A Clinical Animal Behaviourist and dog training instructor based in Stoke-on-Trent, covering Staffordshire and surrounding areas.
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Pro-Positive Pet Behaviour is run by me - Megan Richardson (Clinical Animal Behaviourist). The services I provide are aimed at supporting owners of dogs with behavioural problems.
Examples of behaviour problems I provide support with include reactive barking/lunging beaviour during walks, separation-related behaviour, aggressive behaviour, fearful/anxious behaviour, sensitivity to sounds (e.g.
fireworks), sensitivity to handling/grooming, repetitive behaviour (e.g. tail chasing), fighting between household dogs, and any other difficulties you may be experiencing with your dog. All the behaviour modification plans I provide are tailored to each dog and owner's needs. I offer a non-judgemental, friendly and supportive approach to everyone, and am passionate about using reward-based training methods and providing the most evidenced-based advice. My aim is to ensure that every client receives a high quality and professional service, and feel supported by me to help them achieve their goals. I have many years of experience within this field, and am qualified to degree level in Animal Behaviour & Welfare. I have so far helped many owners with their dogs' behaviour concerns, and aim to support many more! I am a candidate member of Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians, and follow a strict code of conduct. I am accredited as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist with the Animal Behaviour & Training Council.
I'm pleased to announce that I have joined forces with Second Nature Behaviour for parrots, cats and dogs! 😸
This means that all my dog behaviour consultations will now be booked through Second Nature Behaviour.
📞 For more information and how to get in touch:
- 0121 299 0188
- [email protected]
- https://secondnature.bio/
I am very pleased to announce that I am now accredited as a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB)! 🐶 🎉
What does this mean?? This means I have been *thoroughly* assessed to achieve the very high standards of achieving this title. In other words, I have been assessed to have the required level of education, experience and knowledge to provide dog owners with professional and ethical advice concerning their dogs' behaviour concerns. 👍
CCAB accreditation Ltd. have ensured I provide evidence and reward-based advice, and adhere to their code of conduct in order to give me the title of CCAB.
How does this make me different to other dog trainers or behaviourists? The pet behaviour and training industry is currently unregulated, which means that anyone can call themselves a 'dog trainer' or 'behaviourist', no matter what their qualifications or experience. 🤔
This is concerning, because this means there are people providing unethical and unprofessional advice to pet owners in desperate need of support. Their advice often involves the use of harsh punishment methods, which only risks making behaviour or training issues worse. 😞
As a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) registered with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) and as a CCAB, this means I have been thoroughly assessed to ensure I am working professionally, ethically, and providing evidence-based advice that safeguards animal welfare. 😁
Megan Richardson has been awarded full CCAB certification - congratulations, Megan!
"I am so proud to have achieved accreditation as a CCAB! After experiencing behaviour issues with my own dog, I developed a keen interest in animal behaviour and training. Learning more about the subject sparked an interest in becoming a Clinical Animal Behaviourist, so I could support others who also experience difficulties with their animals' behaviour. Since then, becoming a CCAB has always been a HUGE ambition of mine, as this has always seemed to be the gold standard of accreditation. I am so incredibly grateful for all those who have supported me along the way, including tutors, mentors, peers, friends and family. I am also very grateful to Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians for their amazing support towards gaining accreditation. The CCAB assessment process has been very positive, fair and enjoyable. I am very excited to continue my career supporting dogs and their caregivers as a CCAB!"
Puppy Socialisation!
Socialisation is one of the many important aspects of raising a puppy.
The socialisation period runs from around 3 - 12/14 weeks of age. During this sensitive period, if puppies are not exposed to various things and environments in a safe and gradual manner, then they may become fearful of these things or environments later on in life.
This is why socialisation is an important step to prevent unwanted behaviour issues in dogs!
Socialisation is not simply a case of exposing your puppy to various people, dogs, situations, noises etc. because your puppy could be feeling scared of these things already. Forcing your puppy into situations they find scary could cause them to become even more fearful.
When socialising your puppy, make sure to keep a close eye out on their body language to ensure they are not feeling scared or anxious. For example, if your puppy has their tail underneath them, shakes, back away, licks their nose, yawns, or lies on their back with a tense posture, then this suggests they are feeling stressed, so remove them from the environment and give them the space they need.
