Lincoln - Newark - Sleaford - Horncastle
If you're here, it's because you've decided you need some help.
Well done for taking the first step in looking because I know that can often be the hardest part.
I offer support packages on vet referral which can be tailored or combined to meet your needs. If you need help with something which isn't listed here, I can still support you. There is no 'one size fits all', so reach out and talk to me about what's happening.
Problem behaviour with other dogs
Does your dog avoid, interact unusually with, bark at, lunge at, growl or snap at other dogs?
Do you feel embarassed taking your dog out in public in case you see any dogs while you are out?
Problem behaviour with people
Are you avoiding other people on walks, struggling to have visitors to your home or take your dog anywhere with you?
Are you having problems handling or grooming them, or feel like you are walking on eggshells at home?
Fearful, anxious or phobic behaviour
Do you worry about your dog's reaction to loud noises, going on vet visits, getting in the car, or visiting certain places?
Have you tried to reassure them, but nothing seems to be helping?
Problems when left alone (separation)
Are you struggling to leave your dog home alone for any length of time? Are they noisy or unsettled when you are gone, or causing damage to your home?
Is it impacting your daily life and making you feel a bit trapped?
Why vet referral?
Health and behaviour can often be closely linked, so it is important to have your vet on board to ensure we are covering all bases when understanding what is happening for your dog.
Once requested and approved, your vet will complete a referral form and send me a copy of your dog's medical history (with your permission). Once they have been made aware of the problem they should have the opportunity before we start to consider medical factors which may be causing or contributing to the behaviours you are experiencing so that they can be investigated or treated if necessary. Throughout our working relationship I will update your vet on our progress and should anything health related arise, we can all work together to give you and your dog the best support.
Helping you to understand your...
Adolescent Dog
Adult Dog
Senior Dog
Problems involving other dogs
Having a dog who is challenging around other dogs can be really hard work. I know, I've been there myself in the past. Getting up at the crack of dawn to avoid everyone else. Taking a deep breath as you step out of the front door while gripping tightly onto the lead. hoping you won't see anyone else. That was me once too. I get it, and I'm here to help.
When this package is helpful...
Including, but not limited to:
Pulling, spinning, barking, growling or lunging on lead.
Happening when the other dog is up close, or from when they are a mere speck in the distance.
Running over to dogs, pulling you over to them, jumping up at them, or playing inappropriately.
All training goes out of the window and they decide they can no longer hear you calling them.
Freezing on the spot or trying to run away when another dog is approaching.
This could be immediate, or once the other dog gets 'too close'.
Problems with other dogs in your home or life, or meeting dogs in familiar environments.
Difficulties with your other dogs in the home, when you have canine visitors, or when taking your dog to the vet/ cafe/ pub etc.
How it works...
01
Reach out to me
We can discuss your needs and address any concerns you may have. I will send you a couple of forms to complete, and we can look at a suitable date for your consultation once your vet has completed their referral.
02
Consultation
We will have a consultation either at your home or via video call which usually lasts about 2 hours. I will ask you some questions and observe, then make an assessment of what I believe is happening. Then we will discuss the best way forward for everyone and begin to implement the first stage of your bespoke action plan.
03
Reports
You and your dog's vet will receive a detailed written report to cover what we discussed in the consultation and give you a written step-by-step plan to refer back to as you begin to implement your plan.
(Additional notes will be provided after follow-up sessions whenever new information has been discussed).
04
Follow-ups
You will have one follow-up session of 60 minutes included which will be booked within 2-4 weeks of your consultation to see how the plan is working, add in the next stage if ready, and problem solve anything that hasn't quite gone to plan. Additional follow ups can then be arranged according to your needs.
Initial behaviour package £280*
Including 8 weeks of support, your 2 hour consultation, behaviour analysis, action plan, written reports for you and your dog's vet, fortnightly e-mail check ins, and one 60-minute follow-up session within 2-4 weeks.
You will come away from each session with a better understanding of your dog and clear steps to work on to help you feel more confident to navigate your situation.
Additional follow-ups can be booked from £40* per hour
*Mileage fees may also apply, but these can be calculated up front.
“We have learnt to read his body language and understand his frustration”
"Laura has been a miracle worker with our dog. Our dog has a lot of issues including epilepsy. We came to Laura to help us when walking him as he is not good with other dogs and we couldn't walk past a dog without him barking or going crackers at it! We had a great virtual meet due to covid and Laura started to give us some hints and tips. 10 months later our dog is a different dog. He will always have his issues however we have learnt to read his body language and understand his frustration! We can now walk past a dog without barking which for our dog is a huge achievement! I would recommend Laura to everyone. Me and my partner can't thank her enough for all the work and advice she has put into helping us!"
