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Behaviour support for dogs who don't like
Grooming and Vet Visits
Has your dog been blacklisted by your vet because they growl or try to bite when being given treatment?
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Is trying to keep your dog's coat and nails tidy a constant struggle, because they won't let you get near them with a brush or clippers?
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​Do you wish that these everyday procedures were less stressful for both you and your dog?
In-person support available in Leamington Spa, Warwick, Rugby, Coventry, Stratford-upon-Avon and surrounding areas
It can be hard when your dog doesn't like being handled by you or your vet.
You dread having to take your dog in for routine procedures like vaccinations or regular treatments, because you know they'll have to be muzzled or 'taken out back'.
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You know your dog's coat is a mess and their nails are too long, but you've been putting off grooming them for days (or even weeks).
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All you want is for your dog to calmly accept handling without any drama, so you can keep them healthy and in good condition.
With my help, you can
achieve stress-free grooming and vet visits
Living with a dog who dislikes being handled can be frustrating; you need to get certain procedures done to keep them fit and well, but they just won't let you.
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The key is to teach them that they have a choice about whether or not to 'opt in' to handling – and that being touched is a positive thing.
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For that, you need the help of a knowledgeable and experienced professional who will give you the skills you need to support your dog and build their confidence.
That’s where I come in! Using only kind, ethical methods based on a deep understanding of dog behaviour, we will teach your dog to cooperate in grooming and vet procedures so that they're no longer a big deal.​​​
Tackle your dog's handling issues with a tailored package of behaviour support
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Information gathering from you and your vet in advance so that we can make the most of our time together
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An initial 90-minute consultation where we explore why your dog struggles with grooming and vet visits and start to map out a plan of action
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A written behaviour support plan explaining how we will build your dog's confidence around handling – and how you can manage grooming and vet visits in the meantime
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Access to my cooperative care online course, which provides step-by-step instructions and video tutorials on how to teach your dog to voluntarily accept handling
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Two 1-hour follow-up sessions either at your home or at the vet surgery where we help your dog progress towards real procedures
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Virtual support via email or WhatsApp so that you can ask questions and receive timely guidance whenever you need it
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Kind, ethical methods based on the latest scientific research
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Reassurance that you're working with someone who has experience living with dogs who have handling issues and who really understands what you're going through
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​Communication with your vet to ensure a multi-disciplinary approach taking into account your dog's overall health and well-being​
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This package will be perfect for you if...
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Your dog shows signs of aggression (growling, snapping biting) or extreme fear (hiding, shaking, crying) during veterinary and grooming procedures
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You want to take the stress out of routine procedures for both you and your dog
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You want to work with a qualified and knowledgeable professional who will treat both you and your dog with kindness and respect
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You'd like to feel supported throughout your entire training journey to ensure that you achieve your goals
How to get started
1
Send a booking request
Fill out my booking request form by clicking on the button below. I’ll check your details to see if I think this service would be a good fit for you and your dog.
3
Start training!
I'll do all the necessary preparation for your first session so that we can get started straight away. We'll arrange your follow-ups and you'll get ongoing support from me.
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My dog is aggressive/extremely fearful/'reactive'. Can you help?Absolutely! However, you will need to book a behaviour package rather than a training package – head to the 'Behaviour Support' dropdown menu to at the top of this page to learn more about the services I offer.
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Where are you based?I am based between Leamington Spa and Coventry, but will travel up to 45 minutes for training sessions (travel is included in the cost of your session).
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What methods do you use?I only use kind, ethical methods that focus on rewarding the behaviours we want and do not rely on force or intimidation. Your dog's welfare is important to me, and I firmly believe that training based on punishment not only causes dogs unnecessary stress, but also damages the relationship between you and your dog.
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What are the benefits of committing to a full package?In my experience, training issues can rarely be fixed in a single session! Owners usually need one or two follow-ups so that they can get personalised coaching to help them make further progress and iron out any issues that have cropped up. Plus, you get virtual support in between sessions so you can message me with your questions or problems (or just for a good old moan!) and send videos for feedback.​​
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I've recently added a puppy to my family. Is this training suitable for them?This package is for dogs over the age of 6 months - for my puppy training package, click here.
