Frequently Asked Questions
Does the consultation include training?
Yes, but keep in mind that in Behaviour Consultancy, we typically first need to work on helping reduce your dogs overall arousal level, treating the catalyst or root cause of behaviour, rather than the behaviour itself. We often begin by creating a model for the whole family to work through that supports your dogs body and brain in recovering from stressful events, then, behaviour modification “training” can occur.
This involves looking at the dogs needs via environmental management and an enrichment framework. Training plays a part too, but it might not always be what you think. For example, your dog might bark and lunge at other dogs, but we need to work out why and rather than a “training” piece of “what to do when Fido does XYZ”, we need to first work on helping your dogs emotional state to recover whilst building coping mechanisms to stressful stimulus. This may also mean a veterinary referral is required, especially if the behaviour changed recently.
Once your dog is presenting as mentally and physically healthier, the training can occur and this is done via your follow up sessions whereby we coach “you” to perform the training pieces as part of your daily or weekly schedule.
For our trainers, they are designated cases whereby the dog who isn’t exhibiting any behavioural challenges and these sessions are more training focused as a result.
Do you cover all of Ireland?
We do! For travel costs, please see the individual County page for Cork, Kerry or Kilkenny. For consultations further afield, please email info@snoutandabout.ie
Additional travel costs can be discussed depending on where you are but may be charged at a day rate of upto €550 as this may include overnight fees for your consultant.
How long before my dogs behaviour changes?
This is variable and dependent on the individual dog and their family. Training a dog is not a one stop shop or a quick fix, it takes time, dedication and commitment. We work to set you and your dog up for success and focus on small, incremental wins towards our end goals.
Our dogs are as unique as their nose prints and sometimes, a large part of working through these journeys involves remodelling our own expectations of our dogs. Our team are every bit the educator as they are the trainer and we can guide you through this with the utmost of support and understanding.
Do you work in aggression?
Absolutely. It is particularly important to seek the advice of a Behaviour Professional when working in aggression.
Aggression for the most part, whilst very worrying for owners and, potentially unsafe, is in most instances, from your dogs perspective a normal survival response.
Force, pain, punishment or outdated methods of dominance, flooding and causing discomfort to the dog will, as stated in many scientific publications, make matters worse and most likely increase risk potential.
The breed and the size of the dog is irrelevant in the methods used. In most instances, aggression is related to pain, traumatic or aversive learning, mismanagement of behaviour, genetical components or environmental conditions.
Our Behaviour Consultants have extensive experience working through aggression cases in varying levels of severity.
Working through aggression will require strict environmental management protocols to ensure the safety of other people and other animals in the home and in public spaces.
How much training do I need to do each day?
It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing things differently. The most difficult part is often changing our human habits and we’ll work with your daily schedule to ensure your program works for you and your needs. Like us, our dogs need days off too and over exposure in behaviour modification can do more harm than good.
How do I prepare?
Prior to consultation, please ensure your dog has had their usual meal. Training on an empty stomach can create frustration, not motivation! Ensure all medications are given as usual and your dog has had their normal outlets for the day in terms of enrichment and exercise unless instructed otherwise.
Pop the kettle on and don’t worry about providing training treats, we’ll look after that. Do state in your application however if they are allergic or sensitive to any particular food stuffs.
What if I need to cancel?
Life happens to us all and if you need to cancel, please give as much notice as possible and we can reschedule when you’re ready. The team are all self employed so it’s important we’re given as much notice as possible so we can try to fill your appointment slot.
If you need to cancel a second time, a full deposit will be required prior to booking in a third time.
If a member of the team needs to cancel, we too will do everything we can to provide as much notice as possible and reschedule your appointment asap.
Why does your qualification matter?
Sadly, our industry isn’t regulated and this means anyone can call themselves a trainer or even a behaviourist. There is an overwhelming amount of bad advice out there from television shows to google searches and social media. Despite their enormous popularity and huge platforms, or huge TV network shows, such individuals often advocate for methods that cause pain, discomfort and in some instances, gravely dangerous outcomes for your dog and for other people.
A recent survey of our clients showed that over 56% of our clients had previously used services from an unregulated professional that resulted in their dog being physically or mentally affected. In addition, spending in excess of €400 prior to finding our services.
Our team have all studied applied animal behavioural sciences and complete over 32 courses every three years to ensure we’re up to date on the latest advances in the behaviour and training industry.
There are many wonderful trainers throughout Ireland but few Behaviour Consultants. If we can’t help you, we will gladly find you someone in your area who can. Provided you get certified support, we’re happy.
Can I claim on insurance?
Yes, Snout and About services have been approved by Allianz.
Please check your own insurer to see if they too cover training and behaviour services which may be approved also.
How do I pay?
An invoice for services will be issued with your behaviour program in most instances.
Options include Bank Transfer, Revolut and Paypal. Cash on the day may also be accepted. Please provide payment within seven days from receipt of your program.
Please check with the individual consultant or trainer as some of our trainers from other organisations may request deposits. At present, Snout and About Consultants do not operate on a deposit scheme.
Failure to make payment may result in a small court summons but we’d like to avoid that for you at all costs. If you’re struggling to get the fees together, please let us know.
It's too expensive for me but I need help!
We never want professional advice to be inaccessible and payment plans can be facilitated between you and your consultant.
We reserve payment plans for those who are in receipt of supported social payment or in extenuating circumstances.
For professional mentorships, Catherine Griffin can provide further support and discount for underrepresented communities. Please email info@snoutandabout.ie