Fast & effective help for troubled dogs across Yorkshire

Fast effective help for you & your dog

Do you want your dog back?

Remember that relaxed, happy, easy going pooch that was a pleasure to live with, and who lowered your stress levels rather than increased your blood pressure?

Sharing our lives with a dog should be pleasurable and relaxing, but sometimes it can feel like a never ending challenge!

Whether it’s the hot-faced embarrassment when your dog rushes off barking across the field, or the gut-wrench when your dog cowers and hides from thunder yet again – I know how it feels.

Obedience training and rigid rules haven’t helped. Following flashy videos that promised to solve the problem with just 3 minutes of training/day hasn’t worked, and asking ChatGPT was a total failure!

Why? Because behaviour comes from emotions, and cookie cutter solutions don’t address those underlying feelings.

Solution-focused help

aggression/reactivity towards humans or dogs
fearful behaviour
noise sensitivity and phobias
resource guarding
handling problems
territorial guarding
separation distress
chasing sheep, rabbits, cats etc.

labradoodle, dog, labrador, muzzle, haltie, teeth, dogs teeth, growl, snarl, mongrel, mixed breed, nature, pet, tongue, fierce, angry, mad, upset, animal, canine

Fast & effective resolution

dog, animal, domestic animal, nature, cute, domestic dog, outdoors, pet, labrador

Once you start implementing the plan, you should start seeing positive changes in your dog’s behaviour within 2 weeks.

From my clinical experience, it takes between 4-6 sessions over 3 months + regular implementation at home to create long lasting change.

Sometimes you might need support over a longer time period (separation related problems, complicating medical factors, long-standing problems, history of trauma).

But some dogs benefit hugely from just a couple of sessions – that’s why we build the plan that’s right for you and your dog.

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How it works

Apply for help & book your appointment

Apply for help (form at bottom of this page) and I’ll reply within 3 working days.
If I can help, you will be sent a link to the booking calendar and veterinary referral form.
Before we meet, I’ll review your dog’s information, medical history and any videos you send over so we’re ready to start changing everyone’s behaviour.

In-depth consultation in your home

We’ll spend around 2.5 hrs together to assess your dog in detail, making sure you understand WHY the problems are happening and WHAT needs to change.

We’ll create an action plan to reduce everyone’s stress, keep everyone safe and take the first step in changing behaviour.

User-friendly report + handouts
Completion of insurance forms
Liaising with and updating your vet.
2 weeks of email, phone and WhatsApp Q&A support

Tailored in-person and virtual support

After your first session I will recommend the most appropriate combination of practical and virtual rehabilitation sessions for your dog(s).

All sessions include:

Reviewing short updates & videos you send in before your appointments
An action plan so you know exactly what to do next
and 2 weeks of email, phone and WhatsApp Q&A support

How much you’ll need to invest:

After the initial session I’ll recommend the type and frequency of follow-ups to help you achieve the best results. You can pay-as-you go or book a block of sessions with a small discount.

Relationship Reset

Changing your dog’s behaviour starts here with a 2.5 hr session in your home to assess your dog, create an action plan and practice your new skills.

Includes review of your pre-consult questionnaire, veterinary history, videos of your dog’s behaviour, insurance forms, liaising with your vet and a user-friendly report.

£225

Practical rehab

Real life training support where it matters, at your home, on a walk or in a secure field.

You’ll recieve an action plan with clear goals and strategies to progress your behaviour plan.

2 weeks Q&A support.

1hr £95

1.5hr £120

Virtual coaching

Expert advice in the comfort of your own home without distractions.

Video or phone call to review your progress, trouble shoot any issues and set clear, actionable goals.

Plus 2 weeks Q&A support.

45mins £65

20mins £30

You can read the full terms and conditions relating to these sessions by clicking here, or following the link in the footer of this page.

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Areas covered

I cover York and surrounding area including Boroughbridge, Copmanthorpe, Dunnington, Easingwold, Elvington, Escrick, Haxby, Knaresborough, Malton, Pocklington, Stamford Bridge, Strensall, Tadcaster, Tockwith, Wheldrake and much of North Yorkshire.

All practical sessions include travel up to 10 miles of YO24 for practical sessions (approx green area).

An additional fee (50p/mile) will be charged for in-person sessions in the blue area however we may be able to meet at a closer location/secure field to reduce the travel costs.

Outside of these areas please get in touch for costs.

