Behaviour counselling services
Andina Faragher of Thinking Dog offers in-home consultations for owners of dogs with problem behaviours. Problems covered include:
- aggressive behaviour towards people or other dogs
- fears and phobias
- separation anxiety
- excessive barking
- destructiveness (including chewing and digging)
- boisterous, ‘out-of-control' behaviour
- housetraining.
Some of these behaviours can be quickly and easily improved once you have a better understanding of ‘normal' dog behaviour and some general techniques for training your dog to behave in more desirable ways. Others - including aggressive and fearful behaviours - may require a detailed behaviour change program for you to undertake with your dog.
Thinking Dog's standard counselling program for behaviour problems begins with you completing a behavioural history form and returning it. This is followed by an initial in-home consultation, of about 90 minutes, when Andina will gather further information about the dog's behaviour by asking you some more questions and observing the dog. We will start to do some work with the dog during this first session. After this session, Andina will provide you with a written assessment of the dog's behaviour and a plan for dealing with it.
In a second session, Andina will work with you and your dog to begin implementing the recommendations in the plan. You will also need to commit to continuing to work with your dog after the session. Depending on the nature and extent of the problem behaviour, Andina may suggest additional follow-up consultations. If no further consultations are needed, Andina will continue to be available to provide further help by phone or email (at no extra charge).
For the simpler ‘common-or-garden' type of problem behaviour - such as jumping up to greet people, destructiveness or housetraining - only a single session might be needed.
Thinking Dog can also provide in-home dog training for dogs who, for some reason, aren't suited to group training classes. These in-home sessions can be tailored to your (and your dog's) specific needs.