The Truth About Working With a Clinical Animal Behaviourist
Before we start, let’s be honest: most people don’t really know what a behaviourist does. Some imagine a kind of doggy therapist, some picture a strict drill sergeant, and a few secretly hope for someone who arrives with a sparkly wand and fixes everything in under an hour.
I get it — when you’re struggling, quick miracles sound amazing.
But real behaviour work? It’s thoughtful, patient, sciencey, and full of heart.
So here’s what people think they’re signing up for… and what they actually get with me.
1: Science Backed Methods
What they think they’re getting: A magical dog whisperer who swoops in, whispers three mystical words, and suddenly their dog decides chaos is overrated.
What they actually get with me: A person who has spent years studying animal behaviour, learning the science behind emotions, learning, and stress. No spells, no mystic powers — just solid, research-backed understanding and a genuine passion for what makes dogs tick.
2. Long Term Support
What they think they’re getting: One visit. One miracle. One perfectly behaved dog.
What they actually get with me: Support that doesn’t disappear once the session ends. I’m here for the follow-ups, the “is this normal?” texts, the tweaks, the reassurance, the little course corrections. Long-term support is part of the package — because behaviour change happens over time, not overnight.
3. A Deeper Understanding
What they think they’re getting: Quick fixes, hacks, or magic phrases they can shout and instantly solve everything.
What they actually get with me: A deep dive into why the behaviour is happening. Fear? Frustration? Unmet needs? Confusion? Overwhelm? I don’t guess and I don’t slap a plaster on it — I uncover the root cause, then build a plan that actually works in real life.
4. A Teammate
What they think they’re getting: Someone who comes in and “just trains the dog” while they watch with a cup of tea.
What they actually get with me: A teammate. I create a clear, detailed plan that you can use at home — because you’re the one your dog learns from every day. I’ll guide you, cheer you on, and help you understand exactly how to support your dog, step by step.
5. Empathy and Welfare First
What they think they’re getting: A strict authority figure who uses punishment or intimidation to “get results.”
What they actually get with me: A whole lot of empathy — for both ends of the lead. No punishment. No scare tactics. No dominance myths. We work kindly, compassionately, and with your dog’s emotions front and centre.
6. The Truth
What they think they’re getting: A behaviourist with a magic wand hidden in their bag.
What they actually get with me: Someone who tells them the truth: lasting change takes time, patience, and consistency. No wands, no shortcuts — but the results you get through understanding and kindness? Those feel pretty magical anyway.
In the end, people might come looking for instant miracles, but what they leave with is something far more powerful: knowledge, clarity, confidence, and a dog who’s understood — really understood — for the first time.