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It’s vital that your dog trainer or behaviourist is properly qualified. I have a degree-level qualification in canine behaviour (Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour Management) as well as two foundation degree-level qualifications and spend plenty of hours each year to keep my theoretical and practical knowledge up-to-date.
My current accreditations include:
Find out more about me here.
I’m based in Maidstone, Kent but can travel throughout the county and to some neighbouring areas if required. (Extra travel fees apply for areas more than 15 miles from ME14.) I also successfully work with all issues virtually so we can team up no matter where you live!
As I pride myself on remaining up-to-date with the latest science and techniques, I only use reward-based methods and will never use any technique that causes distress or discomfort to either you or your dog. As well as being the most modern way to work with dogs, these methods are also vital for their welfare and don’t come with potential adverse side effects like exacerbating behavioural issues or creating new ones further down the line.
Working in a reward-based way means working out what motivates your dog and using those things to reinforce desirable behaviours and gradually change how they feel. Just how therapists may work with people struggling with their mental health! It also means working holistically, looking at everything from your dog’s lifestyle to their health as these can have a significant impact on the issues you’re seeing.
Dog training involves teaching basic life skills and tricks to dogs who don’t yet have these skills whereas behaviour work deals with more complex issues that are likely caused by an underlying emotion like fear or frustration. Things like walking nicely on the lead and recall generally require training. Reactivity, separation anxiety, aggression, resource guarding and anything involving fear or anxiety would require a behavioural package.
It can be tricky to tell whether something is a training or behavioural issue. But that’s why I offer a free 30-minute call which allows us to discuss what’s going on and determine which route to take. Luckily, I offer both so can help you either way!
I’ve also written an entire blog on the difference between trainers and behaviourists if you need more information. Head here to read it.
Our dogs are living beings and don’t have an on and off switch. Behaviour is also complex, influenced by everything from genetics and health to previous experiences. How much you and your dog progress can also be affected by things like how much time you can put into the process, how consistent you are with any advice, what your household and lifestyle is like, your dog’s temperament, and how quickly they are able to learn new things.
Due to this complexity, I cannot offer any guarantees. What I can guarantee is that I will give you my full knowledge and support to help you make a positive change and work towards your goals. But it’s important to understand that some behaviours can only be improved, rather than “fixed”. It also takes time to modify dogs’ behaviour in a kind and ethical way just as it takes time to create new habits in ourselves! There are no quick fixes if we want to create long-term change.
For any behavioural issue, I offer either an in-person or virtual package that includes:
To get started, book a free 30-minute call.
The first package is the most expensive due to the initial consultation and reports. After that, you have the option of a cheaper support or coaching package. Book a free 30-minute call with me above or get in touch via WhatsApp on 07786510926 to receive a full quote for your dog.
If you have pet insurance that covers behaviour, you may be able to claim on your insurance.
This depends on how much support you want and the issues your dog is experiencing. More complex issues or numerous problems may require more in-depth support to achieve the best results. I tend to recommend a minimum of 3 months for behaviour cases but you can sign up for one month at a time if preferred.
Book in a free 30-minute call with me above or get in touch via WhatsApp on 07786510926 to discuss the best option for you and your dog.
As a Clinical Animal Behaviourist and full member of the APBC, I can only take on behavioural cases that have been referred by a vet. This is because there is a known link between medical conditions and behavioural symptoms in animals. Behaviourists need to therefore work closely with vets to ensure medical issues have been thoroughly ruled out or, if any exist, that they are being appropriately treated.
Without taking this hugely important step, a behaviourist may misdiagnose a behavioural problem and give advice that may result in little to no progress or potentially make a problem worse. So it’s in everyone’s best interest, particularly yours and your dog’s, for your vet and behaviourist to collaborate.
Veterinary referral sounds like a headache but it’s very simple. If you decide you’d like to work with me after your free call, all your vet will need to do is fill in my referral form and send over your dog’s medical history.
Once we’ve had our initial consultation, I will send a report to you and your vet with my recommendations and keep them in the loop with our progress or any issues we experience that may require their input.
For more information on why behaviourists require veterinary referral, please read this blog. If your vet requires more information, please direct them here.
For puppy, teenage and adult dog training, I offer both in-person or virtual packages. They include:
To get started, book a free 30-minute call or message 07786510926 on WhatsApp.
This all depends on what you’d like to work on. If you’re looking for help with basics like socialisation and toilet training, you may only need a single month. But more complex skills like loose lead walking and recall often require more time as we need to start training in easy environments such as your home and then progress to more challenging ones.
The age of your dog may also influence things. Older dogs can take longer to train, particularly if they’ve been practising some undesirable behaviours for a while.
We can discuss the best package length for you in the free 30-minute call or on WhatsApp. Simply message 07786510926.
I no longer offer classes due to being fully booked up with one-to-one work. I have also found that group classes aren’t always the best option for every dog or person due to the environment being too difficult for some dogs to learn initial skills.
Working one-to-one with me means you can book sessions on convenient days and times for you. And if we’re training in your home, you don’t even need to leave the sofa!
We can also train in the exact places you’re struggling with, whether that’s indoors or out on your local walk. Finally, we’ll tailor the monthly plan to your specific needs rather than following the set curriculum of a group class.
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