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One-to-One Pet Training in the West Midlands

We provide one-to-one training instruction for dogs, cats and parrots.

Dog Trainers in Birmingham Wolverhampton Derby Stoke-on-Trent Solihull Burton-upon-Trent Dudley Halesowen Redditch Kidderminster Stafford Stourbridge Walsall Tamworth Lichfield West Bromwich Atherstone Aldridge Evesham Tipton Cannock Bromsgrove Smethwick Willenhall Oldbury Droitwich Spa Uttoxeter Rugeley Stone Stourport-on-Severn Brierley Hill Wednesbury Brownhills Alvechurch Telford and Wrekin Shropshire Sandwell Wyre Forest Wychavon Sutton Coldfield Coventry North Warwickshire Coleshill Nuneaton Bedworth Cheshire Cheadle Bridgnorth Shifnal Newport Oswestry Shrewsbury

At Second Nature Behaviour, we provide one-to-one pet training in the West Midlands. We provide training instruction for cats, dogs, and parrots, offering personalised support tailored to you and your animal. Individual training sessions allow us to focus on your specific goals, your animal’s learning style, and the environment they live in, helping to build understanding, confidence, and reliable skills through a calm, supportive approach.

All of our one-to-one training is delivered by accredited animal training instructors registered with the Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC), so you can be confident you are receiving professional, ethical guidance.

We use reward-based, evidence-based training methods only, prioritising welfare, choice, and clear communication. Whether you are looking to develop practical life skills, improve day-to-day handling, or strengthen your relationship with your dog, cat, or parrot, our one-to-one training instruction is designed to support lasting, positive change.

Megan Richardson providing follow-up support to a dog and its caregiver.

In some cases, if an animal is performing a concerning behaviour, or there is some underlying negative emotion, then this may indicate that the animal has a behaviour problem rather than a training issue. In these cases, the cpet and owner will benefit from a behaviour assessment and consultation on veterinary referral.

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

Examples of Dog, Cat or Parrot Training We Support With

  • Kitten or puppy socialisation and life skills;
  • Teaching your pet to come when called;
  • Teaching your cat to love their cat carrier;
  • Cooperative care training (teaching your pet to willingly participate with handling or being examined);
  • Teaching your pet fun tricks;
  • Teaching your pet touch targeting;
  • Introducing clicker training to your pet;
  • Teaching your pet station training;
  • Teaching your dog to walk on a loose lead.

Hannah McNicholas high-fiving her dog

Meet Your One-to-One Pet Trainers in the West Midlands

Zoe Demery feeding a cat sitting on a bag a treat

Zoe Demery

Zoe has a doctorate in animal cognition and behaviour, and she is one of the few independently accredited clinical dog behaviourists 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 committee 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 clinical animal behaviourist

Megan Richardson

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

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

 

Keely Needham with her dog

Keely Needham

Keely graduated from Harper Adams University in 2021 with a first class honours degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour and Welfare. She is a Certificated Member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians, and previously works part-time as a behaviourist for a large animal welfare organisation. Keely has independent CCAB accreditation in dogs and is currently working towards her independent feline accreditation.

Keely has a wealth of experience working with dogs of all breeds and backgrounds and has a passion for understanding their complex needs.

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Riley & Paul

Riley the dog
I must say the advice you gave me was excellent. I would without hesitation recommend you to anybody with a problem dog. The consultation process I found most useful in setting out the ground rules. I also found the literature to be most helpful for reference. Things have really improved with Riley on and off

Tim Daly

I was quite anxious about getting a new puppy but with Megan’s advice and guidance the new addition has settled in brilliantly. Meg provided constructive, easy to follow advice and supplied me with a wealth of material to continue the process of training my dog. If you’re looking for someone with a compassionate, non-judgmental approach,

Dawn Myatt

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Really enjoyed the training with Zoe. She has showed us how to deal with our dog Benji’s problems & we now have the tools to carry on with his training. Would definitley recommend second nature & would use again in the future.

Hillary and Eric

Black and white Whippet on a stairway

Meg bought with her a variety of activities and treats until we hit upon one that caught Eric’s interest. Clearly we were not doing things right at all, but Meg never said or made us feel at fault and was kind and encouraging throughout.

Jacqui and Belle

Dog on a 1-2-1 training session with Megan Richardson.

Meg provided a patient and knowledgeable approach. Belle’s recall has improved dramatically. We have taken her to a secure field, as recommended, and after a few attempts with the cheese she now runs back instantly.

Josh and Buster

Playful dog on a 1-2-1 training session with Megan Richardson.

Very friendly and has a clear passion for dogs. Meg gave amazing advice and training, and it was good to know what i was doing wrong without feeling judged. It has really helped with my daily walks with Buster

Aoife, Ayrron & Spooky

A dog settling on a mat during a 1-2-1 training session with Megan Richardson.

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

James

Border collie and Labrador

You have already helped me so much with my two doughnuts. The body language, crate training etc has been amazingly positive. I now have two happy doughnuts who are starting to understand the (very few) boundaries they have. Thank you again.

One-to-One Training for Cats, Dogs & Parrots

We provide one-to-one training instruction for cats, dogs and parrots in the West Midlands. Click the buttons below to find out more about the behaviour problems we provide support with and the process for each species.

Cat lying on side

Cats

2 Labradors in a park in Coventry

Dogs

Parrot doing step-up

Parrots

Book a One-to-One Training Session

Get help from one of our animal behaviour experts

It's important that you understand what your responsibilities and what our responsibilities are if you choose this service. Read through the key facts about this service here.

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
0121 299 0188

What happens during a pet training session?

1-2-1 training sessions last 1-hour, and are held at your home or virtually. During the session, we will discuss your aims, how to manage your pet's training issues, and we will practise doing some training with your pet. 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 pet. It's unlikely that we will be able to train your pet 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 pet, and it will be down to you to continue the training in your own time.

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

Pet behaviour problems are usually caused by an underlying negative emotion, such as fear, anxiety or frustration. On the other hand, pet training problems are usually caused by pets not understanding what's being requested of them, or they may not be motivated enough to perform the behaviour requested. Examples of pet behaviour problems include aggression towards people or other animals, toileting or spraying indoors, or appearing fearful of certain noises etc.

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

How quickly will we see results?

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. It really varies from individual to individual. However, support from us is ongoing, as you need it. 

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 CliniciansAPBC 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.