- Fran & Marty
Problems involving people
It can be annoying, embarrassing, or worrying when our dogs show problematic behaviour around people.
From throwing themselves at anyone who may give them some attention, to actually causing physical harm, I'm here to help you understand what is happening and pave a way forward.
If the behaviour you are concerned about is directed towards you, I know that can feel particularly upsetting. There will be a reason, and it's probably not your fault.
When this package is helpful...
Including, but not limited to:
Running up to, pulling you over to & jumping up at people
On walks, in your home, or every time you encounter someone wherever you may be.
Barking, growling or lunging at people when on lead.
Up close or from a distance.
Avoidance or uncertainty
Dodging physical touch, avoiding interaction by moving away or hiding, visible discomfort when around people.
Snapping unpredictably
Walking on eggshells at home? Not sure when your dog may decide to snap at you or other people in their life?
01
Reach out to me
We can discuss your needs and address any concerns you may have. I will send you a couple of forms to complete, and we can look at a suitable date for your consultation once your vet has completed their referral.
02
Consultation
We will have a consultation either at your home or via video call which usually lasts about 2 hours. I will ask you some questions and observe, then make an assessment of what I believe is happening. Then we will discuss the best way forward for everyone and begin to implement the first stage of your bespoke action plan.
03
Reports
You and your dog's vet will receive a detailed written report to cover what we discussed in the consultation and give you a written step-by-step plan to refer back to as you begin to implement your plan.
(Additional notes will be provided after follow-up sessions whenever new information has been discussed).
04
Follow-ups
You will have one follow-up session of 60 minutes included which will be booked within 2-4 weeks of your consultation to see how the plan is working, add in the next stage if ready, and problem solve anything that hasn't quite gone to plan. Additional follow ups can then be arranged according to your needs.
Initial behaviour package £280*
Including 8 weeks of support, your 2 hour consultation, behaviour analysis, action plan, written reports for you and your dog's vet, fortnightly e-mail check ins, and one 60-minute follow-up session within 2-4 weeks.
You will come away from each session with a better understanding of your dog and clear steps to work on to help you feel more confident to navigate your situation.
Additional follow-ups can be booked from £40* per hour
*Mileage fees may also apply, but these can be calculated up front.
“You have given me the confidence to deal with issues as they arise.”
"It has been an absolute pleasure working with you. You have taught me so much with both Diesel and Tiger. I notice body language and cues much quicker and you have given me the confidence to deal with issues as they arise. I will always be grateful for your advice and support."
- Diesel, Tiger & Family
Fearful, anxious or phobic behaviour
It can be heartbreaking when our dogs find something really scary and we don't know what to do.
From being easily startled, to actively avoiding things, and responses that consume their whole bodies, it can be distressing for everyone witness and try to navigate.
When this package is helpful...
Including, but not limited to:
Sensitivity to noises
Everyday sounds making them jump, gunshots on your walks making them hide behind you or bolt back home, or full blown terror when the fireworks begin.
Avoidance
Resistance to return to certain activities or locations after a bad experience.
Vet or groomer related concern
Struggling to calm them down when they visit or even get them to come into the building.
Vehicles
Putting the breaks on, becoming 'hyper' or just generally being difficult to handle when a vehicle is involved.
01
Reach out to me
We can discuss your needs and address any concerns you may have. I will send you a couple of forms to complete, and we can look at a suitable date for your consultation once your vet has completed their referral.
02
Consultation
We will have a consultation either at your home or via video call which usually lasts about 2 hours. I will ask you some questions and observe, then make an assessment of what I believe is happening. Then we will discuss the best way forward for everyone and begin to implement the first stage of your bespoke action plan.
03
Reports
You and your dog's vet will receive a detailed written report to cover what we discussed in the consultation and give you a written step-by-step plan to refer back to as you begin to implement your plan.
(Additional notes will be provided after follow-up sessions whenever new information has been discussed).
04
Follow-ups
You will have one follow-up session of 60 minutes included which will be booked within 2-4 weeks of your consultation to see how the plan is working, add in the next stage if ready, and problem solve anything that hasn't quite gone to plan. Additional follow ups can then be arranged according to your needs.
Initial behaviour package £280*
Including 8 weeks of support, your 2 hour consultation, behaviour analysis, action plan, written reports for you and your dog's vet, fortnightly e-mail check ins, and one 60-minute follow-up session within 2-4 weeks.