So long as your puppy appears relaxed, make sure to pair up new things and environments with positive things happening, like treats and praise. This will teach your puppy to develop a positive associations to these things.
Here is more information about socialisation by the Blue Cross: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/socialising-your-puppy
Get in touch to see how I can support you!
Your dog is not trying to be dominant. If your dog is showing concerning behaviour, then it’s more likely that they’re feeling negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, frustration or pain.
Aggressive behaviour is a concern, not only because it suggests your dog is feeling stressed, but also because it poses safety risks. If left unmanaged, or you attempt to treat your dog’s issues using aversive punishment methods, this will only risk making the behaviour issues worse.
Your dog does not need to believe that they are the ‘bottom of the pack’. Instead, they need to feel safe, and not exposed to situations or things that trigger their aggressive behaviour.
Get in touch to see how I can support you to use reward-based, non-aversive, force free and ethical methods to manage and treat your dog’s behaviour issues.
If you get in touch requesting support with your dog’s behaviour, I will ask you to book the behaviour consultation package.
What’s included?
A consultation lasting up to 2.5 hours
A written report, including your dog’s tailored
behaviour modification plan
Handouts and training protocols
A 1-hour follow-up session
Remote support for up to 3 months
More information about my services can be found on my website here: https://www.pro-positivepetbehaviour.com/
As humans, we often focus on the negatives, and want to rectify our dog’s behaviours that we don’t like, such as barking, stealing items or attention seeking.
However, if you tell your dog off for these unwanted behaviours, you’ll only risk making these issues worse, and you’ll continue focusing on the negatives!
Instead, try to notice when your dog is being good, calm and relaxed, and praise them for this. Keeping pots of treats or kibble around the house (out of your dog’s reach), will allow you to reward your dog whenever you notice good behaviour.
This will teach your dog that good behaviour results in rewards, and not the behaviours you don’t like!
Dog walking etiquette!
Even if your dog is friendly or great with other dogs or people, it’s important to remember that not all other people or dogs are!
Unfortunately, many dogs develop reactive behaviour issues on walks as a result of other people or dogs approaching them, despite the dog finding this scary!
Many people say that others have said to them “don’t worry, he’s friendly”. Even if your dog is friendly and wants to say “hello” to another, that other dog may not be friendly!
Imagine this: You are taking a walk, minding your own business, and then another human comes charging up to you, crashes into you and puts their face in your face. You’d probably be quite scared or annoyed!
It’s the same for dogs!
Be mindful of how other people or dogs might feel on walks when approached by you and your dog. If ever in doubt, give people and dogs space!
Can you recognise subtle dog body language signals? Find out more from my blog post here:
https://www.pro-positivepetbehaviour.com/post/dog-body-language-what-do-the-subtle-communication-signals-mean
Does your dog have a training or behaviour problem? Find out more from my blog post here:
https://www.pro-positivepetbehaviour.com/post/does-my-dog-have-a-behaviour-problem-or-a-training-problem
Get in touch to see how I can support you!
For more information: https://www.pro-positivepetbehaviour.com/
Can you recognise the signs of a relaxed or happy dog?
Generally, if a dog is feeling relaxed or experiencing positive emotions, their body language will be very loose, wiggly and relaxed. The tail will be a mid-high position (not tucked under the body or positioned very high). The tail may be doing big and slow wags. The ears will be relaxed and may be positioned to the side or facing forwards. The eyes may be facing forwards and relaxed, and the dog may feel more inclined to look at you (rather than avoiding eye contact completely).
Have a look at the images for examples
Dog Space Etiquette 101: 🐾
Dogs need personal space too! Show respect to our furry friends and their owners by following these tips:
➡️ Keep your off-leash dog from approaching on-leash dogs
➡️ Lock retractable leashes around other dogs
➡️ Ask before approaching or petting other dogs
➡️ Extend compassion to owners of shy/reactive dogs.
Let's create a pawsitively respectful environment!
Can you recognise the signs of stress in dogs?
Stress can be caused by negative feelings such as fear, anxiety or frustration. Understanding dog body language, and knowing when to give a dog space is an important step to prevent aggressive or bite incidents.
