Behaviour

“DOGS do SPEAK, but only to those who know HOW TO LISTEN

 Orhan Pamuk

We all need a little help now and again.  Sometimes it's just difficult to work out why things are going wrong or why we cant get to the bottom of a problem.  This can cause huge stress, anxiety and frustration for all concerned.

Animal behaviour is just as complex as our human behaviour - with the added complexity that our dogs cant talk to us! Taking a holistic approach is key to successfully helping you to find  the right solution for your personal situation.  It is not possible to offer safe and effective advice without considering every aspect of you and your dogs lives, so behaviour consults and subsequent training plans are in depth and take time!  However you do not have to do the journey on your own, we can walk you through every step that you need help with.

Which service do you need to book?

You will need a behaviour consult for problem behaviours such as fearfulnessbarking and lunging at other dogs or people,  destructive or anxious behaviours when left alone, guarding food or toys or any aggressive behaviours. If your problem is general training, such as pulling on the lead or recall please see our training page.  If you are still unsure which behaviour package would suit you, or you're not sure if you need a behaviour consult or training one to one send us a message with some brief details on the contact form and we can direct you to the most appropriate service.  If you would like to chat your worries through before booking, you can opt for a triage appointment initially.  

    Behaviour

  • Barking or lunging on lead
  • Chasing cars / small furries
  • Aggression towards other dogs / humans / children
  • Problems when left alone
  • Guarding items such as toys or food
  • Fearful of people / dogs / items
  • Repetitive behaviours eg. chasing shadows
  • Distructive behaviours
  • Paying attention to you (at home & when out)
  • Walking on a loose lead
  • Coming back when called
  • Settling
  • Jumping up 
  • General manners
  • Handling eg. towelling, grooming, nail trimming
  • Putting harnesses or collars on and off

The Behaviour Consultation

Booking:  Prior to booking a behaviour package we ask that you schedule a free 15 minute discovery call with our one of our Behaviourists.  This will allow us to assess your individual situation and ensure we recommend the most appropriate support for your needs. The link to book this free call can be found below. 

When you book your Behaviour Package you will be asked to fill in a brief questionnaire about you, your family and your dog.  Shortly after your booking form is received you will receive an email with a veterinary consent form attached.  For all behaviour consultations we are required to obtain veterinary consent and your dogs fully clinical history.  It is important that we have a collaborative relationship with your vet as medical issues can play a huge part in behavioural problems, and behavioural problems can be the most obvious symptoms of medical problems!  We will keep your vet fully informed of our progress and recommendations so your dog's records can be updated.  

Part 1:  History, First Aid and Management:  (Approx two to three hours).  

The first part of your consultation involves us having a fairly long conversation about your dog's life and the problem behaviours you are experiencing. This will include lots of questions about your dog's daily routine, medical history, and prior experiences.  We do not need to see your dog for this initial conversation so we usually set up an online meeting via zoom. If you prefer to meet face to face you are welcome to come to our office in Llanellen, however, it is unlikely that your dog will also be able to attend at this stage.  If you are worried about this for any reason please give us a ring and we can talk through the options.  

Following our initial conversation you will receive an email with a summary of our conversation, steps that you will need to put in place to help your dog prior to starting any training, and any relevant handouts.  

Part 2:  In Person Meet your Dog and Review:  

The next step is where we will meet you and your dog in person, and review your progress based on the recommendations in your management and training plan so far, and make any further recommendations or changes that may be needed.  This is usually at our training ground in Llanellen, but can be at your home if needed (travel costs may apply).  This session is usually for about an hour but may be longer depending on your case.  

Part 3: Behaviour Report 
Following our in person session you will receive a full behaviour report and detailed behaviour modification and training plan to help you and your dog get things back on track.  A separate summary report will also be sent to your vet to ensure your dogs records are kept up to date and any paperwork required by your insurance company (if you have made a claim) will also be completed.   

Part 4: Follow up Sessions:

If you are happy to undertake your training plan independently you will have six weeks of ongoing remote support where you can call on us for further advice or guidance whenever necessary.  We can review video footage, diaries, and advise on amending your plan or training if necessary.   If you would prefer to have face to face support you can however book further sessions.  The cost of these sessions may depend on the nature of the issues you are working through but typically they range from £175 to £250 for four, face to face one hour sessions.  


* Please note:  Travel charges may be added for home visits or travelling from out from our training ground.

Behaviour Advice Price List

  • 45 minute online / telephone session.
  • Emergency first aid advice to keep everyone safe.
  • To discuss which training/behaviour package would be most suited to your needs. 
  • Relevant notes and handouts will be emailed following the session. 
  • Click here to book

Rescue / Puppy at home package

£135 (nb travel costs may apply)

  • 90 minute home visit to help settle your new family member in
  • 60 minute follow up home visit to review and start your training journey
  • Handouts relevant to you and your puppy
  • Click here to book

Worried about costs?

As your behaviour consultation will be veterinary referred and carried out by a fully Qualified and Accredited Clinical Animal Behaviourist it may be possible to claim the cost back from your pet insurance.  All policies are different so please check with your insurers.  We are happy to provide reports and complete any necessary paperwork at no extra charge.  If your pet is not insured and you are experiencing significant hardship we do offer a limited number of discounted consults for those who can show evidence of certain means-tested benefits.  Please let us know if you would like more details and if we are still not able to help we can signpost you to other reputable services.