Positive reward-based training

All dogs are different, and their behaviours will vary depending upon their past and present experiences, their environment, their health and so much more. Kirsty’s behavioural consultations give you the private space to work one to one with you and your dog. By using behavioural science and positive reward-based training Kirsty can help you to understand your dog’s behaviours and problems.

The Behaviours

The consultation can cover a wide variety of behaviours such as:

  • Dog to dog interaction issues

  • Stealing food

  • Excessive barking

  • Lead reactivity

  • Attention seeking

  • Toilet training issues

  • Noise phobias

  • Nervous dogs

  • Rescue dogs

  • Excessive chewing or biting

  • Resource guarding

  • Hyperactivity

  • Separation anxiety

  • Socialisation with children

  • Aggression towards humans

  • Coprophagia (eating faeces)

  • Pre Baby (advice and guidance if you are preparing for a new baby)

Bespoke Program

Specifically tailored for you

During the session Kirsty will go through a full history of the issues that you have been having, to establish the cause of the problems. Kirsty will encourage you to make a list of the issues before the consultation and will then develop a bespoke programme specifically tailored for you to follow to get you back on the correct path. As everyone’s life is different Kirsty will make sure that each plan can realistically fit in with your day-to-day living. She will always be there to offer support and guidance you every step of the way. These sessions start from £35.

If required Kirsty can provide a full written follow up plan, covering everything we have gone through on the day (so there is no risk of getting confused or forgetting things).

Consultations can take place at your home, in an outdoor setting or virtually, depending upon the issues and your own requirements.

Positive Training

All training is done with positive reinforcement, to help the dog get used to positive associations made with the training. This is instead of negative methods such as, shouting, smacking, throwing things in front of the dog or squirting it with water. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of this old-fashioned training around and while some believe it works, generally it is just a short-term solution to underlying issues. This may in fact cause more damage to the dog over a period and make the original problem even worse.

active involvement

Kirsty also uses alternative therapies, especially when there are anxiety or fear issues involved. This can have a wonderful effect when run alongside a training programme.

When training your dog, it is important that the owner is actively involved in the training. There are no quick fixes, as the dog will respond differently to the person training the dog. Kirsty does not recommend extensive residential training courses, as the dog’s behaviour upon returning home is likely to reoccur. Training is not just about teaching the dog but also about teaching the owner.

areas covered

I travel to a vast area of Lancashire and Cumbria for home visits including: Carnforth, Morecambe, Lancaster, Heysham, Overton, Caton, Bolton-le-Sands, Slyne-with-Hest, Hest bank, Garstang, Cockerham, Yealand, Warton, Burton in Kendal, Halton, Nether Kellet, Over Kellet, Kendal, Grange Over Sands, Milnthorpe, Arnside, Windermere, Ambleside.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions or want to have an informal chat please contact Kirsty.

Get in Touch