Sometimes our dogs behave in ways that make no sense to us. They run away from us. They lunge unexpectedly at another dog. They use the toilet somewhere they never have before… and on and on. A lot of the time it can be a one-off blip, never to occur again. But, there are times when it becomes a problem. It keeps happening. And there seems to be no rhyme or reason. My ‘Home is Where the Dog is’ behaviour consultation is designed for this exact predicament.
When you contact me because of a problematic dog behaviour, we will have a conversation about the nature of the behaviour, how long it has gone on and what interventions have already been used. Then, if further information is required, we arrange a behaviour consultation.
Occasionally there will be instances where I will need a veterinary exam and will advise this prior to the consultation. Pain and disease are first contenders for unusual or out of the ordinary behaviour and I like to rule that out for your dog. After this we arrange the consultation and during this I ask a lot of questions, record a lot of answers and assess your dog’s behaviour. The process is open and transparent. Should I spot something that I think is worth mentioning, it will be mentioned.
Next, we devise a strategy. The strategy depends entirely on your dog but will mainly be looking at management methods for the problem behaviour. It is difficult, if not impossible to say with certainty what the strategy will look like. Although many problem behaviours are similar, every dog is unique and will have its own set of learning patterns. Often there is some re-training required, often there is new training needed and always there is a necessary, new level of understanding demanded.
Behaviour modification takes time. This I can guarantee. You will certainly see small changes quickly but the overall modification and management is a longer process. In some cases, life long. The strategy we devise is something that you, as an owner, has to follow. It is only you that can do it. I will advise, reassure, demonstrate, make adjustments and be available throughout but I cannot do the work. We, as a team, need to bring you and your dog as a team, to a place of mutual understanding.
Following our consult I will give you access to a management plan devised exclusively for your situation. The plan usually summarises in writing what we have discussed during our session and guides you through an approximately 6 week behaviour modification intervention. There are weekly checklists that I need returned to me (by email) and each week I will arrange a call or email to monitor progress. I am absolutely committed to reaching a place where you and your dog have an understanding relationship, with clear communication and a strong bond, I expect you to share that commitment. I expect your dog to be there already, albeit misunderstood.
Home is Where the Dog is Behaviour Consultation FAQs
Simply click on the contact me icon and leave me your details along with some information about the problem. I will contact you within 1-3 working days to discuss next steps.
The full consultation costs £350. This includes a full exploration of the problem with you and your dog, some non-invasive behaviour tests to understand why the dog may be carrying out the behaviour, a behaviour modification plan, training plans and 2 follow up visits. If further visits are needed they cost £50 per visit and typically last between 1-2 hours.
Payment is made when the consultation is booked by bank transfer.
This is the ‘It Depends’ answer. You will generally see some behavioural change within two weeks. This two week milestone gives me the opportunity to monitor progress, adjust where necessary and/or make additions to the plan.
During the time I work with you and your dog you will gain a knowledge base and skills required to go forward with your dog. You will have seen a change which will give you the confidence to continue with the management plan. The aim is for you to not need me anymore.
I consider this a bump in the road. It is extremely likely that there will be a couple of bumps. I expect this. Both you and your dog are changing something and it can feel safer to stay in the same place. But I would stress that although there can be bumps, the path is not hilly. All behaviour modification is based on using positive reinforcement methods, remains as stress free as possible and depends on strengthening the bond between you and your dog.
There are a number of ways it can be done and they all depend on the problem, the dog and the situation. I can consult in person, on Zoom, Teams or WhatsApp. I find that I get the clearest picture when you and your dog are in the most comfortable place you can be – the home. Occasionally, I can also get to see the problem behaviour. Sometimes, if the behaviour is something I am unlikely to see because it happens on a walk or through the night, I will ask you to take a recording and send it to me. We will work using WhatsApp to stay in touch.
We make a plan. You will receive from me a detailed summary of what we have discussed during the consultation, key points to address and a structure (usually with checklists) going forward. I need checklists returned to me by email on a daily basis (or we can use a shared document). This is because I need to know how your dog is progressing. Once a week we will have a more comprehensive discussion – the ‘weekly roundup’. I need this level of contact to make sure we are moving forward. We stay in touch throughout.
