Behaviour

If early warning signs are not recognised dogs can easily develop significant behaviour problems such as:

• aggression towards other dogs
• aggression towards people
• genuine fear at being left alone
• guarding food, toys or other items
• disruptive and destructive behaviours at home

These situations require individual assessment and very specific training advice rather than a class situation.

After many years working with all kinds of behaviour problems, Wendy is now focusing on Dog to Dog Aggression/Reactivity cases and Veterinary Handling issues. Working with these dogs and their owners has always been my greatest passion, having helped my own rescue girl through her extreme dog reactivity to become a successful agility competitor.  Our extensive private indoor and outdoor facilities also provide us with the space and safe environment to work with all levels of dog to dog issues and follow up work.

Specialization also means that more clients can be helped and more young dogs seen before slight problems become deep-seated issues. Where the problem is between housemates, home visits will still be arranged, and naturally secondary problems of any sort will be addressed during the consultation process.

All methods used will be constructive and positive to change the dog’s response both physically and emotionally to the things that trigger the problem behaviour. He will learn coping mechanisms to deal with previously difficult situations. Quick fixes (using punishments such as choke chains, rattle cans and physical corrections) which suppress the problem short term but do not address the situation long term are unethical and would never be considered. The situation hasn’t been changed, the trust in the handler has been destroyed and the problem will emerge again worse than before .

How to Book an Appointment

Please contact Wendy to outline the situation and arrange the initial consultation. Appointments are available during the day on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. To eliminate the not uncommon possibility of a physical problem contributing to the behaviour, consultations are only done with veterinary consent. The form can be downloaded and needs to be completed and brought with you to the initial consultation.

Click here to download vet consent form

A £50 deposit is asked for to secure your appointment.

Consultations are at our Normanton on Trent training centre and the initial £200 fee includes

• Assessment of video of the problem behaviour and analysis of a detailed questionnaire on the nature and history of the problem, lifestyle etc.
• Holistic review of areas such as diet, lifestyle and relationship with the owner to ensure the dog’s physical and emotional needs are being fully met.
• A 2-2.5 hour consultation involving the whole family where appropriate management and remedial training skills will be demonstrated and taught.
• Provision of a detailed written summary and handouts covering each aspect of training and management.
• The first 4 weeks unlimited follow up time with Wendy using email, phone and video.
•  One 60 minute practical follow up session.
•  Ongoing monthly email and phone support as long as clients are still being reviewed with a practical session at least every 8- 10 weeks.
• Attendance of our next available Foundation presentation covering canine behaviour, learning and body language together with how to create a well-balanced, motivated partnership with your dog.
• Sitting in on any of our training classes to pick up practical training skills.
• Access to our Reactive dog classes and coming as a satellite to other classes as part of a carefully structured follow up programme

Further practical sessions are charged at the standard rate of £25 per hour.

Where a home visit is needed to work with dogs within the same home the price will be quoted depending on location.

For our location see address and map in Maps and Directions.

Please note that if consultation appointments are cancelled within 5 days without a serious veterinary or medical reason, 50% of the full fee is payable, and any replacement appointment is payable in full in advance. For practical sessions our standard terms apply.

Please see the home page for details of our Covid 19 working terms and conditions.