Your Local Dog Trainer & Behaviourist.

Who am I and how can I help you and your dog?

I am a local dog trainer and behaviourist, specialising in working with owners who are struggling with difficult behaviour from their pets. My aim is to help build a better understanding between you and your pet, so you can enjoy a more peaceful and harmonious life.

Every dog is different and requires an individual approach - from a puppy learning basic commands to an adult dog with behavioural problems such as aggression, separation anxiety, over-activity or socialisation issues. I support owners in learning how to respond to these challenges and show them how to understand the signals their dog is sending.

During our meetings, I carefully analyse the dog's behaviour to identify the cause of the problem and prepare an action plan to help eliminate the unwanted behaviour. I teach practical methods that will bring about positive change and help build trust and a bond between you and your pet.

If you need support in solving your dog's problems or would like to better understand your dog's behaviour - I am here to help! Contact me to discuss the details and arrange your first appointment.

Please note: In cases of behavioural disorders such as dog-human aggression, obsessive-compulsive behaviours, or severe situational and separation anxiety, medication might be necessary. The goal of these medications is to support the behavioural therapy, not to sedate the dog. If you’re strongly opposed to medication, I recommend consulting a different behaviourist to save time, money, and frustration. Rarely do I schedule multiple consultations, as I maintain close contact with my clients throughout the process. Those who’ve worked with me understand this well. Please consider this before booking a consultation.

Behavioural therapy covers a range of issues, including:

Aggression Dogs can become aggressive for many reasons, most commonly fear. However, aggression may also stem from dominance, territorial instincts, hunting drive, or resource guarding. Each type of aggression tends to intensify over time, so the sooner we start addressing it, the faster we’ll resolve the issue. It’s crucial to understand that aggression can develop into secondary aggression, where the dog bypasses warning signs and bites more frequently and with greater intensity. A proper diagnosis and therapy plan are key in treating this behaviour.

Separation Anxiety If a dog constantly seeks physical contact with their owner, follows them everywhere, cannot stay in a separate room alone, or shows signs of distress when the owner prepares to leave, these are early indicators of separation anxiety. At this stage, the issue can often be resolved relatively quickly with a few simple steps from a behaviourist. If left unchecked, however, the dog may develop more destructive behaviours such as barking or howling when left alone, scratching at doors, attempting to escape, destroying furniture, or toileting indoors. At this point, therapy takes longer, and medications may be required if supplements prove insufficient.

Hyperactivity This often manifests as increased physical activity, difficulty resting or sleeping, and heightened sensitivity to stimuli. In many cases, hyperactivity is caused by a lack of understanding of the breed’s needs, and the problem can be managed by increasing the dog’s physical and mental activity. However, some cases are more complex and require long-term therapy and a holistic approach.

Anxiety Dogs may experience anxiety for various reasons, most commonly due to inadequate socialisation during puppyhood. Genetic predispositions, traumatic experiences, abuse, or pain can also contribute. An anxious dog may display a range of behaviours, so it’s important to distinguish whether we are dealing with fear, anxiety, or a phobia – all representing different levels of intensity of the same emotion.

Compulsive Behaviours These are repetitive actions that, from a human perspective, may seem nonsensical but are a form of coping mechanism for the dog. Common compulsive behaviours include chasing their tail, excessive licking or chewing, circling, or attempting to catch invisible objects. Such behaviours are frequently seen in dogs living in shelters or kennels, but may also indicate an underlying health issue or chronic pain. Some breeds, such as German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Great Danes, Dobermans, Border Collies, and Miniature Schnauzers, are more genetically prone to developing compulsive behaviours.

Depression Just like humans, dogs can suffer from depression. Symptoms include apathy, refusal to eat, lack of interest in their surroundings, and difficulty learning. The most common causes of depression are the loss of an owner or a canine companion, as well as prolonged stress and frustration resulting from unmet needs.