The Good Dog Clinic

07/08/2023

One thing that's often brought up in the initial stages of speaking to the client is cost. Behaviourists are different to trainers, however some professionals may offer both.

This article breaks down why behaviourists pricing is higher, its definitely worth a read 🙂

Similar to the veterinary profession, there is a common misconception that animal behaviourists generate a lucrative income. This piece is intended for both pet owners and veterinary professionals to explain and define the cost of a consultation with a clinical animal behaviourist. An online search....

24/07/2023

Yesterday I teamed up with Rebecca Partoon Animal Behaviourist - Four Your Paws Only Pet Care at Cuan Wildlife Centre to offer behaviour and training advice as part of FABC. We had a great time, even got to sneak in and judge on the dog show! If you are looking for advice on your dog's behaviour, please do get in touch 🙂

13/07/2023

🥳🥳🥳 Very proud to call myself a Provisional Member of the APBC.

Paige McCormack joins us as a Provisional CAB Member - WELCOME!

We provide several types of membership to include behaviourists at any stage of their career. Whether you are just starting out with your studies or you have been practising for years – we provide support and guidance for all our membership types.

https://www.apbc.org.uk/membership-types/

11/07/2023

Some good news today! 🥳🥳 I am officially a Provisional Member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors! 🐾 This means I can work towards full membership by seeing behavioural cases with support from fellow behaviourists if needed 🙂

As a Provisional Member of the APBC, I can be covered under some pet insurances, so please check your cover if you are looking into behavioural consultations to see if you are coveted for Behaviour.

10/07/2023

Tonight I visited the lovely Enzo! We worked on some focus exercises to help when he's out and about, to manage walking on lead and build confidence around some things he finds worrying 🙂🐶🐾

01/07/2023

28/06/2023

My certificate of membership finally came through! 🎉 Being a member of FAB Clinicians means I've been assessed as having the knowledge and understanding needed to be a behaviourist. I am now working towards full membership by working on cases to build on my practical skills 🙂

28/06/2023

I'm sure many dog owners will experience the 'my dog is friendly' dog owners. It's important to raise awareness that not everyone's dogs are sociable or able to socialise. Similarly with people, most would not appreciate a stranger coming into their space.

The yellow dog project aims to provide a bright indicator that the dog wearing it does not want to socialise. These come in the form of yellow bandanas, lead slips, coats etc. If you see a dog with yellow, please give them space and call your dog. This is for the safety of everyone involved.

I can help with any recall training or lead work needed. If you'd like to learn more about the Yellow Dog project, please visit their page or I'm happy to discuss anything 🙂

It seems so obvious doesn't it, "Some Dogs Need Space". Why does your dog need space?

Fab drawing by Doggie Drawings by Lili Chin

21/06/2023

Yesterday I visited the lovely Tiri again to continue work on recall and lead walking! We also introduced some work on drop it and leave it. She did really well and I'm hoping to see her improve over the next few weeks 🙂

15/06/2023

A couple of days ago I visited the lovely Tiri, who was learning some of the basics in gundog training, such as Recalling and Lead Work. This bouncy girl did fabulously for her first session, challenging me to train with toys rather than food. ❤️🐶

11/06/2023

💥⛈️With the forecast saying Thunder, I'd thought I'd share some tips on how to keep your dog calm during storms!💥⛈️

1. Prepare your home! Make a small cosy den for your dog inside, somewhere they can go hide if they are worried. You should place some of their favourite toys, treats and bedding in there and make sure it's covered over. A crate with a blanket over can be great for this, or a under stairs cupboard!

2. Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and tag, in case they panic and escape the garden or house. This way they can be reunited faster and saves you a fine!

3. Close curtains and put some white noise on - this helps to block out the sudden flashes of lightning and playing music or putting the TV on can block some of the rumbles of thunder.

3. Stay calm! If your dog senses you are worried, they will become worried

4. If your dog comes to you for reassurance, it's OK to comfort them. We all seek comfort during scary events and it won't make them worse. If they choose to stay in their den, leave them to it, they feel safe.

🖐 if your dog is experiencing extreme phobic behaviours, such as excessive salivation, attempting to dig/flee the situation, panting or shaking, it is recommended to speak to your local vet and seek out a behaviourist.

11/06/2023

🐾Easy Frozen Dog Bowls🐾 Perfect for this hot weather!

I used to love making these at RSPCA! They are so easy to make and can be as simple/complex as you like, making it great for dogs with sensitive tums!

