Get in touch
I’d love to hear from you!
Ready to apply for help
Tell me a bit about your dog and the problems you’re having, and I’ll let you know if I can help within three working days.
Just a quick question?
Don’t forget to check the Common Questions list at the bottom of this page.
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.
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 (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.
Common questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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