behaviourist

[charlie]

Originally Posted by fimckenzie

This was my original post outlining Kenzies problems -

'Kenzie is still not good at walking on the lead, and still lunges and acts badly when other dogs approach (on or off the lead). She gets up on her hind legs and barks and acts aggressively. She is, on the whole good with other dogs, off lead. Although I have tried and tried with her, nothing seems to work. I have her on a gencon now as I did my neck in last year and cannot risk it again. I don't like having it on her but it does give me a bit of control (though she almost strangles herself at times!!).
I love Kenzie to bits and we do training every day, albeit away from distractions. She is great in the house and fine with all people.
She then got away from me the other day when she spotted a dalmation on the lead and went for her. No biting but aggressive.'

What I was asking was what the thoughts are on 'genuine' behaviourists

I have gave u my view I am a professional dog trainer/behaviourist have owned sheps for 22 yrs and been round them and other breeds all my life I would do some homework in ur area to who is good at there job and who is not that is my advice to u and I would never charge a client what ur being asked t pay just because ur vet recommended them thru clinic I also work with vets locally but I do not charge that amount for behaviour modification

[fimckenzie]

Thanks for your comments. I will try to do more research. I have emailed the trainers and will go and visit them before I progress any further.

[Moobli]

What a shame your insurance won't pay for the behaviour consultation. Have you telephoned them to check? Many companies will pay out for behaviour consultations if the vet has referred you. Definitely worth checking all the smallprint and then actually telephoning and speaking to someone to at the insurance company.

If you post the details of the behaviourist you have been recommended here, I am sure people can give their opinions.

I think a genuine and reputable behaviourist and/or trainer are worth their weight in gold for owners who are out of their comfort zone where their dog's behaviour is concerned. Good luck with it, and I really hope it helps you and Kenzie.

[kita]

Take a look around the APBC site, this page shows some articles by full members:

Articles by APBC Full Members | Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors

I would rather go to APBC or COAPE than APDT qualified people, the APBC and COAPE people are usually far more qualified and use kinder more up to date methods.

If they are full members of the APBC they will have to pay for that (all the education that involves), plus they will be fully insured and above board.

This is what they say about their full members (there are other levels of membership below this):

"FULL MEMBERSHIP

Full members are practising behaviour counsellors who have achieved at least a higher degree level education in companion animal behaviour and related subjects, obtained relevant practical experience, and who have been in practice for a minimum of one year. In order to gain full membership the individual will have had four referenced case studies scrutinized by the application selection committee (which is comprised of eight full members of the APBC). Full membership can also be gained by achieving ASAB certification. Many pet insurance companies cover, at least in part, fees charged by full members."

So they are pretty highly qualified and have practical experience as well.

The report and consultation may also include back up for a period afterwards.

Sue