Behaviour and training problems can severely impact the fun of owning a dog. Here at The Behaviour Clinic we focus on amending all those issues so that you love life with your dog. We can help to amend any behaviour or training issue using simple and common sense techniques that are bespoke to your situation. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Bespoke to individual situation
During the consultation individual situations and requirements are assessed and together we devise a modification programme to suit. Many factors are taken into consideration; time available, household dynamics, physical capabilities, motivation, breed of dog and owner preferences.
Easy Techniques anyone can do
The Behaviour Clinic uses simple techniques that are easy to understand and carry out. Most of our clients comment that they have been pleasantly surprised at how simple and effective our programmes are.
Often less input of time and effort by the owner
Understanding the underlying cause and motivation for the behaviour means that, using behavioural modification, the outcome is altered to achieve results. Thus the owner’s altered response to a situation results in a long term beneficial effect. This is markedly quicker and easier than conventional obedience training which requires a higher level of skill, lengthy practice and takes longer to achieve results.
In effect dealing with the cause rather than just managing the symptoms is the most efficient way.
In many cases there is a quick fix in one consultation.
Because we identify and address the underlying cause and alter the consequences of a behaviour, the dog chooses to behave appropriately. This straightforward easy swap means that the owner understands the problem and is then often confident and happy to continue the programme with minimal ongoing support.
Increase owner confidence
Our clear explanations and provision of informative handouts helps owner to have a good understanding of the behaviour process. Techniques are easy and straightforward. These lead to the owner becoming confident in handling their dog.
In our experience the fundamental issue is to understand and manage a dog’s behaviour rather than managing the symptoms by simple obedience training. That is the key to having a well behaved dog that is happy, relaxed and does not require continual commands and direction.
Many owners find that their dogs understand obedience commands but choose when to comply. The act of giving commands can actually inadvertently encourage many undesirable behaviours. Understanding and applying behavioural techniques addresses the cause, modifies the symptoms and encourages the dog to choose mutually preferable options. Obedience commands are useful to provide activities for the dogs and setting the scene for expected action sequences (e.g. sit and stay to put lead on) but are not always helpful for, and can in fact worsen, undesirable behaviours. We can assist you in learning when and how to respond to encourage a well-behaved dog. When your dog is calmer and more attentive they will be more likely to comply with obedience commands. Indeed you may find that the commands are then unnecessary. For example, you don’t need to say “come here” if you dog walks with you.
Being highly qualified not only in behaviour but also in training we are ideally placed to devise an effective plan of action.
Using a Force-free approach we strive to make all learning fun and informative for dogs and owners. The Force-free approach means: No Shock, No Pain, No Choke, No Fear, No Physical Force, No Compulsion Based Methods are employed to train or care for a pet.
All family members and friends are welcome to come along to consults and lessons.
In essence this means your dog will be WELL-BEHAVED as well as WELL-TRAINED.
Format
Consultations are arranged at a time and date to suit. We will come to your house or meet at an appropriate location e.g. walk.
During the consultation the behavioural history is collated. Where possible the causation is identified and then the modification programme is explained and tested.
The consultation usually lasts about 3 hours and often only one is required.
All of the information required to modify the behaviour will be provided to you during the consultation. Handouts are provided and we are happy to reiterate key points if required.
We are happy revisit as often as needed and to offer follow up support via phone or email as required.
Examples of Behaviour Issues Covered
- Fears and Phobias
- All types of Aggressive behaviour to humans
- All types of Aggressive behaviour to other animals
- Separation Problems
- Toiletting in the House
- Pica (eating inappropriate things)
- Excessive Grooming
- Any other behaviours that you want to amend
Examples of Training Issues Covered
- general over-excitement
- recall problems
- pulling on the lead
- Jumping up
- Stealing
- Destruction
- Any other behaviours that you want to amend
How many sessions are required?
Without assessing the dog, owner and situation it is difficult to ascertain exactly how many consultations are required for a specific case. In practice often only 1 consultation is required because we will be amending the behaviour of the dog and teaching you how to employ the simple techniques. Owners often find the techniques easy to implement. Consequently it is possible to offer remote ongoing support. Occasionally more than one consultation may be required and we are happy to revisit as needed. This will be apparent during the first consultation and we will discuss this with you at the time. If you would like regular visits for extra support then this can be arranged.
Arranging a consultation
For behaviour problems your dog needs to have been recently checked by their veterinary surgeon because sometimes behavioural symptoms can have a medical causation. Consultations can be booked by contacting us via the contact form, email or telephone and are arranged at a time and day to suit. Please can you complete the Behavioural History Questionnaire prior to the consultation.
Costs involved
Please see the price list for full costings.
Many pet insurance companies will cover behaviour consultations by appropriately qualified behaviourists, such as us. They usually require vet agreement which involves a vet checking the dog recently and being willing to sign the claim form for you. Our advice is to check your policy before you arrange a consultation if you want to reclaim fees.
