Behaviour Problems
Behaviour Consultations
Animal Psychology Clinic provides behaviour consultations for owner's of dogs and cats whose pets are expressing problem behaviours such as:
- Aggression (other dogs, household pets, people)
- Reactive barking and lunging
- Nipping and Mouthing
- Stealing and
Guarding Items
- Attention seeking
- Excessive behaviours
- Hyperarousal
- Anxiety, Fears, Phobias
- Noise sensitivities
- Urine marking or Spraying
- House-soiling
- Chewing and Destructive behaviour
- Digging
- Separation issues
- Handling issues / Grooming / Vet visits
- Nocturnal Night Behaviour
- Compulsive and Repetitive behaviours
- Chasing
- Travel Problems
- Geriatric Behaviour Problems (senior pets)
- Mourning / Death of another Pet
- Nuisance behaviours
- Behaviour consultations are available for homes expecting a new baby, or the arrival of a new pet. It is best to prepare your pet for the arrival of a new family member or an additional pet as this can often be a stressful time.
Behaviour Consultations
What is the difference between Training and a Behaviour Consultation?
Firstly, it is important to understand that behaviour problems are not the same as training issues. Training involves teaching an animal to obediently perform behaviours in response to verbal cues (such as to sit, stay, come back, lie down, roll over etc.). Obedience training is important and is often incorporated into a behavioural treatment plan. However, assessing and treating an animal with a behaviour problem and achieving behavioural change is a more complex, lengthy process than basic obedience training and focuses on assessing motivations and emotions driving the problem behaviour(s). Dog trainers should refer dogs with behavioural issues onto a qualified behaviourist.
Many factors can cause and maintain pet behaviour problems. Furthermore, a pet can have more than one behaviour problem increasing the complexity of the case. During a behaviour consultation the behaviourist will collect a detailed behavioural history and perform an assessment of the pet's behaviour taking individual differences into account providing diagnosis and further advice depending on the animal's individual problem behaviour and the outcome of assessment.
Why should I use a Qualified and Regulated Behaviourist?
Any pet suffering from a behaviour problem should be assessed and treated by a certified animal behaviourist who is a member of a professional organisation as the behaviourist must adhere to a professional code of conduct, are accountable for their advice, and must keep up to date with current advances through participating in annual continuous professional development. Any person can call themselves a dog trainer or a behaviourist as the industry is not yet regulated.
In Northern Ireland there are unqualified and unregulated individuals offering pet behavioural services. Please be aware that incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate advice can worsen pet behaviour problems and compromise the safety and welfare of all concerned. All regulated animal behaviourists must work under veterinary referral to protect the health and welfare of pets as medical conditions and pain can alter behaviour and vice versa. Dog trainers are not qualified to handle behavioural issues.
I have studied degree and post graduate courses including BA (Hons) degree in Psychology where I studied human and animal behaviour, a PgDip in Animal Behaviour and Welfare introduced the study of wild, zoo, companion and farm animal behaviour and welfare, and an MSc in Applied Clinical Animal Behaviour and Welfare enabled the in depth study of topics such as learning theory, training and ethology, animal welfare, animal health and behaviour, pharmacology and complimentary medicine, research methods, law and ethics, clinical skills, communication skills and more. The study of these modules at degree and post-graduate degree level have provided me with in-depth knowledge of animal behaviour and welfare which alongside my ongoing practical experience and continual professional development help me to assess, diagnose and treat pet behaviour problems.
How much do Behaviour Consultations cost?
A behaviour consultation for dogs or a cats costs £195.00 and includes a 2-3 hour consultation held in your home, a detailed assessment report, and follow up help via email, phone or skype/zoom. However, depending on the type, severity and complexity of your pet's problem behaviour you may need additional help in the form of 1-1 follow up sessions at a cost of £55.00 per session. Additional travel charges may apply so please contact us for a quote.
Please note that there are no quick fixes to behaviour problems and the treatment of any behaviour problem takes owner commitment and patience. In complex cases involving multiple problems, or for anxious, reactive or aggressive behaviour clients will likely need additional help which I provide in the form of follow up home visits, clinic appointments or group classes which can be arranged following behaviour consultation. These services may be advised in order to help you and your pet learn new skills and help you make progress.
Step 1: Make an Inquiry or Book a Behaviour Consultation
Make an inquiry either by:
* Filling in the contact form below
* Sending an email to info@animalpsychologyclinic.co.uk
* Calling us on 07754 514896 (please leave voicemail and a member of staff will get back to you).
Step 2: Gain a Veterinary Referral
As a regulated full member of the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants) and a pre-registered candidate member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC), and in compliance with their codes of practice, I only see clients for behaviour consultations upon veterinary referral, This is to protect the health and welfare of your pet and is a requirement for all regulated behaviourists in the UK because medical conditions and pain can affect behaviour. A veterinary referral form will be sent to you prior to booking a consultation date.
Step 2: The Behaviour Consultation
*Behaviour consultations last between two and three hours depending on the complexity of the case. During consultation the behaviour problem will be assessed and a behaviour diagnosis and the underlying motivations driving the problem behaviour will be fully explained. An individually tailored management and treatment plan will be discussed in detail with the aim of providing the most appropriate help for your pet.
Any equipment, and all training and treatment procedures will be explained and demonstrated when necessary.
Step 3: After the Behaviour Consultation
A written report will be emailed or posted within 10 days of consultation. Support by telephone, email or skype/zoom will be provided to help guide you through the treatment plan. Please note that follow up appointments or group sessions may be necessary to aid behavioural change particularly in cases involving anxious, reactive or aggressive behaviour.
If you would like to enquire about help for your pet, please fill in the contact form below.
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