DOGS BEHAVING BADLY

Specialising in Behavioural Issues and Training

HOME CONSULTATIONS What does a behavioural consultation involve? What will I, the owner, have to do? Veterinary Checks Consultation Fees ABOUT ME CONTACT DETAILS

Dogs Behaving Badly is based in Horsham, West Sussex, and is run by Cheryl Harwood, DipCABT.  Cheryl is a fully qualified Dog Behaviourist and Dog Trainer, having studied with the Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE), acquiring an Advanced Diploma in the Practical Aspects of Companion Animal Behaviour and Training, in 2006.  She provides one-to-one dog training and dog behaviour advice to dog owners in the West Sussex and Surrey area.  Cheryl is also a pet dog training instructor with Denne Park Dog Training Club in Horsham.  She says:- There are many reasons why a dog might develop a behavioural or training problem.  The reasons are often far from obvious, and are unique to every dog/situation.  They can range from simple lack of training, to more complex issues such as a frightening experience, a bad association, environmental issues, external rewards, internal rewards, punishment, lack of confidence, lack of socialisation and habituation, lack of mental and/or physical stimulation, boredom, dietary issues.... the list is endless. To rectify a behavioural problem, it is important to consider whether the needs of the dog are being met.  Needs vary from breed to breed, depending on what a dog has been bred to do.  If a dog does not have an outlet for it's natural instinctive behaviour, then behavioural problems can start to manifest themselves.  It is also important to understand why a dog is behaving in this way, and what rewards the dog perceives it is getting from it's behaviour.  Reward is a great reinforcer for continuing a behaviour, and it is not always obvious to us humans what a dog considers rewarding.  Reward can come in many guises, such as a tasty treat, a fuss or a game.  But reward can also be emotional.  Emotional reward makes the dog feel good, and the adrenaline rush that a dog gets from chasing, or the relief it feels at escaping a potentially threatening situation, should not be underestimated.  Emotion is a powerful reinforcer of behaviour. Because reward is so important in shaping a dog's behavour, I only use positive, kind and reward-based methods.  I undertake one-to-one consultations in the client's own home, where I teach the owner to understand the reason behind their dog's behaviour, and provide them with the knowledge and tools in which to correct it. I offer:- Dog Behavioural Consultations Obedience Dog Training - Puppies or Adult Dogs Clicker Training Advice on Choosing a Dog or Choosing a Puppy Puppy Visits, Puppy Training, and Related Issues Help with Rescue Dogs Advice on effects of Food/Diet on Behavioural Problems Typical (but not conclusive) dog behaviour problems I can help with:- Dog Aggression Possessive Behaviour Separation Anxiety and Related Issues Hyperactive Dogs Chewing/Destructive Behaviour Jumping Up Over Excitement with Visitors Lethargy Biting/Nipping Problems Excessive Barking Nervous Dog Behaviour - Fears and Phobias Obsessive Behaviour Self Mutilation Car Travel Problems Recall Issues (Won't Come Back) Toilet Training General Misbehaviour. Please take time to view this website, and contact me if you think I might be able to help you and your dog.