Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the process of working together?
For my behavioural consultancy (looking at what get termed 'behavioural issues' - Aggression (including fear aggression and aggression between dogs within the same household), Territorial behaviour, Separation Anxiety, Nuisance barking, Anxiety and fear, Reactive Behaviour -dogs may bark, lunge and/or growl ... -Pulling on the lead, Behaving in the car, Not listening to you ... ) I would come to you for my three-visit system - This covers -1. A Preliminary Assessment, getting to the route of the issues you are facing - I come in with 'fresh eyes,' there's a saying, 'Those who live near a waterfall do not hear it's roar' and I find the sentiment to be true in this work. The Preliminary Assessment takes approximately 1.5 hrs, where I carefully read and assess your dogs behaviour and particular set of circumstances. 2. A Behavioural Modification Information Visit* (I try to get back to you for this within 7/8 days from your Prelim. Assess.) - where I'm looking to address the issues discussed, with demonstration where needed and a full set of consultation notes given to you (I prepare a 'Behaviour Modification Plan') taking approximately 3 hours. *As mentioned, we can also visit a nearby area such as a local park, as part of your second visit, if this is where at least some of the behaviours you wish to address are being displayed. This is inclusive in your pricing. As part of this session we discuss the why's behind the behaviour, as well, I will always aim to provide you with reasoning behind what I'm asking you to do - look I get it, I need to know why I'm being asked to undertake a task too. You want to be able to maintain your effort here. Then, 3. A Follow-Up Appointment, a minimum of 4 weeks after the Information Visit (to get your dog accustomed to changes being made and you into behavioural modification habits) taking 45mins/1hr - where we assess progress made, keep you on your toes and look to the future.
You can also contact me via phone or email throughout the visitation process.
I provide other services tailored to meet the diverse needs of my clients also. Please visit my Dog Behavioural & Dog Training Services page for more detailed information.
What is your price? Price is dependent on my service and mileage to you, thus I would need to know the service and specific area you reside in to give you this information. I consult over an extensive distance, so enquire today if I personally work in your area. Do you work Saturdays?
For your convenience, I do work Saturday's, these can get booked up fast so please enquire if you are interested in booking a visit on an upcoming weekend.
Would you come and do just an initial assessment?
Yes, please enquire about the possibility of me visiting you for the Preliminary Assessment component of my three-visit system, only (this would be to determine the viability of work going forward). Please note, this is not an information/training session for you, but rather an information gathering appointment for me, to determine if and how I will aim to go forward in assistance of you.
Do you offer any guarantees?
No, funnily enough, dogs are living creatures just like us, so their behaviours naturally change over time due to factors such as age and changes in their environment. I am very confident in my aptitude as a Canine Behaviourist (and I established this consultancy business in 2004) and giving you all the tools you require to succeed in your dogs behavioural modification if this is possible, but I cannot control you and the other factors involved in your dogs behaviour.
I would be very dubious of 'Guarantees of Success.'
Selina McIntyre, a Dog Behaviourist, Dog Trainer and Author in the Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga /Western Bay of Plenty and Rotorua areas of NZ© Dogs Best Friend Limited N.Z. 2025.