How to get started

I use kind, ethical methods that focus on rewarding the behaviours we’d like to see more of. This approach helps your dog feel safe, builds their confidence and strengthens your bond.

I don’t use methods based on force or intimidation, as research shows these can increase stress and make it harder for dogs to learn. My goal is always to make training a positive experience for both you and your dog.

Put simply, dog trainers teach dogs skills (like loose lead walking, recall and basic obedience), whereas behaviourists work with problematic behaviours that also have an emotional component that needs to be addressed (e.g. fear).

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That is why a behaviourist will work with you to change how your dog feels about grooming and vet visits, so that they become willing participants in these procedures.

It’s completely normal to feel unsure – every dog is an individual, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to behaviour support. What I can say is that my role is to get to know your dog, understand what they find difficult and tailor strategies to help them feel better about grooming and vet visits.

If you’re not sure whether this service is the right fit, the best next step is to book a free discovery call. It’s a chance for us to chat about your dog, your goals, and any worries you might have, with no pressure to commit. Together, we can work out whether this is the right support for you and your dog.

👉 Book your free discovery call here

It can feel frustrating and disheartening if you’ve already tried to get help and didn’t see the changes you were hoping for. You’re not alone in feeling that way – many of the dogs I work with are the ones who don’t quite fit the mould or respond to standard approaches.

My focus is on creating an individual plan that takes into account your dog’s personality, history and environment. Rather than trying to make them fit into a one-size-fits-all method, I look at what really makes them tick and tailor strategies around that. This way, we can build progress that feels sustainable and realistic for both you and your dog.

It’s very common for dogs to have more than one behaviour challenge, and this doesn’t prevent us from making progress. I’ll work with you to understand each of your dog’s needs and create a tailored plan that addresses them in a manageable, step-by-step way.

If you’re unsure how this might work for your dog, feel free to get in touch via my contact form and we can discuss your options.

A consultation is your chance to share your dog’s story and for me to really understand what’s going on. We’ll talk through your dog’s history, what daily life looks like, and the challenges you’re facing. I’ll then put together a tailored plan and guide you through the first steps.

If you’d like a more detailed breakdown of what to expect, you can read my blog post here.

If your dog shows less extreme behaviours during handling – but these are still making it hard for you to get the necessary procedures done – take a look at my online cooperative care course.

I completely understand – it can feel daunting to invest in something when there’s no way to guarantee a perfect outcome. Every dog is different, and progress often comes in small, meaningful steps rather than instant results.

What I can promise is that you won’t be navigating this alone. You’ll have personalised guidance, tailored strategies for your dog and my support every step of the way. Most importantly, you’ll start to see your dog feel more confident, more relaxed and better understood – and that can make a huge difference to your day-to-day life together.

If you're worried about the cost, it’s worth checking with your pet insurance provider to see if they cover behavioural therapy. You also have the option to pay in instalments via Klarna if that’s easier for you.

If you’re still unsure, you’re welcome to get in touch for a friendly chat to see if this service feels like the right fit for you and your dog.

Behaviour challenges often take time and consistency to work through. A single session might give you a few ideas, but it doesn’t allow me to fully understand your dog, support you through setbacks or make the tweaks that are often needed along the way.

That’s why I only work in packages – it means I can be more thorough, provide ongoing support and help you stay on track. This continuity gives you the best chance of making lasting progress with your dog, rather than a quick fix that doesn’t really stick.

If you’re concerned about the investment, some insurance providers do cover behavioural support, and there’s also the option to spread payments via Klarna.

In many cases, yes – some insurers will cover part or all of the cost of behaviour support. It does depend on your individual policy, so the best thing to do is give your provider a quick call and ask whether they cover behaviour consultations with Associate Clinical Animal Behaviourist Members of the APBC.

I don’t take direct payments from insurers, which means you’ll need to pay for your sessions and then claim back the fees. For that reason, it’s a good idea to check with your insurer before booking so you know exactly what’s included.

Yes – as a clinical behaviourist, I can only take on behaviour cases with a veterinary referral. This is standard practice for all members of professional associations, and it’s in place to make sure your dog gets the right support.

The reason is simple: many behaviour changes can be linked to pain or other health issues, so it’s important that your vet rules out anything medical before we start working together.

The good news is that it’s a really straightforward process. You just need to mention it to your vet (in person or over the phone) and point them to the For Vets page on my website – they’ll handle the rest.

I’m based between Leamington Spa and Coventry, and I work with clients across much of Warwickshire. This includes Warwick, Rugby, Kenilworth, Stratford-upon-Avon and Southam, as well as many surrounding villages. If you’re within about 45 minutes of Leamington Spa or Coventry, I can usually travel to you.

Travel time is already included in the cost of your session, so there are no extra fees.

All dogs are individuals, so the amount of time it takes them to overcome their reactivity can vary. If you've had your 3 sessions and you still feel like you need further support, you have the option to book as many follow-up sessions as you need.

You’re definitely not alone – many people worry about this before reaching out. My role isn’t to judge, but to support you and your dog. Behaviour struggles are never a sign of failure, and it’s really common for people to feel stuck or unsure of what to do.

I focus on understanding both you and your dog, and working together to find practical, compassionate solutions that fit your life.