What to Expect During a Behavioural Consultation at Paws Academy
- Paws Academy
- Jan 27
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 26
Behaviour Consultations
Booking a behavioural consultation for your dog can feel like a big step, and we understand that it is natural to feel a little nervous. Whether you are worried about your dogās behaviour or simply unsure of what to expect, rest assured, we are here to help. At Paws Academy, our approach is friendly, supportive, and judgement free. Our goal is to guide you through the process and provide practical solutions that work for both you and your dog.
Living with behavioural challenges such as fear, anxiety, or aggression can be difficult and sometimes worrying. Many owners feel they have tried everything but are still unsure how to help their dog. Our consultations are designed to change that.
We take the time to understand your dogās behaviour in detail, looking at the reasons behind what you are seeing, and then create a plan that is truly tailored to your dog and your lifestyle. This approach gives you the knowledge, support, and confidence to create lasting change.
We offer behavioural consultations either in person at our locations in Ballycroy and Westport, or remotely via Microsoft Teams, giving you the flexibility to choose the setting that works best for you while ensuring a focused and supportive environment for both you and your dog.
If you are coming for a 60 minute obedience session, please click here for more information.
āØ If you are ready to take the first step towards helping your dog, book your consultation today.
The Initial Consultation
Your first consultation is dedicated to building a full understanding of your dogās behaviour. We do this through a detailed conversation between you and our behaviourist, Renee, without your dog present.
This approach allows us to gather essential information without distraction and ensures we can focus on the root causes behind your dogās behaviour.
In this session, we will cover:
Your concerns ā what behaviours you are noticing, when they began, and how they have changed over time
Your dogās daily routine ā the structure of their day and where challenges often arise
Training history ā what methods you have tried before and how your dog has responded
Triggers ā situations, people, or environments that influence your dogās behaviour
Health and wellbeing ā including any relevant medical history, changes, or medications
This process allows us to build a complete picture of your dogās emotional and behavioural world. It is not about jumping straight into training, but about ensuring that when training begins, it is targeted, effective, and designed specifically for your dog and your lifestyle.
Your Bespoke Behaviour Plan
Your Plan
After your consultation, we create a fully tailored behaviour and training plan. This is where the practical work begins.
The plan is carefully developed, often taking up to a full day to prepare, and includes:
Step by step training guidance
Supporting video demonstrations
A structured approach you can follow at home
This ensures that when we move into follow up sessions, both you and your dog are set up for success.
Your Personalised Report
Within one to two days of your consultation, you will receive a detailed written report. This is designed to be your reference guide as you work through the training plan and includes:
A summary of the key insights from your consultation
A tailored plan based on your dogās behaviour and needs
Practical tips for applying the plan day to day
Links to additional resources and videos to support your progress
Having this document ensures you always have clear, structured guidance to return to, helping you stay focused and confident as you move forward.
Vet Collaboration
In some cases, behavioural challenges may be linked to underlying medical issues, such as pain or discomfort. If, during your consultation, we believe there could be a physical cause contributing to your dogās behaviour, we may recommend that you consult your vet for further investigation.
With your permission, we are happy to work in partnership with your vet, sharing relevant findings from our assessment and supporting a coordinated approach to your dogās wellbeing and progress.
Follow On Sessions
Follow up sessions, which last around sixty minutes, are focused on putting your plan into practice. We usually begin with foundation work, building your dogās confidence and skills, before progressing to more complex real world situations.
Throughout these sessions, you will receive hands on coaching, guidance, and feedback, ensuring you feel supported and your dog continues to make progress.
Itās important to remember that behaviour change takes time. While we cannot promise a fixed number of sessions, we will continue to support you throughout the process. With consistency, patience and a thoughtful approach, meaningful and lasting progress is absolutely possible.
Why This Approach Works
By dedicating the first consultation to assessment and understanding, we avoid rushing into training without a clear plan. This ensures that every step you take afterwards is purposeful, personalised, and based on your dogās individual needs.
