The dog has long been considered man’s best friend. They are loyal, loving companions who ask for nothing in return but food, shelter and affection.

With so many different breeds choosing the right one for you and your lifestyle can be daunting.

Years ago most dogs were bred for specific purposes, a few still are. The instincts to perform the job they were bred for are still apparent in most dogs today.

Understanding the focus and motivation of your chosen breed is a must if you are to live in harmony. Giving your dog the opportunity to use the skills they were born with will keep him fulfilled and minimise any behaviour problems that may occur if you suppress these skills.

Dog behaviour and social language is a complex subject that makes perfect sense to dogs, but doesn’t always make sense to us mere humans!

Whilst there are breed specific behaviours, every dog is an individual with his own personality and interpretation of situations. What makes one tick may well do nothing for another.

Whether you are looking to understand your dog, or resolve a behaviour problem, I approach every dog as the individual they are. An in depth analysis of your dogs personality, moods and motivations ensure that advice or treatment is tailored specifically for your dog.

Understanding Your Dog

Can’t understand why your dog insists on digging up your garden? Or why he has to rush to greet anything that moves, dragging you along with him? Why does he find chewing your table legs so rewarding?

Learning why your dog displays certain behaviour and what he is trying to achieve will help you understand him better.

Understanding him is rewarding for both of you, and will lead to a more fulfilling relationship.

You can learn to interpret your dog’s behaviours and understand the motivation behind them with my help. I can offer practical advice on the following;

• Advice on breeds, and how to choose the right puppy or dog for you.
• Help deciding on a pedigree or rescue puppy or dog.
• Caring for your new puppy or dog.
• Nutritional advice.
• Advice on understanding your puppy or dog so you both get the best out of the relationship.
• Understanding the breed focus and what your breed of dog needs to lead a happy, healthy life
• Introducing your new puppy or dog to your existing family.
• Socialisation & habituation.
• Preventing problems before they start.

Behaviour

We usually rely on our dogs for stable and loving companionship, greeting us when we’ve had a hard day, and sitting with us when we relax.

Unfortunately, some dogs have cause to behave in a very different manner to that which we have come to expect. This can result in destruction of the home, fearfulness, or aggression, to name a few of the typical behaviour problems we face with our dogs.

Clearly circumstances have changed from the dog’s point of view, resulting in these types of behaviour, which is extremely distressing for both owner and dog.

Often attempts to understand and change this behaviour lead to the behaviour getting worse, and the owner becoming less able to cope with it.

This is where I come in. It is my job to find out the reason for the expression of this behaviour, and how we can deal with it to return your unhappy, stressed dog back to a calm, well adjusted companion.

Working with you and your dog I will find a kind, safe and effective solution that fits in with your lifestyle.