Welcome to Beastly Behaviour

Holistic dog behaviour counselling & training.    

It's important to get the right advice. The wrong advice can make problems worse, and be damaging to your dog's wellbeing, and possibly injurious to you. Good advice will be based on the scientific study of 'learning theory'....bad advice is usually based on 'dominance theory' which has been disproven. My work is not just about 'fixing dog behaviour problems'. Most of us live in a relationship with our dogs in our home environment, therefore, I believe, it is this whole social inter-relationship and environment which needs to be in harmony. I use an holistic approach called 'cynopraxic' behaviour counselling, centred on your dog's relationship with you, your family and home environment. 

Understanding.                                                                                                        

Being sentient, social animals, dogs are extremely sensitive to the emotional state of those around them. Dogs often mirror our happiness, sadness, excitement and anxiety. Like us, they can become stressed or depressed if their basic needs are compromised in some way that we may not be aware of. For example; having their bed in a busy thoroughfare,  may mean that they don't get enough undisturbed rest. Having to eat their food too near to a dog or cat that they feel intimidated by can affect their appetite, or cause stress-related defensive - aggressive behaviour. Part of my job is to utilise knowledge from my behaviour degree, continued study of the latest scientific research, and years of experience and inuition to identify the things which affect your dog's behaviour and appear to be causing or contributing to the behaviour problems.

My aim is to help people and dogs to have a more harmonious relationship with each-other. Utilising my counselling skills to suggest a few simple changes, and giving some information and demonstrating non-confrontational methods of openening up a two-way means of communication between human and dog, can bring a foundation of understanding and balance. This serves as a firm platform from which to make progress towards your goals. I then show you how to apply learning theory to teach your dog to develop alternative beheavioural responses which will prove to be more rewarding for him, and preferable for you. Although your continued practice over time is neccessary, you will see progressive changes during the consultation which will motivate you to complete the work.  

Please contact me for an informal chat about any behaviour problem including:

• Socialisation problems-(nervousness & aggression towards dogs or people). 
• Fears, phobias                                                                                    
• Separation anxiety/distress
• Excitability
• Protectiveness
• Guarding-of food/resources/territory
• Destructiveness
• Stock worrying
• Chasing: cats/cars/bicycles
• Toileting problems (in inappropriate places)
• Barking /whining/growling
• Licking & chewing (compulsively)
• Self-harming
• Travel-fear/excitability
• Sound sensitivity-thunder/fireworks/traffic etc.
• Light or shadow chasing
• Escaping / roaming
• Touch sensitivity

These behaviours can be mental and physical expressions of stress and usually escalate and become habitual if not treated.

For info or help email: kat@dogbehaviourist.net  or phone: 01837 861724

What I offer

1-2-1 help with all dog behaviour problems at your home throughout Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. I also offer Phone Behaviour Counselling for anywhere else. 

• I  use positive reinforcement and humane non-confrontational methods. 
• Specialising in dog aggression towards dogs and people, I give advice on animal psychology to help people to understand how to stop dog aggression.
• I offer home Behaviour Counselling Consultations for all dog problems.
• I offer home dog training, puppy training or Dog Obedience Training Group Clicker Classes.

Basic Obedience Training:

Make training fun! Give your dog an inoculation against behaviour problems by attending my basic obedience training classes, or have a 1-2-1 session at your home or mine. Help with training problems such as: Pulling on the leash, poor recall, ignoring you, jumping up, mouthing etc. 

For info or help email: kat@dogbehaviourist.net  or phone:  01837 861724