My Role as a Dog Behaviourist
With over two thousand dog behaviour cases behind me, covering all conceivable aspects of dog behaviour problems, my role as a dog behaviourist is to help you resolve the issues you are experiencing with your dog and restore a sense of calm to your household. I remain passionate about creating an understanding and rewarding bond between a dog and its owner.
My day-to-day work as a dog behaviour specialist covers all aspects of dog behaviour problems across a wide range of dog breeds. I address all behaviours that occur both in and out of your home, as I feel it is important that your dog is observed in its normal environment, not for example in an office or a dog training hall. I resolve cases of aggression to dogs and aggression to people on a daily basis, which provides me with a great deal of practical, hands-on experience. It is not just cases of aggression to dogs and people that give me my experience, but also dealing with other cases such as predatory chasing, barking, and dealing with various fears and phobias in dogs, separation anxiety, puppy training, recall problems and safety with children and dogs.
Dog Behaviourist, UK. Nick Jones MA.
Having run a successful, full-time dog behaviour practice for approaching 25 years, I have a combination of experience, qualifications and practical skills with a proven track record. Please take a look at my testimonials from previous clients here and look at my Google reviews.
What skills are required as a dog behaviourist?
My approach to resolving dog behaviour problems is calm and sympathetic, with an emphasis on positive leadership and reward-based dog training techniques free from harsh or unethical methods.
Throughout my career, I have enjoyed working closely with people, whether in sales in my early career, the police force, and during the last 20 years, running my own dog behaviour business. I am a good listener, an effective communicator and remain patient and considerate regardless of the situation. I appreciate that people experiencing problems with their dogs can initially feel stressed and uncomfortable. My role is to reassure you, give you confidence and provide the tools for you to restore balance to your home. Just as importantly, I offer ongoing support for the problems we address together and my testimonials frequently refer to the support that I provide post visit.
I have always loved dogs since being a young boy and I have an affinity with them that helps me understand which techniques to use to get the best results using fair and balanced methods, free from a harsh or heavy-handed approach.
My role as a dog behaviourist in one-to-one consultations brings my enjoyment of helping people and my love of dogs together perfectly.
Why choose me?
An independent dog behaviour practitioner:
I am proud to be an independent dog behaviour specialist, running my own business; not bound to follow formulaic methods and practices dictated by a franchise or managing company.
For your peace of mind, I have full public liability and professional indemnity insurance and details can be provided on request.
My experience as a dog behaviour specialist:
You can be assured of a calm professional approach, combined with all my practical experience gained working as a dog behaviour specialist for nearly 25 years, resolving cases of all conceivable dog behaviour problems.
I will handle your dog where and when appropriate to demonstrate the techniques and timing for you to use, but in the main, I am here to help you to learn and develop these skills to help you resolve the concerns you have. The importance here is that both you and your dog will be practising working together; not a case of your dog working for me.
My dog behaviour qualifications:
I have a Master’s degree in dog behaviour from Middlesex University (Professional Practice in Canine Behaviour and Psychology). 2012.
I undertake ongoing training courses to ensure I remain up-to-date with current dog training and behavioural practices.
I am a full member of the Canine and Feline Behaviour Association (CFBA), The UK’s leading dog behaviour association.
As of 2018, I am now “The Pet Behaviourist” for the UK’s largest and most trusted insurer Petplan, carrying out regular Facebook live clinics with dog behaviour questions and answers. I have also had the pleasure of creating a number of dog behaviour and dog training videos with Petplan, which will be released throughout 2018 and beyond.
Experience is, as already mentioned, the single most important element I bring to you and your dog. Being a full-time dog behaviourist keeps me on the road and in front of dogs and their owners with behavioural problems on a daily basis.
Your Dog Behaviour Consultation. The 7 Step Plan:
My work as a dog behaviourist usually involves a one or two visit process, working with you in and outside of your home on a one to one basis.
The enquiry form
The process typically starts with the completion of my enquiry form, which can be found here. This initial contact enables me to understand the nature of the dog’s current problems, a little about the history, and home set up.Queries, prices and pet insurance
On receipt of the completed contact form, I respond back to you with prices and details of how I work. At the point of responding, I also check whether you have pet health insurance as this may cover the cost of the consultation with me. Should you be insured, I explain the process of setting up the claim and working with your vet for a referral.Confirmation of the appointment
Should you decide to work with me as your dog behaviourist, we confirm an appointment for me to come to your home and work with you to resolve your dog behaviour problems.Assessing your dog
In most dog behaviour modification cases, I come to see you in your home twice and each visit can last between 3-4 hours, depending on the depth of the behaviours presented to me. On the first visit, I make a full assessment of your dog’s behaviour issues, with a full discussion with you and my observations of the dog. As a result of this assessment, I identify the probable causes of the behavioural problems and most importantly consider a range of solutions to resolve your dog’s behaviour problems.Implement an easy to follow training plan
The assessment is followed by setting out an easy to follow plan to address your concerns; complete with demonstrations and coaching of the relevant dog behaviour techniques and training. I aim to leave you confident in your ability to put the training plan for your dog into place with my assurance that I am available by telephone and email to fully support you with any ongoing concerns and to otherwise enjoy your progress reports!Training plan confirmed in writing
I follow up the home visit with written details of my time spent with you and the agreed plan. This plan is key to help you implement and practice the simple dog behaviour training techniques that need to become routine for you to achieve a positive and lasting outcome.Review and refine the training plan
The second visit is an opportunity to follow up on your progress with your dog, refine any areas of ongoing concern and develop enhanced techniques where appropriate.
I provide ongoing free email and telephone support for as long as you need, which is essential for the best outcome.
*Please note that I do not use heavy-handed methods, (no shouting at dogs or owners!), or any harsh training methods and equipment (such as shock collars, prong collars or choke chains) that would harm or distress you or your dog. As an ethical dog behaviourist, I keep the dog’s welfare and your confidence in me as a top priority at all times.
My location:
Working as a Dog Behaviourist based in Bewdley in the West Midlands, I am ideally located to address dog behaviour issues throughout the UK, and abroad on request. I travel to you to help you in your home or in a location where the dog’s behaviour is a problem. My combination of experience, skills and up to date knowledge makes me ideally suited to help you resolve your dog’s behavioural problems.
