veterinarybehavioursupport.com

Behaviour Modification

What is 'Behaviour Modification'?

‘Modification’ is when we are looking to directly address the behaviour of concern by changing the emotions and motivations which cause it. We
want to create plans that will keep everyone safe and happy, whilst targeting the root cause of the issue, not just simply by avoiding it.

As a veterinary surgeon and qualified clinical animal behaviourist Sophie is well equipped to help you and your dog tackle any behaviours that are a cause for concern.

The first step when trying to resolve any behavioural issue is to define it, objectively and in detail. Once we know what the problem looks like we consider the possible underlying emotions and motivations, the dog’s history, environment, medical history and temperament. It is essential to consider any possible medical issues that could be contributing to the behaviours of concern. Hopefully we will now understand what the problem is and why it is occurring. The next step is to then define treatment goals. These will focus on not just the pet’s needs but also their family’s.

Teamwork is key to the final step, putting plans in to action and seeing results. Sophie will create a bespoke plan that helps pets and people work
together as effectively as possible. Leigh-Ann is then available to work with you to help implement the behaviour modification plans and hone your practical training skills.

What sort of problems can I help with?

Behaviourists help those pets who are struggling with emotional challenges, which make learning new things hard, coping with day-to-day life difficult, or may even put themselves or others at risk of harm.

Traditional dog training focuses primarily on teaching specific skills such as loose lead walking, recall, sit etc. These are areas we may cover too, but as part of a wider plan.

Common behaviours we work with include aggression between household pets, 'reactivity' towards other animals or people, Abnormal Repetitive Behaviours (tail chasing, shadow chasing etc) and fear-based behaviour.


Sophie has a specific interest in human directed aggression, and these
cases now form a large part of our workload.

Leigh-Ann is also very experienced in, and passionate about, co-
 operative care and minimal restraint husbandry (e.g. nail clips, grooming, examinations).

Approaching Adolescence

45 minute Zoom call when your puppy / teenager is 5-20 months old covering:
Bronze = All of the above for

£125

Silver = Initial call, report, 30 days of WhatsApp/email advice PLUS two additional follow up calls (at 2 and 4 weeks)

£200

Gold = Initial call, report, 30 days of WhatsApp/email advice PLUS two in person coaching sessions (at 2 and 4 weeks)

£300 (within 1hr of Bicester)

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