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 many other factors. 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.

Bespoke Program

Specifically tailored for you

Kirsty will discuss with you the full history of your dog, take a medical intake and a full account of all the issues and behaviours that your dog is currently struggling with. Kirsty will then develop a bespoke programme specifically tailored for you to follow, which will help to guide you, give you support and allow you to have a better understanding of your dog’s behaviour, and importantly who your dog is as an individual. As everyone’s life is different, Kirsty will make sure that each plan can realistically fit in with your day-to-day living and she will always be there to offer guidance.

These sessions start from £35 with a full guidance plan.

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

The Behaviours

These consultations can cover a wide variety of help and preventative measures for behaviours and disorders such as:

  • Dog to dog interaction issues
  • Stress
  • Fear
  • Trauma
  • Hyperactivity

  • Separation Anxiety

  • Aggression (including dogs, humans, children, animals or other stimulus)
  • Noise Phobias
  • Veterinarian Phobias
  • Socialisation with children

  • Understanding how to read your dog’s body language

  • Generalised Anxiety
  • Excessive Barking
  • Lead Reactivity
  • Nervous Dog Issues
  • Rescue Dog Trauma and Anxiety
  • Free Roaming and Street Dog Preparation and Expectations
  • Excessive Chewing or Biting
  • Resource Guarding

  • Food Aggression

  • Car Phobias

  • Coprophagia (eating faeces)

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

Positive Training

All training is done in a kind and positive way to help the dog get used to positive associations made with the training you are following. This is instead of many old fashioned and negative methods that are unfortunately still used today, such as shouting, smacking, the use of electric collars, check chains, throwing things in front of the dog or squirting it with water. While some people may believe this type of training works, their knowledge of up-to-date science and understanding in this area may be lacking. This type of training can in fact cause more damage to the dog over a period time, it can ruin the trusting relationship and bond you are trying to build, cause the dog emotional and psychological harm and make the original problem even worse than it was to begin with.

active involvement

Kirsty also uses and recommends alternative therapies, especially when there are anxiety or fear issues involved, which can have a wonderful effect when used alongside a training programme. Canine Massage is something that can often help with not just injuries or muscular problems, but can help a dog to feel more relaxed physically. It is also useful for stress and anxiety related disorders. Please see the Canine Massage section for more details.

When helping and coaching your dog it is important that the owner is actively involved within the training itself, as the dog will respond differently to each person that’s working with it. Therefore Kirsty does not recommend extensive residential training courses as this can be incredibly stressful for the dog emotionally and can result in the dogs behaviour reoccurring when it returns home.

Training is not just about teaching and helping the dog, but also about educating the owner, providing them with the support, and understanding that they need.

areas covered

Kirsty offers face-to-face behavioural consultations and training across Lancaster, Cockerham, Scorton, Garstang, Morecambe, Heysham, Middleton, Slyne-with-Hest, Bolton le Sands, Warton, Yealand, Burton-in- Kendal, Bare, Hest Bank Carnforth, Halton, Caton, Silverdale, Arnside, Milnthorpe, Kendal, Kirkby Londsdale, Windermere, Grange-over-Sands, and surrounding villages. For those further afield, online assessments and training sessions are also available, so wherever you are in the country, support is just a click away!

Get in Touch

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