Why choose a qualified behaviourist?
“A behaviour expert has appropriate qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience. Inappropriate or outdated advice or methods may adversely affect your pet’s welfare and even make your pet’s behaviour problem worse”
Animal behaviourists support and improve the mental health of animals, much as psychologist do for humans.
However, unlike the term ‘psychologist’ in UK, ‘behaviourist’ is not currently protected, meaning anyone can call themselves a behaviourist, regardless of qualification, understanding or ability. It’s therefore always important to check out the credentials of anyone you’re thinking of working with, to make sure you don’t end up spending a lot of time and money doing more harm than good to your dog.
I can offer you the expert support you need, along with the backing, ethical practice and piece of mind of being a provisional member of the APBC.
I work to establish the cause of the issues your dog may have, using the latest theories and proven science.
Problems are addressed by endeavouring to support your dog and meetings their needs. This can include adapting their environment, management, handling and training.
After consultancy I create a bespoke behaviour change plan. This helps you (and any other professionals involved) to understand the behaviour of your dog, the underlying and sustaining motivations and the ability to improve the undesirable behaviour.
How I can help You and your Dog
Behaviour Consultancy
Consultations help to evaluate severe or complex problems, giving you support and a plan to resolve any issues your dog may have, without using forceful, aversive methods.
I offer a free, no-obligation phone call where we can have a chat to make sure this is the right option for you and your dog. Please Get in touch, or book an appointment to arrange a your 15 minute call
I work under referral from your vet, to determine if there are any medical factors affecting your dog’s behaviour.
I’ll ask you to complete a behaviour history form which asks about your dog’s behaviour, health, food, routine, etc.
Before the consultancy I’ll review the vet referral information, history and any videos you send.
The consultation session is about 2 hours long. We’ll explore the problem/s, considering when and where the behaviour occurs, motivations, emotions, and possible frustrations.
I’ll give practical support and guidance, help you to understand your dog’s behaviour and agree a plan of support to make improvements.
You’ll receive a behaviour change plan and handouts to help you and your dog to succeed. Your vet will also be sent a summary report.
In the follow-up session we’ll review progress and adapt the plan as needed.
Additional sessions are available, check out the behavioural packages available.
I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Workshops and Events
Talks on a range of topics are available and can be delivered online or face to face. Workshops are lively, interactive and fun, mixing demos with behavioural science and theory.
I am able to offer a range of talks and workshops to meet your needs and that of your dog.
Sessions can focus on specific areas such as puppy socialisation, chewing, calmness when walking and being vet happy.
Sessions are suitable for individuals and can be delivered on a one to one basis. You are also welcome to form a group, or join one of my workshops, to learn together and have loads of fun.
I’m currently exploring the levels of interest in running puppy socialisation, and other training classes in the Cardiff, RCT and Bridgend areas. If this is something you’d be interested in or want to find out more, please let me know.
If there’s something you are interested in, or have a few ideas of your own I’d love to hear from you!
Individual Coaching
My coaching sessions are fun, informative, and use kind methods that you and your dog will enjoy.
Sessions take place when issues are straight forward and do not require behavioural interventions, or you would love to improve your handling skills and build on your relationship and performance with your willing dog.
Coaching sessions are 1-to-1 and can be booked as often as you would like. A veterinary referral is not required for these sessions.
Sessions are wide and varies and can include dog handling skills for the nervous, dog handling for children, understanding your dogs body language, preparing for calm walks, getting ready for…vet visits/fireworks season/a new arrival/meeting a new dog, kind and positive dog training.
Coaching can take place at your home, or anywhere else that you’d like, perhaps a secure field, vets, a dog friendly beach or park.
If 1-1 coaching and training is something you’re interested in finding out more about, don’t hesitate, contact me today!
