Core beliefs.

I wanted to include some of my core beliefs in this webpage because if anything doesn’t sit comfortably with you, I’m probably not the person to help you!

•    I use and advocate only reward based systems, that are kind, fair and non-invasive.
•    I will not ever use punishment based methods, so things like choke chains or shock collars are not my bag.
•    I believe that a problem can only get better if the whole family work as a team to prevent the old behaviour being rehearsed, and to encourage the new behaviour instead.
•    All treatment programmes will inevitably involve changing the way in which you engage with your pet. Again, if you feel you are unable or unwilling to make those changes, I’m probably not the behaviourist for you!
•    It seems obvious, but all pets and their owners are individual. I promise to treat you and your beliefs with utmost respect, and together we will engage in a journey. This will involve assessing, evaluating and developing a behavioural programme that will make sense to you. It will be owned by you, as no-one will ever know or love your pet the way you do.
•    A behaviour problem can be very quick to occur, and then gains strength the more opportunities it has to be practised. It usually takes a lot longer to try and resolve, which can be very frustrating. You will need to commit time, patience and energy for it to stand any chance of being resolved.
•    I will only work with full approval of your vet. We absolutely need to rule out a medical cause for the problem, and that needs to be done by your vet. I will then liase with your vet and send him/her a copy of the treatment programme and a report. Good communication between you, me and the vet is essential