Behaviour Help - The best way to help your dog

Upset by your dog's behaviour?
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Have you had enough?

Is your dog driving you crazy?

Has your best friend become your worst nightmare?

It’s embarrassing and sometimes scary when your dog misbehaves. You know your dog can be loving and sweet, but at times it’s like he’s had a personality transplant.

You know things can’t go on as they are, it’s become overwhelming and you just want to live a normal life.

You blame yourself for not being able to fix it and think it must be something you have done, or not done, that has meant things have got worse rather than better.

You know there’s no magic wand, but you really wish there was. You just want everyone to see the same dog you do when he is snuggled up next to you.

Your dog isn’t trying to annoy you or get one over on you. He’s most likely scared, anxious or frustrated and you need to understand how he’s feeling and why, in order to help him effectively.

You might feel like your dog is out of control and you’re not sure how to fix it. If this sounds like you, don’t worry! You are not alone.

Behaviour problems often bring with them the possibility of someone or something getting hurt if things go wrong. Whether your dog hurts someone else, another dog or gets hurt himself, living with this possibility every day is stressful and exhausting.

You need help from someone who understands and will build a plan that will minimise risk while addressing the problem.

How it works

tell me about the problem

01. Book a free discovery call

Let’s talk about your furry friend.

Fill out a short form to tell me about your problem(s).

Book the appointment.

Then at the appointment time I’ll call you.

Let’s talk

02. Talking about it

When we speak I’ll ask you about your goals for your dog and how much time you’ll be able to commit to working on them. Don’t worry it won’t take hours every day to see the changes you want. You’ll be surprised how quickly your dog will learn to behave better.

I’ll be able to advise you what service is going to be the best fit for you and your dog. 

Make the booking

03. Book your package

After the discovery call I’ll recommend the behaviour package (or other service(s)) I think you’ll need and how to book so we can get started.

It will be necessary to obtain a referral from your dog’s veterinary surgeon for a behaviour package. This is in order to rule out any possible medical causes for the behaviour problem.

I’ll give you all the information you’ll need to take to your vet and it’s usually quite straight forward, although your dog may need to be seen by the vet before they can refer.

Take action

04. During the package

The packages are intensively coached so you should start seeing results quickly.

I won’t leave you overwhelmed with a big report and tell you to call in four weeks.

Instead we’ll start with an initial online consultation that will include coaching on your first steps and we’ll keep in touch throughout the package.

You’ll have your own online area to access any reports or learning materials as we go through the package together.

Packages are made up of several in person or online coaching sessions along with video feedback to check progress. 

I’ll give you what you need to work on piece by piece, gradually taking you through the behaviour change plan.

The rest of your lives together

05. After the package

At the end of the package we’ll assess together where you are and what the best next steps might be.

You should be in much better shape than when you started and may be happy to walk off into the sunset with your dog to enjoy the rest of your lives together.

Or you might still feel you need a bit of help. Due to the nature of behaviour it’s difficult to know when something is “done”. There’s never really an obvious cut off point.

That’s why I have further support packages available for any client that has completed a coached behaviour package. Or maybe joining one of my rehab groups will work for you, or even a class. Either way you won’t just be dropped at the end of the package.

Get started

Book your free discovery call

Want to work with me and get started on changing your dog’s behaviour?

Take the first step
See Example Behaviour Packages
Example packages
Still have questions?
Behaviour FAQs

Example Behaviour Packages

Premium

Package

Longer program for longer term or multi-faceted problems

£1095

  • Up to 4 months coaching and support
  • Initial online consult (1.5-2hrs)
  • Written treatment plan after initial consult
  • 3 x coaching sessions (1.5hrs each, online, at one of our training venues, or somewhere else if necessary)
  • Plan updates and goal setting after each coaching session
  • Video feedback on your training through the package
  • Online file sharing area
  • Training pack including Calm Dog Games card deck
  • Extra travel and venue costs may apply

 

 Standard

Package

Extra coaching for mild problems or recent onset aggression

£795

  • Up to 3 months coaching and support
  • Initial online consult (1.5-2hrs)
  • Written treatment plan after initial consult
  • 2 x coaching sessions (1.5hrs each, online, at one of our training venues, or somewhere else if necessary)
  • Plan updates and goal setting after each coaching session
  • Video feedback on your training through the package
  • Online file sharing area
  • Training pack including Calm Dog Games card deck
  • Extra travel and venue costs may apply

