Behavioural Service
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About Me
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I’ve been a dog handler most of my life .
(my first job aged 8 was walking neighbours dogs!).​
My own dogs have been Golden retrievers and German shepherd dogs.
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I ran a home boarding and walking company for 18 years and
volunteered at rescue shelters for several years.
I have learnt a lot from spending time with many different dogs, and
this practical experience has also been developed with ongoing education
in the fields of canine behaviour and welfare.
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This has allowed me to respect and understand many difficult or unwanted behaviours and how to support owners and dogs towards wanted behaviour for the last 10 years.
Polite Pooches
Helping you Help your dog
I am Clare and I do not believe there is such thing as a
bad dog or naughty dog.
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Often unwanted or bad behaviour is the result of
poor communication or lack of understanding
between ourselves and dogs.
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After 40 years in the company of dogs and further education focusing on behaviour, I have gained a deeper respect and better understanding why dogs display behaviour in certain ways and how to avoid or improve unwanted behaviour.
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This knowledge and experience I aim to share with you,
so you are able to take the steps towards supporting your dog towards acceptable behaviour. ​
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With any welfare concerns with your dog it is best to discuss with your Vet in the first instance. Behavioural concerns can often be related to underlying or undiagnosed health or injury problems.
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Dog Behaviour
​A dogs behaviour is generally a reflection of how they are feeling - which can be shown with the subtlest of body language signals to the more obvious , and usually unwanted - growling, barking, lunging, nipping or biting,
jumping up, toileting in the house or destructive behaviour.
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Having an understanding of body language is often the first step towards informing us what support
and/or training will be effective to improve behaviour.
​Supporting your dog towards improved or wanted behaviour will likely also require
consideration of many aspects of their life:
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Breed traits, allowances for natural behaviour, age, diet, health,
environment, stimulation and enrichment, exercise,
recognising, acknowledging and respecting their history and current family life within your home.​
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All of these aspects will be considered during a behavioural visit.
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​​There are many views and opinions surrounding dog’s behaviour and I continually consider new fields of research and advice, in the form of courses, reading and experiences from a wide range of recognised and respected professionals.
Some of my qualifications and experiences are listed below:​
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Applied Animal Behaviour (canine) level 5 – Compass Education.
Advanced Canine Behaviour. level 4 - British college of canine studies
Approved Canine Reactivity expert - Canine Principles
Dog emotion and cognition – Duke university
Further education: courses/webinars, experiences or qualifications within the fields of:
Canine communication, reactive behaviour, anxiety/fear/stress,health, well-being and enrichment. ​
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I only use positive, force free, ethical and science based methods when working with dogs.
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I am a member of number of professional bodies, who ensure their members have a commitment to improve dog welfare, support owners, and have a high level of professional conduct within all aspects
training and behaviour management.
Full Behavioural Service
Many behaviours in dogs can be influenced by a medical cause, a visit and discussions with your Vet
must always be the first consideration to rule out or successfully treat any possible concerns.
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A full behavioural visit will require me to visit your home, obtain a full history surrounding your dog,
which will include taking into consideration your current lifestyle, listening to your concerns and
what outcome you hope to achieve.
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On the visit I will observe and interact with your dog, learning about their personality,
offer immediate practical advice and suitable tasks, working with you and your dog together.
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You will be supplied with a written report covering everything discussed and observed,
which will cover possible reasons behind your dogs behaviour,
advice and strategies to safely manage your dog and
suggestions to begin to guide and support them towards wanted behaviour.
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Telephone and email support for the lifetime of your dog.
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Every behavioural visit is non-judgemental and non-discriminatory.
I recognise and respect every dog and their family as unique and will offer specific, relevant advice and support,
with considerations of best welfare for all.
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£175
approximately 2 1/2 hour visit is required.
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Free no obligation enquiries welcome.
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Timescales for adjusting unwanted behaviour and rebuilding towards positive behaviour can be dependant on each individual dog and will require patience, consistency and commitment from everyone involved in a dog's life.
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Additional or refocused support for specific trainings plans.
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£75
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Additional Services
1 : 1 Supported walk
If your dog lunges or barks on walks, struggles with recall, or pulls on the lead.
I can support you and your dog to have a more positive experience.
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On a 1:1 supported walk, I will meet you at your home and accompany you and your dog
on a walk route familiar to you both, observe behaviour and offer solutions to support a more positive experience.
You will be provided with a written report detailing behaviours observed,
explanations of what is likely driving the behaviour and solution support.
£ 55
Additional walk support and refocus training guidance £30
Free initial advice and guidance on blog posts - 'Basic guidance to start loose lead walking', 'Basic guidance to start recall support', 'Understanding reactive behaviour.'
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Sometimes a dogs behaviour on a walk is just their 'tipping point' to other concerns in their life,
and full behavioural support would be beneficial.
Free no obligation enquiries welcome.
Puppy Manual
£ 100
Getting a puppy is an exciting time with lots to learn and new experiences, for everyone.
I will visit you at your home, learn about your puppy and your lifestyle and advise on what to expect.
Your personalised ‘user manual’ will be specifically tailored for your family life and puppy, taking into consideration their breed and will cover a settling in schedule, toilet training, handling and other areas of puppy development,
to set you on a course for a solid foundation for building your lives together.
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Follow up email or phone support included.
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Free initial guidance on blog post 'basic new puppy guide'
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Rescue Dog Manual
£ 100
Adopting a rescue dog is a rewarding event, but for the dog this can be an overwhelming experience.
They will need time to adjust and bond with new owners and I can support you with the transition from kenneling or an unknown back ground to promote a happy, calm and well adjusted dog.​
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I will visit you at your home, observe, interact (if possible) with your dog to gain a better understanding of their needs.
Offer you immediate advice and practical tips, followed up with a specific personalised ‘manual’ tailored for your rescue with consideration of your lifestyle.
Follow up email and telephone support included.
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Enrichment considerations can play a big role for rescue dogs, as many have had disadvantages that have restricted them or not allowed them to develop positively - see blog post 'Enrichment..What is it?...What is the point'
Adolescent/teenage manual
£ 100
Dogs reach adolescent (or teenage) stage at around 8-12 months, depending on your dog’s breed and size.
They may start to seek greater independence, test out their own abilities, push boundaries, ignore previous training and generally appear to be 'rebellious' or possibly even become fearful or reactive.
As an owner of an adolescent dog this can be a trying time!
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I will visit you to get to know your dog and your concerns and offer immediate advice.
Then supply you with a manual specific to your dog and lifestyle that will offer considerations and adjustments to their individual physical and mental needs, alongside consistent reward-based training guidance.
Giving you the skills to support them develop out of this phase to a confident, happy, well-behaved dog.
Follow up email and phone support included.
Testimonals
'Clare gave us really useful info and tips, it has been hard work, but their behaviour is improving and the dogs are becoming a pleasure.'
'I couldn't have done this without Clare's help and guidance and would definitely recommend her.'
'All I can say to you is thank you so much for the difference you have made to my daily life - I no longer feel guilty each day for not walking my dogs and that has made me feel relieved and happy.'
'I found the whole experience calming and reassuring. Thank you !'
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Further reviews on my Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057463778770&sk=reviews
Get in Touch
Free, no obligation inquiries always welcome
07979 44 88 49