Behavioural Consultation

A behavioural consultation helps diagnose and treat complex behavioural problems in your dog.

Identifying and treating your dogs behavioural issues.

It can be isolating having a dog with behavioural issues and not knowing where to turn for help, especially with so much conflicting advice available. If you have a dog with complex behavioural issues or your dog has a long standing problem behaviour, then a behavioural consultation is most suitable.

A consultation investigates the underlying issues causing and contributing to the behavioural problem, and allows for a specifically designed treatment plan for your dog, taking your specific circumstances into account.

The training plan and practical guidance supports you in the immediate and longer-term management of the problem behaviour, with realistic and manageable goals being set. Follow-up appointments ensure you receive expert guidance and support to keep your training on track.

All dog behavioural consultations are on veterinary referral only.

What are ‘problem behaviours’?

Challenging behaviours in dogs can take many forms, with some of the most common being:

  • Aggression to people outside or in the home

  • Reactivity towards dogs/people on walks

  • Separation anxiety and related behaviours – house soiling, destructiveness, barking etc

  • Noise sensitivity

  • Nervousness

  • Excessive vocalisation at home / on walks / in the car

  • Compulsive disorders or repetitive behaviours

  • Guarding of food, toys, objects

  • Fear of the Vets or Groomers

  • Dynamics in multi dog/pet households

  • Chase behaviours – triggered by animals/vehicles/people.

Why do I need a veterinary referral?

Many behavioural issues can be linked to medical conditions.

Therefore, your vet must see your dog to rule out any medical issues that may contribute to the problem behaviour. All qualified behaviourists only offer dog behavioural consultations on vet referral. Failure to rule out any contributing medical factors could result in an unsuitable behavioural treatment plan.

Being referred also ensures you receive specialist guidance from a behaviourist with relevant qualifications and experience. You can rest assured that the methods used in training are compassionate and appropriate, with your dog’s welfare as a priority.

Find out more about the referral process below.

What’s included?

  • The two hour consultation is designed to identify the root cause of your dog's problem behaviour and shed light on any contributing factors.

    The consultation allows us to really delve into the unique circumstances leading to any issues, allowing us to formulate the most appropriate and successful treatment plan.

    Consultations are confidential and conducted in an empathetic, non-judgemental manner - I'm available to support and listen to you as I understand the difficulties, upset, and frustration of having a dog with behavioural issues.

  • Based on the two hour dog behavioural consultation, you'll receive an in-depth behavioural report and behavioural modification plan.

    Each treatment plan contains realistic goals so you can manage, observe and evaluate progress. All treatment plans are based on best practices and scientific evidence and tailored to your pet with their welfare as a priority.

    Special consideration is made regarding your individual circumstances and the constraints of our modern-day busy lives.

  • The referring vet will receive a copy of the comprehensive behavioural report and treatment plan.

    Any further veterinary liaison is also included if required, meaning that you can be rest assured your pet is receiving the best care from a multidisciplinary approach within a vet-led approach.

  • The follow-up practical sessions are essential for putting the treatment plan into practice and ensuring you are on the right path to seeing progress and positive behavioural change.

    They also allow for any modifications to be made to your training plan if necessary, keeping us on the road to training success.

  • Email Support is provided to ensure that you always feel completely supported, knowing that you've got a committed specialist on hand to answer any questions you may have or respond to any behavioural concerns.

The consultation process.

All dog behavioural consultations must start with a veterinary referral. Here’s how it works.

  • First, contact your veterinary practice and book an appointment for your dog to be seen by your vet.

    If you would prefer, I'm happy to contact your vet on your behalf to initiate the process.

    Your dog will still need to be seen by your vet to begin the process with us.

  • Once your vet has ruled out any contributing medical conditions, and deems it appropriate for your dog to be seen by a qualified behaviourist, they can send us a referral - this can be done via the form on the 'For Vets' page.

  • On receiving the referral from your vet, I can arrange an appointment and begin to support you in the diagnosis and treatment of the behavioural issues.

Contact me.

If you have any questions about the Dog Behavioural Consultation service or need advice on which service is most suitable for you, please reach out below.