Dr. Michelle Posage
Dr. Michelle Posage holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Michigan State University (1998), as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology with concentrations in neurobiology and animal behavior, also from MSU (1994).
Dr. Posage’s interest in pet behavior started when she was an adoption counselor for an animal shelter during her years at Michigan State. After vet school, she practiced as a small animal primary care veterinarian in Nashua, NH before limiting her practice to applied animal behavior. Veterinarians and dog trainers have trusted their patients and clients with Dr. Posage for over 16 years.
Dr. Posage loves to share her passion for animals with others and enjoyed teaching undergraduate courses in animal behavior and science at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH for 5 years before devoting herself full time to her practice of applied pet behavior.
Crystal Dristiliaris
Crystal began working for Dr. Posage in 2017. She grew up in New York with many rescue cats and dogs and has loved animals from a young age. In 2013 she left a long time career in Insurance to pursue her passion of working with animals and attended classes at North Shore Community College in Danvers, where she earned her Animal Care Specialist Certificate. She loves helping people and talking to people about their pets. When not working for Dr. Posage, she can be found with her family watching movies, in her garden trying to keep plants alive, and enjoying time with her Boston Terrier mixes, Molly & Rudy. She also volunteers at Lowell Humane Society in Lowell, Massachusetts.
Building a Plan Together
Chronic pet behavior problems are complex, and sometimes the treatment is as well. Obedience training is not always the answer. Our goal is to repair and preserve the bond between people and their pets by explaining the behavior problem, identifying attainable goals and outlining the steps needed to reach desired outcomes. We want pet owners to leave with a better understanding of their pet as well as a comprehensive and practical plan to implement with support and understanding.
Environmental Management
The first step in a successful behavior treatment plan is to learn how to set your pet up for success. It is important to prevent the rehearsal of unwanted behavior and prevent harmful situations. We will help everyone work together to establish safe, sustainable management routines.
Behavior Modification
We will help you define achievable goals and introduce techniques to help change your pet’s emotional reaction to triggering situations. You will receive a detailed written report outlining behavior modification exercises in customized plan with helpful resource links.
Treatment
Many chronic and severe behavior problems are rooted in how a pet regulates emotions such as anxiety and stress. Medications and supplements can help clear a path to better behavior as well as help your pet feel less guarded and worried. We can help you choose the right treatment.