Availability

Initial appointments usually take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

I have a limited number of spaces for new clients at any one time because I want to make sure I can give you my full attention. The current waiting time is approximately 2-3 weeks, although there are sometimes last-minute cancellation spots.

“When I first contacted Morag, my dog was really struggling with reactivity towards other dogs and people. It was stressful for both of us, and I felt at a loss about how to help him.

Morag was incredibly supportive and knowledgeable from the very beginning. She took the time to understand my dog’s individual needs and put together a clear, practical plan that we could follow step by step. With her guidance, I quickly began to see positive changes. My dog is now calmer and more confident around other dogs and people.”
– Andrea & Nate

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Why you’ll (probably) need more than one session

Behaviour problems like aggression, anxiety and reactivity are complex. They usually take months or even years to develop.

So the first assessment and consultation can’t provide you with a complete behaviour change plan, just like the first counselling session doesn’t resolve a long-standing psychological problem, and one physio assessment won’t ‘cure’ carpal tunnel syndrome.

The relationship reset session will:

help you understand the reasons behind your dog’s behaviour
give you tools to help everyone immediately feel safer and more relaxed
put you on the path to changing your dog’s behaviour

Then we can build the behaviour change package that’s tailored to the needs of your dog and your family.

running, walk, animal, when walking, at foot, leash, on the lead run, footwork, companion dog exam, team test, dog sport, sports, dog, a dog-human team, pet, training, testing

Even with the best of intentions and plans, it’s easy to get blown off track or feel stuck – because life happens! I know that personalised ongoing support is the fastest and most effective way to create long-lasting change.

Sometimes that first session is all you need, and that’s wonderful! This isn’t about selling you a package if that’s not what you and your dog need.

Is this right for you & your dog?

You’re ready to start changing the relationship with your dog, and you want to enjoy the process.

You want to understand WHY your dog behaves the way they do, not just stop the behaviour.

You want longer-term support to create real change, not a one-session quick-fix.

You are open to rewarding your dog when they make good choices (using things that your dog values – and that might not always be food!).

You want to avoid or move away from using punishment, strict rules or correction collars – there’s no judgement here but we can find effective alternatives.

Young woman kneeling, caressing her border collie on a sunny dirt path in a park.

“I needed specialist, behavioural help with my Schipperkes, Bounce, (dog reactive) and Sparrow (sound sensitive). I tried many dog behaviourists in and around West Yorkshire. Not impressed! Then I came across Morag and decided to give it one last try. The dogs liked her and so did I. She was kind and calm, knew what she was doing, and she gave me the tools and motivation to start helping them.”

Diane, Bounce & Sparrow –

“Morag helped us with compassion, genuine kindness and honesty. Every conversation felt sincere, and I never doubted that Morag had my dog’s best interests at heart. I’m super grateful for all the patience, encouragement, and support.”

Gina, Max & Bruno –

“I have a very challenging dog and I really don’t know what I would have done without Morag to help us. She is very patient and has probably taught me more than she’s taught my dog! I feel she has given me the tools to be able to handle my dog with confidence in a variety of situations. I have noticed a huge improvement in my dog’s behaviour and I now actually enjoy walking my dog!”

Gemma & Amber –

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Why you should work with me

I’m Morag K Heirs, PhD, a highly experienced and accredited Clinical Animal Behaviourist (ABTC-CAB) and trainer (ABTC-ATI). I help people build trusting relationships with their dogs, even when things feel hopeless, using fast and effective methods.

Behaviour change is tricky. It’s an art and a science. You need a professional with great practical skills and a good understanding of how people and dogs learn. Alongside my skills with animals, I’m also a lecturer in Psychology, and Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine among other topics. I know how to supercharge your learning!

We both know that change doesn’t happen overnight. I will be here to support you and answer your questions as we work together to make life with your dog joyful again.

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“After a horrible incident with another dog we waited to see if things would calm down again with Bertie but it felt like he was getting worse and all our hard work and been undone. From the very first call with Morag I felt like a big weight had been lifted. Now, Bertie is much happier than he has ever been and far more relaxed now, even at home. It has made a huge difference to our daily walks and they are so much more enjoyable.”
– Claire and Bertie

Let’s get started

Tell me a bit about your dog and the problems you’re having, and I’ll reply within three working days.

Common questions

What does behaviour support look like?

