Much Ado About Naughty
It was an honor for Isabel to sit down with Dr. Christopher Pachel of the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Pachel is one of fewer than 100 Animal Behaviorists in the WORLD! In this episode, Isabel and Dr. Pachel discuss what it takes to become a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and earn the right to call oneself an Animal Behaviorist. Apart from a Veterinary degree, and a bunch of research and on-the-job training, Dr. Pachel describes his 4+ year process of obtaining ACVB certification in the show's first game, "What's a Behaviorist?"
In the second part of the show, they discuss the role Vet Behaviorists play vs. traditional veterinarians and certified dog trainers. Dr. Pachel describes vet behaviorists as psychiatrists, psychologists, and even social workers. Isabel is always thrilled to hear that support exists for our furry and four-legged companions. Dr. Pachel specializes in cats and dogs and is a true legend in the pet industry.
BIO:
Dr. Pachel received his veterinary degree from the University of MN in 2002 and worked as a general practitioner for two years in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area prior to the start of his behavior residency program. He operated a house-call behavior practice in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area until 2010 and became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists in 2010. He spent 3.5 years of his residency period under the mentorship of Jacqui Neilson, DVM, DACVB at the Animal
Behavior Clinic in Portland, OR before purchasing the practice from her in 2011.
As the owner and primary clinician for the Animal Behavior Clinic, he brings an approach to behavioral therapy which combines learning theory, medical training, and experience along with compassion and effective communication to create a balanced treatment plan that is tailored to the individual patient’s needs. Dr. Pachel’s methodology emphasizes the importance of the human animal bond and the role that companion animals play in the lives of their families.
Outside of direct patient care, Dr. Pachel lectures regularly throughout the US and Canada, and has taught undergraduate and professional courses in veterinary behavior at the University of MN and at the Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. He has published research on feline water consumption preferences, wrote a book chapter on Intercat Aggression for the May 2014 issue of Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, and is co-author of a book chapter on Pet Selection for Animal Assisted Therapy.
In his spare time away from the office, Dr. Pachel enjoys distance running, strength training, yoga, and weekend RV excursions. He is a supporter of beer festivals, wineries, and the Portland food scene, and is always looking for new recommendations for places to visit. He shares his home with his partner of 16 years (who happens to be a veterinarian as well) and a Bull / Rat Terrier cross named Corneliuz.