Based in North Kesteven, Lincolnshire

What is the difference between a training vs a behaviour package?

Even though there is a crossover between the two in both services, Training and Behaviour packages are separated because of the type of assessment they each require.

Training your dog to do a specific task is fairly straightforward.

Assessing the cause and motivation for a behaviour that is causing problems (either to you or your dog) is a lot more involved, takes more time, and requires a referral from your dog's vet. This is to ensure that the most appropriate plan is put together for yours and your dog's needs to be able to work towards and reach your individual goal.

How many sessions will I need?

Each package starts with a minimum of 3 sessions to be able to break your plan down into manageable stages and to allow re-visits to assess how you are getting on and update your plan accordingly. This does not mean that the training stops here. Behaviour modification takes time and consistency. Some people benefit from ongoing support to reach their goals. Others like to get the foundations in place and go it alone. A lot of the time it is down to personal preference. The timeline for reaching your goals depends on your commitment, your consistency, and the ability to work within your dog's capabilities.

Some behaviours, situations, dogs or people will require more support. This could be in the form of breaking things down even further to tackle things very gradually. It could be that there are multiple problems or stages to work on which each require focussed attention. It could be that progress has actually been fairly quick, so additional requests have been made to tackle extra behaviours.

Whatever the reason, support is available at a pace that suits you. There is never any pressure to book more sessions if you don't want any. I am here to support you however suits you best.

What methods do you use?

I use positive reward-based, force free methods to support your dog's wellbeing and get genuine, long lasting results. This is backed by science for the highest ethical standards of training.

A bonus of working with me means that you improve your communication and relationship with your dog by building understanding and mutual trust.

Will you fix my problem?

Results cannot be guaranteed as there are many factors involved, and sadly quick fixes usually cause more problems later on. What I can do however, is provide you with the information and support that you need to reach your realistic goals and see a significant improvement in your dog's behaviour. This will require commitment from you to work through your plan as advised, patience to work at your dog's pace, and communication to update and alter the assessment and advice from myself or your dog's vet if anything changes along the way.

Will my sessions be in person or online?

This depends on what would be most suitable for your situation and your dog. Wherever possible I like to visit in person, but if you live outside of my area, if your dog would feel more comfortable without me (a stranger) coming into your home, or if I feel I may be at risk of harm, I will choose a video call instead.

I do not need to see your dog struggling or harming someone to be able to assess them and help you. I ask very specific questions and can review video footage to form an appropriate assessment.

In a lot of cases, especially when strangers or visitors are the problem, having your first session online allows us to put your plan in place ready to use in a set up with me in person next time. This is much more useful than me just seeing your dog react to a stranger.

Why do you need a veterinary referral?

Health and behaviour can be very closely linked, so an open line of communication with your dog's vet is important for a whole dog approach.

Pain and discomfort can significantly alter an animal's behaviour. If there is a medical cause for the problems you are experiencing, a behaviour modification and training plan alone will not make the behaviour go away unless the medical component is also treated.

A referral allows for me to look through your dog's medical history to see if anything can be linked to the behaviour. It also allows me to inform your vet of my assessment and recommendations so that they can support you appropriately should you need any further assessments and support from them.