Behavioural/Training Consultations

Claire offers behavioural and training consultations for both horses and dogs. As a provisional member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors and Supporting Member of the IAABC and an IABTC Advanced Behavioural Trainer she has to keep abreast of scientific and veterinarian theories and all methods used are humane using positive reinforcement.  She undertakes 30 hours plus of continuing professional development in the fields of animal behaviour and training each year to ensure her advice is up-to-date, both scientifically and empathetically and believes that the relationship with your pet must come first.   Consultations are tailored to help you and your animal, regardless of breed, to develop a relationship of trust and offer guidance for any problems you may be having through systematic positive behaviour modification. All consultations are supported through a written plan and email support.

Examples of behavioural problems:

CANINE 
  • Aggression towards people, dogs and other animals
  • Excessive vocalisation
  • Inappropriate toileting 
  • Repetitive or stereotypic behaviours 
  • Separation anxiety 
  • Destruction 
EQUINE 
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Bolting Bucking/Rearing/Biting/Barging
  • Nervousness and lack of confidence
  • Handling issues 
  • Repetitive or stereotypic behaviours
  • Self-mutilation 

Vet Referral

It is important that I am aware of any health problems your pet may be having so that I can follow a holistic and inclusive approach with all those people who care about your pet’s wellbeing. I work closely with our local vets to include Eastgate, Edgemoor (Ryedale Vets) and Grace Lane and those further afield so that I can work with full knowledge of your pet's medical history. However, if you have contacted me for advice through some other source, say word of mouth or my webpage, I will send you a veterinary referral form for your vet to sign.   

Booking a consultation

Do contact me to discuss your pet’s behavioural problem so that I can then set up a time when we can meet up.  I can be contacted by email, landline or mobile.  Please note that I am very busy and so sometimes have up to a month’s waiting list so don’t put off booking an appointment.  However, as your initial enquiry is important to me, as I want to help you and your pet, I may be able to give you some holding strategies over the phone or recommend one of my behavioural colleagues.

Consultation

The consultation usually takes 2-3 hours and will be undertaken at the place where your pet’s unwanted behaviour is observed.  Although appointments at Prospect Farm can be arranged it often inhibits your animal’s ability to perform the behaviour and makes observation difficult.  We also need to see how the home or exercise environment is triggering certain behaviours.  This is your opportunity to discuss your needs and often it is the first step to feeling relieved that someone is there to listen and discuss options to modify your pet’s behaviour.  I take the observation very seriously and it is very important to have your animal attend even if they are not exhibiting the particular problem we are discussing as they often tell me a lot through their body language and actions as to what is causing their distress or frustration.  I can sometimes advise certain things that can be changed immediately but otherwise I will then write a modification plan and demonstrate the necessary skills and changes needed.  At this time, you will be given bullet points of any suggestions to help as an ‘aide memoire’ to help you remember everything before your written report is sent.

Behaviour Modification Plan

Within two weeks of the consultation you will be sent a detailed report of my suggestions to tackle the problems bearing in mind yours and your animal’s lifestyle, abilities and timescale available.  This is usually quite lengthy and can be overwhelming and so email support is always provided.  A copy of this report will be sent to your vet.

Follow-up

All initial behavioural consultations will only be undertaken with the agreement that a follow-up session or catch-up will be undertaken between 4-6 weeks after the first meeting.  Further follow-ups can be provided as and when needed.  As this is an interactive process, help and advice through email support will be provided to establish progress or otherwise so that other strategies can be given.  Email support will be on a continuum until six months have elapsed after the initial meeting.