Dog Behaviour Consultations
When basic obedience training isn’t enough, you need behaviour expertise. Our consultations go beyond commands to address the emotional and psychological factors driving your dog’s unwanted behaviour.
Behaviour Work vs Obedience Training
There’s an important difference:
Obedience training teaches your dog what to do – sit, stay, come when called.
Behaviour work addresses why your dog does what they do – why they react, why they’re anxious, why they guard resources.
If your dog knows “sit” perfectly but still lunges at other dogs, you don’t need more obedience classes. You need behaviour modification.
Issues We Address
Reactivity
Barking, lunging, or becoming uncontrollable around triggers like other dogs, people, vehicles, or cyclists. Reactivity often stems from fear, frustration, or over arousal. We identify the cause and create a structured programme to help your dog stay calm.
Aggression
Growling, snapping, or biting – whether directed at people, other dogs, or specific situations. Aggression is serious but often very treatable once we understand what’s driving it. We’ll help you manage safety while working on the underlying issues.
Anxiety and Fear
Noise phobias, separation anxiety, fear of strangers, general nervousness. Anxious dogs aren’t being “difficult” – they’re struggling. We use gradual, positive methods to build confidence and reduce stress.
Resource Guarding
Protecting food, toys, sleeping spots, or even people. Guarding is natural dog behaviour but can escalate dangerously. We’ll show you how to manage and modify it safely.
Compulsive Behaviours
Tail chasing, shadow chasing, excessive licking, repetitive pacing. These behaviours often indicate underlying stress or unmet needs. We’ll identify triggers and create management strategies.
The Consultation Process
Step 1: In Depth Assessment
We start with a thorough consultation, typically 90 minutes to 2 hours. We’ll discuss:
- Your dog’s full history
- When the behaviour started
- Specific triggers and patterns
- Previous training attempts
- Your home environment and routine
- Your goals and concerns
Step 2: Behaviour Assessment
Where appropriate, we’ll observe your dog’s behaviour directly – either during the consultation or in a separate session in relevant environments.
Step 3: Written Report
You’ll receive a detailed written report explaining:
- What’s driving the behaviour
- Contributing factors
- Management strategies for immediate safety
- Step by step modification plan
- Realistic timeline and expectations
Step 4: Practical Sessions
Most behaviour cases require follow up practical sessions where we work together with your dog, implementing the plan in real situations.
Step 5: Ongoing Support
Behaviour modification takes time. We provide ongoing email and phone support throughout your journey.
When to Seek Help
Don’t wait for behaviour to escalate. Seek a consultation if your dog:
- Has bitten or attempted to bite
- Shows aggression that’s getting worse
- Is severely anxious or fearful
- Has behaviour affecting your quality of life
- Has been asked to leave training classes
- Makes you feel unsafe or anxious
What We Don’t Do
We believe in ethical, science based methods. We do not use:
- Shock collars or e-collars
- Prong or choke chains
- Physical punishment
- Dominance based methods
- Flooding or forced exposure
Book Your Consultation
Take the first step toward understanding and resolving your dog’s behaviour. Book a consultation and get expert help.