Posage Veterinary Behavior Services

For pet owners in Merrimack and across the beautiful state of New Hampshire, grappling with challenging pet behaviors can be a source of immense frustration and concern. When typical training methods fall short, and your beloved companion is struggling with issues like anxiety, aggression, or phobias, finding a specialized expert is crucial. Enter Posage Veterinary Behavior Services, located right here in Merrimack, NH. Led by the highly acclaimed Dr. Michelle Posage, this clinic offers a unique and invaluable resource for addressing complex animal behavior problems, helping to restore harmony and deepen the bond between pets and their human families.

Dr. Posage holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Michigan State University (1998) and a Bachelor of Science in Zoology with concentrations in neurobiology and animal behavior (1994). Her interest in pet behavior began during her time as an animal shelter adoption counselor. After practicing as a small animal primary care veterinarian in Nashua, NH, she decided to limit her practice exclusively to applied animal behavior, a field she has passionately served for over 16 years. Veterinarians and dog trainers across the region have trusted their patients and clients with her expertise. Dr. Posage also previously taught undergraduate courses in animal behavior and science at the University of New Hampshire, further solidifying her deep understanding and passion for animal behavior.

At Posage Veterinary Behavior Services, the approach is rooted in understanding the underlying causes of behavioral issues, which often have complex medical or psychological components. As reviews consistently highlight, Dr. Posage is not only an "amazing behavioral therapist" but also incredibly "kind" and "patient." Her team, including the "NICEST. LADY. EVER." Crystal (Dristiliaris), is dedicated to providing supportive, knowledgeable, and empathetic guidance to pet owners, helping them navigate challenging behaviors with constructive criticism and frank discussions, always with the goal of significant progress and improved quality of life for your pet.

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Posage Veterinary Behavior Services is conveniently located at 22 Greeley St UNIT 7, Merrimack, NH 03054, USA. This accessible location in Merrimack makes it a practical choice for pet owners across southern New Hampshire, including Nashua, Bedford, Manchester, and surrounding towns who are seeking specialized behavioral veterinary care.

Situated in a well-established area, the clinic is easy to find, minimizing any stress associated with travel for both pets and their owners. Given that many behavioral issues can be exacerbated by stressful environments, the ease of access to a dedicated behavior specialist is particularly beneficial. While appointments are structured for individual attention, knowing the location is straightforward helps ensure a calm arrival. For those driving, the address is clear for GPS navigation, making it a convenient destination for critical behavioral consultations in our New Hampshire community.

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Posage Veterinary Behavior Services focuses exclusively on diagnosing and treating a wide range of complex animal behavior problems. Dr. Michelle Posage's expertise allows for a comprehensive approach that considers both medical and behavioral factors contributing to a pet's issues.

• Behavior Consultations: These extensive consultations involve a detailed review of your pet's history questionnaire, a physical examination (if safe and non-distressing for the pet), and potential recommendations for medical diagnostic tests to identify any underlying health issues linked to behavioral problems. The goal is to assist owners in understanding their pets better and developing a more harmonious relationship.
• Individualized Behavior Treatment Plans: Following diagnosis, a comprehensive and customized plan is developed. This plan typically includes:
  • Safety and Management: Guidance on using appropriate training tools, preventing injuries, and managing the environment to keep your pet and others safe and happy.
  • Behavior Modification and Training: Specific techniques and exercises for dogs, which may include leadership exercises, obedience, relaxation, and impulse-control training. For cats, this could involve environmental enrichment and addressing litter box issues.
  • Medical Recommendations and Anxiety Treatment: When necessary, medical care in the form of diagnostics or treatment will be advised, along with nutrition and exercise recommendations. If anxiety is a factor, pharmacological anxiety treatments or alternative therapy options are discussed and prescribed.
• Behavior Assessment Tests: Dr. Posage conducts behavior assessment tests for animals being considered for foster/adoption or those with "dangerous dog" designations. These assessments can also provide information on an animal's suitability for specific job performances (e.g., service animals, competitive sports).
• Virtual Visits: For clients who are minimizing travel or for whom in-person visits are difficult, phone or video consultations (via Zoom) are offered. These virtual sessions are ideal for discussing progress, refining treatment plans, and live-time coaching on behavior modification exercises in the pet's home environment. (Note: Medication cannot be prescribed without an in-person examination.)
• Legal Consulting: Dr. Posage is available for consultation regarding animal behavior in legal matters, such as dog bite lawsuits, providing expert insights into animal behavior.
• Externships: The clinic supports future veterinary professionals by offering externships and preceptorships for veterinary students and veterinary technology students.