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What happens if I need to book more sessions?Once you’ve come to the end of your package we will review your progress and you can book further top-up sessions if necessary.
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What are the benefits of committing to a full package?In my experience, training issues can rarely be fixed in a single session! Owners usually need one or two follow-ups so that they can get personalised coaching to help them make further progress and iron out any issues that have cropped up. Plus, you get virtual support in between sessions so you can message me with your questions or problems (or just for a good old moan!) and send videos for feedback.​​
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What methods do you use?I only use kind, ethical methods that focus on rewarding the behaviours we want and do not rely on force or intimidation. Your dog's welfare is important to me, and I firmly believe that training based on punishment not only causes dogs unnecessary stress, but also damages the relationship between you and your dog.
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What happens if I need to book more sessions?Once you’ve come to the end of your package we will review your progress and you can book further top-up sessions if necessary.
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What are the benefits of one–to-one training compared to puppy classes?Classes are a great learning experience for dogs, and help them learn to focus on you even when there are exciting distractions around. However, classes aren’t for everyone - some puppy parents prefer to have more intensive, personalised support, and some puppies find classes too difficult an environment to learn in.
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My dog is older than 6 months. Is this training suitable for them?If your dog is over 6 months old, take a look at my 1:1 training for adult dogs.
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My puppy is aggressive/extremely fearful/'reactive'. Can you help?If you think that your puppy is displaying behaviour that is particularly extreme or worrying, please get in touch via my contact form and we can discuss whether a behaviour package might be more suitable.
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Where are you based?I am based between Leamington Spa and Coventry, but will travel up to 45 minutes for training sessions (travel is included in the cost of your session).
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What happens at the end of the 4-week package?All dogs are individuals, so the amount of time it takes them to overcome their separation anxiety can vary. If it gets to the end of the 4 weeks and you still feel like you need further support, you have the option to extend your package by another 4 weeks.
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Why do I need to see a behaviourist for this issue rather than a trainer?Put simply, dog trainers teach dogs skills (like loose lead walking, recall and basic obedience), whereas behaviourists work with problematic behaviours that also have an emotional component that needs to be addressed (e.g. fear). ​​ When dogs struggle with being left alone, this is usually because they are anxious, frightened or frustrated – all unpleasant emotional states. ​ That is why a behaviourist will work with you to change how your dog feels about being alone, rather than just focusing on external behaviours like barking or destroying things.
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What methods do you use?I only use kind, ethical methods that focus on rewarding the behaviours we want and do not rely on force or intimidation. Your dog's welfare is important to me, and I firmly believe that training based on punishment not only causes dogs unnecessary stress, but also damages the relationship between you and your dog.
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Do I need a referral from my vet?Yes – all clinical behaviourists who are members of a professional association are bound by their code of conduct to take behaviour cases on vet referral only. ​ This is important because we need to rule out any medical issues that might be causing or contributing to your dog's behaviour. ​ Don't worry though – it's a simple process. All you have to do is speak to your vet on the phone or in person and direct them to the For Vets page of this website. They'll take it from there!
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Where are you based?I am based between Leamington Spa and Coventry, but will travel up to 45 minutes for training sessions (travel is included in the cost of your session).
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What if my dog has separation anxiety and another behaviour issue?Feel free to get in touch using my contact form and we can discuss your options.
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Can I claim on my insurance?Yes, you may be able to claim back some or all of my fees on your insurance. However, this will depend on your individual policy and insurer, so you will need to call them and ask whether they cover behaviour consultations and therapy provided by Provisional Clinical Animal Behaviourist Members of the APBC.​ ​ Please note that I don't take direct payments from insurers – you will need to pay for my services and then claim the money back. That's why it's important to check with your insurer first to see whether you're covered.
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​What if my dog also has another behaviour issue?Feel free to get in touch using my contact form and we can discuss your options.
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Where are you based?I am based between Leamington Spa and Coventry, but will travel up to 45 minutes for training sessions (travel is included in the cost of your session).
