Behaviour

Dog training tends to be more about teaching the dog a specific behaviour, for example to walk nicely on the lead and to come back when they are called. Whilst training does play a part in Behaviour Modification, it is only one part of the process.

Behaviour Modification is used to address sometimes complex problem behaviours, which usually have an emotional component. The cause of the behaviour is not always obvious and owners (and their dogs) can potentially experience increasing levels of stress. During a behaviour consultation, we will thoroughly investigate the root cause of the issue and look to implement changes in how you manage and communicate with your dog and introduce easy to follow training techniques, keeping everything as simple and straightforward as possible. 

Typical issues that require Behaviour Modification could include:

• Aggression toward other dogs/people
• Separation Anxiety
• Resource Guarding
• Noise Sensitivities
• Compulsive Behaviours

Behaviour issues can be complicated to resolve and there is no such thing as a quick fix! Sadly, there is a lot of misleading information in the media that may affect owners expectations around timescales and how fully issues can be resolved. By taking a holistic approach to Behaviour Modification, we look at finding the root cause of the behaviour issues and make changes at this level, to improve your dog’s general mood and your relationship with them whilst building confidence and trust.

One of the team will be in touch to arrange an initial phone call to discuss the behaviour issues you need help with. Following this, a detailed questionnaire will be sent out, and depending on the information provided, a quick follow up call may be necessary to answer any additional questions. We will then arrange a 90 minute – 2 hour consultation, which would usually be at your home, depending on the issue. During the consultation, as well as discussing the details provided in the questionnaire, we will look at potential changes to your dog’s routine, how we can limit the unwanted behaviours and improve safety (if applicable) and begin to train foundation behaviours. This is then be followed with a detailed summary of everything discussed, a plan for you to follow and access to helpful resources. We may also recommend that your dog see their vet, as undiagnosed pain or medical conditions can have a huge impact on behaviour.

We only use positive reinforcement, force free based methods and ensure that everything we do has your dog’s comfort, confidence and well-being in mind. We never use ANY form of punishment, physical or psychological, and thoroughly reject the use of choke/prong collars, sprays or other forms of aversive training tools/techniques.

This session will take place in your home and will last approximately 1 hour. Topics covered will include how to prepare your home and garden for their arrival, equipment you might need, what to do when you first bring your puppy home, tips on house training and preparing your puppy for everything they might encounter in the home and out in the big wide world!

This will include a pre puppy home visit as detailed above, 3 x 45 minute training sessions (either at home or on a walk), plus 2 months remote support. The training sessions can be spaced out to work on specific or general training, depending on the client’s needs.