Our goal is not just to change behaviour on the surface, but to address the underlying causes, helping your dog feel calmer, safer, and more confident, while giving you the knowledge and structure to guide them effectively.
Preparing for Your Follow-On Sessions
Whether your follow-on session takes place in person or via Teams, having a few essentials ready will help everything run smoothly and ensure your dog stays engaged throughout.
Tasty treats ā Bring a selection of high-value treats, ideally something your dog does not usually get every day. These will be used as rewards during practical training, both in person and remotely.
A favourite toy ā If your dog enjoys toys, having one to hand can help keep them motivated and focused during exercises.
Lead and collar or harness ā For in-person sessions, please bring a secure lead and a well-fitted collar or harness. For online sessions, keep these nearby so you are ready to demonstrate or practise exercises.
Poo bags ā If attending in person, please bring enough bags and be prepared to take all waste home with you.
Water and a bowl ā Particularly in warmer weather or after active training, make sure your dog has access to fresh water.
Device set-up for Teams sessions ā If you are joining remotely, try to position your camera so that both you and your dog are clearly visible. A quiet space without distractions will also help your dog focus and get the most from the session.
Having these items ready means we can make the best use of our time together, giving you and your dog the best possible experience whether we are working face-to-face or online.
Why Choose Paws Academy?
Choosing the right behaviourist matters. At Paws Academy, youāll be working with someone who brings real-world experience, professional knowledge, and a calm, practical style to every session.
Experience That Counts
With more than 30 years of hands-on work with dogs, Renee has supported a wide range of breeds and behavioural challenges. Her background includes success in competitive obedience and agility at Crufts and Olympia, all of which feed into a deep understanding of canine behaviour.
Professional Qualifications
Renee holds recognised qualifications in canine behaviour, training, and welfare, including a Level 6 (Bachelorās Degree Equivalent) in Advanced Canine Behaviour. Her work is rooted in science and grounded in practical, real-life application.
Ethical, Evidence-Based Methods
We use modern, positive reinforcement training built on trust, clarity, and consistency. No harsh corrections and no quick fixes. Just thoughtful, effective support that works for you and your dog in everyday life.
Support for Reactive and Rescue Dogs
We specialise in helping dogs who may be anxious, fearful, or reactive, particularly those who have had difficult starts in life. Our approach focuses on safety, building confidence, and giving dogs the tools they need to navigate their world more comfortably.
Whole-Dog Approach
Training is never isolated. We consider your dogās full lifestyle, including diet, sleep, enrichment, and health. This creates a plan that makes sense for you and supports long-term change.
When you choose Paws Academy, you are not just booking a training session. You are gaining a committed professional who will support you and your dog throughout your behavioural journey.
Client Notice ā Working Livery Yards
If youāre attending an in-person session at either of our locations in Ballycroy or Drummindoo Stud (Westport), please be aware that both are working livery yards. For the safety of everyone, including our horses, we kindly ask that you follow these guidelines:
Please do not touch horses in fields or stables.
If a horse is working in the arena, it should not be disturbed.
Children and dogs must be supervised at all times.
Do not walk behind or approach horses, especially young ones, as they may kick, spook, or bite.
Remain within the designated training areas and avoid entering stable yards or farmland.
These measures help keep everyone safe and ensure the smooth running of both the yard and your session. We appreciate your cooperation.
Ready to Start?
Book your consultation today and take the first step towards lasting behaviour change. Sessions are available in person at our Ballycroy and Westport locations or remotely via Teams for those further afield.
Common Behaviours We Address in Behavioural Consultations
At Paws Academy, we work with a wide range of behavioural concerns that can affect both your dogās quality of life and your own. These include:
Reactivity towards people, dogs, or moving triggers such as bikes or cars
Separation-related distress and anxiety when left alone
Aggression towards people or other animals
Generalised fear or anxiety in new environments or around noises
Excessive barking
House training issues or marking indoors
Resource guarding of food, toys, or people
If any of these behaviours sound familiar, weāre here to help you understand whatās going on and work towards steady, meaningful improvement with support at every step.