Every situation is a bit different so I’ll tailor the treatment plan to suit your dog and their problems. The starting point is an initial assessment and training session at your home or a neutral location. Then we’ll devise the optimal support package for you and your dog made up of practical skills training sessions plus regular phone or video calls to check on your progress and set new goals. I’ll might ask for videos so I can see what happens when I’m not there, and I’ll use online file sharing to work more effectively with you.

Won’t my dog just get better with time/grow out of it?

The honest answer to this question is probably not. By the time someone is thinking about getting help from a professional behaviourist the problem is usually quite severe. My clinical experience and the research suggests that things rarely get better on their own, and usually get worse. For example: this could mean your dog goes from growling at strangers to nipping or biting them.

Is it just feeding my dog endless treats?

Absolutely not! But we will probably use some food rewards that your dog enjoys. When we want to change feelings or train new skills it’s important to use the motivators that matter to your dog. In the assessment we’ll work out what really floats their boat – tuggy toys, sausage and cheese, ear scratches or the chance to sniff that patch of grass.

Why do I need a vet referral?

Professional behaviourists work on referral to ensure that your dog has no medical issues contributing to a behaviour problem. I don’t want you to waste your time trying to change a behaviour problem that has a medical cause. Medical issues which can contribute to behaviour issues range from abscesses, joint pain, thyroid imbalances, skin problems and neurological issues. I might also teach you to use massage or other bodywork with your dog for relaxation, and this needs veterinary permission.

What if I don’t have much time to train my dog?

Your plan is broken down into easy stages with achievable goals (we know it’s hard to change behaviour for humans and dogs!). Each stage will probably ask you to spend some time every day playing with your dog, plus 10 minutes of focused training. This isn’t about hours and hours of practice – it will fit into your daily routine, and even better it’s going to be fun!

Can you guarantee that my dog’s behaviour will improve?

The honest answer is no. Working with animals isn’t like calling out a repairman to fix your washing machine. That person can probably give you a guarantee that they will fix your machine, and that the repairs will last for 5 years.

When we’re working with real living breathing creatures in the real world, it all gets much more complicated. The results of any behaviour plan are not just about what goes into the plan, but how consistently you implement the techniques. I can’t predict exactly how every dog will respond (they really are all individuals), nor can I predict how much effort you will be able to put in. And your actions, as well as what happens around us in the world, will affect the outcome of our work together.

I CAN guarantee the following:
– I will assess your dog carefully and accurately based on the information you’ve provided plus our own observations during our sessions to help us both understand why your dog is behaving in this way.
– I will use a combination of the most up to date scientific research and our knowledge of the fastest safe & effective techniques to create a personalised action plan for your dog.
– You will be given step-by-step instructions on what to do in real life, and we will practice these together before you have to do them on your own.
– You have the option of support via email, phone and video calls – you don’t have to do it all on your own, and we will work to mutually agreed goals.

How many sessions will I need?

This will depend on the severity of the problem and your own unique situation. Because there are no effective one-size-fits-all plans we’ll discuss the number and type of sessions at your first appointment. Many people report seeing significant improvements after 3-4 sessions, dogs with more complex problems may need more while others need just a couple of sessions.

How often will I need to see you?

Changing behaviour means changing feelings and habits – it’s tough! Rather than giving you a plan and hoping everything goes well, I know you’ll make more progress by seeing me every two weeks to start with. Once you’re feeling confident the sessions might drop to every 3-4 weeks.

How do I pay for the sessions?

You can pay by bank transfer, or I can send you a link to use your normal debit/credit card. I do not store or view any of your card details – it’s all dealt with by a fully regulated payment provider.

Do you accept insurance claims?

I’m happy to complete any necessary paperwork to allow you to claim on your pet insurance (most providers cover my fees) but I can’t process direct claims. That means you always need to pay me first and then claim back the cost from your insurance company.

Are there any discounts for buying a block of sessions?

Yes! While I don’t insist on you pre-buying a package, some people want to dive straight in after our first session. If you opt to pay for three or more sessions of any type at the same time I’ll add a 5% discount on to say thank you for your commitment.

What happens if I need to reschedule my appointment?

Please give as much notice as possible so your appointment can be used to help another dog.
You may cancel or reschedule your booking without additional fees provided you contact us at least 72 hours in advance via email, telephone or WhatsApp.
Changes to your appointment with less than 72 hours notice, you will forfeit the session. Exceptional circumstances may be taken into account
Changes with less than 72 hours will incur an additional £50 charge. Exceptional circumstances may be taken into account