FAQs

What is canine behaviour training?

Canine behaviour training aims to help dog owners identify, manage and retrain specific unhealthy, unsafe or nuisance behaviours in a dog.

What is the difference between behaviour training and obedience training?

Obedience work generally covers a range of basic training such as sit-stay-come, recall etc and is usually conducted in a class setting.

Behavioural work will target one or perhaps two behaviours specific to a particular dog and the work will be on a 1:2:1 basis, carried out in the dog’s home environment.

What does a typical behavioural session consist of?

There is no typical session because every dog is different. Broadly speaking an initial assessment lasts between 1 - 2 hours during which time we conduct a detailed interview with you about your dog including his lifestyle, his role in the home and behaviour in general, as well as a description of the issue including identifying triggers and when and how often the undesirable behaviour takes place.

Next we look at specifics; the behaviour we would like to adjust or manage appropriately. This may involve outdoor work if the issue is poor recall or noise reactivity for example, or indoor work if the issue is resource guarding or separation anxiety.

Once our initial observations have been completed, a custom behavioural management plan for you to follow is designed and explained to you in detail, and we then discuss what ongoing assistance you may require from us in order to implement the management plan. Most clients book a handful of one-hour private sessions so that we can provide direct support during the first few management sessions with their dog, and then ask us to come back periodically to see how they’re getting along. We are always available to help.

What breeds of dogs can be helped by behavioural training?

All types of dogs at any age can be assisted by behavioural work, but sometimes the answer lies in being able to help your dog manage an issue as best s/he can. The sooner a dog receives help the greater the probability of successfully addressing the unwanted behaviour.

What types of behaviour can be helped?

All sorts of behaviour can be helped with one-to-one work including:

  • Puppy training (pre puppy class) and associated learning

  • Fear and nervousness

  • Leash work

  • Trigger management

  • Recall

  • Separation anxiety

  • Car training

  • Aggression

  • Barking/Jumping/Chewing

  • Prey drive

  • Elderly issues including managing Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (doggy dementia), and much more.

When selecting a canine behaviourist for your dog please remember PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS do:

  • Possess the formal skills, training, education and level of experience required

  • Create a training environment that is fun, enjoyable and safe for dogs and people

  • Exercise respect, patience, consistency and kindness at all times

  • Offer post-session support

  • Pursue continuing education in the field

  • Respect client confidentiality and treat other animal professionals with courtesy and respect

  • NOT guarantee outcomes which cannot be guaranteed.