Q: What exactly is Applied Animal Behavior?
A: The profession of Applied Animal Behavior is a relatively new field (25-30 years) made up of veterinarians, psychologists, and other professionals with advanced degrees in animal behavior and other behavioral and biological sciences. We specialize in applying scientific principles learned from the study of behaviors in the wild (ethology), psychological learning theory, and counseling skills to help people deal with their pet's behavior problems. Humane methods, often involving various behavior modification techniques and sometimes medications, are used to help the owner solve the behavior problem. Only veterinarians who see behavior cases can legally prescribe behavioral medications (along with other important behavior modification tools) that may help many behavior problems in your pet. Veterinary Behaviorists (term reserved for board-certified diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists) have the additional benefit of specific training in psychopharmacology and the medical aspects of the health of your pet and how this affects behavior.

Q: What are some examples of behavior problems in dogs and cats that are treated?
A: Common behavior problems for dogs include aggression, barking, destructiveness, fears and anxieties, digging, house soiling, jumping-up, compulsive problems, ingestion of inappropriate objects, eating disorders, and unruliness as some examples. For cats, housesoiling, spraying, scratching, aggression, excessive grooming, fighting, suckling and kneading are common problems. These are just a few of the many behavioral problems treated in cats and dogs.

Q: What typically happens during a behavior consultation?
A: During an appointment Dr. Melese meets with the family and pet(s) either at his veterinary office (Animal Specialty Group facility in Kearny Mesa) or by house-call. During the appointment a thorough history of the behavior problems is taken (e.g., at what age did it start, how did it progress, when does it occur and with whom, etc.). The pet(s) is evaluated as appropriate and the doctor arrives at a behavioral diagnosis. The final phase of the consultation involves developing a treatment plan and explaining it to the family. The doctor and staff then discuss the plan with the family and, as appropriate, demonstrates how to carry it out, provides handouts, and recommends behavioral aids and follow-up help. A referral letter summarizing behavioral findings and plan is later sent to the family veterinarian, if identified by the owner (most cases are referred by general practice veterinarians). The techniques, procedures and medications used(if any are indicated) are as safe, humane and effective as possible. The prognosis for success is also discussed at this time if appropriate. Note that it is the pet's owners who are responsible for carrying out the treatment plan. Ultimately, only the people living with the pet can effectively change an unwanted behavior.

Q: What are Dr. Melese's credentials for treating behavior cases?
A: Dr. Patrick Melese is a board-certified Veterinary Behaviorist. He is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and former founder and head clinician of the behavior program satellite of the University of California School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Melese is currently the only board-certified Veterinary Behaviorist with a private specialty practice in Southern California. Candidates for Board Certification must already be experienced both in general medicine and surgery, and have advanced training and experience specifically in clinical animal behavior. They must have substantial experience and possess very specific qualifications before being allowed to take an extensive set of examinations. Once the examinations have been passed, the veterinarian is then allowed to be admitted to the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists as a diplomate
Dr. Melese brings 15 years of experience with behavior cases here in San Diego, along with cutting-edge material from the global field of Applied Animal Behavior, to your pet's specific behavior problem. Dr. Melese works with your family veterinarian as needed to help you solve the problem. Unlike a teaching program where you are assigned whatever clinician or resident-in-training is available to see your pet, you can be assured that Dr. Melese himself sees all cases referred to his private specialty behavior service.

Q: What services are offered and what is the charge?
A: Dr. Melese meets with his clients and their pets by appointment only. These meetings are at his San Diego office, or, in some cases, in the client's home. As is the case with other professional medical specialists, the doctor's fees are determined by the time spent applying his expertise toward finding a solution to each person's problem. Fees are charged as an hourly rate, and the amount of time required varies from case to case. Some fees can be viewed on the "policies" page on this site. The initial visits typically last between 2-3 hours but may need less than 2 hours or more than 3 hours depending on the case. In the majority of cases, one consultation is sufficient to work up, diagnose and initiate a treatment plan to help clients solve their pet's problems. However, since most behavioral problems are of a chronic nature, follow-up consultations are usually important for successful long-term changes and to assist the family as they learn and carry out the treatment plan. If medications are part of the treatment plan, follow-up visits are required to monitor and continue that aspect of treatment. To be successful, pet owners should be ready to invest some time and financial resources to solve their problems, just as would be the case for the pet's possible medical or surgical problems. Specific hourly fees should be discussed with the staff member when making your appointment to see Dr. Melese.

Q: How successful is Dr. Melese in helping owners solve behavior problems?
A: If the pet's owners are motivated, capable, and have a reasonably workable schedule, the vast majority of behavior problems can be improved effectively with help from Dr. Melese. Success depends heavily on the people carrying out treatment plans (compliance of owners) and on the individual pet and problem. The prognosis for your pet should be discussed with the doctor at the time of the consultation when the case has been evaluated, and again during the prescribed recheck exams as indicated. If you would like to see what other pet owners have experienced please see the client testimonial page on this site.

Q: Does Dr. Melese see pets other than cats and dogs?
A: Yes. Although cats and dogs currently make up the majority of the behavioral practice, Dr. Melese also sees pet birds, rodents, rabbits, pot-belly pigs and other animals and has consulted on equine and zoological animal cases as well.

Q: How do I schedule an appointment with Dr. Patrick Melese?
A: You can make an appointment by calling 858-259-6115 and leaving a message. A staff member will generally call you back within 8-24 hours (M-F) to make an appointment for you and answer questions you may have about the consulting services. You can speed up this process dramatically by making full use of this website (see below). Our schedule generally does not allow the doctor to come to the phone to speak directly to pet owners prior to an appointment. It is also inappropriate to give diagnostic, treatment or prognostic advice without a valid doctor/client/patient relationship established during the appointment. Your veterinarian can call and speak to Dr. Melese directly if needed prior to your appointment.