Common signs of stress include:
Tense posture
Furrowed brow
Wide eyes, looking away
Leaning or walking away
Tail positioned low or underneath the body
Nose/lip licking
Panting (when it's not hot and the dog has not been exercising)
Tense mouth
Paw lift
Yawning
Rolling on the back with a tense posture
What is a dog behaviour problem?
Behaviour problems in dogs are often normal behaviour patterns, but those that pose safety risks or suggest the dog is experiencing negative emotions, such as fear, anxiety or frustration.
Examples of behaviour concerns include:
Aggression (e.g. growling) or reactive barking / lunging
Fearful or anxious behaviour (e.g. fear of noises)
Separation related behaviour
Protecting certain resources
Other abnormal behaviours include repetitive behaviours, such as tail chasing, or chasing lights/shadows
Seeking professional advice from a qualified and experienced behaviourist is important to ensure that safety risks are managed, and you understand how to manage and treat your dog’s behaviour concerns.
Get in touch to find out how I can help you and your dog.
For more information about me and my services, visit my website or get in touch.
https://www.pro-positivepetbehaviour.com/
Exciting news! 🥳
I am now accredited as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) with the Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC).
What does this mean? This means I have been thoroughly assessed to have the required level of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet the high standards of accreditation.
The animal behaviour and training industry is currently unregulated, which means that anyone can call themselves a dog trainer or behaviourist. This is concerning, as it's difficult to know who to trust!
As a CAB and registered Animal Training Instructor (ATI) on the ABTC directory, you can rest assured that I have been assessed to be ethical, professional, experienced and qualified.
I advocate for evidence and reward-based methods, and use a supportive and non-judgemental approach. 👍
My thoughts go out to all the animals and their owners this weekend struggling to cope with fireworks 😔🎆
If your dog is scared of fireworks:
- Make a cozy den for them. If your dog has a crate, a thick duvet can be placed over it to help make it as sound proof as possible.
- Do not walk your dog once it is getting dark outside.
- Do not try to force your dog out of their hiding spot.
- Act calm, and offer your dog gentle strokes if they seek reassurance from you.
- Try to drown out the noise and lights from fireworks as much as possible, by shutting all doors, windows, curtains and blinds, and playing the tv/radio/music/white noise fairly loud (so long as this does not scare your dog).
- If you have any adaptil sprays, plug ins or collars, then apply this in preparation.
- The worst thing you can do is get angry and shout at your dog, as this will only elevate their fear. Also, do not ignore your dog if they seek your reassurance.
- Try to keep your dog focused on chews / puzzle feeders / sniffing for treats / play. However, if your dog does not want to engage in these activities then don't try to force them.
And most importantly, if your dog has been scared of fireworks this year, please get in touch so I can provide you with advice on how to manage and treat your dog's firework fears in preparation for the next firework season. 🎆
With fireworks expected all weekend, we have some top tips for how to support your dog during and after the celebrations 🎆🐶👉 https://bit.ly/3MujCu6
Although dressing up your pet in costume may seem cute, some animals may find it stressful. Look out for signs that your pet isn't keen on wearing a costume.
Today is Halloween, and as such you are likely to see more images posted today of animals in fancy dress. Whilst this may seem like harmless fun, not all of these pictures depict happy, comfortable participants. Below are some signs to look out for if you are thinking about dressing up your pet today
I had a good day yesterday looking after the stand for The Animal Behaviour and Training Council at
I felt proud to support the ABTC and the industry by promoting ethical animal behaviour and training. 🐶
It was great to meet so many people with an interest in animal behaviour! 😀
For the final day of , the lovely Megan will at the ABTC stand to answer all your questions about our wonderful charity.
This infographic helps to explain the difference between the work of a dog trainer and pet behaviourist 🐾
If your dog has a behaviour problem, make sure to seek advice from a behaviourist who works of veterinary referral.
Get in touch to see how I can help 📞
How sweet is Florence? 🐶
She may have a wonky foot, but can demonstrate a lovely sit on the mat ❤️
Make sure to do your research before hiring a behaviourist.
The ladder of communication 🪜
The 'ladder of communication' (often termed the 'ladder of aggression') describes the behaviours that dogs will perform to show how they feel 🐕
This ladder also describes how dogs may start to show more offensive behaviour (such as growling, lunging and biting).
