All Dogs Go To Erinn

I can offer support for a wide range of behavioural issues. If needed, I can refer you to a veterinary behaviourist should I feel that your dog's behaviour challenges require it.

Every dog has its own personality and emotional needs, which means behavioural challenges are rarely simple. Addressing these issues takes time, patience, and a deep understanding of your dog’s individual needs. While I can't promise instant solutions, my goal is to provide you with the tools and strategies necessary to create lasting change. Together, we’ll explore what’s driving your dog’s behaviour and develop a tailored plan to guide you through effective solutions. I’m here to offer the support you need to help both you and your dog achieve success.

Achieving lasting results takes time, and it's important to approach behaviour change with patience. Improvements typically occur over weeks or even months, rather than days. Depending on progress, the behaviour plan may need to be adjusted to better suit your dog’s evolving needs. Implementing the suggested changes can be challenging for caregivers, and it will require commitment and cooperation from everyone in the household. While some dogs may continue to exhibit certain behaviours, we can work together to manage and reduce their impact. In rare situations, if significant progress seems unlikely, I may suggest exploring other options. A risk assessment will be included in the report provided to you.

The well-being of your dog is my top priority. I focus on creating long lasting change by using methods like environmental management, enrichment, and positive reinforcement. Rather than punishing unwanted behaviours, I emphasize rewarding the behaviours you want to encourage while giving your dog the freedom to make choices. This approach helps your dog feel more secure, calm, and confident, while fostering lasting behavioural changes in a supportive and enjoyable learning environment.

Many pet insurance providers cover behaviour consultations, depending on your plan. Before making a booking, it's important to review your policy and reach out to your insurance company. Inform them that you've been referred to a behaviourist who holds Provisional Clinical Animal Behaviourist membership with the APBC, and they will clarify what is covered under your plan.

As per the Veterinary Surgeons Act and the APBC/ABTC Code of Conduct, all behaviour consultations must be conducted following a veterinary referral. Before your initial session with me, you’ll need to arrange for a referral from your veterinarian. Since behaviour and health are closely connected, many behavioural issues can be linked to pain or an underlying medical condition. To ensure we address any behaviour concerns properly, it's essential for your dog to receive a comprehensive health check from a vet to rule out any medical factors. Even if a change in behaviour doesn’t seem directly related to the issue, it’s important to consult with your vet.

Your initial consultation will last between two to three hours. We’ll start with an in-depth discussion about your dog, covering their history, behaviour, and the challenges you’ve been facing. I’ll evaluate your dog’s emotional state and the underlying causes of their behaviour, looking at both what triggered the issue and what is currently maintaining it. A strong understanding of your dog is key to working together effectively on behaviour modification. We’ll create a clear plan forward, tailored to your unique situation. I’ll provide immediate first-aid advice during the session, and within five working days, I’ll send you a detailed report along with a personalized behaviour modification plan. This plan typically includes environmental adjustments, management strategies, and enrichment activities to help your dog feel more secure, confident, and at ease. Depending on the issue, it may also involve desensitization, counter-conditioning, and/or training exercises. In cases of severe anxiety or fear, medication may be recommended. Only your vet can prescribe these, and you may need to return to them to explore this option, but I’ll guide you through this process during our consultation.

After your initial consultation, I offer a monthly follow-up via email or phone for three months at no additional cost to track the progress of your behavior modification plan. If you’d like more intensive support, especially in higher-risk cases, I can provide daily check-ins to closely monitor your dog’s progress and make timely adjustments. For optimal results, I recommend a minimum of one month of daily follow-up to ensure the effectiveness of any strategies and to address any necessary changes. In some cases, I may also provide a daily progress diary to help track and adjust the plan as needed. Additionally, remote support through email, WhatsApp, or phone is available for a one-month period for a fee of £150, giving you quick access to guidance if any questions or concerns arise.

Determining whether your dog needs a behaviourist or a trainer depends on the nature and severity of the issues you are facing. Here’s a general guideline to help you decide: When to Consider a Trainer: -Basic Training Issues: If your dog needs help with basic obedience commands like sit, stay, or recall, a trainer is usually sufficient. -Socialization Problems: Trainers can also help with socialization issues, like getting your dog used to new people, dogs, or environments. -Behavioural Training: For issues like jumping on people, pulling on the leash, or minor nuisance behaviours, a trainer can often provide effective solutions. When to Consider a Behaviourist: -Severe Behavioural Issues: If your dog has serious behavioural problems such as aggression (towards people or other animals), severe fearfulness, or compulsive behaviours (like excessive licking or tail-chasing), a behaviourist may be needed. -Complex Cases: For issues that seem deeply rooted or persistent despite training efforts, a behaviourist can provide a more in-depth analysis and a customized behaviour modification plan. -Medical Concerns: If the behaviour seems to be linked to medical issues (pain, neurological problems), a behaviourist can work in conjunction with your vet to address the underlying causes.