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Dog Training Problems

Together we can motivate your dog to learn desirable behaviours using reward-based training methods

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We provide support with a variety of dog training problems, including pulling on the lead, not coming back when called, jumping up at people, along with encouraging calm and polite behaviour. Some dog training problems are a result of dogs not understanding what their owner is asking them to do, or they may not be motivated to perform certain behaviours. Together, we will assess what rewards your dog is motivated to work for, and teach your dog to perform the behaviours you want.

In some cases, if a dog is performing a concerning behaviour, then this may indicate that the dog has a behaviour problem rather than a training issue. In these cases, the dog and owner will benefit from a behaviour assessment and consultation on veterinary referral.

We provide one-to-one dog training instruction in Staffordshire, Birmingham, Coventry, and the West Midlands.

Not sure if your dog has a behaviour or training problem? Get in touch here.

Here to help

Our dog training experts are here to help you with your dog’s training problems

As dog training instructors, our goal is to help you understand what motivates your dog, and guide you on ways to train your dog to perform desirable behaviours using reward-based training methods. By examining your dog’s current level of understanding, and understanding your training goals, we can devise a personalised plan to help you address your dog’s training issues.

Whether it’s through finding the right rewards for your dog, managing the level of distractions, or assessing your interactions with your dog, we’ll work together to help you to achieve your training goals with your dog.

Remember, making progress with dog training problems takes time and patience. But with consistent effort, professional guidance, and a lot of love, we can help your dog to feel motivated to perform desirable behaviours. Together, we can work towards a happier, more peaceful life for you and your precious companion.

Examples of dog training problems

Here are some examples of dog training problems we provide support with:

Not coming back when called (recall training);
Pulling on the lead (loose lead training);
Jumping up at people;
Poor obedience (you may want support with teaching your dog general manners and polite behaviour);
Puppy training (e.g. toilet training or teaching your puppy to cope alone);
Puppy socialisation;
Your dog not going to their bed or jumping off furniture when requested, and
Your dog stealing items or not sropping items when requested.

Meet Your Dog Training Instructors

Zoe Demery

Zoe has a doctorate in animal cognition and behaviour, and she is an independently accredited clinical canine behaviourist in the UK (CCAB). She is also a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society, registered with ABTC, and certified by IAABC as a dog behaviour consultant. Zoe is a proud member of FAB Clinicians.

Since starting practice in 2012, she has helped hundreds of dogs and their caregivers better understand each other. Zoe also mentors budding dog behaviourists.

Megan Richardson

Megan graduated from Harper Adams University with a first class BSc (Hons) degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, then grew her clinical canine behaviour practice. She has many years of experience and is an independently accredited Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB in dogs).

Megan is an active member of various organisations, including FAB Clinicians, APBC and PACT. Last but not least Megan is registered as a CAB and ATI with the ABTC.

“Meg was really professional and supportive! We now feel more confident with managing Spooky’s training concerns!“

Aoife, Ayrron and Spooky

Casper’s Story

Casper, a Golden Retriever, was pulling on the lead during walks and had poor recall, making walks difficult for his owner, Mark. Mark contacted Second Nature Behaviour for help with Casper’s training problems. Megan Richardson visited Mark and Casper for an initial session to assess Casper’s current abilities and to gain an understanding of Mark’s goals. It turned out that Mark hadn’t yet discovered Casper’s most valued rewards (cheese and tug toys!) to use during training, and Mark needed to go back to basics with few distractions. After a few sessions together, Megan helped to instruct Mark on how to use reward-based training methods to encourage Casper to walk on a loose lead and to come back when called. Megan also discussed equipment use with Mark, and how to manage Casper when not engaging in training sessions. After some practise in their own time, Mark and Casper managed to make great progress! Casper can now be let off lead in the local park, and he is no longer dragging Mark to get there!

FAQ

Have a more general question? Check out our general FAQ.

Prefer to chat things through a bit more?

Contact Us!

Give us a buzz by email or phone
(+44) (0) 121 299 0188.

What happens during a dog training session?

