What is Dog Behaviour?
Dog behaviour encompasses a wide range of actions and reactions that dogs use to communicate and interact with their environment. These behaviours can be influenced by a dog's natural instincts, emotions, or past experiences. Some common dog behaviours include:
- Growling, barking, whining, crying, howling.
- Pacing, unable to settle, attention-seeking.
- Stealing and protecting items.
- Biting, snapping, baring teeth.
- Chasing, charging, hiding, cowering, freezing
- Jumping, lunging, pulling, over-excitement
- Shaking, shivering, trembling
- Digging, chewing furniture, destroying objects.
- Marking, toileting in the home, eating non food items
- Repetetive behaviours - catching flies, spinning, chasing tails
Why is My Dog Behaving Like This?
Some behaviours are natural and instinctive, essential for a dog’s survival and protection. These actions help dogs to feel safe, and in certain situations, they might escalate to more intense reactions. For example, a dog might growl or snap if they believe it’s the quickest way to make something go away.
Other behaviours can stem from historical experiences, possibly even from the early weeks of life. An isolated event that frightened the dog can lead to long-lasting anxiety, fear, or phobias. These emotional responses might manifest unpredictably, or are often more obvious with physical signs such as trembling or shaking.
Why Can't a Dog Trainer Help? Why Do I Need a Behaviourist?
While dog trainers are excellent for teaching basic obedience and commands, a dog with underlying emotional issues requires a different approach. A stressed, anxious, or fearful dog may struggle to learn traditional training methods. A behaviourist, on the other hand, focuses on identifying the root cause of the behaviour and creating a tailored plan to address it.
A behaviourist provides a comprehensive consultation to understand your dog’s issues, teaching you to recognise subtle signs of distress. This is followed by a detailed report and a holistic training plan that prioritises your dog’s well-being before beginning behaviour modification. The goal is to use gradual desensitisation techniques, which are kind and ethical, allowing your dog to build positive emotions without adding further worry or stress to your dog.
In addition to behavioural support, a behaviourist also offers clear, easy-to-follow training steps, along with ongoing guidance and assistance.
What Happens Next?
To get started, choose one of the behaviour plans and follow these steps:
- Book a Plan: Select the package that suits your needs.
- Complete Forms: Fill out the consultation form and vet referral form.
- Consultation & Plan: A 2.5-hour consultation followed by a comprehensive training plan and report.
- Ongoing Support: Up to 12 months of support via email, WhatsApp, and phone.
- Veterinary Collaboration: Liaising with your vet to identify any medical health related problems
- Practical Sessions: Available in some plans or available to purchase as extra
Packages:
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Basic Package - £300: Includes a 2.5-hour consultation, training plan and report, 1 follow-up practical session, 6 months of support, and collaboration with veterinary services.
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Bronze Package - £350: Includes a 2.5-hour consultation, training plan and report, 3 follow-up practical sessions, 6 months of support, and collaboration with veterinary services.
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Silver Package - £400: Includes a 2.5-hour consultation, training plan and report, 3 follow-up practical sessions, 12 months of support, and collaboration with veterinary services.
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Gold Package - £450: Includes a 2.5-hour consultation, training plan and report, 4 follow-up practical sessions, 12 months of support, and collaboration with veterinary services.
Each package is designed to provide comprehensive support and guidance, ensuring that your dog’s behavioural needs are met in a compassionate and effective manner.
