The visit to your home is up to 2 hours for dogs , initially gaining further knowledge of the behaviour and why it is happening. We may need to go out for a walk if your pet is exhibiting issues outside the home. Please note that we may not observe the behaviour which is causing a problem. I do not need to see how they respond to know or understand what the issue is. We then discuss the first stages of a plan for you to get started on.

You will receive the notes within 5 days of the visit by email and be given a time to have a follow on phone call. You will be asked to keep a diary of the training so progress can be monitored. You may also collect video footage of training which can be helpful to look back on.

Working hours are Monday to Friday 10 am - 5.30 pm and occasional Saturdays are visiting hours only. If you text or call outside of those hours I will respond during the next working day where possible, unless this is at a weekend. Whereby, I will respond during the next working week. If you do not get a response, then please try again as occasionally emails and texts do not always reliably come through. If you have an emergency during these times, then please contact your vet. Emails are replied to within 3 working days, and I endeavour to reply to all contact as soon as I possibly can.

Methods for changing behaviour are based on scientifically proven methods. I adopt positive reward methods based on building trust and confidence with your dog and allowing them to make good choices. I also use management strategies for prevention, because you and your dog cannot be on training mode all the time and everyone needs the odd day off. I do not advocate the use of punishment based strategies and will not be able to work with clients willing to use, electric shock collars, prong collars, spray collars or any sort of verbal or physical punishment, please see terms and conditions.(https://www.problempetsolutions.co.uk/terms-and-conditions)

Yes, however I do not need to be on the other end of this behaviour to believe it! Safety for everyone is of great importance and that includes not putting your dog in a situation where they might bite. If you dog does not like visitors then please let me know as we can discuss a strategy for your visit.

There are no guarantees that every dogs behaviour can be changed. We look at the reasons why the behaviour started, from genetics, social learning, traumatic events, why the behaviour is being repeated, how long it has been present and how much time you can dedicate to training. For example, if you have a dog that was breed to guard and has developed barking or lunging at visitors you have to be aware that they are doing the behaviour that they have been designed to do. Therefore, there is a considerable amount of genetic input driving the behaviour, changing this can be challenging and likely to need management and behaviour change strategies. A realistic result would be to aim for calmer behaviour with close family and friends and management around those who are not going to be a familiar visitors.    Cases where there is aggression between a household dog can be complex and it is likely that management options may be needed as an ongoing process. In some cases it might be clear that these individuals just are not going to get along and rehoming may be the only option available.

This really depends on how long the behaviour has been present and what is maintaining the behaviour and your input to training them. Changing a dogs behaviour does require a big effort from you to develop the skills needed to help them adapt. In some cases this may be changing the places and times you walk, and most likely increasing the time you put into training. The most important element is that you are consistently proactive in giving them time and patience, this is likely to be a tool that you will always need to use for some of the most severe cases. ​Changing behaviour is a marathon more than a sprint!