Dr. Posage sees any behavior problem in any species, though primarily dogs and cats. She can also assist with behavior issues for horses, birds, and other species. Common problems treated include: aggression (growling, snapping, biting), separation anxiety, fearfulness, phobias (e.g., storm/noise), compulsive disorders (e.g., excessive grooming, tail chasing), unruliness (e.g., jumping on people), house soiling/litter box issues, and sudden changes in behavior, including those related to cognitive dysfunction in senior pets.

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Posage Veterinary Behavior Services is distinguished by several key features and highlights that are consistently praised by their New Hampshire clientele.

• Dr. Michelle Posage's Exceptional Expertise: Clients uniformly describe Dr. Posage as an "amazing behavioral therapist." Her deep knowledge, derived from years of specialized practice and a strong academic background in animal behavior and neurobiology, allows her to effectively address even the most complex and serious behavioral problems. Her ability to identify root causes and provide accurate prognoses is highly valued.
• Kind, Patient, and Sympathetic Approach: Dr. Posage and her staff are repeatedly commended for their kindness, patience, and sympathetic demeanor towards both animals and their owners. This compassionate environment is crucial for pets struggling with fear or anxiety, and for owners who may feel overwhelmed or embarrassed by their pet's behavior.
• Constructive and Frank Discussions: While empathetic, the team is also praised for their direct and honest communication. They provide "gentle constructive criticism and frank discussions" about what a dog can and cannot do, which, though sometimes challenging to hear, is essential for truly making progress.
• Highly Effective Strategies and Tangible Progress: Pet owners consistently report significant improvements and "great improvements" in their pets' behavior after working with Dr. Posage. The tailored plans and suggestions are described as "really good" and lead to measurable progress, even in cases where other providers have fallen short.
• Supportive and Welcoming Staff (Crystal is the NICEST!): The office staff, particularly Crystal, receives glowing accolades for being incredibly "nice" and supportive. Their friendly and caring attitude enhances the overall positive experience for clients, making scheduling and follow-up pleasant interactions.
• Comprehensive and Individualized Plans: The clinic's focus on creating customized behavior treatment plans, encompassing safety, management, behavior modification, and medical recommendations, ensures a holistic approach to each pet's unique needs. This contrasts with generic solutions, leading to more effective outcomes.
• Willingness to Address a Wide Range of Complex Issues: Dr. Posage handles a broad spectrum of challenging behaviors, including aggression, severe anxiety, phobias, and compulsive disorders, in various species, not just dogs and cats. This specialized focus makes her a go-to resource for difficult cases.
• Emphasis on Understanding the Pet: The service aims to help owners "better understand" why their pet performs undesirable behaviors, fostering a deeper connection and more compassionate relationship between people and their pets.
• Acknowledged Waiting List (Due to High Demand): The existence of a waiting list, as mentioned in reviews, indirectly serves as a testament to the high demand and exceptional reputation of Dr. Posage's services within the New Hampshire veterinary community.

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To learn more about Posage Veterinary Behavior Services or to schedule a consultation for your pet, please use the contact details below:

Address: 22 Greeley St UNIT 7, Merrimack, NH 03054, USA

Phone: (603) 589-4848

Mobile Phone: +1 603-589-4848

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For pet owners in Merrimack and across New Hampshire who are navigating the complexities of their pet's challenging behaviors, Posage Veterinary Behavior Services offers an unparalleled and highly suitable resource. This is not a general veterinary clinic; it is a dedicated center for specialized animal behavior therapy, led by the immensely talented and compassionate Dr. Michelle Posage. Her unique blend of veterinary medical knowledge and in-depth understanding of animal psychology allows for the most effective and humane approach to resolving deeply rooted behavioral issues.

What makes this clinic particularly suitable for locals is the consistent affirmation from fellow New Hampshire pet owners about the significant, life-changing progress seen in their animals. The reviews highlight Dr. Posage's patience, kind demeanor, and ability to provide "excellent care," even for complex problems like excitement, jumping, and anxiety. The entire staff, notably Crystal, contributes to an incredibly supportive and understanding environment, which is vital for owners who might feel isolated or frustrated by their pet's actions. The frank yet gentle discussions, while requiring an open mind, are precisely what lead to tangible, lasting improvements.

Furthermore, the clinic's focus on individualized plans that combine safety, behavior modification, and medical recommendations means that locals receive a comprehensive, tailored solution, not a generic quick fix. This dedication to truly understanding and addressing the root causes of behavior, rather than just the symptoms, sets Posage Veterinary Behavior Services apart. For those in New Hampshire seeking genuine relief and a harmonious future with their furry companions, investing in the specialized expertise and compassionate guidance offered by Dr. Posage and her team is undoubtedly a decision that is "absolutely worth it."

Posage Veterinary Behavior Services

22 Greeley St UNIT 7, Merrimack, NH 03054, USA