How does Behaviour Consultancy Work?

In-depth Investigation

The initial consultation is an in-depth process carried out either in your home or virtually, depending on your dog’s needs and location. At this stage, we take a comprehensive look at every factor that may influence behaviour, from genetic and developmental influences to physical health, learning history, environment, and daily interactions. The process may take 2-3 hours when conducted in your home.

By understanding the full picture of what’s happening and why, we can identify the underlying factors driving your dog’s behaviour and, most importantly, determine what needs to be addressed first to build the strongest possible foundation for successful behaviour modification and long-term change.

The Assessment

  1. Gather a complete behaviour and health history  from early development, learning experiences, and exposure, to any history of trauma or change.

  2. Assess physical health indicators that may influence behaviour, such as discomfort, gait changes, or other pain-related factors.

  3. Evaluate physiological wellbeing, including fatigue, chronic stress, sensitivities, or arousal states.

  4. Review the environment and family interactions to identify practical, immediate improvements that enhance welfare and daily life.

  5. Explore your dog’s needs and preferences to build an effective enrichment framework that supports emotional recovery and engagement.

  6. Analyse triggers and stress thresholds to identify safe starting points for behaviour-change work.

  7. Provide owner coaching and education to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed for the journey ahead.

Expert Reporting

Your consultant will compile an in-depth written report and analysis, outlining findings, recommendations, and the first steps toward meaningful change. This will be emailed to you within 72 hours of consultation.


Where appropriate, your case may be reviewed by our Expert Panel, giving you access to the combined knowledge of up to 16 leading professionals in behaviour, veterinary, physiotherapy, nutrition, and allied care.

This first stage includes all veterinary referral letters, professional correspondence, and any required collaboration with your dog’s wider care team.
It is a detailed and labour-intensive process designed to deliver clarity, structure, and long-term direction.

Your consultant remains available throughout this stage for ongoing email support and plan adjustments as needed.

The Next Few Weeks

In many cases, dogs need a period of emotional decompression before any structured training begins. The brain can not absorb new learning effectively until anxiety, discomfort and other emotional factors are addressed first.

Your starting point may include a four-week “Cortisol Holiday”, a time to rest, recover, and allow the nervous system to settle through tailored enrichment and environmental management such as limiting exposure to triggers.

This phase also creates space for medical collaboration if further investigation is required.
It’s estimated that up to 70% of behaviour cases involve an element of pain or discomfort not always detected during routine veterinary examination.

Your consultant remains available throughout this stage for ongoing email support and plan adjustments as needed.

On week 4 – 6, a virtual review will be held to discuss next steps. At this point you can consider opting in for *follow up sessions as detailed below.

*Each consultant has various programs and price ranges for these packages. Follow up sessions are not included in the initial consultation cost. Please refer to individual Consultant pages for more information. 

Follow up Sessions

Once the foundation has been established, we move into guided implementation.
This phase focuses on hands-on training, owner coaching, and behaviour-modification work, delivered either in-person or virtually, depending on your case.

It often includes:

  • One-to-one sessions to practice new skills

  • Regular progress check-ins

  • Observation charts and client feedback tools

  • Continued collaboration with trainers and allied professionals

PLEASE NOTE: Follow up sessions and packages are not included in costs for initial assessment. Please see you individual Behaviour Consultant or Trainers page for more details.

Behaviour change is not linear, but progress is always possible.
Together, we celebrate each step forward as part of your dog’s journey to recovery and confidence.