The range of behavioural problems exhibited in dogs and cats is wide-ranging. It can include aggression, destructiveness, inappropriate toileting, excessive/ inappropriate vocalisation, nervousness, spraying, self mutilation, fears and phobias or general control. Pets Behaving Badly can offer help with these as well as behaviour problems exhibited in smaller companion animals and horses.

Please note: Unfortunately I am unable to answer questions about individual cases by telephone or email because of the need to establish an accurate diagnosis, determine motivation and discuss the appropriate behaviour modification programme in detail.

It is crucial to take into consideration the animal’s emotional state and the motivation behind the behaviour, until these are addressed then you can never consider the behaviour to be resolved.

                                       - Catherine Sutton of Pets Behaving Badly

Before treating any behaviour problem in any animal ALL possible medical causes MUST be ruled out. Behaviour problems may arise both directly and indirectly as a result of concurrent or previous medical conditions.

In order to treat a true behaviour problem it is essential that the animal is checked over by your Veterinary Surgeon first in order to eliminate any medical causes of behaviour and to ensure there are no co-occurring medical problems that need addressing prior to behaviour modification. For this reason as a member of the APBC, our code of conduct is that all behaviour cases are ONLY taken on veterinary referral.
It is both detrimental to the animal and contravening the Veterinary Surgeons Act for a non-vet behaviourist to treat an animal with a medical problem.

In order to safeguard the welfare of your pet please print off a referral form and take it along to your appointment with your vet.

Behaviour consultations are held at your home, or in the environment the behaviour problem is occurring. They normally last 1.5 - 2 hours.  If possible all involved family members should be present.  A history of the problem will be taken and your pets temperament assessed, this allows me to best analyse the various factors involved in causing or maintaining the problem, so the most effective treatment plan can be developed.

Before I visit I ask that you complete a pre-consultation questionnaire and post or email it to me at least 10 days prior to your consultation date. A non-refundable deposit of £30.00 is also required to be sent along with the questionnaire in order to secure the consultation time.

Dogs - Download a CANINE pre-consultation questionnaire

Cats - Please contact me for a FELINE pre-consultation questionnaire

(If you have trouble downloading or printing any of the above forms, please contact me, and I will arrange for the necessary documentation to be sent to you by post.)

Behaviour modification programmes vary according to the nature and severity of the problem. Unfortunately there is no 'one-size-fits-all' solution when it comes to behaviour problems and every animal has to be assessed as an individual.  Often only one consultation is necessary.

Further advice and aftercare can be provided via telephone or email. Where treatment dictates it, a follow-up appointment can be arranged.
A report outlining the treatment programme will be sent to you and your referring veterinary surgeon.

Please note I NEVER use strong punishment, force or bullying, dominance or pack theory methods. ONLY POSITIVE reward based training is used in animal behaviour therapy.

Initial Behaviour Consultation  £180.00
(includes a 2 hour consultation- time may vary depending on the behavioural issue, written behavioural report and 4 weeks of follow up support calls and/or emails)

Follow up appointments £55.00 per hour

Cash or BACS upon completion of the consultation.

As I am a member of the APBC, my fees will most likely be covered by pet insurance plans that include behaviour problems. Please check with your insurer.