1-2-1 training sessions last 1-hour, and are held at your home, on a walk, in a park or secure dog field. During the session, we will discuss your aims, how to manage your dog’s training issues, and we will practise doing some training with your dog. You may be provided with handouts with training protocols to follow in your own time. After the session, you will be sent an email with an action plan. These sessions involve us demonstrating and/or instructing you how to train your dog. It’s unlikely that we will be able to train your dog to perform specific behaviours, or overcome training issues in one session, as training often requires lots of time, patience and repetition. Therefore, we may need several sessions together to make significant progress with your dog, and it will be down to you to continue the training in your own time.

How do I know if my dog has a behaviour or training problem?

Dog behaviour problems are usually caused by an underlying negative emotion, such as fear, anxiety or frustration. On the other hand, dog training problems are usually caused by dogs not understanding what’s being requested of them, or they may not be motivated enough to perform the behaviour requested. Examples of dog behaviour problems include lunging and barking at triggers on walks, aggression towards people or other animals, appearing fearful of certain noises etc. Examples of dog training problems include pulling on the lead, not coming back when called and jumping up at people. If you’re unsure what type of service you need, get in touch.

How do I book an appointment?

Contact us for a no obligation chat. After you have been referred by your veterinary surgeon, you can phone us on 0121 299 0188 to discuss the details and costs, or book online here.

What kind of guarantees can you offer me? What if your suggestions don't work?

We cannot guarantee a ‘cure’ or work miracles, but if between us we can diagnose what is going on, and if you are prepared to work hard, dramatic improvement is not unusual. The treatment plan is designed to be fluid. If what we initially suggest doesn’t seem to have much effect, then we will reassess and make some other suggestions about what to do.

How quickly will we see results? How long will it take to solve the problem?

There is no quick fix to any kind of training problem. The training plan advised may produce results very quickly, but often it will take time, effort and commitment from all of the family to produce the improved behaviour. Always remember that your dog’s current problems may have developed over a long period of time, so it may take a particularly long time to improve. It really varies from individual to individual. However, support from us is ongoing, as you need it.

Are you covered by insurance?

Second Nature Behaviour and our employees are fully covered by professional indemnity and public liability insurance.

Why should I book with Second Nature Behaviour?

Currently, in the UK anyone can practise as a dog trainer whether they have any qualifications and experience or not. However, there are moves afoot to put pressure on the government to regulate the profession. The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) is one body that aims to be an umbrella regulatory body for the sector. The Council is made up of several professional trade bodies, representing animal trainers and behaviourists to the public. The ABTC sets and maintains the standards of knowledge and practical skills necessary to be an animal trainer or behaviourist. The ABTC maintains national registers of appropriately qualified and experienced practitioners. A strict Code of Conduct and an annual CPD (Continuing Professional Development) requirement is expected from the professional trade bodies who are members of the Council.

The Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT) is an example of an ABTC practitioner organisation that assesses individuals who wish to be accredited as Animal Training Instructors (ATIs).

Zoe Demery, who runs Second Nature Behaviour, has a doctorate in animal behaviour and a first-class honours degree in zoology and psychology. She is a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) in dogs, cats and parrots, which means she is fully accredited with the ABTC and CCAB Certification. She is very happy to be a Certificated Member of FAB Clinicians. Megan Richardson graduated from Harper Adams University with a first class BSc (Hons) degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, then grew her clinical behaviour practice with dogs and cats. She has many years of experience and is an independently accredited Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB in dogs). Megan is an active member of various organisations, including FAB Clinicians, APBC and PACT. Last but not least Megan is registered as a CAB and ATI with the ABTC. All of Second Nature Behaviour’s associate behaviourists are well qualified, but are still working towards CCAB accreditation. We all work according to the Code of Conduct set by the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians.

Exemplary feedback from our clients indicates they are appreciative of someone having the time to listen to them and to deal with their pets’ problems. Second Nature Behaviour can offer years of experience, well-qualified, empathic behaviourists and dog training instructors along with great facilities. We are able to provide you with the tools and the time you need to develop thorough behaviour and training treatment plans that are suitable for your dog’s individual circumstances. We employ kind, reward-based techniques to resolve dog training problems.