No matter how hard we try to build a relationship with our dogs and cats, sometimes things just go wrong and our beloved pets develop a behavioural problem. Once these behaviours become a problem the joys of owning a pet is often lost and the relationship with your dog or cat becomes strained. In these circumstances it is important to seek help from a suitably qualified Companion Animal Behaviourist to help you put your relationship back on track. The first step should always be to have your vet check out your pet for any underlying medical problems that could be causing the behaviour. If no such problem is found your vet will then be able to refer you on to a behaviourist. We are happy to accept referrals from UK veterinarians.
I hold the COAPE Advanced Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour and Training, which is a recognised professional qualification in companion animal behaviour and am an affiliate member of COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers am now offering behaviour consultations on referral from UK veterinary practices.
If your pet suffers from any of the following behaviour problems we should be able to help:
How does a behaviour consultation work?
Before our consultation I will send you a comprehensive pre-consultation questionnaire which you should complete and return to me before our appointment. This will ensure that I have a good understanding of the problem behaviour before coming to see you and will help guide me through the consultation process. You will also need to ask your vet to complete a Veterinary Referral Form, this is so that we can make sure that there is no medical reason for your pet's behaviour. This form should also be returned to me before our consultation, as I am not able to proceed with the consultation without this form.
The initial behaviour consultation is typically 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours long, during which we will, using the COAPE EMRA model, analyse how your pet feels on a day to day basis, determine how your pet feels during the problem behaviour and look at why your pet is engaging in the problem behaviour and what his reward for doing this is. I will then examine this information and show you how we can modify this behaviour. All my rehabilitation programs use reward based training techniques and principles.
This first session is followed up with a detailed report to you, the client, outlining my findings and the rehabilitation plan we discussed during the initial visit. A detailed report will also be send to your vet. A follow up consultation lasting one hour is then arranged to take place 2 to 6 weeks after the original consultation to check progress and to tweak the behaviour rehabilitation plan if needed. Full support will also be available via telephone or email starting after the completion of the initial visit and throughout the entire rehabilitation process.
If any further visits, one to one training sessions or dog training classes are needed they will be available at a reduced rate.
Areas Covered:
Please note: Home visits within a 10 mile radius are included in the consultation fee. For visits outside this area travel expenses at £0.40 per mile will be added.
For more information, prices or to book an appointment please contact me.
Natasja Lewis Dip.CABT (COAPE) NOCN