Frequently Asked Questions
Kind, professional guidance to help you feel informed and confident.
Q. What’s the first step?
Start by simply getting in touch—this gives us a chance to chat about your dog, your concerns, and how I can help. You can either:
If you’re happy to proceed, we’ll arrange a date for your initial consultation—either in person or via Zoom. In the meantime, I’ll send you two questionnaires to complete so I can learn more about your dog’s background and behaviour before we meet.
Q. What is a canine behaviourist and how do you differ from a dog trainer?
​As a qualified canine behaviourist, trainer, and zoologist, I bring together deep scientific knowledge and practical experience to help dogs and their people thrive. While trainers often focus on teaching skills like sit or stay, behaviourists address emotional struggles such as fear, aggression, anxiety, or frustration. At Wild K9s, you get the best of both worlds—kind, evidence-based behaviour support paired with clear, practical training strategies tailored to your dog.
Q. Are you regulated or accredited?
The dog behaviour industry is unregulated in the UK, meaning anyone can call themselves a trainer or behaviourist without qualifications or ethical standards. This has sadly led to widespread use of outdated and harmful techniques, particularly across social media.
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At Wild K9s, I choose to work to the highest professional standards, using only the latest ethical, science-based methods. I hold a degree in Zoology, specialised in animal behaviour, and I’m a Certified Canine Behaviourist with International Canine Behaviourists (ICB). I’m also a proud member of the UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter, which holds practitioners accountable to welfare-led, evidence-based practice.
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You can view my full list of credentials here.
Q. What kind of methods do you use?
At Wild K9s, everything I do is grounded in the latest behavioural science and delivered with compassion. I use force-free, fear-free, games-based concept training, designed to help your dog become more confident, calm, and focused. This approach empowers your dog to make good choices, not just follow commands. It’s not about obedience—it’s about emotional wellbeing, building trust, and real-life skills that help your dog succeed in the world.
Q. What types of behavioural issues can you help with?
I support dogs struggling with a wide range of behavioural challenges, including:
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General Manners
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Jumping up, attention-seeking, overexcitement, barking, stealing food, counter surfing, door dashing
Separation-Related Behaviours
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Distress when left alone, clinginess, destructive behaviour during absence
Obsessive Behaviours
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Pacing, spinning, light chasing
Reactivity
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Barking, lunging, growling at dogs, people, or other triggers
Fears & Anxiety
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Noise sensitivity, fear of vet visits, grooming, new environments, or specific triggers like traffic or strangers
Eating Struggles
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Fussy eating, coprophagia (eating poo), pica (eating inedible objects)
Outdoor Struggles
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Pulling on lead, chasing wildlife, livestock or vehicles, recall issues, refusal to walk
Destructive Behaviours
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Chewing, digging, scratching, house soiling, marking
I also help with:
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Welcoming rescue or senior dogs
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Preparing for a new puppy
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Building canine confidence
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Trauma recovery (I am a certified trauma-informed practitioner)
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Reading body language and communication
Q. Do you work with aggressive dogs?
Yes, I do. Many of the dogs I work with show aggression due to fear, frustration, or pain. I take a safety-first, welfare-led approach and never put you or your dog in situations they aren’t ready for.
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I’ve completed specialist training and I’m committed to supporting you with empathy, professionalism, and a step-by-step plan that builds trust and calm behaviour over time.
Q. Do you offer support for rescue dogs?
Absolutely. I have extensive experience with rescue dogs, including those from overseas, and I understand the unique emotional challenges they may face. My approach is always gentle, gradual, and tailored to your dog’s needs. I am also a trauma-informed practitioner and work on trauma recovery.
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I live with a wonderful overseas rescue myself, so I truly understand the reality of what that journey can involve. I also provide behaviour support for SuperDogs Rescue, helping adopters and fosterers navigate common challenges during the transition into a new home.
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.
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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.
Q. How much does it cost?
The full behaviour package is £250 and includes:
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A 2-hour Initial Consultation in your home (or online)
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A personalised Behaviour Plan
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My Foundations for Behavioural Success e-book
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A 1.5–2 hour Behaviour Session (in person or online)
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Ongoing support by phone, email, or WhatsApp
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After this, additional follow-up sessions are available at £50 each. Most clients benefit from 2–8 follow-up sessions, depending on the complexity of the behaviour and how your dog progresses. These are typically booked every 4 weeks, but I’ll always tailor the plan to suit your needs and your dog’s pace.
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. What happens during the initial consultation?
We’ll begin with an informal chat—usually over a cuppa—so I can understand your dog’s history and daily life. I’ll gently observe your dog and introduce some practical strategies or games during the session. You’ll leave with early wins and a clear sense of what’s going on and how we’ll move forward together.
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, Verwood, Ferndown, Three Legged Cross, Christchurch, Bournemouth, and occasionally Poole.
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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.