What to Expect from an Animal Behaviour Consultation

Blog, Canines, Felines, Psittacines

If you’ve been referred for an animal behaviour consultation, you might be wondering what it actually involves. Perhaps you’re picturing someone watching your pet for an hour and handing you a list of instructions. The reality is quite different — and much more...

Can a Behaviourist Fix My Dog?

Blog, Canines

It’s one of the most common questions we hear: can a behaviourist fix my dog? You’ve noticed the problem, you’ve tried a few things at home, and now you’re wondering whether professional help will actually make a difference. The honest answer isn’t a simple yes or no...

Desensitisation and Counterconditioning: Why Working at Your Pet’s Pace Matters

Blog, Canines, Felines, Psittacines

We all learn at different paces — whether we’re human, dog, cat, parrot, or even alligator. Individuals within the same species learn at different rates too. That’s why techniques like desensitisation and counterconditioning must always work at the animal’s pace, not...

Animal Behaviourist Accreditation: Why It Matters 

Blog, Canines, Felines, Psittacines

ABTC, APBC, FABC, CCAB, PACT, APDT… if that looks like a jumble of random letters, you’re not alone. These are animal behaviourist accreditation acronyms, and understanding what they mean could make all the difference when choosing the right professional to help...

Is Residential Dog Training a Good Idea? 

Blog, Canines

If you’re struggling with your dog’s behaviour, you might be tempted by the promise of a residential dog training programme. The idea of dropping your dog off for a behavioural “reboot” sounds appealing — someone else does the hard work, and you get back a...

Reward-Based Dog Training: Why the Evidence Matters 

Blog, Canines

If you’ve ever wondered why we only use reward-based dog training methods at Second Nature Behaviour, the short answer is simple: the science tells us it works — and it’s better for your dog. But there’s a fascinating story behind that answer,...