Canine Behavioural Sessions

SPPOT provides a modern, professional pet dog training service for Pembrokeshire and beyond, providing small group classes in Haverfordwest and individual training and qualified behavioural advice across South West Wales.

We teach kind, fair and effective dog training, using proven reward-based techniques and all the latest knowledge about how dogs think, perceive the world and what motivates them to do the things they do and the things we want them to do.

The behavioural techniques we use are based on sound scientific theory and established, effective practice. Modern behavioural techniques do not involve any harsh methods and do not involve any outdated ‘rank reduction’ programmes where you are required to become the ‘pack leader’. Each dog is assessed thoroughly, and an individual plan is worked out that suits both the dog and the people in their lives.

Our aim is to enable customers to have a positive, lasting relationship with their dog, by creating individual training plans which take account of what is needed and wanted by all concerned.

Training and behaviour sessions are designed to be fun, friendly and informative and they are for every person and every dog, including children. It may seem an obvious statement, but dogs are a different species to us and often the problems that people have with their dogs are simply due to a breakdown in communication between the two.

As qualified, experienced and professionally affiliated canine practitioners, we are able to help dogs that have all kinds of behaviour difficulties at any stage of their lives. The following is a list of some of the more common issues that we can help with:

• Housetraining at any age
• Settling in rescue dogs
• Separation problems/anxiety
• Excessive barking
• Rehabilitation of dogs who have experienced trauma, neglect or abuse.
• Nervous, fearful behaviour, such as noise phobias, fear of people and so forth.
• Aggression to other dogs
• Chasing: cars, rabbits, joggers etc
• Guarding behaviour: food, toys etc
• Reluctant eaters
• Recall difficulties (dogs that won’t come back)

This is by no means an exhaustive list, so please do get in touch if your dog has a difficulty not listed.

Making Contact

The first telephone conversation or e-mail will be to briefly discuss the difficulties you are experiencing and to form a plan in order to assess those fully. There are a number of different routes through the assessment and treatment process depending on the problem and of course, every dog and situation is different too. We will then direct you to our website to book your initial assessment appointment.

There are many canine behaviour issues that have physical causes, so we may ask you to book your dog in for a clinical assessment with your vet first.

Comprehensive Assessment

Most dogs will need a full assessment although there are exceptions depending on the problem.

The assessment will either take place at SPPOT DHQ on our Canine Behaviour Clinic days or at your home, depending on the nature of your dog’s issues.

What to expect at the Initial Assessment 

The initial assessment usually takes at least two hours and covers every aspect of the dog’s life so far. We will need to ask you questions about your dog’s lifestyle with you, and record as much detail as possible. While there may be a lot of questions for you to answer, this is a very informal discussion with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and cover everything that concerns you.

Further assessment may be required, for example, there may be the need to observe the dog in certain situations, or the customer may need to keep a behaviour diary for a while. If a dog is behaving aggressively or is fearful, we will never ask to see your dog behave in that way – it is unnecessary, unethical, and unkind to your dog. Modern methods of assessment enable us to treat all unwanted canine behaviour in a professional and ethical manner.

Individual Planning

Once all the information is gathered, a comprehensive programme is individually written for you and your dog. This can usually be ready around two weeks after the assessment but we usually give you some aspects that you can start work on immediately.

Implementing Individual Plans

The way in which each plan is implemented is individual to each customer and dog. Sometimes all that will be required is a plan to follow which can be emailed. Mostly however, at least one follow-up session will be needed. In the case significant problems, the treatment will usually involve a number of sessions.

All subsequent sessions are planned with the customer to be affordable and effective, with subsequent included e-mail support.

Things to Consider

It is true that some behaviour problems are very simple to address, but more often some changes will have to be made to the dog’s lifestyle, which could be minor or more significant. Please remember you have a legal duty to ensure your dog is under control at all times and the laws in Wales are stricter than ever and set to become even more so. The kinds of measures that may be in your dog’s best interests could be:

• An increase in mental stimulation
• An increase or decrease in exercise
• A change of diet
• A change in the way you manage your dog’s behaviour
• Daily training for general life skills; or more complex behaviour work

All measures to change the behaviour you find difficult will be discussed with you and full tuition given. However, you must be prepared to work consistently with your dog as very, very few problems get better by themselves.