Dog Behaviour Problems
How can we help?
Behaviour problems are common in pet dogs, yet it’s easy to forget that our four‑legged companions have their own distinct psychology. Because canine behaviour is not the same as human behaviour, a tailored, evidence‑based approach is essential: misunderstandings or one‑size‑fits‑all methods can allow problems to develop or become entrenched. As a qualified dog behaviourist I use positive, welfare‑centred techniques to identify the root causes of unwanted behaviour and to create practical, long‑term solutions that work for both you and your dog.
I work with a wide range of issues and see many dogs each year, which has given me broad experience in addressing everything from fear and anxiety to reactivity and household management problems. A behaviour consultation is the first step: I’ll take a detailed history, observe your dog in its normal environment, and, where possible, see the behaviour first‑hand. From that assessment I’ll identify likely triggers and design a clear, personalised plan. During the visit I’ll coach you through the techniques you’ll need to implement, demonstrate exercises with your dog, and leave you with a written training plan and practical management strategies.
Consultations are carried out in your home, typically last around two hours, and cost £65. Travel costs may apply outside certain areas—please contact me for details. Follow‑up sessions are recommended where necessary to ensure steady progress, and in some cases I may suggest attending one of our group courses later on to build social confidence or reinforce skills in a controlled setting.
A private consultation differs from a group class in that the advice and training are tailored specifically to your dog and household; group classes are designed for general skill development across multiple dogs and owners and are not a substitute for a bespoke behaviour assessment. If you think a private consultation would suit you and your dog, please get in touch to discuss the problem and arrange a convenient time. Contact Ben to enquire and book your consultation.
Here are some of the dog behaviour problems we deal with:
| Area | Details |
|---|---|
| Aggression and Safety |
Dog Aggression: Addressing hostility directed towards other dogs in various environments. Human Aggression: Providing safety-focused intervention for dogs displaying aggression toward people. Constant Biting: Modifying mouthing or biting habits to ensure household safety. Guarding: Working with dogs that display resource-guarding behaviours over food, toys, or space. |
| Anxiety and Emotional Well-being |
Separation Anxiety: Developing strategies to help dogs feel calm and secure when left alone. Fears & Phobias: Implementing desensitisation and counter-conditioning programs for noise sensitivities or environmental fears. Nervous Behaviour: Building confidence in dogs that exhibit timid or fearful responses to their environment. Reactivity: Managing over-arousal and reactive responses to stimuli, including other dogs, people, or environmental triggers. |
| Impulse Control and Manners |
Excessive Barking: Identifying triggers for vocalisation and teaching alternative behaviours. Hyperactivity & Unruliness: Managing high-energy behaviours to help your dog settle and focus. Stealing Things: Addressing "possessive" behaviours and teaching appropriate toy/object interaction. Jumping Up: Training calm, polite greetings to manage enthusiastic physical interactions. Disobedience: Addressing general training gaps to improve overall communication and reliability. Pulling on the Lead: Teaching loose-lead walking for more enjoyable and stress-free exercise. |
| Instinctual and Repetitive Behaviours |
Predatory & Chasing Behaviour: Implementing management and training to redirect prey-driven behaviours towards wildlife or moving objects. Destructive Behaviour: Helping to identify the root cause of destructive habits, such as chewing or digging. Excessive Licking: Addressing repetitive self-soothing behaviours that may indicate underlying stress or habit-based patterns. |
This list is not exhaustive but indicates the types of issues we can support and coach you through. Please contact us for more information.