 

Short

Package

Mild or recent onset problems not including aggression

£495

  • Up to 6 weeks coaching and support
  • Initial online consult (1.5-2hrs)
  • Written treatment plan after initial consult
  • 1 x coaching session (1.5hrs, online, at one of our training venues, or somewhere else if necessary)
  • Plan update and goal setting after coaching session
  • Video feedback on your training through the package
  • Online file sharing area
  • Training pack including Calm Dog Games card deck
  • Extra travel and venue costs may apply

 

Once we’ve spoken at the free discovery call I’ll be able to recommend a package just for you.

What people say

[No blame] is one of the reasons why I come to you for training and recommend you to other people!

In those moments when I’ve felt totally useless, ineffective and stupid as Wilson is doing something ‘bad’, you haven’t looked at me in a way people can/do and reinforced that feeling. You have calmly advised what to do and how.

Great big thank you for your help and understanding!

Maxine with Wilson

At the beginning of the package, we had a dog I was frightened to take outside, even taking him for a loo trip in the garden was stressful. We were seriously beginning to plan how we would tell the breeder he had to go back.

We can barely believe the transformation, not just in Archie’s behaviour, but in our relationship with him. Don’t get me wrong – he isn’t an angel – he’s still an exuberant adolescent, but my husband and I love him to bits, and are so proud of how he’s doing. We’re recognising the joy and balance that he is bringing to our lives, and are really grateful to have him around.

Nicola & Chris with Archie

Behaviour FAQs

Can't you just give me some tips during the phone consult?

I’d love to be able to solve behaviour problems over the phone, but sadly it’s just not possible. Nobody can make such a promise.

Every dog and situation is individual and I can’t safely give advice without first assessing your dog.

For a real resolution it is vital to understand the underlying reasons for your dog’s behaviour and that can only happen with a full assessment.

Will my dog’s behaviour get better on its own?
It’s unlikely. It’s much more likely to get worse as time goes on. You’ve probably been thinking about getting help for a while because the behaviour seems to have got worse, but you’re not sure whether it is bad enough.

Often I don’t get called until there has been a particular incident that has scared people in some way. By then the problem has been developing for a long time and has become quite ingrained. It is never too early to address behaviour concerns.

What about training classes, will they help?
It’s understandable that you might think a training class will help, but these kind of problems are about more than just good manners. The problem you’re facing is bigger than just some pulling on the lead on the way out the door and it’s going to take more than just a weekly class to fix it.

Classes are great for learning how to teach dogs everyday manners or particular skills like coming when called. In order to learn your dog needs to be comfortable and relaxed in that environment and generally dogs that are showing problem behaviours like those above just aren’t relaxed, confident dogs.

How much effort will I have to put in?
A fair amount. To change your dog’s behaviour normally involves changing your behaviour too and that can be hard. You’ll be supported every step of the way though with a plan broken into achievable stages so you won’t be overwhelmed.

You’ll probably have to spend an extra 15mins each day doing specific training, plus changing routines or implementing new management to prevent problem behaviour.

Although it might feel difficult at first, the changes you’ll see in your dog and your life together will make it more than worthwhile.

How long will it take to see results?
You should see the beginnings of change within two weeks. For lasting results you will probably need to work for several months. Your dog’s current problems are likely to have developed over a long period of time and that can’t be undone overnight.
Why do I need to get a veterinary referral?
It’s important to work under referral to make sure your dog has no medical issues contributing to a problem behaviour. Lots of medical conditions can affect behaviour including joint pain, thyroid disease, neurological issues, skin problems and gut issues like an irritable bowel. Medical problems need to be treated first so that you aren’t wasting your time trying to change behaviour that has a medical cause.
What is included in a behaviour package?

There are three standard behaviour packages and I will advise you of the minimum we will need to start with.

Of course every dog and situation is unique so it is possible to add on extras like additional in person coaching or calls as necessary.

We’ll start the process with a short questionnaire and free discovery call so I can make sure you get the right package for your needs.