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What happens if I finish my package and I need further support?All dogs are individuals, so the amount of time it takes them to overcome their reactivity can vary. If you've had your 3 sessions and you still feel like you need further support, you have the option to book as many follow-up sessions as you need.
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Do I need a referral from my vet?Yes – all clinical behaviourists who are members of a professional association are bound by their code of conduct to take behaviour cases on vet referral only. ​ This is important because we need to rule out any medical issues that might be causing or contributing to your dog's behaviour. ​ Don't worry though – it's a simple process. All you have to do is speak to your vet on the phone or in person and direct them to the For Vets page of this website. They'll take it from there!
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Can I claim on my insurance?Yes, you may be able to claim back some or all of my fees on your insurance. However, this will depend on your individual policy and insurer, so you will need to call them and ask whether they cover behaviour consultations and therapy provided by Provisional Clinical Animal Behaviourist Members of the APBC.​ ​ Please note that I don't take direct payments from insurers – you will need to pay for my services and then claim the money back. That's why it's important to check with your insurer first to see whether you're covered.
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Why do I need to see a behaviourist for this issue rather than a trainer?Put simply, dog trainers teach dogs skills (like loose lead walking, recall and basic obedience), whereas behaviourists work with problematic behaviours that also have an emotional component that needs to be addressed (e.g. fear). ​​ When dogs react to other dogs, this is usually because they are anxious, frightened or frustrated – all unpleasant emotional states. ​ That is why a behaviourist will work with you to change how your dog feels about other dogs, rather than just focusing on stopping external behaviours like barking and lunging.
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What methods do you use?I only use kind, ethical methods that focus on rewarding the behaviours we want and do not rely on force or intimidation. Your dog's welfare is important to me, and I firmly believe that training based on punishment not only causes dogs unnecessary stress, but also damages the relationship between you and your dog.
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Where are you based?I am based between Leamington Spa and Coventry, but will travel up to 45 minutes for training sessions (travel is included in the cost of your session).
-
Why do I need to see a behaviourist for this issue rather than a trainer?Put simply, dog trainers teach dogs skills (like loose lead walking, recall and basic obedience), whereas behaviourists work with problematic behaviours that also have an emotional component that needs to be addressed (e.g. fear). ​​ When dogs react aggressively towards people, this is usually because they are anxious, frightened or frustrated – all unpleasant emotional states. ​ That is why a behaviourist will work with you to change how your dog feels about people, rather than just focusing on stopping external behaviours like barking and growling.
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What happens if I finish my package and I need further support?All dogs are individuals, so the amount of time it takes them to overcome their reactivity can vary. If you've had your 3 sessions and you still feel like you need further support, you have the option to book as many follow-up sessions as you need.
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​What if my dog also has another behaviour issue?Feel free to get in touch using my contact form and we can discuss your options.
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Do I need a referral from my vet?Yes – all clinical behaviourists who are members of a professional association are bound by their code of conduct to take behaviour cases on vet referral only. ​ This is important because we need to rule out any medical issues that might be causing or contributing to your dog's behaviour. ​ Don't worry though – it's a simple process. All you have to do is speak to your vet on the phone or in person and direct them to the For Vets page of this website. They'll take it from there!
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Can I claim on my insurance?Yes, you may be able to claim back some or all of my fees on your insurance. However, this will depend on your individual policy and insurer, so you will need to call them and ask whether they cover behaviour consultations and therapy provided by Provisional Clinical Animal Behaviourist Members of the APBC.​ ​ Please note that I don't take direct payments from insurers – you will need to pay for my services and then claim the money back. That's why it's important to check with your insurer first to see whether you're covered.
-
What methods do you use?I only use kind, ethical methods that focus on rewarding the behaviours we want and do not rely on force or intimidation. Your dog's welfare is important to me, and I firmly believe that training based on punishment not only causes dogs unnecessary stress, but also damages the relationship between you and your dog.
-
​What if my dog also has another behaviour issue?Feel free to get in touch using my contact form and we can discuss your options.
