Joanne Drysdale BSc Dog Behaviour Clinic & Edinburgh Dog Training

All behaviour consults are seen on referral from your vet. This ensures that there are no underlying medical conditions contributing to a behaviour problem. To get a referral your vet must complete a simple form which we will provide you with. By asking for referral you agree to your vet sharing your dogs medical history. Any information you give during the consultation may be shared with your vet who will receive a summary of the written therapy plan after the consultation. Some problems require both medical and behavioural treatment and Joanne works closely with the referring veterinary surgeon to provide the best possible combination of medication, diet and behaviour therapy. Depending on the issue and the last time your vet saw your dog they may request you book a check up before approving referral. Some vets charge for referrals whilst others do not. The referral form should be completed and returned prior to the consult or handed over on the day.

Upon your initial enquiry you will be sent a starter pack which explains how the process works. It also contains a background questionnaire which must be filled in and returned prior to the consultation. This form gives us a lot of the necessary background information on the issue and allows more time to be spent on observing your dog, explaining the reasons for the problem as well as showing you practical methods to help. A time and date for your consultation will usually be booked upon your initial enquiry. Consultations usually take place on Saturdays, Mondays or evenings.

Consultations generally last 2-3 hours depending on the problem and take place in your own home or wherever the problem behaviour occurs. A full history will be taken and your dogs behaviour assessed through visual observations and possibly some practical tests. I do not need to see the full behaviour in order to understand it and will not push your dog into showing aggressive or fearful behaviours. The reasons behind the problem and any practical skills needed to change the behaviour will be fully explained in laymans terms. You will receive a full written therapy plan soon after. I also include a complimentary follow up visit in the behaviour package. So often I've found owners need a little extra guidance in using the various practical methods suggested or in setting up situations in which to train using stooge dogs.

Unlimited telephone and email back up is included in the cost of the consultation and post visit communication is very much encouraged. This enables the client to have the continued moral support and guidance that is so often needed to ensure that the best possible results are achieved. Results are not always quick and sometimes plans need to be tweaked to suit the dog and owner. Long term results take time and patience and not all behaviour problems can be completely resolved. Success depends on your commitment to (and the extent of) a behaviour problem.

OPTION A: This includes a 2-3 hour home visit, full behaviour modification report, a free follow up visit, unlimited back up by email and telephone plus travel costs. Fee's are payable in advance and may be covered by your pet insurance. Areas outwith Edinburgh and West Lothian may incur a travel supplement. Consultations are offered across central Scotland. Cost of package: £105.

OPTION B: This includes four 1 hour sessions, full report and unlimited back up. This can be helpful for dogs requiring more practical work or owners who may find the initial 3 hour consultation too much in one go. Cost of package: £105 however travel costs may apply.

If you require training that is not affected by a behaviour issue this does not require a vet referral and is priced at £25 per hour. Please have a look at the training page for more details. Any extra behaviour related visits are charged at £30 per hour.