On-Demand | AVBM Webinar | Early recognition of significant issues – the approach and management of behaviour problems in animals | Dr Sally Nixon
24 June, 2026 @ 8:00 pm - 26 June, 2027 @ 9:00 pm AEST
Free - $50.00
Behavioural change is usually what prompts veterinary visits. For example, a pet caregiver may see problems such as increased drinking, decreasing eating, increased scratching or decreased play, and start to worry that their pet is unwell, and so schedule a visit. Many other behaviours, such as aggression, repetitive behaviours and excessive vocalisation, also indicate the need for a veterinary investigation.
However, clients may not recognise that the veterinarian is the person they should see for advice, so they may not schedule a consultation to discuss the issue. The affected pet faces delays in appropriate veterinary care or may not get the care they need at all. It is important for veterinary professionals to use techniques that encourage conversations about behaviour, and to recognise what to do when questions about behaviours arise.
Behaviour problems usually represent chronic issues that can’t be cured and need ongoing management. Some problems are more complex than others, for both the animal and their caregiver. As well as supporting the patient, the client needs continued support and understanding.
Who should attend
Veterinarians, Practice Managers, New Grads, Students
Learning outcomes
In this webinar, Dr Sally Nixon will discuss the importance of early recognition, investigation and treatment of behavioural issues. You will learn about developing a behaviour management plan, and the importance of monitoring and making individualised adjustments to the plan.
Further details
Please ensure you are logged into the AVA website before registering.
If you previously registered for the live webinar held on the 24 June 2026, please follow the steps below to access the on demand recording on My Learning:
- Browse to https://mylearning.ava.com.au
- Click on the Personal account button
- If you are prompted, log in with your AVA website account*
- When you land on the My Learning Home Page, click on the Record of Learning button. IMPORTANT: the webinar course will appear in approximately 5 minutes. You can refresh your browser during this time to speed up the process a little.
* Don’t have an AVA website account? Click here to create an account and follow the prompts. Following this, your account and the on demand webinar will be available within the next hour. After this time, please return to the steps above.
Our speakers
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- Name
- Dr Sally Nixon
- Biography
Dr Sally Nixon graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Melbourne in 2000 and worked primarily in mixed general practice and occasional small animal practice before focusing on behavioural medicine. Sally completed her 6-year Residency in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine in 2025 to become a Fellow of the ANZCVS Veterinary Behaviour chapter and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, allowing her endorsement as a Registered Specialist.
Sally provides behavioural medicine services from her behavioural medicine practice, Animal Progress, based in northeast Victoria.
Sally is a co-tutor for the Centre for Veterinary Education (CVE) Veterinary Behavioural Medicine distance education course, developed the CVE OnDemand canine aggression course, teaches Melbourne Polytechnic’s Bachelor of Veterinary Nursing students in small animal behaviour, and is a consultant for the United States based organisation, Veterinary Information Network (VIN). Sally regularly presents at conferences and via online webinars.
Sally lives on a beef cattle farm in beautiful northeast Victoria with her family, and enjoys hiking, skiing, scuba diving and (most recently) soccer.