Canine and Feline Behaviour
'Problem' behaviours can develop at any stage in your pet's life. They are often a result of the animal having difficulty with an aspect of his or her life and them trying to communicate this to us - behaviour is always communication. Understanding what our animals are trying to tell us through the lens of their species-specific ethology and characteristics as well as the history and personality of the individual animal leads to successful and sustainable behaviour modification and a happier household.
Using a positive, empathetic and practical process to achieve sustainable results I can help you to understand and effectively modify your pet's own particular behavioural problem. I find that the most important thing I can do is listen; to both you and your dog or cat.
Looking at all aspects of your pet and his or her life, management and environment I draw up a plan and support you through the process of modifying and reshaping the behaviour, helping your dog or cat, and the whole household, to become happier in the process. Some issues may be fairly simple and quick to resolve, others may time more time and patience, but the important thing is to take it all at your a pace that your pet is comfortable with.
I use the LIMA (least invasive, minimally aversive) protocol, which is the recognised strategy of the IAABC. I use my knowledge of dog and cat ethology, behaviour and energy to work with you both, as a unique partnership, to help you to achieve a relationship of understanding and harmony.
Some examples of behavioural issues
Dogs
-
Separation anxiety
-
Fear of humans
-
Fear of/aggression towards other dogs
-
Multi-pet household stress
-
Inappropriate toileting
-
Aggression towards humans
-
Fear of lead/harness
-
Fear of being groomed
-
General anxiety
-
Self-mutilation
-
Inappropriate chewing
-
Depressive state
Cats
-
Multi-cat household stress
-
Inter-cat aggression
-
Litter tray issues / inappropriate toileting
-
Fear of humans
-
Over-grooming
-
Aggression towards humans
-
Self-mutilation
-
Separation anxiety
-
Fear of other cats
-
General anxiety
-
Fear of being groomed
-
Depressive state
Before the consultation
Once you have booked a consultation I will email you a comprehensive History Form to complete. When you have completed it I will ask you to send it back to me via email or WhatsApp at least 48 hours before your consultation, along with a 20% deposit payment. I will then have time to review it before the consultation visit or video call.
If I am doing the consultation remotely via a video call, prior to the appointment I will ask you to send me any video footage you can of the house and the layout of where the pet's resources (food, water, litter tray, toys, etc.) are placed, the garden and anything else that you or I think may be relevant. If you have film of the behavioural problem itself that would obviously be useful, but it's important not to provoke the behaviour for the purposes of videoing it.
Consultation visit/video call
The next step is for me to come and meet you and your pet to carry out a full assessment, looking at all aspects of your cat or dog's history and current life, management and environment. It will depend on the behavioural problem, but I will likely leave you with some initial changes or training to put in place immediately, and after the consultation I will email you a Behaviour Modification Plan (BMP) which will cover a suggested timespan and will work comfortably within your and pet's parameters to give you both the best chance of sustainable and effective results.
If we are carrying out the consultation remotely, a video call is essential. Both the on-site consultation and the video consultation will take up to two hours.
Follow-up
I will be available for support via phone or email whilst you work with your pet and the BMP. I will ask you to send me videos, if possible, of progress to assess before we develop to the next stage of the BMP.
Depending on the behavioural issue, another visit may be needed, or wanted, and we can look at putting together a package so that the pricing is manageable for this.
Animals are very sensitive to energy - our feelings, our moods and our intentions. Being aware of this whilst interacting with them refines our own sensitivity towards our pets, which can strengthen our bond and make the results of positive behaviour modification even more effective and sustainable.
Prices
On-site consultation, including Behaviour Modification Plan: £100
Remote consultation, including Behaviour Modification Plan: £85
Written report (post-consultation): £50
A package of initial consultation and follow-up training and visits is available.
I am also currently offering a discount to those owners who are happy for me to use their pet's case as part of my IAABC accreditation submission.
Depending on location a travel expense may be necessary and will be quote in full before the appointment.