Why Behavioural Medication Fails — And What Makes It Work

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 clarity, structure, and shared responsibility. Because when behavioural medication is the only thing in place, we don’t know what it’s helping—or what it’s missing.

Whether you’re a professional, a vet, or a caregiver making hard decisions, this episode offers a structured, hopeful approach to using medication within a plan—not as the plan.

Want to learn more, read my academic paper: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/391899664_Systems_Thinking_in_Dog_Medication