Problem Behaviour
These issues are more complex to address and behaviours can include aggression towards dogs or people, separation anxiety and distress, guarding of food or toys, and compulsive behaviours.
I will work with you to resolve these problems by helping to identify and address the underlying emotional issues causing your dog’s behaviour, reducing stress for your dog and yourself while keeping everyone safe.
It can be distressing, embarrassing and isolating to have a dog with problem behaviours. I will support you throughout the journey of changing your dog’s emotional reactions to resolve your issues, using modern techniques with compassion and empathy.
Every programme is tailored to your individual circumstances, with full ongoing support available
Behaviour Consultations
Behaviour consultations usually take place at your home or other location where problems occur.
Examples of common difficulties are;
- Reactivity towards other dogs or people
- Guarding of food, objects, space or other areas
- Aggression towards other dogs or people
- Separation distress (anxiety)
- Phobias, such as fireworks or visiting the vet
- Compulsive behaviours such as spinning or obsessive licking
Resolving behavioural problems is generally a process taking weeks or months, and occasionally a dog’s issues cannot be fully ‘cured.’ Every programme is tailored to your dog and personal circumstances; with patience and commitment the majority of dogs go on to lead fulfilled and contented lives
Package One. Full Behaviour Consultation Process
The Questionnaire;
I will send you a detailed questionnaire online, and also a form for your vet to sign or your consent for me to contact your vet. Some behavioural issues can be affected by medical problems or medication so it can be important your vet is part of the process.
The Telephone Interview;
Once I have received your completed questionnaire and vet referral form we will book a telephone call of approximately 40 minutes to discuss your case. During this call I may make recommendations for you to implement immediately, or we may go straight to booking the first home visit.
The First Consultation;
This will be at your home, or a neutral venue if that better suits your dog. In some cases it is not necessary for your dog to be present initially as our goal is to keep stress and anxiety to a minimum. This session usually lasts approximately and hour and a half, but please allow two hours in your diary. There will be time for you to ask as many questions as you want, and to discuss all aspects of the programme. We may start some practical training, or may implement some lifestyle and management changes first.
The Report;
I will send you a written report after this consultation with my assessment of your dog and recommendations for the most effective ways to progress. It will probably include both management strategies and training exercises. The report is also a reminder of what we discussed and a reference guide to help you with your training between conversations with me.
Ongoing Support;
Depending on your case, I may ask you to keep simple records and email them to me on a regular basis. You are welcome to email or message with any questions relating to the programme discussed in your report at any time. If you have a matter you would like to discuss on the phone, please text or email first so we can arrange a time when I can give you my undivided attention
Follow-up Consultation;
Between one and three months after the initial consultation I will meet with you to assess your progress and initiate any further training packages.
The Package in Summary;
- Fill out questionnaire and return with deposit
- Book phone interview
- Initial consultation
- Written report
- Full email/text/phone support throughout until the second visit
- Follow-up appraisal 1-3 months after initial consultation
The cost of this package is £180 including travel within 20 miles .
A £50 deposit is required before sending your questionnaire, with the full balance to be paid before you book your telephone interview.
Package 2 Consultation with One Home Visit
The Questionnaire;
I will send you a detailed questionnaire online, and also a form for your vet to sign or your consent for me to contact your vet. Some behavioural issues can be affected by medical problems or medication so it can be important your vet is part of the process.
Clarification;
Once I have received your completed questionnaire (and maybe vet referral form) we will book a telephone call to discuss any questions I have relating to the information you have provided and to arrange your home consultation. During this call I may make recommendations for you to implement immediately, or we may go straight to booking the first home visit.
The Home Visit;
It is important your dog is as comfortable and relaxed as possible. In most cases it is not necessary for your dog to be present initially as our goal is to keep arousal to a minimum, so please leave them where they are most comfortable while we have our first conversation.
This session usually lasts approximately and hour and a half, but please allow two hours in your diary. There will be time for you to ask as many questions as you want, and to discuss all aspects of the programme your dog will be following. We will start some practical training and probably implement lifestyle and management changes.
The Report;
I will send you a written report after this consultation with my assessment of your dog and recommendations for the most effective ways to progress. This report is also a reminder of what we discussed and a reference guide to help you with your training between sessions with me.
Ongoing Support;
Included in the package is email and text support for the month following your consultation. Depending on your case, I may ask you to keep simple records and email them to me on a regular basis. You are welcome to email or message with any questions relating to the programme discussed in your report at any time. If you have a matter you would like to discuss on the phone, please text or email first so we can arrange a time when I can give you my undivided attention
The Package in Summary;
- Fill out questionnaire and return with deposit
- Book phone interview
- Initial consultation
- Written report
- Full email/text/phone support for one month
The cost of this package is £130 including travel within 20 miles .
A £50 deposit is required before sending your questionnaire, with the full balance to be paid before you book your telephone interview.
Package Three Behaviour Consultation at the Centre
The Questionnaire;
I will send you a detailed questionnaire online, and also a form for your vet to sign or your consent for me to contact your vet. Some behavioural issues can be affected by medical problems or medication so it can be important your vet is part of the process.
Clarification;
Once I have received your completed questionaire we will arrange a telephone call to discuss any questions I have relating to the information you have provided and to arrange your 1-2-1. During this call I may make recommendations for you to implement immediately, or we may go straight to booking the first home visit.
The 1-2-1 at the Centre
This session usually lasts approximately and hour and a half, but please allow two hours in your diary. There will be time for you to ask as many questions as you want, and to discuss all aspects of the programme your dog will be following. We will start some practical training and probably implement lifestyle and management changes.
The Package in Summary;
- Fill out questionnaire and return with payment
- Phone call for clarification and book 1-2-1 at the Centre
- 1-2-1 session at the Centre approximately 1 ½ hours
The cost of this package is £90.00, payment required at the time of booking.
Please note there is no report or follow-up support included in this package.
I Need Space!
Some dogs are really not at all comfortable in the company of other dogs, and react by lunging and barking. These workshops are for such ‘reactive’ dogs, who would not be comfortable in a normal class setting. They may include dogs who have followed some sort of Behaviour Modification programme, have come out of rescue or had a bad experience that has left them feeling the need to react to other dogs. Having a group of owners experiencing similar difficulties provides a very supportive environment, and we work to each dog’s individual strengths and needs within the group. The exact content of these workshops varies according to the dogs booked in, but we will cover;
- Why dogs become reactive, and how they are feeling during and after
- Learning to read your dog’s body language cues and acting on them
- The use of distance
- The basics of changing your dog’s emotional reaction to the sight or presence of other dogs
- Emergency ‘get out of trouble’ protocols
- Scentwork for calmness
- ‘Checking in’ and the importance of togetherness
- The use of a longline
Extra Help for Behaviour Cases
I am here to help you and your dog succeed in every way possible. I offer individually tailored private lessons in your home or local environment and also at my training centre. My own dogs are trained to help your dog learn calmness and appropriate behaviour in their presence.
Please get in touch to discuss your dog’s needs.