What is the difference between a trainer and a behaviourist?

A dog trainer teaches you how to teach your dog, and some may do some active training for you.

A dog behaviourist uses their extensive knowledge to assess the motivation behind your dogs behaviour issues therefore getting to the route cause of the issues and assisting your dog in expressing themselves in a more traditional manor, while training you on how to respond to these behaviours and assist your dog.

Do I need a vet referral to see you?

In the case of many behavioural issues pain can be an underlying cause and you should see a vet first to rule this out, especially if the onset was sudden. Many Pet insurance policies include cover for a dog behaviour specialist for issues such as separation anxiety, aggression, fear etc. Check your policy to see if you are covered.

Does Behaviour Modification work?

I am yet to meet an untrainable animal, just untrainable humans. I take on animals who have failed to have success with other trainers/behaviourists and I get results. Training and behaviour modification requires consistent effort, commitment and a positive attitude. In most cases training or behaviour modification fail due to the owner not the animal. This is why I offer continued support with my behaviour modification packages for the duration of the package. If I can motivate the human to continue the success of the animal is far higher. You should never trust a trainer who guarantees their success, however there is no challenge I will step away from and no animal I will give up on. No animal wants to be stressed and I see it as my responsibility to ensure they can love a long and happy life.

Will you take on any dog?

I endeavor to help every dog and owner to resolve the behaviour. Behaviour modification requires consistent commitment and in some cases I may not be able to commit the time or have the urgent availabilty required and may need to refer you to another specialist perhaps in a closer area.

Why is my house trained dog now having accidents and causing destruction in the house?

There are many reasons a dog can regress. The likely cause is due to separation anxiety or boredom. Either way you need a professional dog behaviourist to provide a behaviour modification plan and detailed training assessment.

Why should I reward my dog?

Dogs do not instincely understand the words we use. Humans use on average 7,000 words a day. Dogs have the capacity to understand between 150 and 250 words. It is unfair for us to think they should understand all our words and instinctively respond. It is up to the owners to teach these responses. If your dog receives rewards it provides them with an opportunity to understand the link between their actions and your rewards.

Why do other dog owners get frustrated when my friendly off-lead dog approaches them?

It is important to respect other dogs, their owners and their training plan. Dogs on a lead are on one for a reason. No off lead dog should approach any dog on a lead. Many on lead dogs are aggressive, fearful or in training your dogs five seconds of social fun could be a long duration step back in another dogs training. Do not let your dog off the lead unless you recall is as close to perfection as possible. It is very possible to train your dog to ignore on-lead dogs and only interact with another dog when given permission. Meaning all dogs can socialise to their own comfort level.

Can I train my older dog?

100% Yes, any dog of any age can be trained, you just have to find a communication method that works for both of you.

My dog used to be so responsive, now they don’t listen at all?

Words only remain valuable if we continue to reward them. The frequency can decrease as they know the behaviour but we should never completely stop rewarding their response. Practice makes perfect, if we forget to practice then the outside world can become more rewarding to them than us. Meaning your dog will no longer listen to you.

My dog needs more mental stimulation. Can you help?

Mental stimulation is so improtant for dogs. Daily walks provide some element of mental and physical stimulation. The combination of training, enrichment and daily walks ensures your dog has everything that they need. Training builds a lasting communication between you and your dog. Enrichment provides everything your dog needs for stimulation. By booking a training session with Golden Perfection, I will assess the needs of your dog and provide a structured and easy to follow plan to help you provide everything your dog needs.

Why choose Golden Perfection?

Choose Golden Perfection because we want the best for you and your dog. We are vet recommended so you know you can trust us. Training takes time and patience and we will be here for you for all the highs and lows. We are qualified, insured and passionate about what we do and do not stop until we find the route cause of the problem.

What happens when I book?

Once you fill out the questionnaire I will contact you to set up a time and location that works for you. The first session is typically 90 minutes long and involves both assessment and training. The questionnaire allows us to dive in much quicker meaning we can make the most of the time we have in person.

Are you Insured?

100% Yes, I have public liability, professional endemnity, product liability, grooming insurance and business insurance.

Are you qualified to handle my dog?

100% yes, along with over 7 years of experience I have a masters in Animal Behaviour, a BSc in Zoology, a diploma in grooming, pet CPR and first aid qualified and I was trained by the best positive reinforcement trainers in the world. I also love what I do and continue to research and educate myself on different approaches and science based theories.

My dog used to love his grooming but is now very reactive. Can you help?

Many groomers are not trained in canine behaviour and do not look out for signs or pain or discomfort in dogs. This means that many dogs are pushed past the limit or injured during grooming creating a negative experience. I work with each dog on an individual basis to build them back up to enjoying their grooming. As with all animal behaviour any sudden change in behaviour should be assessed for pain with your vet.

My dog will not let me touch them. Can you help?

All dogs should be thought to relax for healthcare treatment. I work with each dog step by step until they are comfortable with a full groom.

My dog has very sensitive skin. What products do you use?

I use homemade, natural, toxin free, zero waste products. I empathise with all animals who have sensitivities as I myself am very sensitive. I use natural organic (where possible) ingredients that have a true benefit to your dogs skin and zero ill effects. This means there are no ingredients in my products that do not benefit the coat, skin or anxiety level of your dog. Your dog will be smooth, soat, calm and naturally fragrant.

How do you teach my dog to be calm?

Through positive reinforcement I teach dogs that grooming is a good thing. I will not push them to be groomed until they are comfortable with me, the sounds, the sensations, and the feeling of different grooming elements. Negative expereinces can be very traumatic to our dogs. By going at their pace I ensure they will be running in the door to get groomed.