Just simply add your chosen treats/food and add water to freeze. Works well with puzzle feeders as well for that extra challenge.

For dogs looking to lose a couple of pounds- add carrot, a low calorie crunchy snack, great for teeth cleaning!

Here’s a doggy enrichment recipe to keep your puppies entertained for awhile 🐾

09/06/2023

A great couple of sessions today meeting these gorgeous dogs! We discussed how to manage problems such as jumping up, managing play time and integrating training into daily life 🙂 They all did amazing for a first visit! 🐶🐕🐾

06/06/2023

I often get asked by people 'Why do I need a veterinary referral?' Before they see me for a consultation. Why not for training?

Training prevents behavioural problems, helps to manage a dogs behaviour and teaches them how to interact in a positive manner with people. Behaviour consulting looks into specific problems, the potential causes and influences on that behaviour.

So many people contact behaviourists about 'out of the blue behaviour', which may be due to your dog being in pain and not being able to tell you. Dogs are tough! They won't show they are hurt and sometimes chronic pain can build and build.

I promise if I ask for a behaviour referral, I'm not trying to inconvenience you, I really want to rule out any other causes for your dogs behaviour beforehand, to make sure I can help them the best I can 🙂

01/06/2023

👋 Did you know dog trainers and dog behaviourists are completely different roles?

Sometimes we can see these terms used interchangeably, making it difficult to really understand what that professional is trained to do. This is especially difficult, as dog behaviour and training is currently unregulated, so anyone can just use the terms without actually having the knowledge or skill set to provide the best care!

🐕 Trainers are experts in teaching your dog basic obedience commands, such as sit, stay, and come. They focus on enhancing your dog's skills and behavior through positive reinforcement techniques. Trainers are fantastic for puppy training, socialization, and obedience classes. If your dog is struggling with a few 'doggy manner issues', a trainer is a great call.

👩‍🎓 On the other hand, clinical animal behaviourists specialise in diagnosing and treating complex behavioral problems in dogs. They possess in-depth knowledge of animal behaviour and psychology, allowing them to identify the underlying causes of problematic behaviours. Whether it's aggression, fear, anxiety, or compulsive behaviours, they work with both you and your dog to develop a comprehensive behaviour modification plan. Behaviourists will often work off of vet referral, to ensure your dog isn't experiencing any medical problems that may cause the problem behaviour. They also often have more of a holistic approach, looking at the dog's lifestyle, environment and previous experiences to ensure the diagnosis is correct.

FAB Clinicians provide a really helpful handout to explain each professional's expertise.

If you think you need training or behaviourist advice, please feel free to contact me and discuss 🙂🐾

24/05/2023

🎉🎉 Very happy to have completed my Pre-Certification for Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourists to work towards qualifying as a CCAB

🎉 Congratulations Paige McCormack on achieving Pre-Certification as a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist! 🎉

"I'm really excited to continue my journey towards CCAB Certification. Working within higher education, its been really important to me to progress and encourage my students to consider certification in their career progression. I'd like to thank Harper Adams University for providing me with the knowledge via their clinical animal behaviour degree which has allowed me to work towards my goal of helping as many animals as possible."

20/05/2023

🐾📣 Introducing The Good Dog Clinic! 🎉🐶

I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my brand-new dog behaviourist business! At The Good Dog Clinic, I'm dedicated to helping you and your furry companions lead a happier, more harmonious life together. 🐾❤️

🏥🔬 I am a experienced and qualified dog behaviourist, ready to tackle any behavioural challenges your four-legged friend may be facing. Whether it's excessive barking, separation anxiety, leash pulling, or aggression, I'm ready to provide expert guidance and tailored solutions.

🎓🐕‍🦺 With a degree in clinical animal behaviour and a commitment to evidence based techniques, I'll work closely with you to develop effective training strategies. Our approach focuses on building trust, strengthening the bond between you and your dog, and promoting positive behaviour in a safe and nurturing environment.

💼💼 The Good Dog Clinic offers 121 behaviour consults and training. I'm here to support dogs of all ages, breeds, and backgrounds, ensuring that every pup has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 I believe that every dog deserves a chance to be the best version of themselves, and I'm here to help make that happen.

📍 Stay tuned for updates, tips, and valuable insights into the world of dog behaviour on my page. Like, follow, and share The Good Dog Clinic to spread the word and let's make a positive difference together! 🐾🌟