Frequently Asked Questions

Do you come out and train my dog for me?

Not quite. Me training your dog might be fun for me and your dog, but it doesn't really do anything to help you. Instead, I train you in how to train your dog, and how to improve your dog's behaviour gradually over time by consistent application of appropriate and humane behaviour therapy techniques. I provide full instruction and demonstration of these techniques, but as the owner, you are the main handler.

How long will it take to see improvement in my dog?

Every dog is different, and there isn't any 'quick-fix' solution to any behaviour issue. The key is consistency; to keep going with the techniques you've been prescribed to produce improvement over time. None of my plans are foolproof though, so if something isn't working for your dog, we can always go back to the drawing board and try out other techniques.

Where do your consultations take place?

I usually come out to you and visit you in your own home. This is so you and your dog are comfortable and in your own environment. It allows you to focus and speak more freely, and allows me to see a true reflection of your dog's behaviour on their home turf. However, if it feels more comfortable and appropriate for you, we can also meet at a neutral location, such as your dog's usual walking spot. If your dog's issue occurs outside of the home (e.g. recall, on-lead issues), we will usually spend a good chunk of the session outside so that the behaviour can be seen and handled in real-time.

Whereabouts do you cover?

I mostly cover the many charming towns of North Tyneside (Whitley Bay, North Shields, Wallsend, Tynemouth, Killingworth, etc). However, I love to drive so I'm happy to travel to surrounding areas. I've been as far out as Ashington, Sunderland and Blaydon in the past, so let me know whereabouts you are and I'll let you know if I can come to you. Do be aware that I charge a little extra to cover travel costs for distances over 5 miles from my home in the NE27 postcode district.

Do you offer telephone or video consultations?

While I appreciate that phone or video call consultations are growing increasingly popular, I personally don't offer them. I find it's more difficult to get a full and accurate picture over the phone, and that it's much more diagnostically helpful to see a dog's behaviour in person, especially for problem behaviours occurring outside of the home. Handling a dog myself also helps me to assess their trainability and to fully understand what the owner experiences. Perhaps one day I'll drag myself into the 21st Century, but I currently believe that doing so would be a disservice to my clients.

Are you on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram, etc?

Not presently, but perhaps in the future. Watch this space!

Do I need a referral from my vet to see you?

Not necessarily. However, I will always recommend that changes in a dog's behaviour (particularly sudden ones) should be assessed by a vet in the first instance. No amount of therapeutic techniques will alter behaviour being caused by underlying pain or illness. Once a medical causation has been ruled out, I'm more than happy to see your dog, with or without an official referral.

What type of training methods do you use?

My methods are based around positive reinforcement. I believe that kindness and offering rewards builds good feeling and trust between ourselves and our dogs. I do not utilise any punitive styles of training. I believe that not only do punishments suppress 'bad' behaviour rather than change it, but making our dogs fear us is not conducive to building a healthy trusting relationship.

I also don't tend to use clickers in my training. I don't have anything against them, I just personally find them distracting. If owners wish to incorporate clickers into their own training, that's fine by me. But I prefer owners to have full focus on their dog during consultations.

Can my partner/family/kids be present?

Absolutely! In fact, it's preferable for anyone who regularly looks after or handles your dog to be present so that everyone can get on the same page. However, I will insist that people under the age of 18 are accompanied by an adult at all times.

Will you see aggresive dogs?

Of course, although depending on the nature of your dog's behaviour, I may ask that certain safety precautions are taken to protect everyone involved (e.g. keeping your dog crated/on-lead/muzzled, etc).

Why do I need to send you a message before I can book you?

I always ask that prospective clients make first contact with me in writing, either via email or by using the form on the Contact page on this website. Since some dog behaviour issues may pose a risk to human safety, having a written account serves to protect both myself and the owner. This is also part of the reason I provide a full written report of my findings and advice once an initial consultation is complete.

Receiving booking requests in writing also gives me the opportunity to fully consider the needs of the dog and owner, to check my schedule with potential dates, and to provide the owner with an individualised quote for the services required. For details of what to include in your initial message to me, check out the information listed on the Contact page.