How to Choose the Right Dog Trainer or Behaviourist in the West Midlands
Hi, I’m Nick Jones, a full-time dog behaviourist qualified to Masters level in my specific field of dog behaviour. I’m Based in Bewdley, Worcestershire covering the West Midlands and beyond on request. I realise it can be difficult to align local trainers with local people as the internet will offer practitioners from all over the country when searching for a local dog behaviourist near the reader. Nonetheless, the reader does have a reasonable amount of choice, and sifting through the options can be a challenge so that you work with the right person, with the right experience and can genuinely help you and your dog overcome the challenges that you face when you started to search. The following points are designed to help you ask the right questions and what to look for along the way.
*Spoiler alert: I am of course a dog behaviourist in the West Midlands, and would love to help you with your dog as that remains my passion after 25 years and I can’t get enough of it. I shall offer you means to contact me at the foot of this article.
If you're at your wits' end with your dog’s behaviour, or you're simply ready to understand your dog on a deeper level, you’ve already taken the most important step: seeking help. Whether you’re dealing with reactivity, separation anxiety, aggression, or just a dog that’s ruling the roost, choosing the right professional to help can feel overwhelming.
Trainer vs Behaviourist - Know the Difference
Before diving in, it's worth understanding what kind of support you actually need. A dog trainer typically focuses on obedience and life skills - sit, stay, recall, lead walking, and perhaps group classes or sports like agility.
A dog behaviourist, however, deals with more complex emotional or psychological challenges. This includes things like aggression, anxiety, fear-based responses, and compulsive behaviours. If your dog’s issues go beyond a lack of manners, then it’s likely a dog behaviourist you’re after.
Now, there is often an overlap in these two areas, as it’s not unusual to cover some basic training to help reinforce the behavioural changes we are looking to see. So for example, we may well go on to develop the recall (training) with a dog that behaves poorly towards other dogs (behaviour). A trainer that has a good foundation in basic training for dogs before going on to dog behaviour cases is in my view most important, and this reflects my own pathway into the profession. When it comes to overcoming complex dog behaviour problems, experience always outweighs qualifications, so this aspect of being time-served in the profession is essential for a good outcome.
It is rarely recognised how the emotional impact of this work can have deep and lasting effects for the better once the dog’s behaviour begins to settle. Restoring calm and peace to fractured families or individuals remains the single most rewarding aspect to see improve for me every time. As qualified trainers and behaviourists, we are not just training a dog to come back or to stop barking, we are restoring calm and harmony, and we all deserve that-including the dogs in our space and care.
Vet Referrals and Word of Mouth: Who Can You Trust?
A great place to start is with your local vet. When they refer you to a behaviourist, it’s usually because they trust that person to handle cases with care and professionalism - especially after ruling out any underlying medical causes. At Alpha Dog Behaviour Ltd, I regularly receive veterinary referrals across the West Midlands, and I’m honoured to be trusted in this way. I provide relaxed and informative talks to local vets either upon my suggestion or a request by the practice to talk through any number of issues that vet practices may encounter when speaking with owners on a daily basis.
Dog walkers, groomers, and other owners can also offer valuable insights. If someone you know had a great experience with a behaviourist, don’t be afraid to ask questions. What did they love about the process? Did they see real, lasting change?
Vet Referrals for Insurance Claims
If you have pet health insurance and know that your policy covers you for dog behaviour problems, then you can read more about claiming my fees on this page of my website. All dog behaviour cases whereby the fees are being claimed through insurance need to be referred by a vet. If however, you were paying privately or simply did not have pet health insurance, you are able to contact me directly without a referral and we simply work on a private basis together. My fees are the same whether you go through insurance or pay privately.
Is the Behaviourist Insured and Transparent?
Always check that any behaviourist or trainer you're considering has full insurance, including public liability cover. It’s a mark of professionalism and protects both parties. Reputable practitioners will never take offence when you ask. I have full professional indemnity and public liability Insurance.
What’s Their Philosophy?
This one’s important. The training philosophy someone uses will shape the entire experience, for both you and your dog.
All of my consultations are grounded in clarity, calmness, and connection with you and the dog. I don’t believe in harsh methods or fear-based tactics. Instead, I focus on building trust, structure, and a solid bond between you and your dog. This creates lasting change, not just quick fixes.
What Are Their Qualifications or Experience?
There are many routes into the world of dog behaviour. Some behaviourists come through academia, others, like myself, have built their expertise through decades of full-time, in-the-trenches experience with dogs and their owners looking at all manner of behaviours in dogs.
Ask what kind of experience they have with your dog’s specific issues. Have they dealt with similar cases? Can they talk you through their approach?
What Do the Sessions Include, and What Does It Cost?
When you’re paying for expertise, you should know what you're getting. Here are a few helpful questions to ask:
Do they offer home visits, where behaviour can be observed in a natural environment in or out of the home?
Will you receive follow-up support or written guidance?
Do they offer packages for ongoing work, or is it one session at a time?
Are stooge dogs or controlled environments used in cases like reactivity?
If it’s a group setting, what’s the trainer-to-dog ratio?
I always work on a one-to-one basis and provide in-depth behavioural plans, practical tools, and personal follow-up.
You Should Feel Confident and Understood
Choosing someone to help with your dog’s behaviour is personal. You should feel heard, supported, and respected. If a trainer or behaviourist can clearly explain what’s going on, and how to move forward, it’s a great sign you’re in good hands.
Why Clients Choose Me
For 25 years, I’ve helped thousands of dog owners across the West Midlands improve their lives with their dogs. From Kidderminster to Birmingham, my approach is personal, caring, and effective. Clients trust my hands-on experience to give practical, easy-to-follow advice that fits real life. Calm and professional, I work locally and online to find the root causes of behaviour problems, not just treat symptoms. Many clients claim my fees through pet insurance. As Petplan’s behaviourist, my services are trusted and reliable.
Contact me today and let’s get started on transforming your relationship with your dog.
FAQs
Do you offer online consultations?
Yes, I offer virtual consultations for clients across the UK and beyond. These are great for tackling issues like separation anxiety, resource guarding, or general behavioural concerns.
How many sessions will my dog need?
It depends on the issue and the dog, but most behavioural cases require two sessions. I’ll talk you through a plan tailored to your dog.
Can you help with aggressive behaviour?
Yes. I have extensive and practical experience working closely with dogs exhibiting a wide range of aggression-related issues, including dog-on-dog reactivity, as well as resource-guarding behaviours. My approach focuses on understanding each dog’s unique triggers and implementing tailored strategies to promote calm, confident behaviour and improve relationships between dogs and their owners.
Do you work with insurance companies?
Absolutely. Many of my clients come through referrals from pet insurance policies as well as veterinary professionals. I provide comprehensive and detailed reports to support their cases and maintain clear communication with insurers whenever necessary.
What areas do you cover?
I cover the West Midlands, including Kidderminster, Worcester, Stourbridge, Birmingham, and surrounding areas. I also travel further afield by arrangement.
Checklist for Choosing the Right Behaviourist
10 Smart Questions to Ask Any Dog Behaviourist Before Booking:
What qualifications or experience do you have?
What kind of issues do you specialise in?
What is your training philosophy?
Are you fully insured?
What’s included in your behaviour package?
Do you offer follow-up support or written reports?
Will we work one-on-one or in a group?
Do you use stooge dogs for reactivity training?
Can you help with insurance claims?
Do you offer remote consultations if needed?
