Behaviour Modification
The Care Your Dog Deserves
Every dog is an individual, and behaviour rarely exists without a reason.
I have been working with and studying dogs for over 15 years, working with a wide variety of breeds, temperaments and behavioural challenges. Over that time I have developed a particular interest in understanding why dogs behave the way they do, rather than simply trying to suppress the behaviour we don't like.
I am a qualified dog trainer with qualifications in dog psychology and behaviour, and I continue to study and keep up to date with current research and developments within the field.
When working with behavioural problems, my first priority is understanding the dog in front of me.
Fear, anxiety, frustration, arousal, environmental factors, previous experiences, genetics, learning history and the relationship between dog and handler can all influence behaviour. Before we can begin changing a behaviour, we need to understand what may be driving it.
From there, we can develop a practical training approach that is appropriate for the individual dog and realistic for the owner to maintain.
Building Understanding and Trust
I believe that effective behaviour modification should strengthen the relationship between dog and owner rather than damage it.
Reward is an important part of my training, but reward doesn't simply mean food. Depending on the individual dog, reinforcement can come through play, toys, access to the environment, interaction, movement or simply the opportunity to engage with something he finds valuable.
I also place a strong emphasis on engagement and communication. Teaching an owner how to communicate clearly with their dog, recognise what their dog is telling them and create the right conditions for learning can make a huge difference.
The aim isn't to create a robot that simply follows commands.
The aim is to help the dog and owner understand each other better and give them the tools to navigate everyday life together.
My Approach
There isn't a single technique that will work for every dog.
Good behaviour modification requires us to look at the whole picture and adapt the approach to the individual dog. I believe in using evidence, observation and experience rather than following a rigid training formula.
My role is not simply to tell you what to do with your dog. I want you to understand why we are doing it, so that you can continue making progress long after our sessions have finished.
I am based in Edinburgh and, when I am accepting clients, I prefer to work with owners in an environment where we can properly assess the dog and develop a practical training plan. I can also travel where appropriate, including elsewhere in the UK and abroad.*
Please note: I am currently not taking on new clients while I continue to await answers regarding my health. I will update the website when this changes.
If you would like to discuss behaviour modification or find out more about my approach, please get in touch.
*Travel expenses may apply for sessions outside the local area.