Dog Behaviourists

Many dogs are often given a bad rap due to their owners not understanding their needs or the cause of their “bad” behaviour.

While dog trainers are always recommended if you’re not sure how to train your dog the basics of sit/stay/come, house training, socialising and obedience, dog behaviourists can help more with specific behavioural problems such as aggression, reactivity, fear responses, anxiety or trauma.

A dog behaviourist focuses on finding the root cause of your dog’s behaviour and provide ways to address it.

For example, if you take in a rescue dog, a behaviourist can explain what you can expect as the dog settles into its new home, changes you might see in the dogs behaviour, and things you can and should do to help it adapt. While the history of some dogs is a mystery, a behaviourist can help identify possible triggers for concerning behaviours and suggest solutions.

Our advice line has received several calls from people whose dog has bitten someone, and the first impulse is to get rid of their dog. Often it comes out in the call that the dog had been acting strange prior to biting, had perhaps been off its food or exhibiting anxiety. These behaviours indicate that all is not well with the dog and there is likely an underlying cause. We strongly advise callers to first take their dog to a vet, and if their health checks out, to contact a dog behaviourist to understand why the dog bit and what can be done to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Nine times out of ten, a dog’s biting reaction does not stem from aggression but from an underlying cause that triggers a defensive mode where the dog is trying to protect itself.

To find a dog behaviourist you can try this link; Find a Great Local Dog Behaviourist or look up dog behaviourists in your area.

While many are hesitant to fork out funds for advice, even one session can help make the difference for your dog’s future with you.

Unfortunately, there are some dogs that have been encouraged to be aggressive by irresponsible owners, and it is not always possible to rehabilitate these dogs. In cases where a dog has repeatedly bitten or attacked other dogs or humans, the kindest thing is to have them humanely euthanised if they cannot be rehomed with someone experienced in handling dogs prone to aggression.

Dogs can experience ongoing trauma and confusion when passed from home to home, creating more behavioral challenges. We implore every dog owner to do right by the dogs they take into their care.