For example, if your dog feels stressed and wants space, they might start by displaying very subtle behaviours - such as licking their nose, yawning or turning their head away. If a dog feels these behaviours are not acknowledged, they may resort to behaviours higher up the ladder such as crouching down or showing their belly with a tense posture (showing the belly doesn't necessarily mean a dog wants a tummy tickle!) 👀
If a dog feels that these messages aren't acknowledged, then they may resort to behaviours at the top end of the ladder - such as growling, lunging, barking or even biting!
Understanding dog body language and knowing when dogs need space helps to prevent aggressive incidents from happening 💥
Unfortunately, dogs are often put into situations that they feel uncomfortable with and display these communicative signals to be left alone.
For example, there are lots of photos and videos of children climbing on and cuddling dogs. Although this may appear cute, if you look more closely, you might notice the dog performing behaviours on this ladder to show they feel uncomfortable and need space.
Understanding dog body language is an important step to preventing bites from occurring, and for maintaining a good relationship with your dog 👍
Follow my page for more free, useful information about dog behaviour!
Does your dog hate nail clipping?
Help is at hand!
I've created a video demonstrating how to introduce an electric nail file to your dog. This is useful if your dog is sensitive to having their nails clipped with a nail clipper, as the nail file is new to them.
If you need more support, make sure to get in touch to see how I can help you!
https://buff.ly/3IafIFI
In this video I demonstrate how to teach your dog to develop a positive association to having their nails filed using an electric nail file. Introducing elec...
Did you know?
Many behaviour issues in animals are caused by feelings of pain or discomfort❗️
This is why it’s so important to rule out these factors with a vet before seeking the advice from a qualified behaviourist🧑⚕️
If you get in touch requesting support with your dog’s behaviour, I will ask you to book the behaviour consultation package.
What’s included?
* A consultation lasting up to 2.5 hours
* A written report, including your dog’s tailored
behaviour modification plan
* Handouts and training protocols
* A 1-hour follow-up session
* Remote support for up to 3 months
More information about my services can be found on my website here: https://buff.ly/3MECi88
Get in touch to see how I can support you!
The importance of allowing your dog to sniff!
Many dogs feel highly motivated to sniff and mark their scent during walks. It's a very natural and relaxing behaviour that feels rewarding for your dog to perform.
Similarly to us enjoying scrolling through social media to see what other people are up to, dogs will sniff scents left by other dogs and animals to find out information about them.
I really love the term of dogs checking their 'wee-mails'!
Do you ever find yourself pulling your dog away from sniffing?
Instead, allow your dog to sniff!
I make sure my dog Woody's walks are his 'me time', and I allow him to take the time to sniff.
Walks aren't just all about the physical exercise, but more importantly about mental stimulation.
Stoke-on-Trent
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For more information about me and my services, visit my website or get in touch. https://www.pro-positivepetbehaviour.com/
The importance of allowing your dog to sniff! Many dogs feel highly motivated to sniff and mark their scent during walks. It's a very natural and relaxing behaviour that feels rewarding for your dog to perform. Similarly to us enjoying scrolling through social media to see what other people are up to, dogs will sniff scents left by other dogs and animals to find out information about them. I really love the term of dogs checking their 'wee-mails'! Do you ever find yourself pulling your dog away from sniffing? Instead, allow your dog to sniff! I make sure my dog Woody's walks are his 'me time', and I allow him to take the time to sniff. Walks aren't just all about the physical exercise, but more importantly about mental stimulation. #dogwalks #dogwalking #dogwelfare #dogbehaviour #dogbehaviourist #dogenrichment #dogenrichmentactivities #dogcaretips #dogwelfaretips
Mental stimulation is important for your dog, to help keep their senses and brain active, and reduce the risk of boredom. There are a variety of different activities you can do to keep your dog’s mind active! A simple method involves creating a snuffle box. To do this, open up a cardboard box, add some shredded paper, and scatter some treats or kibble in the box for your dog to search for. #enrichment #mentalstimulation #environmentalenrichment #dogwelfare #animalwelfare #dogbehaviour