-
Can I claim on my insurance?Yes, you may be able to claim back some or all of my fees on your insurance. However, this will depend on your individual policy and insurer, so you will need to call them and ask whether they cover behaviour consultations and therapy provided by Provisional Clinical Animal Behaviourist Members of the APBC.​ ​ Please note that I don't take direct payments from insurers – you will need to pay for my services and then claim the money back. That's why it's important to check with your insurer first to see whether you're covered.
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What happens if I finish my package and I need further support?All dogs are individuals, so the amount of time it takes them to overcome their reactivity can vary. If you've had your 3 sessions and you still feel like you need further support, you have the option to book as many follow-up sessions as you need.
-
Where are you based?I am based between Leamington Spa and Coventry, but will travel up to 45 minutes for training sessions (travel is included in the cost of your session).
-
What methods do you use?I only use kind, ethical methods that focus on rewarding the behaviours we want and do not rely on force or intimidation. Your dog's welfare is important to me, and I firmly believe that training based on punishment not only causes dogs unnecessary stress, but also damages the relationship between you and your dog.
-
Do I need a referral from my vet?Yes – all clinical behaviourists who are members of a professional association are bound by their code of conduct to take behaviour cases on vet referral only. ​ This is important because we need to rule out any medical issues that might be causing or contributing to your dog's behaviour. ​ Don't worry though – it's a simple process. All you have to do is speak to your vet on the phone or in person and direct them to the For Vets page of this website. They'll take it from there!
-
Why do I need to see a behaviourist for this issue rather than a trainer?Put simply, dog trainers teach dogs skills (like loose lead walking, recall and basic obedience), whereas behaviourists work with problematic behaviours that also have an emotional component that needs to be addressed (e.g. fear). ​​ That is why a behaviourist will work with you to change how your dog feels about the things that frighten them, rather than just focusing on external behaviours like barking.
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My dog doesn't show aggression during grooming/vet visits – they just won't stand still! Is this service right for me?If your dog shows less extreme behaviours during handling – but these are still making it hard for you to get the necessary procedures done – take a look at my online cooperative care course.
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Can I claim on my insurance?Yes, you may be able to claim back some or all of my fees on your insurance. However, this will depend on your individual policy and insurer, so you will need to call them and ask whether they cover behaviour consultations and therapy provided by Provisional Clinical Animal Behaviourist Members of the APBC.​ ​ Please note that I don't take direct payments from insurers – you will need to pay for my services and then claim the money back. That's why it's important to check with your insurer first to see whether you're covered.
-
Do I need a referral from my vet?Yes – all clinical behaviourists who are members of a professional association are bound by their code of conduct to take behaviour cases on vet referral only. ​ This is important because we need to rule out any medical issues that might be causing or contributing to your dog's behaviour. ​ Don't worry though – it's a simple process. All you have to do is speak to your vet on the phone or in person and direct them to the For Vets page of this website. They'll take it from there!
-
Where are you based?I am based between Leamington Spa and Coventry, but will travel up to 45 minutes for training sessions (travel is included in the cost of your session).
-
What methods do you use?I only use kind, ethical methods that focus on rewarding the behaviours we want and do not rely on force or intimidation. Your dog's welfare is important to me, and I firmly believe that training based on punishment not only causes dogs unnecessary stress, but also damages the relationship between you and your dog.
-
Why do I need to see a behaviourist for this issue rather than a trainer?Put simply, dog trainers teach dogs skills (like loose lead walking, recall and basic obedience), whereas behaviourists work with problematic behaviours that also have an emotional component that needs to be addressed (e.g. fear). ​​ That is why a behaviourist will work with you to change how your dog feels about grooming and vet visits, so that they become willing participants in these procedures.
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What happens if I finish my package and I need further support?All dogs are individuals, so the amount of time it takes them to overcome their reactivity can vary. If you've had your 3 sessions and you still feel like you need further support, you have the option to book as many follow-up sessions as you need.
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​What if my dog also has another behaviour issue?Feel free to get in touch using my contact form and we can discuss your options.
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