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Dog behaviourist, cat behaviourist, feline behaviourist, dog training, dog behaviour, cat behaviour, clinical animal behavioursit, pet behaviourist, dog help, cat help, Claire Francis, pet behaviour info

Contact & FAQ's

What happens during a behaviour consultation?


The visit to your home is up to 2 hours for dogs and 1.5 hours for cats, 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. 
 
What happens after the visit?


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 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. 
 
What are the contact times? 


Working hours are Monday to Friday 10 am - 5.30 pm and 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.

What techniques do you use?


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 that use, electric shock collars, prong collars, spray collars or any sort of verbal or physical punishment, please see terms and conditions.  

Will you see dogs or cats that have bitten or aggressive?


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. 

Can you guarantee my dogs or cats behaviour will change?


There are no guarantees that every dog and cats 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 or practiced and for how long this has been presented. 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 is very difficult 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 household dog or cats 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. 

How long will it take to see a change in my pets behaviour?


This really depends on how long the behaviour has been present and what is maintaining the behaviour. Changing a pets 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. In cats this might be adapting their environments. 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.  ​

Terms and Conditions

Please read the terms and conditions for Problem Pet Solutions, booking a consultation confirms that you have read and understood them

 

 

 

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