Every single dog we see is assessed upon the basis of what it requires as an individual and our 1-2-1 sessions are tailored to educate both dog and owner.  Every behavioural assessment includes a full written report, recommendations in the form of a training plan and a thirty minute follow up 1-2-1 session**.  It will normally last up to an hour and a half as we need to see the behaviour first hand, discuss the entire known history of the dog's life and experiences, as well as seeing your relationship with and handling of your dog.  Based upon the outcome of the assessment and how you wish to proceed we will then recommend and tailor the dogs training to suit the specific issues.  Sometimes this can be as simple as recommending group obedience classes or some further 1-2-1 sessions to modify the specific unwanted behaviour.  Difficult cases sometimes require some kind of daytime residential sessions where the dog is initially left with us, with the owner introduced when necessary.  There are no guarantees that a dogs behaviour modification will succeed in eliminating the behaviour issue, so sometimes it is enough to diminish the behaviour to a point where it is more manageable.  To succeed in modifying any dogs behaviour it requires commitment and persistence from the owner.  All behaviour training is a continual evaluation process based upon the dogs responses, body language and any stress or avoidance behaviours being displayed.

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Dogs are living breathing creatures that at times can be unpredictable in their behaviour, so it takes years of hands on experience to gather the necessary knowledge for this kind of work.  Becoming a behaviourist is not something that can be learnt at college or university solely out of a book, and neither can it be learnt simply as a dog walker or by working in boarding kennels.  Cases which involve some type of aggression, as most do, require experience in dealing with this kind of behaviour, because inappropriately applied techniques can actually make the dog worse.  Unfortunately, there are many inexperienced individuals labelling themselves as qualified behaviourists who have simply completed an online course and believe that replaces years of hands on experience.  Over the years we have rehabilitated hundreds of dogs who have previously been to see other behaviourists and in many cases incorrectly been recommended for euthanasia.  Our behaviourists are experienced ex-working dog handlers with years of practical and theoretical knowledge so you know your dog is in the best hands.

Assessments will normally take place at our premises in a safe controlled environment where we can appropriately test the dogs responses to the necessary triggers and scenarios, without other factors falsely affecting their behaviour.  Home visits will incur additional travel charges based upon distance time/involved and will only be undertaken if it is a specific home based behaviour. 

Please Note: We can take Veterinary Referrals for behaviour issues you can put through your Pet Insurance. If you have Pet Insurance, your insurer may be willing to pay for any necessary behaviour consultation and in certain circumstances also pay for any subsequent training required.  It is however worth checking with your specific insurer first.   In all circumstances, your vet must make the referral using the form below.

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** The follow up 121 session must be used within 30 days of assessment.