Frequently Asked Questions
Kind, professional guidance to help you feel informed and confident.
General
Q. What is a canine behaviourist and how do you differ from a dog trainer?
As a qualified canine behaviourist, trainer, and zoologist, I combine scientific understanding with practical experience to help dogs and their people thrive.
While trainers often focus on teaching skills such as sit or stay, behaviourists address underlying emotional struggles - fear, anxiety, aggression, or frustration.
At Wild K9s, you receive the best of both worlds: calm, evidence-based behaviour support and clear, achievable training strategies tailored to your dog.
Q. Are you regulated or accredited?
The dog behaviour industry is currently unregulated in the UK, which means anyone can call themselves a trainer or behaviourist without formal education or welfare standards.
At Wild K9s, I choose to work to the highest professional standards using only force-free, welfare-led, science-based methods.
I hold a BSc (Hons) in Zoology, specialise in animal behaviour, and am a Certified Canine Behaviourist with International Canine Behaviourists (ICB) - a founding member of the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter.
You can view my full list of credentials here.
Q. What kind of methods do you use?
Everything I do is science-based, gentle, and welfare-driven.
I use positive reinforcement and play-led learning to help dogs build confidence, calmness, and resilience.
My approach focuses on emotional safety and trust, not obedience or control, so dogs learn to make good choices because they feel safe and understood.
Q. What types of behavioural issues can you help with?
I work with dogs experiencing:
-
General manners – jumping up, over-excitement, barking, stealing food, door dashing
-
Separation-related behaviours – distress when left, destructiveness, vocalisation
-
Obsessive or repetitive behaviours – pacing, spinning, light chasing
-
Reactivity – barking, lunging, or growling at dogs, people, or other triggers
-
Fear and anxiety – noise sensitivity, vet or grooming fears, unfamiliar environments
-
Eating struggles – fussy eating, coprophagia, pica
-
Outdoor struggles – pulling on lead, chasing, poor recall, reluctance to walk
-
Destructive behaviours – chewing, digging, house soiling, marking
I also support rescue and senior dogs, puppies, and dogs recovering from trauma or low confidence.
Q. Do you work with aggressive dogs?
Yes. Many dogs show aggression as a response to fear, frustration, or pain.
I take a safety-first, trauma-informed approach, never putting you or your dog in situations they are not ready for.
Progress is built gradually through trust, choice, and emotional regulation.
Q. Do you offer support for rescue dogs?
Absolutely. I have extensive experience supporting rescue and overseas dogs through gentle, structured adjustment plans.
I also provide behaviour support for SuperDogs Rescue, helping adopters and fosterers navigate early settling stages.
As a trauma-informed practitioner (and guardian to an overseas rescue myself), I understand the emotional complexity of that journey.
Q. Do you work with puppies too?
Absolutely! My Puppy FUNdamentals course is like private school for your little one - 6 weeks of intensive support delivered in the comfort of your own home and tailored to your puppy’s individual needs, personality, and pace.
It’s ideal for puppies who may not flourish in a group class environment, or for guardians who want personalised support right from the start. From building confidence and calmness to teaching real-life skills and preventing common struggles, this programme sets you both up for long-term success in the best way possible.
The Consultation
Q. What’s the first step?
Start with a free Discovery Call. We’ll talk through what’s going on, your goals, and which programme suits you best. I’ll then invite you to book your Initial Consultation.
Q. What happens before the Initial Consultation?
You’ll complete my pre-consult questionnaires so I can gather the nitty gritty in advance. These include your dog’s history, current routines, videos if possible, and any relevant health notes. If a vet referral is needed, I’ll send a simple form that makes it quick and easy for your vet to share medical information with me.
Q. What happens at the Initial Consultation?
The Initial Consultation takes place online. Meeting virtually first means your dog can stay relaxed in their own environment without the added stress of a visitor. During the session, we’ll go through the details from your questionnaires, explore what might be driving the behaviour, and set out immediate management strategies to keep everyone safe and reduce stress. You’ll finish with clear, practical steps to begin right away, while I create your personalised Behaviour Plan.
Q. What happens after the Initial Consultation?
After your Initial Consultation, I’ll provide your personalised Behaviour Plan. This sets out clear management strategies and a structured training pathway tailored to your dog. I aim to deliver this within 10 working days of the consultation. If my caseload is particularly busy, it may take a little longer, but I will always keep you updated on the timeframe. Your programme then continues with follow-up sessions: the first focuses on teaching the core practical skills your dog needs in a calm environment, and the second takes those skills into the real world. Further sessions are adapted to your dog’s progress and the goals we’ve set together.
Q. What do I need for the online Initial Consultation?
Choose a quiet space with a stable internet connection and enough room to position your camera so I can observe interactions if needed. Have some high-value food rewards ready, plus a toy or chew your dog enjoys. Non-slip flooring is ideal to help your dog feel comfortable and safe. If your dog becomes unsettled at any point, we’ll pause and adapt. Your dog’s welfare always comes first.
Costs & Programme Structure
Q. How much does it cost and what’s included?
I offer structured programmes rather than one-off sessions, so you’re supported every step of the way. Each programme starts with your online Initial Consultation and personalised Behaviour Plan, followed by in-person follow-up sessions, a tailored training plan, and check-ins to keep you on track.
Adult dog programmes use a monthly training plan structure, while Puppy FUNdamentals follows a weekly or fortnightly plan to match the pace young dogs need.
Q. Will this be covered by my pet insurance?
It depends. Every insurance company has different policies, so it’s essential to check with your provider before booking. Some insurers will cover behavioural consultations—especially with a veterinary referral—while others won’t.
Most of my clients choose to pay privately, but some have successfully claimed, while others have unfortunately been declined. I’m happy to provide a vet referral form and supporting documentation if required. If cost is a concern, I can also offer payment plans by prior arrangement to help spread the investment. Please just ask—I’m here to support both you and your dog.
Q. Do I need a vet referral?
If you plan to claim through insurance, most providers require a vet referral. I provide a simple form you can send to your vet for this purpose. A referral also ensures we’ve considered any underlying medical causes, which is an essential part of ethical behaviour work.
Q. Will I need to do training homework?
Yes - but it won’t feel like work for either of you! Everything I suggest is designed to be fun, achievable, and rewarding. You’ll be playing short, engaging games that fit into everyday life, helping your dog learn in a way that’s enjoyable for both of you. The more consistently you practise, the more progress you’ll see - but we’ll always go at a pace that works for your lifestyle.
Q. How quickly will I see results?
That depends on your dog and the nature of the behaviour. Some changes happen quickly, while others take time. Behaviour change is a journey—but with kind methods, consistency, and support, you’ll start seeing meaningful progress. I’ll be with you every step of the way.
Q. What if my dog doesn’t like strangers coming into the house?
That’s absolutely fine. If your dog is worried by visitors, I can call when I arrive and we can meet outside to reduce pressure. I’ll always follow your dog’s lead and work at their pace. Everything we do is designed to build safety, not stress.
Q. What areas do you cover?
I’m based in the New Forest, UK, and offer in-person consultations across:
Ringwood, Fordingbridge, Alderholt, Wimborne, Cranborne, Verwood, Ferndown, Three Legged Cross, Christchurch, Bournemouth, and occasionally Poole.
If you're outside of these areas, don’t worry - Zoom consultations are also available and can be just as effective for many behaviour cases, especially those involving separation struggles or generalised anxiety.
Q. Do you offer online consultations?
Yes. Online support is available for certain issues and can be just as effective when the environment needs to remain calm or consistent for your dog. You’ll receive the same tailored plan, full support, and guidance as with in-person sessions.