Dog Behaviour Counselling

Specialists in the prevention and treatment of canine behavioural problems

Consultations

Our consultants are fully qualified with post graduate qualifications in Animal Behaviour and Psychology. Combined with many years experience in studying domestic and wild animal behaviour both at home and abroad, we are able to offer professional solutions to the majority of canine behavioural problems.

Based in Folkestone, Kent, Best Behaviour School for dogs covers the whole of Kent and the South East London area. We are now in our 8th year and continue to flourish. Fortunately, you do not need to choose between tolerating the undesirable behaviour or parting with your beloved pet. By addressing the balance of communication in a household and eliminating confusion, many cases are curable.

As each behavioural problem is unique, our consultation will be structured around your dogs individual training requirements. We carry out home visits usually lasting between 2-3 hours and recommend that all household members are present. We charge a one-off fee to include this visit and any subsequent follow up support that may be needed.

For severe aggression and socialisation cases Best Behaviour works alongside leading dog trainer David Anderson from Chancepixies. The consultation usually lasts for approximately 2-3 hours and uses his stable dogs to assess and cure inter-dog aggression. The assessment includes a written assessment with recommendations for further training.

Behavioural Problems

Canine language is a hugely diverse, visual language, where dogs are able to communicate with each other irrespective of breed. Dogs converse using body language honed to the subtlest of glances and it is in this language that they are trying to communicate with us. By misinterpreting their behaviour or punishing them for behaviours that we don't understand, dogs may develop behavioural problems or behave in a way that owners find unacceptable.

Miscommunication is often the result of the level of attachment or emotional bond projected by the owner towards the dog. This can lead to stress and anxiety for your pet, which may cause them to get so desperate or frustrated that they become stressed, nervous or aggressive as a result.

Dogs display a vast array of behaviours, these can be categorised into normal dog behaviour (although considered inappropriate by the owner) such as barking, soiling or mounting, and abnormal or problematic behaviours such as nervousness, aggression, over-licking, phobia or obsession. Behaviours which may initially start as being 'slightly amusing' may develop into traits that the owners mistrust or fear in the dog.

The main problems we deal with fall under the following categories:-

  • Dominance
  • Aggression
  • Barking
  • Toileting
  • Nervousness
  • Fear
These problems may go unrecognised and just become a factor that you live with. Does your dog display any of the following symptoms?
  • Show aggression towards people or other dogs
  • Ransack your home while you are out or in bed
  • Follow or obstruct your every move
  • Barge through doorways or up the stairs in front of you
  • Ignore, or growl at you in response to your commands
  • Run off or pull on the lead
  • Act possessively over food, toys or his bed
  • Jump up, particularly at visitors Steal
  • Dig up your garden
  • Hide or cower when you look at him
  • Soil or urinate in the house
  • Refuse to leave the house
  • Whine for attention when you are talking to others or are on the phone
  • Develop an obsessive sequence of behaviours such as light-chasing or over-licking