You will come away from each session with a better understanding of your dog and clear steps to work on to help you feel more confident to navigate your situation.
Additional follow-ups can be booked from £40* per hour
*Mileage fees may also apply, but these can be calculated up front.
“We have been listened to and guided, without feeling patronised to navigate through this unexpected journey and most importantly reassured."
"We can highly recommend Laura. We have been working with her for about a year. Our pup had a traumatic experience with fireworks that completely transformed his personality. He would refuse to go out on walks, turned reactive, hiding under the stairs shaking and drooling etc, we phrase it as he became scared of life. We needed some expert support and after extensive research we decided to go with Laura. She has guided us every step of the way with tips and strategies which has helped us to gain our dog back and begin enjoying our lives. It has been a rollercoaster of set backs and progress and we are not there yet but Laura's expertise has guided us to feel more comfortable and confident with how to handle and help our pooch. We have been listened to and guided, without feeling patronised to navigate. through this unexpected journey and most importantly reassured."
- Tash & Jasper
Separation related problems
Being unable to leave your dog alone can feel very isolating and create feelings of guilt any time you have to go out without them.
It can be a daily struggle and cause a lot of frustration and worry, especially if any neighbours have become involved.
When this package is helpful...
Including, but not limited to:
Vocalising when left alone
Whimpering, whining, howling or barking at any point while they are alone.
Destruction
Chewing furniture, scratching at doors or windows, or destroying other things in the home when left.
Superglue dog
Following you around constantly, struggling to be on their own even when you are at home... even when you just need the loo!
Quietly struggling
Pacing, restlessness, struggling to settle when they are on their own.
01
Reach out to me
We can discuss your needs and address any concerns you may have. I will send you a couple of forms to complete, and we can look at a suitable date for your consultation once your vet has completed their referral.
02
Consultation
We will have a consultation either at your home or via video call which usually lasts about 2 hours. I will ask you some questions and observe, then make an assessment of what I believe is happening. Then we will discuss the best way forward for everyone and begin to implement the first stage of your bespoke action plan.
03
Reports
You and your dog's vet will receive a detailed written report to cover what we discussed in the consultation and give you a written step-by-step plan to refer back to as you begin to implement your plan.
(Additional notes will be provided after follow-up sessions whenever new information has been discussed).
04
Follow-ups
You will have one follow-up session of 60 minutes included which will be booked within 2-4 weeks of your consultation to see how the plan is working, add in the next stage if ready, and problem solve anything that hasn't quite gone to plan. Additional follow ups can then be arranged according to your needs.
If, after the assessment, we believe that anxiety is the key factor, the follow-up and plan may work a bit differently. This will be discussed with you at the consultation and any additional packages available explained fully.
Important to know up front...
I always start with an initial package to allow me to assess what I believe is happening, as sometimes is isn't what we originally suspect and it isn't actually the separation itself that is the cause.
However, if it does turn out to be a genuine separation anxiety, it must be noted in advance that in order to work through it successfully you will ideally need to put some management in place for the duration of the plan. You will need to try and ensure that your dog is never left alone unless it is during our planned out sessions where we will be doing it in a very careful and structured way. This could be in the form of dog sitters, daycare (if appropriate), rearranging your work pattern or commitments, or calling in the help of willing friends and family.
If this is not possible, there is something we can do to show your dog when separation is unavoidable vs when it is a safe set up, but progress may take much longer.
Initial behaviour package £280*
Including 8 weeks of support, your 2 hour consultation, behaviour analysis, action plan, written reports for you and your dog's vet, fortnightly e-mail check ins, and one 60-minute follow-up session within 2-4 weeks.
You will come away from each session with a better understanding of your dog and clear steps to work on to help you feel more confident to navigate your situation.
Additional follow-ups can be booked from £40* per hour.
(Please see the section below for an additional package to add-on if needed).
*Mileage fees may also apply if home visits are needed, but these can be calculated up front.
For cases assessed as separation anxiety, there is an add-on to blend into the action plan which starts at:
£400
This is a 4 week package of video analysis, and creation of daily set-up plans 5 days a week for 4 weeks. If you are ready, the final weeks will be geared towards helping you analyse your own videos and create your own plans to keep moving forwards, but if you don't feel ready you can book additional weeks at £100 per week until you no longer feel you need them.
“Never made us feel judged”
"Laura is amazing! So thorough and patient. Never made us feel judged when we learned we had been doing things wrong. And even spotted a health issue that we and the vet had missed. Our dog is so much happier now, and we can't thank Laura enough."
- Cara & Bramble