Behaviour Consultations at Puppy Plus

Why book a behaviour consultation and what's included?

Living with a dog who is struggling with aspects of their behaviour can feel worrying and sometimes overwhelming. These 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, which is what we provide.

Emma Stoker is an IAABC Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant and ABTC registered practitioner, working closely with veterinary surgeons where behaviour may be influenced by pain or underlying health factors.

It’s important to understand that meaningful behaviour change takes time. There are no quick fixes. 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 £245 and include;

Pre-consult history questionnaire, gathering of medical history and case review
A two-hour consultation at the Puppy Plus Training Barn.
A detailed written behaviour report and training plan which will be emailed to you within 7 days.
Liaison with your veterinary surgeon
An additional one hour follow up session at the training barn to work on practical aspects of the training.
email or WhatsApp support between the sessions so you can have a speedy response to any questions.

Additional 'follow up' one to one training sessions can be booked through the website, either individually or as a 4 session package.

When to seek behaviour support

Sometimes behaviour changes gradually, and it can be difficult to know when it might be helpful to seek additional support. Many owners contact us when they notice their dog becoming increasingly worried, reactive, or unsettled in certain situations. Early guidance can often make a big difference, helping to prevent patterns becoming more established and supporting dogs in feeling safer and more confident.

You may find a behaviour consultation helpful if your dog is: barking, lunging, or reacting strongly towards other dogs or people, becoming increasingly anxious or easily startled by noises, showing signs of worry when visitors come to the home, guarding food, toys, or resting places, struggling to cope with handling, grooming, or veterinary visits, becoming more sensitive or reactive than they were previously or finding it difficult to settle or relax in everyday situations

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 your dog's behaviour.

Considering your dog's physical wellbeing

Behaviour is closely connected to a dog’s physical wellbeing. Pain, discomfort, illness, or changes in a dog’s body can all influence how a dog feels and responds to the world around them. Dogs experiencing physical discomfort may become more sensitive to touch, noise, movement around them, or the presence of other dogs and people. Sometimes behaviour changes can be one of the first signs that something may not be quite right.

As part of a behaviour consultation we consider the whole picture, including your dog’s health, lifestyle, environment, and emotional wellbeing. Where appropriate, I may recommend discussing certain observations with your veterinary surgeon so that any potential physical factors can be explored alongside the behaviour work. Taking this joined-up approach helps ensure that we are supporting your dog in the most thoughtful and effective way possible.

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 WhatsApp 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.