Dog behaviour issues

A dog behaviourist is a professional who specialises in understanding and modifying a dog's behaviour, particularly issues that are psychological or emotional in nature. They work with dogs who have serious behavioural problems, such as aggression, anxiety, fear, or trauma-related behaviours, and use various techniques to help the dog overcome these issues.

While both professionals work on improving a dog's behaviour, a dog behaviourist focuses on understanding and addressing the underlying emotional and psychological causes of a dog's behaviour, such as anxiety, aggression, or fear. In contrast, a dog trainer typically teaches obedience commands (e.g., sit, stay) and focuses on behaviour modification related to specific tasks or habits. Dog behaviourists may also collaborate with veterinarians, while trainers typically do not.

You should consider hiring a dog behaviourist if your dog exhibits severe behavioural issues, such as:

• Aggression (towards people, other animals, or objects)
• Severe anxiety (e.g., separation anxiety)
• Phobias or fear-based behaviours
• Destructive behaviour (chewing, digging, etc.)
• Trauma or past abuse-related behaviours

If basic obedience training or training with a dog trainer isn't addressing the problem, a behaviourist can help by addressing the emotional or psychological root causes.

• Dog behaviourists deal with a wide range of behavioural issues, including but not limited to:
• Aggression (towards people, other animals, or certain situations)
• Anxiety or fear (separation anxiety, noise phobias, fear of strangers)
• Compulsive behaviours (e.g., excessive licking, tail chasing)
• Destructive behaviours (e.g., chewing, digging, scratching)
• Trauma-related behaviours (fear of specific environments or people)
• Socialisation issues with other dogs or animals
• Resource guarding (food, toys, territory)

Dog behaviourists use various techniques based on behavioural science to modify undesirable behaviours, including:

• Positive reinforcement: Rewarding desired behaviours to encourage repetition.
• Desensitisation: Gradually exposing the dog to anxiety-inducing stimuli to reduce their fear or anxiety.
• Counter-conditioning: Changing the dog's emotional response to a particular trigger or stimulus.
• Behavioural modification: Working through the emotional and psychological triggers of unwanted behaviours.
• Stress management: Teaching dogs to manage fear or anxiety through relaxation techniques or calming exercises.

The length of time it takes to see results depends on the severity of the dog's behavioural issues, the dog's temperament, and the consistency of the training. Some issues, like mild anxiety or leash pulling, may show improvement within weeks, while more complex issues, such as severe aggression or trauma-related behaviours, may take several months to address.

Generally, you do not need a referral from a veterinarian to see a dog behaviourist. However, if your dog's behaviour might be linked to a medical or health issue (e.g., pain, illness, or neurological conditions), the behaviourist may recommend a vet evaluation before beginning behaviour modification.

In some cases, particularly for dogs with severe anxiety or aggression, a dog behaviourist may recommend working alongside a veterinarian to assess whether medication (such as anti-anxiety medication) might be beneficial. Medication can help manage the dog's symptoms, making it easier for them to learn and respond to behaviour modification techniques. However, behaviour modification is always the primary focus.

Yes. These dogs often exhibit fear-based behaviours, anxiety, or aggression due to past experiences. A behaviourist will use specialised techniques, such as desensitisation, counter-conditioning, and creating safe, controlled environments to help these dogs heal and build trust again.

When looking for a dog behaviourist, consider the following:

• Credentials: Look for professionals who are certified by recognised organisations.
• Experience: Ensure the behaviourist has experience dealing with the specific behavioural issue your dog is facing.
• References: Ask for references or reviews from past clients to learn about their experiences.
• Approach: Make sure the behaviourist uses humane, science-based techniques, such as positive reinforcement, rather than aversive methods.

Yes, a dog behaviourist is trained to work with dogs who show aggression. Whether the aggression is directed toward people, other dogs, or specific situations, the behaviourist will evaluate the underlying causes (e.g., fear, territoriality, pain) and create a plan to modify the behaviour. Aggression is often a complex issue that requires careful, gradual desensitisation and behaviour modification techniques.

Dog behaviourist sessions are typically ongoing, especially for more complex or long-standing behavioural issues. The first few sessions may involve an assessment, followed by regular sessions to implement behaviour modification techniques. The frequency and duration of sessions will depend on the severity of the behaviour and the dog's progress. Some dogs may need ongoing support, while others might need fewer sessions once they have made significant progress.

During a session, the behaviourist will observe your dog's behaviour, assess triggers, and discuss your dog's history, health, and environment. They may ask you to participate in training exercises and give you tools or techniques to work on with your dog at home. The behaviourist will provide guidance on how to modify the dog's behaviour, manage their emotions, and maintain progress over time.

Yes, a dog behaviourist can help with socialisation issues, including fear or aggression towards other dogs. They will use controlled exposure techniques, starting with low-stress situations and gradually increasing the difficulty, to help your dog build confidence and positive associations with other dogs. The goal is to reduce the fear response and help the dog learn appropriate social behaviours.