Managing your dog around other animals 🐰🐓🐷 In this video, Woody sees a chicken in the distance and watches it intently. Small animals often cause him to feel motivated to chase them or bark out of frustration from being on the lead. Instead of continuing to approach the chicken, I stop and reward Woody with some high value treats for remaining calm. Just before I managed to take the video, Woody chose to give me eye contact straight after seeing the chicken, because he has learned from previous occasions that small animals and remaining calm = rewards. If I chose to continue walking forwards, then Woody will probably have started to lunge forwards and felt very frustrated. Telling Woody off or saying "no" will not have helped the situation either. #rewardbasedtraining #rewardbaseddogtraining #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #dogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogbehaviour #dogbehaviourist #dogbehaviourtraining
Managing your dog around other animals 🐰🐓🐷 In this video, Woody sees a chicken in the distance and watches it intently. Small animals often cause him to feel motivated to chase them or bark out of frustration from being on the lead. Instead of continuing to approach the chicken, I stop and reward Woody with some high value treats for remaining calm. Just before I managed to take the video, Woody chose to give me eye contact straight after seeing the chicken, because he has learned from previous occasions that small animals and remaining calm = rewards. If I chose to continue walking forwards, then Woody will probably have started to lunge forwards and felt very frustrated. Telling Woody off or saying "no" will not have helped the situation either. #rewardbasedtraining #rewardbaseddogtraining #positivereinforcement #positivereinforcementtraining #dogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogbehaviour #dogbehaviourist #dogbehaviourtraining
The 'find it' game! I love the 'find it' game, and suggest it to most of my clients to try with their dogs. Why? Because it's very easy to train, and can be implemented in a variety of different situations. 'Find it' encourages your dog to sniff for treats on the ground, which encourages them to engage in a relaxing and rewarding activity. This can be used if you want to reward your dog for doing something good or if you want to redirect your dog onto a positive, calm behaviour (e.g. instead of barking at something). To teach this, simply say "find it!" and throw some treats on the ground. Start off at home or in the garden (where there are fewer distractions). Over time, you can make the game more difficult by hiding treats over a wider area or in long grass. #finditgame #finditgamefordogs #dogtrainer #dogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice #dogwelfare #dogbehaviour #dogbehaviourist #ScentWork #scentworkfordogs #environmentalenrichment #dogenrichment #mentalstimulationfordogs #dogbehaviouriststoke #dogbehaviouriststaffordshire
The Snuffle Box! Walks alone often aren't enough to provide our dogs with the mental stimulation they need. What about all the time spent inside with nothing to do? A really simple, easy and cheap way to provide your dog with something engaging to do to do is to create 'snuffle boxes'. Keep hold of any cardboard boxes you receive (e.g. from online deliveries). For small boxes, you could hide some kibble and treats in them and crush them up, so your dog has to tear them apart o find the food inside. For larger boxes, you could create snuffle boxes. To do this, simply shred some paper up and place it inside of the box (Amazon boxes often come with paper, which is handy!) Then, scatter some of your dog's kibble or some small treats inside. Your dog then has to use their nose to find the food inside. This encourages natural behaviour whilst also being a calming activity for your dog to engage in! #freedogadvice #dogwelfare #dogbehaviour #canineenrichment #canine #dog #dogs #dogwelfaretips #FreeAdvice #dogenrichment #dogenrichmentactivities #mentalstimulationfordogs
The importance of allowing your dog to sniff! Many dogs feel highly motivated to sniff and mark their scent during walks. It's a very natural and relaxing behaviour that feels rewarding for your dog to perform. Similarly to us enjoying scrolling through social media to see what other people are up to, dogs will sniff scents left by other dogs and animals to find out information about them. I really love the term of dogs checking their 'wee-mails'! Do you ever find yourself pulling your dog away from sniffing? Instead, allow your dog to sniff! I make sure my dog Woody's walks are his 'me time', and I allow him to take the time to sniff. Walks aren't just all about the physical exercise, but more importantly about mental stimulation. #dogwalks #dogwalking #dogwelfare #dogbehaviour #dogbehaviourist #dogenrichment #dogenrichmentactivities #dogcaretips #dogwelfaretips
Churnet Valley Dog Training & behavioral trai
KINGSLEYST102AEBUTTERTONST137ST
Moor Dog Training - Stoke on Trent
Leek Road
