Why Behavioural Medication Fails — And What Makes It Work

The Dog Parentology Podcast by Sparky Smith, MSST, ISCP.DIP.CANINE.PRAC., IAABC - CDBC, MCMA, SSBB

Episode notes

When a caregiver tells me, “I don’t think the medication is working anymore,” I don’t question their commitment. I question the system around the dog.

In this episode, I take you inside a case that started with good intentions, a prescription for fluoxetine, and no plan beyond the pill. Three years later, the dog was still struggling—and no one could explain why.

We’ll look at:

  • The common failure points in how behavioural medication is introduced and sustained
  • Why medication without caregiver support, co-regulation, or behavioural tracking often leads to stagnation
  • What needs to be in place before, during, and after medication to ensure it helps
  • The concept of White Pathway moments—and why spotting them changes everything

This isn’t a critique of medication. It’s a call for clari ... 

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Keywords
dog behaviourdog behaviordog psychologydog braindogneurobiologyreactive dogveterinariandog medicationdog behaviouristveterinarian educationdog medicine