BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT
If your struggling to manage your adult dogs behaviour, I would urge you to seek help sooner rather than later as an early assessment could provide improved results. Some behaviours can be resolved quite swiftly and may involve group obedience or agility training, whilst others may take a more measured approach and require work at home or around your neighbourhood.
Whether its separation anxiety, aggression, poor recall, barking, digging, lead pulling, jumping or a range of other subjects, when you understand what is driving the behaviour, plans can be implemented to help your dog turn it around.
I do not charge for initial assessments and utilise my classes where appropriate to ensure budgets are affordable. Please look through my references to see examples of specific cases.
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Ricky, a nervous rescue who benefited from social classes
Spending time with Sara with our 2 year old Cocker Spaniel Bella has been so valuable. After trying a couple other trainers we finally got in touch with Sara and are so glad we did. Sara is a lovely lady and very knowledgeable. Before meeting with Sara we were really worried about Bella's behaviour, growling and snarling on her bed, around her food and sometimes at other dogs on walks. This led to my wife becoming very anxious about taking Bella out. After implementing the advice given from Sara we have a different dog. She now loves food time without guarding and is quickly learning new commands. We continue to work on Bella's interactions with other dogs but she is making huge progress with us all feeling more confident. All in all Bella is a happier dog and we are forever grateful for her continued advice and support- thank you Sara.
-Scott, Naomi and Bella
DEALING WITH UNSOCIALISED DOGS AND AGGRESSION
What can you do:
I would always advise your first point of call, when the origin of the aggression is not known, is your vet to check that there are no underlying illnesses causing your dogs behaviour. If given the all clear, call me to discuss how your dog can be assessed for suitability for a "Socialisation Plan".
A typical plan will include being coached through weekly sessions, teaching you how to focus your dog, teach them patience and calm and set them up for success. At relevant points, the trigger for the behaviour will be introduced for de-sensitisation sessions. The behaviour should be addressed where it happens, in your home or on your walks. I use a team of wellbalanced dogs and confident people, whatever is needed to help you practise your new behaviour management training
Success Stories
If you feel you have tried everything and been unable to manage your dogs behaviour its still worth giving me a call. These owners were glad they did and have now seen their dogs make significant progress in their individual behaviours (which for some were leading to isolating walks, rehoming or even considering euthanasia).
Bertie
A working Cocker Spaniel was aggressively guarding his bed, food, the stairs, boot of the car… his owner contacted me to help convince his wife to keep Bertie as she had become afraid of him. Working with the family it was Bertie's progress that convinced Jo to keep him and continue with his training at weekly social and agility classes.
“I couldn't believe the change Sara made to not just Bertie but my own leadership role and to think we nearly gave up on him. He just adores Sara and can’t wait for his weekly cuddles with her”.
Maisie
A Great Dane X, Masie was a rescue in foster with Vivien, but was far to strong for her to walk.
“I had tried all sorts of leads and was even sold a no-pull harness to no avail, they just let her pull me harder! I couldn't wait for a permanent home to be found for Maisie but then a family friend recommended Sara. Following our session and the progress made I decided to keep Maisie and now have a gentle giant, loyal companion who is a joy to walk”.
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