CONTACT PAGE

Veterinary Behavior Consultants-Dr Patrick Melese FAQs-Animal Behavior services Dr. Melese Contact info & Bio Page Pet Behavior Problems-Policies & Fees Forms & links Safety Steps while waiting Testimonials Photos Shelter Program Animal Behavior/"In The News" Blog

New lower cost option for pet owners that cannot afford to see the board certified Veterinary Behaviorist at any of the fee structures above or simply cannot make it in during regular clinic hours: You may be able see Ms. Francine Miller, a non-veterinary independant contractor associated with Veterinary Behavior Consultants who sees clients on Saturdays. Please click here for more information.

 

 Francine Miller earned her certification as a canine obedience instructor from Animal Behavior College in August 2005, where she completed extensive study of learning theory and modern obedience instruction. She then earned a Diploma in Canine Behavior Counseling from the American College of Applied Science (ACAS).  Francine is continuing her studies at ACAS to earn her Master of Science degree in Applied Animal Behavior Science and Family Counseling for Companion Animals, which she expects to complete in the near future. Although she is not a veterinary doctor, her studies have included coursework in ethology, animal behavior, animal learning, conditioning, animal psychology and veterinary psychopharmacology. Francine honed her people skills during 30 years of working in the marketing field before pursuing a professional interest in applied companion animal behavior. Upon completion of her graduate studies, she will apply to the Animal Behavior Society (ABS) for credentialing at the appropriate level of Applied Animal Behaviorist, a nationally recognized credential for graduate level professional behaviorists. Francine currently lives with 1 rescued dog and has recently lost her own cat that she nursed through kidney failure to the ripe old age of 19. She has had a number of other pets throughout her life, including parakeets and hamsters! Francine has been working under the direction of Dr. Patrick Melese since the fall of 2005 and currently sees clients as an independent contractor at Veterinary Behavior Consultants offices in Kearny Mesa on Saturdays.

More information and Biography

Francine E-mail: francine@petbehaviorrx.com

Ms. Francine Miller has been working with companion animals since 2005. Her focus has been on animal behavior and counseling families with pets that have behavioral problems.

Experience: October 2005 to PresentApplied Animal Behavior Counsleor/Independent Contractor forVeterinary Behavior Consultants/Patrick Melese, DVM, DACVB Five years of clinical experience treating dogs and cats with behavior problems. Consulted on hundreds of cases for every type of aggression, separation anxiety, barking, phobias, fear reactions, destructiveness, inappropriate elimination, escape, urine marking, scratching, housesoiling, compulsive disorders and others in dogs and cats. Francine teaches clients various humane approaches to dealing with these problems that may include behavior modification techniques based on learning theory, suggested environmental changes, as well as some obedience training techniques – all part of a behavioral treatment plan.  Education & Certifications: Certification as a canine obedience instructor from Animal Behavior College, Completed extensive study of learning theory and modern obedience instruction.  Diploma in Canine Behavior Counseling from the American College of Applied Science (ACAS).  Master of Science (MS) degree (in progress) in Applied Animal Behavior Science and Family Counseling for Companion Animals, from the American College of Applied Science (ACAS). Completed all coursework and requirements except thesis. Studies included canine and feline behavior, ethology, animal behavior, animal learning, conditioning, animal psychology and veterinary psychopharmacology.  Certification by The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Certified Animal Behavior Consultants are required to demonstrate competency in five core areas including assessment and intervention strategies, counseling skills, behavioral science, knowledge of animal behavior, and species-specific knowledge.Prior experience includes 20+ years in the marketing and advertising fields before pursuing a professional interest in applied companion animal behavior.