How do I know if a Behaviour Counsellor is Qualified and do I need to worry if they are not?

Dog Behaviour Counselling is a complex subject and cannot be adequately managed by someone who has undertaken an internet course or attended a three day seminar. Sadly most people claiming to be behaviourists these days are not fully trained or experienced. With the advent of dog behaviour T.V programmes, there is a influx of people who are trying to strike whilst the iron is hot and move into a very complex and emotional subject. Many of these people lack experience and understanding and can cause a lot of damage. I am often asked to see people who have already seen two or three other "behaviourists" prior and within weeks of seeing me these clients are seeing positive changes to their dogs behaviour.

If in doubt, please ask your vet to suggest an approved dog behaviour counsellor. Your vet will be able to refer you to a suitably qualified behaviourist. When your vet refers you you can re-claim the costs of behaviour counselling from your insurance company provided that behaviour counselling is covered.

I am a qualified, experienced and vet recommended dog behaviourist and dog trainer. I am a member or COAPE (http://www.coape.co.uk/ ). I hold an advanced Diploma in companion Animal Behaviour and Training and Iam a member of the APDT (http://www.apdt.co.uk/ ). I am also a recommended dog behaviourist for Battersea Dogs Home and  Waggy Tails. I am currently studying a BSc degree in Applied Animal Behaviour to further my understanding of this complex subject.

Most cases seen only require a single two hour consultation. Following the consultation I produce a report which includes your behaviour modification plan a summary of which goes to your vet. Included in the cost of the consultation is three months telephone or e-mail follow up. Total cost for the two hour consultation plus inclusive follow up is £75.00.

Some cases may require a shorter consultation ( simple cases with a clear cause of the problem) in which case a 1 hour consultation may be appropriate. I may need to discuss aspects of behaviour modification plans with your vet and would need to discuss the case with him/her before going ahead with a consultation. There are many medical causes of behavioural problems which need to be ruled out before going through a behaviourist. This is to ensure that your dog continues to get the best veterinary care and the best behavioural support. You can ask your vet to refer you to me for a consultation and if your insurance policy covers this it may be possible for you to reclaim your costs when I submit a report to your insurance company.

Please call me on 01202 861340 or 07764 250554 for further information or to book a consultation. Regrettably I do not work with behaviour cases via e-mail as I need to see the dog before making any assessment of the causes of the behaviour or the possible outcome after any behaviour modification plan. This is in the interest of public safety and in the interests of you and your dog.