BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT FAQ
What classifies as a behaviour problem?
Living with a dog that has behaviour problems is not easy. It can make both your and your dog's lives stressful
Sometimes the line between training and behaviour can feel blurry. A behaviour problem is one that is caused by underlying emotions and could include:
- Reactivity (barking, growling, lunging towards people, dogs or other animals)
- Aggression to people, cats, other animals or dogs
- Multi dog issues
- Destructive behaviour
- House soiling
- Self mutilation
- OCD and repetitive behaviour
- Barking
- Chasing
- Predatory behaviour
- Resource guarding
- Reactivity to being touched / groomed
- Car travel issues
- Separation issues
- Fears and anxieties
(One-to-one training differs, this is for teaching your dog specific skills such as walking to heel or to come when called. If this is what you need please click here to book one-to-one training)
What does behaviour support involve?
Firstly you will need to schedule in a free 15 minute call. This allows me to gather basic information on the problem and decide If I am able to take on your case. If so, I will book an initial consultation with you and then obtain consent from your veterinary surgeon
For the initial consultation I will conduct a full assessment and together we will form a behaviour modification plan. This will include things for you to do right away, and training exercises for you to follow. I may ask you to seek veterinary advice if I feel that your dogs' health is playing a part in the behaviour, or if your dog could benefit from medication
After the consultation I will send you a full report including step-by-step for any training exercises.
I will also send a behaviour report to your veterinary surgeon.
Included in the initial support package is a phone call & follow up session. Once you've completed your first package you will have the option to book further follow up sessions for me to support you through the plan, provide any coaching, monitor progress and change the plan if needed.
Am I qualified?
Yes! I hold a degree in Behaviour Science with Honours from the University of Lincoln. I have been accepted as a provisional member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Councillors which means I must follow their strict code of conduct and am qualified to conduct consultations to help with your dog's behaviour problems.
I am also a qualified Puppy School tutor and have been accepted as an Animal Training Instructor with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council. This means I am experienced in teaching and coaching owners and their dogs so rather than just telling you what to do, I am experienced in coaching you to successful training methods
Each year I complete in excess of 50 hours CPD (continuous professional development) covering a wide range of behaviour subjects in behaviour and training, this allows me to keep my methods up to date and learn from the very best in the field
You can read more about the APBC code of conduct here
How quickly will you get results?
This is a "how long is a piece of string" question!
Behaviour can be complicated and it can take weeks or months to help your dog depending on the severity of the problem, any underlying health problems and your individual circumstances
I will likely make suggestions straight away to help daily life with your dog and improve safety / welfare. Many of my clients feel that I make a big difference just after one session
You will be required to follow plans to help your dog. Your dog's behaviour can only change if you are able to make changes
Why do you need veterinary referral?
As an APBC member I must follow their code of conduct and I am proud of this. It ensures that my standards are high. The link between your dogs' health and behaviour is strong. Leading Behaviourist and Veterinary Scientist Dr Daniel Mills in a recent study found that up to 80% of behaviour problems are linked to pain
Dogs cannot tell us how they are feeling, they show that in their behaviour and it is not always easy to piece together what's going on. Most behaviour problems require ongoing support for a few months.
I will work with your vet to help you get the best outcome for you and your dog
Please click here to read the APBC code of conduct
How much will it cost?
An initial consultation is £230 includes:
- Veterinary consent and discussing the case with your vet
- Study of veterinary history
- Obtaining and reading full questionnaire from you and assessing any video footage
- The consultation (1.5-2 hours) either online or at your home
- Any research of latest literature, or discussion of the case with other behaviour colleagues
- Communication with your veterinary surgeon regarding any conditions, diet, medication or tests needed
- Behaviour report and plan sent to you
- Behaviour report send to your veterinary surgeon
- A 30 minute phone call (this can be used before, in-between or after your sessions)
- A follow up visit to check progress and coach you (optional)
You will also have the option to book additional sessions following your initial consultation and follow up. These are charged at £90 per session and include any written plans and communication with your vet
Can you claim on your dog insurance?
This depends on your policy; not all dog insurance policies cover behaviour treatment
Please contact your dog insurance provider and ask if you will be covered. If they ask, you can state that I am degree qualified in behaviour, and am a member of the APBC
Most insurance providers will only cover behaviour treatment from qualified and regulated professionals (such as ABTC and APBC members or behaviourists holding a degree)
How to get started
Initially you will need to book your free 15 minute call
This enables me to gather some very basic information and I can make a decision on whether or not I am able to take on your case. This will depend on 3 things:
*The severity of the problem versus my current workload. I only take on a few cases each year to ensure I can provide high quality support
*The urgency of the problem- I may refer you to an alternative ABTC or APBC member if I cannot offer you a consultation soon enough
*My experience- I feel the case is outside of my remit I may refer you to a specialist for the problem you are having with your dog. Behaviourists tend to have their own areas of expertise
*Whether we are a good fit to work together. I will only take on clients that I believe to be committed to helping their dog and on board with my ethics and way of working
There is no obligation to book paid sessions with me following this call
READY TO MAKE THE FIRST STEP? Please book your behaviour enquiry call
This is a free call to briefly discuss the problem and decide if behaviour support is for you. There will be no obligation to book the behaviour support service