Behaviour Consultations
Gosport Hampshire

For most of us, owning a pet can be an enjoyable experience for the whole family. However, there are times when some aspect of your pet's behaviour may become problematic and difficult to control and result in behavioural problems developing. Living with these behaviour problems can become distressing for both you and your pet, so the earlier the problem is addressed the greater chance of modifying that behaviour. My aim as a Pet Behaviourist is to work closely with you, to assess the problem behaviour, and to discuss and help you to understand the reasons why your pet may behaving in that way.

Some examples of the types of problems that may be dealt with, in a consultation are:


Dog Problems

• Housetraining problems
• Not coming back when called
• Chasing joggers, bikes or livestock
• Excessive barking
• Destructiveness & chewing around the home
• Sound phobias (including fireworks and thunderstorms)
• Separation Issues when left alone
• Anxiety and avoidance towards people, other dogs or children
• Attention seeking behaviours or inappropriate social behaviour, such as jumping up
• Aggression (to people and/or other animals)

Cat Problems

• Inappropriate toileting in the home
• Aggressions (towards family members, visitors or other animals)
• Aggression within multi-cat households
• Fearful behaviour towards people or other pets
• Introducing another pet to the home
• Compulsive behaviours, such as licking, chewing or over-grooming

Small Animals (including rabbits & guinea pigs)

• Aggression towards family members
• Aggression towards other animals
• Problems with grooming or handling
• Anxiety or fearful behaviour
• Housetraining

What does a pet behaviour consultation involve?

A consultation is generally held in your own home and it is beneficial, where possible for the whole family to be present. The length of time that a consultation lasts is dependant on the type of behavioural problem; however the initial visit can last between 1-2 hours. My aim, during the consultation, is to explore the possible reasons WHY the behaviour is happening and this involves taking a full and detailed history of your pet and the specific behaviour problem. I will also observe your pet 's behaviour in general and in relation to the specific behaviour problem (with dog's this may involve walking to your local park or travelling in the car etc, dependent on the specific problem and the environment it occurs in). During the consultation I will teach you any practical skills necessary to help you work with your pet and follow the treatment plan.

What happens after the consultation?

After the consultation, a comprehensive and detailed written report will be sent out (via email or post). The behaviour report provides a summary of the behaviour problem and details the exercises and training techniques to follow, in order to modify your pet 's behaviour. The behaviour consultation report can take in excess of two hours to write and the cost of this is included in your initial consultation fee. A copy of the report will also be sent to your Vet (unless you request otherwise)

Depending on the severity of the problem, sometimes it may be necessary to only have one consultation and follow up support will be provided via the telephone and/or email, to ensure that training is progressing well. We encourage owners to keep in regular contact and to inform us immediately if they have any questions or feel that there has been a change in their pet 's behaviour.

For some owners, they prefer to have continued support, either through further consultation visits, one to one training or by attending our training classes. Please refer to our home page to see a list of other services that we provide. Bark2School operates in Gosport, Lee on the Solent, Stubbington, Fareham, Portsmouth and will also travel throughout Hampshire, Dorset and West Sussex for Pet Behavioural Consultations or 1-1 dog training.

How to arrange a consultation?

Please Contact Bark2School, either by telephoning 07760 233443 or emailing us at enquiries@bark2school.co.uk

When treating behavioural problems it is important to work closely with your own vet and we recognise the strong link between some medical conditions and behavioural symptoms that may be exhibited. For this reason it is important before a consultation is booked, we gain a referral from your vet, to ensure we have ruled out any possible medical causes that may cause the problem behaviour.

Ways in which you can gain a vet referral:

1. Please contact us for a referral form which can be printed and taken to your vet to fill in.
2. Your vet writes a letter, stating their opinion on the behavioural problem and whether there are any medical conditions that may be influencing the behaviour.
3. Please contact us with your vet's details and we can email a referral form to them directly.

In addition to behavioural consultations we also offer a 'new puppy' consultation. Bringing a new puppy into the family should be enjoyable for all the family. However it can also be nerve wracking and stressful as you can worry whether you are doing the best for your puppy. The 'new puppy' consultation is designed to provide you with all the information you will need to ensure your puppy develops into a happy and sociable dog. By understanding how your puppy thinks and providing clear guidelines for their behaviour, will help to prevent behaviour problems developing later in their life.

Because the consultation is done in pet owners own home, it is ideal for young puppies that have not yet had their first vaccination. Because owners will vary in their level of experience in owning a puppy, we encourage you to inform us of any specific questions or concerns you may have, prior to the consultation, so we can prepare you a personal training pack, designed to fulfil your individual needs.

Topics covered in the 'new puppy' consultation are:

• How dogs learn
• Nutrition
• Importance of early socialisation
• Preventing behaviour problems developing, such as chewing and destructiveness
• Teaching bite inhibition in puppies
• Housetraining
• Obedience training and the use of rewards
• Why not to use punishment in training
• Children and puppies

Testimonials

"Following my 1-1 Behaviourial Consultation with Emma and Ros, just wanted to say that "we are going great guns! Was going to email you the other day but didn't want to tempt fate as she's doing so well!! Totally treat orientated! She even resisted the urge to run after a jogger the other day and came straight back to me. I've been taking her to Gilkiker, Gosport park and Browndown. We're chuffed to bits - totally new dog walking experience and so much nicer. Really glad I booked the consult with you. Best wishes and thank you again."
C.S. and Nelly the Staffy


Hi Emma & Ros, Thank you for the reports, they will really come in handy! So far so good! Austin is enjoying his walks with no lead and he listens perfectly! Thank you for all your advice, you have given me much more confidence and the end result is a happy dog that doesn't growl! It all stopped within the first 2 days! I look forward to seeing you at the puppy training classes. Kindest regards"
N. G. and Austin