Dog behaviourist

 
Corona: Throughout the corona crisis, all behaviour advice consultations will be conducted via live video consultation. The session length is naturally extended to allow for additional diagnostic questions.

Welcome our Behaviourist page, for help, advice and guidance with your dog’s behaviour problem. Our behaviour advice is: 

• Evidence-based
• Given with a sympathetic ear
• Given with no judgement

In-house visits for clients in The Hague and vicinity (see Terms and conditions for catchment area).

What does the package entail?

A 2-hour long evaluation and advice session, at your house, in which we discuss:

• Behaviour diagnosis + underlying reasons/factors
• Prognosis + evaluation of seriousness + risk assessment
• Training plan + strategy + detailed exercises: custom therapy exercises for your individual dog and your specific situation
• Management plan: tips to deal with urgent situations in terms of animal welfare and safety, and to slow down the worsening process.

This package costs us about 6 to 7 hours of work (analysing the form, writing the report, 2+ hour conversation, travel time and aftercare mails). 

Credentials

You are entrusting us with your dog’s mental health, and we take that responsibility seriously. These are our behaviourist (Laure-Anne Visele)’s credentials: 

Experience

• Behaviourist since 2009
• Dog trainer since 2013
• Founder and co-owner of OhMyDog Dog training school
• Gives seminars and consultancy for large organisations (e.g. Dierenbescherming, municipalities, veterinary practices) 
• Behaviour specialist for veterinary practice Dierenkliniek Wateringseveld (Den Haag)
• Lecturer for recognized professional dog training certification institutes (Annorlunda and O&O)
• Thesis supervisor and assessor for Animal husbandry BSc students
• Dog behaviour blogger (for Canis bonus, OhMyDog and external websites)

Education

• Zoologist (Newcastle University)
• PGDip in Applied Companion Animal Behaviour (magna cum laude)
• Certified Dog Training Instructor (O&O)
• Attending countless seminars for specialists

Professional associations

• Full member of Certipet
• Full member of the Dutch National Association of Behaviour Therapists for Dogs (NVGH)
• Certified Fear Free professional
• Member of the O&O

What kind of dog owner needs to speak to a behaviourist?

Dogs who have behaviour problems that go deeper than a spot of disobedience. Often, these dogs are struggling emotionally. These dogs get get too (easily) excited/scared/agressive, of stay excited/scared/agressive for too long. In general dogs who, because of their issues, are hard to live with, are good candidates for behaviour therapy.

Do you want to be able to do these things again with peace of mind?

• Go to the restaurant without worrying about the damage/noise of his separation anxiety
• Let your dog out at a decent hour because you’re no longer worried he’ll lunge at every dog or person he sees.
• Welcome guests without being embarassed, or a nervous wreck in case he actually bites someone.

If you are curious how our clients experience a behaviourist evaluation appointment, go to the testimonials page and look for the word ‘behaviour’. 

What is behaviour therapy?

We draw from psychology, psychiatry and ethology (biology of behaviour) to put together custom training exercises for your dog.

Behaviour therapy is not a quick fix: it will cost you time and effort to get results. Sometimes, you have to wait weeks, if not months, to see a profound difference

Our role is not to take over the dog from you, but to give you the tools and coaching you need to turn the situation around. You continue to be in charge of your dog and of applying the advice we give you. So behaviour therapy is an involved process on the part of the owner.

Which methods do we use?

Every dog is different, so we don’t follow fixed methods.

We do try to adhere to the most evidence-based guidelines possible, and we only use animal-friendly methods. That means no fear, intimidation or pain.

We also approach you, the person, with understanding and empathy. So, despite our serious objectives, we make sure the sessions are not just fun for the dog, but also for you.

Is my dog too old? Has he had the problem too long?

Rare are the dogs for whom it is too late for behaviour therapy. We help with older dogs just as often as we help for younger ones.

Having said that, the younger the dog and the shorter the problem has existed, the lesser therapy effort you’ll need to put in.

So whatever you do, don’t wait and wait, as these problems tend to get worse and worse. This would cost you more in the long run.

Can we help every dog?

No. Some cases require (medical) specialists and/or a veterinary behaviourist.

This is why we have two pre-set evaluation moments:

1. Analysis of the screening form (so before we even meet)
2. Evaluation of progress after 4x practical lessons

If we, after these two points, are having serious doubts about the prognosis of the dog with behaviour therapy alone, we will, together with you, weigh up the decision of a referral to the right specialist. This puts clear spending barriers so you know the process is not endless.

 Enquire about an appointment