Behaviour Consultations at Puppy Plus

Why book a behaviour consultation and what's included?

Occasionally, dogs present with behaviours that go beyond what can be effectively supported through standard one-to-one training sessions or group classes. These more complex cases may involve fear, generalised anxiety, frustration, separation-related behaviours, or aggression directed towards other dogs or people. Behaviour is rarely influenced by just one factor, and may be shaped by a combination of breed, age, genetics, health, temperament, nutrition, and previous learning experiences. Because of this, each case requires time, careful assessment, and a thoughtful, individual approach.

It’s important to understand that meaningful behaviour change takes time. There are no quick fixes, and progress can sometimes feel slow. Before booking, we ask that guardians are prepared for this and recognise that ongoing commitment is often needed. Following an initial behaviour consultation, further sessions may be recommended to support you in implementing the behaviour modification plan and to help you develop the skills needed to support your dog effectively. Lasting change requires time, consistency, and commitment.

Our behavioural consultations are priced at £185 and include initial telephone contact, tailored management strategies, liaison with your vet where appropriate, and a comprehensive consultation at the barn lasting approximately two hours. You’ll also receive a detailed written report, an additional one-to-one follow-up behavioural session, and two months of follow-up support via email, messenger, or phone, as needed.

Which behaviours can we address?

We can develop behavioural modifications plans for a range of behaviours including:

Fearful behaviour directed towards a range of things, including people, other dogs, noises, or traffic.
Aggression or reactivity (whether developed through fear or frustration) directed towards a variety of stimuli, which may involve barking, growling, lunging, snapping or biting and/or redirected aggression.
Resource guarding, including aggressive behaviour around food, objects or space.
Territorial behaviours, including barking or reactive behaviour within the home.
Separation related problems, which involve anxiety when separated from the owner or being anxious when left alone. This may involve destructive behaviour, barking or howling, or urinating or defecating in the house.
Handling problems, including during grooming, veterinary treatment, nail clipping etc.
Noise sensitivity.
Chasing or predatory behaviour.
Compulsive behaviours, such as repetitive circling, spinning, pacing, shadow chasing or air snapping etc.

How do we treat behavioural problems?

We begin by assessing the problem behaviours that the dog is showing. We do this through observation of the dog themselves, their guardian's descriptions of the events that have lead them to contacting us, as well as recordings of the family home, or local environment including areas where the behaviour has taken place. We do not need to see the problem behaviours themselves, especially if this involves putting the dog and/or their guardian into a stressful situation that involve risk. We also ask lots of questions, to assess the situation in as much detail as we can, some of our questions may seen irrelevant, but all build up into the bigger picture!

We do not judge, or apportion blame. We understand that when people visit us for consultations, they may be feeling upset and vulnerable. We are kind, empathetic, and we look forward to future behavioural change, rather than back at what 'went wrong'. Understanding why behaviours have developed is important, but from a purely factual perspective. Supporting you and your dog, so that you both feel empowered and able to create change is our priority.

During the consultation, we will discuss the reasons for your dogs behaviour, as well as the management and training needed to keep everyone happy and safe. We will look at the problem from your dog's perspective, in order for you to understand their emotional needs, and why they are doing what they are doing. We may introduce some practical training, but this is usually reserved for the follow up session. We will book this additional session at the end of the consultation.

After the consultation, we send a report withing 7 days, including notes and information relevant to the dog's behaviour.

Where will the Behavioural Consultation take place

All our Behavioural consultations take place at the Puppy Plus Training Barn near Newtown.

This provides a calm, neutral, and carefully controlled environment. It also allows us to accurately assess your dog’s behaviour and demonstrate practical management and training strategies without the added pressures of a home setting, helping you confidently apply these skills at home.

Making an appointment.

Our consultations can be booked online through the link below. Upon booking, you will be asked to complete an questionnaire about your dog. The behavioural consultations will usually take a couple of hours. Email and phone support are available throughout the treatment plan.

Before treatment can begin, we will require your dog's medical history, which can be obtained from your vet. We ask for a veterinary referral because just as in humans, physical conditions can cause behaviour changes and pain has been associated with a variety of behavioural concerns.