Why do I need a behaviour counsellor? A pet whose behaviour has become difficult is often unhappy, and a nightmare, rather than a joy to own. Although vets are great at sorting out physical problems, only a trained pet behaviour counsellor can help find out why your pet is behaving badly and develop a solution you are happy with, so that you end up with a well-behaved, polite, valued, and loved addition to the family. Problem behaviour rarely gets better of its own accord, and usually gets worse. So it‘s best to contact a pet behaviour counsellor as soon as possible after the behaviour develops. One of the main reasons why pets are re-homed or destroyed is because of behaviour issues. It is my aim to reduce that number, and help you to develop a harmonious relationship between you and your pet. What problems do pets have? If your pet dog, cat, rabbit, rodent, reptile (or whatever companion animal you own), is displaying any sort of behaviour that’s a problem to you, help is available. I mainly treat dogs and cats, but the general principles of how their ancestors would have behaved in the wild, how they have had to adapt to live with people, and how they learn, can be applied to any species. Dog problems vary greatly, but include barking, chewing and destructiveness, aggression, problems with children, difficulty in the car or at the vet’s, chasing (of livestock, postmen, bicycles etc.), digging, inappropriate toileting, eating faeces, difficulty with being left alone, phobias and fears, stealing, guarding and flank licking. Cat problems include toileting in inappropriate places, indoor spraying, aggression, fearfulness, problems with taking them to the vet, and scratching of the furniture.