Toni Shelbourne - Animal Behaviourist and Author

30/07/2025

I am proud to be associated with the Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary Here is an article I wrote for Your Dog Magazine a few years ago which I am happy to say OAS are sharing with their followers

Pain is often the hidden cause behind sudden behaviour changes in dogs – yet it’s frequently missed. In this guide, leading behaviourist Toni Shelbourne explains why recognising the signs of pain is essential to understanding and supporting your dog.

24/07/2025

🐾 Struggling with Your Reactive Dog? You’re not alone! 🐾

“Walks were stressful and horrible. I just wanted life to feel bearable again.”

If you’ve ever felt this way with your reactive dog, you’re not alone.
We’ve been there, not just as trainers, but as owners too.
We understand reactive dogs — and the people who love them.

What sets our Reactive to Responsive program apart isn’t just the expert guidance from our team lead by Animal behaviourist & Tellington TTouch Instructor Toni Shelbourne. It’s the whole journey:

✅ Firstly, 1-to-1 support to calm you and your dog’s emotions & learn skills.
✅ Tools to manage everyday walks and defensive skills for challenging situations.
✅ Progression to safe, structured group classes within a controlled environment.
✅ Ongoing support with progression to advanced classes and social walks.
✅ Trust builds progress- we never use fear or force.

As one of our team says:

“I knew I didn’t want to use anything harmful or forceful. What worked was a combination of management, skills, and a sprinkle of realism.”

✨ Ready to take the first step? For more information and how to book visit https://www.tonishelbourne.co.uk/reactive-to-responsive.html to start your journey.

24/06/2025

https://www.tonishelbourne.co.uk/reactive-to-responsive.html

04/06/2025

Loved teaching the staff and students on the grooming course at Capel Manor College

22/05/2025

Specialising in fear and anxiety issues. On-going support for reactive dogs through the Reactive to Responsive programme.
https://www.tonishelbourne.co.uk/
https://www.tonishelbourne.co.uk/reactive-to-responsive.html
https://www.tonishelbourne.co.uk/books/ HELP! My Dog….. book series

21/05/2025

Here is a quick reminder of all the in-person, online, and self-paced courses I offer in Tellington TTouch.
https://www.tonishelbourne.co.uk/diary-of-events.html - In person or live online courses
https://www.tonishelbourne.co.uk/webinars.html - Self-paced courses
If you can’t find a course to suit you, or in your area, contact me via my website for details of hosting a workshop in your area or booking a private consultation.
https://www.tonishelbourne.co.uk/

Toni has a unique blend of experience spanning decades. She works with and specialises in the stress management and emotional anxiety of animals. Although she mainly focuses on helping dogs, Toni also works with cats, small animals, birds and zoo species, especially canids.

29/04/2025

My latest self-paced applied Tellington TTouch® course is now available.

Nail Clipping and Paw Handling

Struggling with nail trims or foot handling? Learn gentle, proven Tellington TTouch® techniques to help dogs feel safer, calmer, and more cooperative. This self-paced course gives you practical strategies and compassionate tools to build trust and reduce stress — whether you’re working with your own dog, rescue dogs, or clients’ dogs. For more info and to book https://learn.ttouch.ca/product/applied-ttouch-for-nail-clipping-and-paw-handling/
(NB. Link takes you to another website)

Self-Paced Online Course | Tellington TTouch® Training Struggling with nail trims or foot handling? Learn gentle, proven Tellington TTouch® techniques to help dogs feel safer, calmer, and more cooperative. Taught by Accredited Animal Behaviourist and TTouch Instructor Toni Shelbourne, this self-pa...

15/04/2025

Taster Workshop
If your dog struggles with behavioural issues and you have tried everything else, why not come and learn about Tellington TTouch Training in this 2-hour evening taster session on the 22nd April 2025 at Potter Paws near Stoke Mandeville. For more info and how to book click on this link https://www.potterpaws.co.uk/workshops/ttouch-workshop/

TTouch is a valuable tool that can help animals overcome a variety of problems including:
Dislike of contact
Fear of the vet, grooming issues, handling issues, reluctance to be petted, hand shyness, body defensiveness due to injury.
Noise sensitivity
Fear of thunder, fear of fireworks, gun shyness, reaction to household noises.
Lack of balance
Leash pulling, stumbling, stiffness, training difficulties, poor performance, gait irregularities.
Hyperactivity/Restlessness
Jumping up, excessive chewing, excitability, spinning, excessive panting, pacing, inability to settle, lack of concentration.
Nervousness
Fear biting, timidity, lack of confidence, reluctance to socialize, separation anxiety, jealousy.
Travelling issues
Excitability, excessive vocalisation, vomiting, excessive salivation, restlessness, reluctance to get in the car.

15/04/2025

Book giveaway!!!
Do you worry whenever you need to make a vet appointment?
It is inevitable that at some point in your dog’s life he will have to undergo treatment at a veterinary surgery. Many dogs struggle with veterinary procedures and some won’t even walk into the building! So how can you help your dog tolerate being handled by veterinary staff and how do you build resilience so he doesn’t carry that negative experience forward to the next visit?...
Well we have something that will help! This wonderful little book by INTODogs Behaviourist Toni Shelbourne - Animal Behaviourist and Author and we have 3 signed copies to give away. All you have to do is LIKE the page, leave and comment, and don't forget to share so everyone can be in with a chance. The winners will be announced next Friday (Good Friday) - if you can't wait that long these great books are available on amazon and directly from the author- at https://www.tonishelbourne.co.uk/books/ Good luck everyone.