What guarantees do you offer?
I can’t guarantee specific results, and no one else can either, there’s too many variables to be able to do that.

What I can guarantee you is:

  • A safe, non-judgmental environment
  • Commitment to help you seek relief, change and improvement
  • Dedication to kind, fair, science-based training methods for both you and your dog.
Why should I work with you?
Because I’m qualified and accredited as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist. In the UK anyone can call themselves a trainer or behaviourist regardless of their level of knowledge or skill.  I have been assessed by the Association of Pet Behaviour Councellors (APBC) and I’m registered with the Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC) so you can be assured of my academic knowledge and professional experience.

Importantly I also understand what you’re going through —I’ve been there with my own dogs in the past. I personally understand the embarrassment, fear and guilt that having a dog with behaviour problems entails.

Find out more about me.

Can't you just give me some tips during the phone consult?

I’d love to be able to solve behaviour problems over the phone, but sadly it’s just not possible. Nobody can make such a promise.

Every dog and situation is individual and I can’t safely give advice without first assessing your dog.

For a real resolution it is vital to understand the underlying reasons for your dog’s behaviour and that can only happen with a full assessment.

Will my dog’s behaviour get better on its own?
It’s unlikely. It’s much more likely to get worse as time goes on. You’ve probably been thinking about getting help for a while because the behaviour seems to have got worse, but you’re not sure whether it is bad enough.

Often I don’t get called until there has been a particular incident that has scared people in some way. By then the problem has been developing for a long time and has become quite ingrained. It is never too early to address behaviour concerns.

What about training classes, will they help?
It’s understandable that you might think a training class will help, but these kind of problems are about more than just good manners. The problem you’re facing is bigger than just some pulling on the lead on the way out the door and it’s going to take more than just a weekly class to fix it.

Classes are great for learning how to teach dogs everyday manners or particular skills like coming when called. In order to learn your dog needs to be comfortable and relaxed in that environment and generally dogs that are showing problem behaviours like those above just aren’t relaxed, confident dogs.

How much effort will I have to put in?
A fair amount. To change your dog’s behaviour normally involves changing your behaviour too and that can be hard. You’ll be supported every step of the way though with a plan broken into achievable stages so you won’t be overwhelmed.

You’ll probably have to spend an extra 15mins each day doing specific training, plus changing routines or implementing new management to prevent problem behaviour.

Although it might feel difficult at first, the changes you’ll see in your dog and your life together will make it more than worthwhile.

How long will it take to see results?
You should see the beginnings of change within two weeks. For lasting results you will probably need to work for several months. Your dog’s current problems are likely to have developed over a long period of time and that can’t be undone overnight.
why do i need to get a veterinary referral?
It’s important to work under referral to make sure your dog has no medical issues contributing to a problem behaviour. Lots of medical conditions can affect behaviour including joint pain, thyroid disease, neurological issues, skin problems and gut issues like an irritable bowel. Medical problems need to be treated first so that you aren’t wasting your time trying to change behaviour that has a medical cause.
what is included in a behaviour package?
There are three standard behaviour packages and I will advise you of the minimum we will need to start with.

Of course every dog and situation is unique so it is possible to add on extras like additional in person coaching or calls as necessary.

We’ll start the process with a questionnaire and telephone consultation so I can make sure you get the right package for your needs.

what guarantees do you offer?
I can’t guarantee specific results, and no one else can either, there’s too many variables to be able to do that.

What I can guarantee you is:

  • A safe, non-judgmental environment
  • Commitment to help you seek relief, change and improvement
  • Dedication to kind, fair, science-based training methods for both you and your dog.
Why should I work with you?
Because I’m qualified and accredited as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist. In the UK anyone can call themselves a trainer or behaviourist regardless of their level of knowledge or skill.  I have been assessed by the Association of Pet Behaviour Councellors (APBC) and I’m registered with the Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC) so you can be assured of my academic knowledge and professional experience.

Importantly I also understand what you’re going through —I’ve been there with my own dogs in the past. I personally understand the embarrassment, fear and guilt that having a dog with behaviour problems entails.

Find out more about me.

Work with me

Ready to make a change?

Take the first step