort level and acting accordingly to support him. He has blossomed, and I have learned an amazing amount by working with him.
— Adrienne
We now have the confidence to be able to handle whatever negative situations that might occur... We could not have achieved this without the help, guidance, and encouragement of Dr. Ken and Debbie. They call or email us on a regular basis. They are only a phone call or email away if we have any problems or concerns.

Media Appearances
Dr. Martin is an international lecturer, a published author in scientific journals and texts, and an experienced educator who has helped thousands of pets with emotional and behavioral issues.