Tailored Training for Every Dog
Over the years I have tried many different methods and techniques when working with dogs, both as a dog trainer, and a dog behaviourist, and I can confidently say, that something which may work for one dog will not necessarily work with another.
For example, you would not use the same techniques to teach a dog heelwork to music that you would use to train a dog to take down an armed robber. There is such a vast selection of methods available it is no surprise that dog owners are left feeling somewhat overwhelmed as to what they should be doing.
Personally, I have found that the most effective way to assist a dog in rehabilitation is to help them to teach themselves. The vast majority of unwanted behaviours have been brought about either as a result of environmental influence or an unintentional lack of understanding and knowledge from the owner.
Owners do not intentionally teach separation anxiety, reactive behaviour, or resource guarding, but yet these problems are at an all time high.
Understanding & Reversing Behaviours
My aim over the last 18 years has been to show and explain to owners why the unwanted behaviours have started and then help to reverse them. This is usually a combination of breeding, breed type, and environment. Unwanted behaviours are generally an outlet for frustration, and exist as an outlet for the dog to try and cope day to day. I will identify the root cause of the issues, and by doing so, the dog then starts to rehabilitate itself based on the adjustments put in place to mitigate the need to engage in unwanted outlets. This happens simply because the way they are being treated and understood each day has changed.
Control by way of fear is not something I would promote on any level. Your dog should act as you want, not because it has to but because it wants to. It is however important to realise that strictly following either completely positive or negative reinforcement is unrealistic as nature simply does not work that way. Being able to understand how to combine both in such a way as not to be detrimental to an animal is far more effective, efficient, and of course fair to your dog.
My sessions are carried out in your own home with yourself and your pet and are very much hands on. After identifying the root cause of the problem and then showing you myself how this can be prevented and reversed. I will put YOU in control so that by the time I leave you are happy and confident in what needs to be done to return your pet to a more balanced and happy life.
Behaviour Support Packages
Every dog and family is unique. My behaviour programmes are designed to provide the right level of support based on your dog’s needs, your goals, and the complexity of the challenges you are facing.
The Insight Call
A focused conversation to provide initial guidance and direction.
If you would like to have a brief 30-minute chat to discuss the issues you are looking for help with and to look at changes that may be implemented without a one to one session, this can be booked through the website at a cost of £30.
Includes:
- 30-minute telephone consultation
- Discussion of your dog’s behaviour and circumstances
- Initial advice and practical recommendations
- Guidance on whether further behavioural support may be beneficial
Upgrade Credit
If you decide to proceed with the Clarity Package, Progress Package, or Transformation Package within 14 days of your Insight Call, the full £30 consultation fee will be deducted from the package price.
This allows you to receive professional guidance straight away while keeping your options open for more comprehensive support if needed.
Ideal for: Owners seeking quick professional advice, reassurance, or guidance on a specific issue.
The Guidance Session
Expert Behavioural advice from the comfort of your own home.
This extended video consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your dog’s behaviour in depth and receive tailored recommendations and practical strategies.
Includes:
- Up to 2-hour video consultation
- Detailed discussion of behavioural concerns
- Review of your dog’s history, routine, and environment
- Tailored behavioural guidance and management strategies
- Recommendations for next steps where appropriate
Ideal for: Owners seeking professional support who may not require an in-home assessment or who are located further afield.
The Clarity Package
Gain a clear understanding of your dog’s behaviour and a practical plan for moving forward.
This intensive in-home assessment is designed to uncover the root causes of behavioural concerns and provide tailored recommendations to help you make meaningful progress.
Includes:
- Approximately 4-hour in-home consultation and assessment
- Comprehensive review of your dog’s history, lifestyle, and behaviour
- Observation and assessment within the home environment
- Detailed written behaviour report
- Personalised behaviour modification plan
- Professional recommendations and next-step guidance
Ideal for: Owners who want expert insight, a clear action plan, and the confidence to begin implementing changes independently.
★ Most Popular
The Progress Package
Structured support to help turn knowledge into lasting results.
This package combines a thorough behavioural assessment with ongoing coaching to ensure you and your dog receive practical support throughout the implementation process.
Includes:
- Initial in-home consultation and assessment
- Detailed written behaviour report and personalised plan
- Two follow-up coaching sessions
- Tailored guidance as your dog progresses
- Ongoing support via phone, email, or messaging throughout the programme
- No additional charge for support between sessions
Ideal for: Owners who would benefit from expert guidance, accountability, and continued support while working through behavioural challenges.
The Transformation Package
Comprehensive behavioural support for lasting change and long-term success.
Designed for more complex cases or owners seeking the highest level of professional guidance, this programme provides ongoing coaching, regular progress reviews, and continued support throughout your dog’s behavioural journey.
Includes:
- Initial in-home consultation and assessment
- Detailed written behaviour report and personalised behaviour plan
- Five follow-up coaching sessions (six sessions in total)
- Ongoing programme adjustments as needed
- Ongoing support via phone, email, or messaging throughout the programme
- Priority support via phone, email, or messaging
- No additional charge for support throughout the programme
Ideal for: Complex behavioural issues, multi-dog households, rescue dogs, or owners looking for a fully supported behaviour change programme.
Expected Outcomes
- Greater confidence and understanding of your dog’s behaviour
- Consistent support throughout the behaviour modification process
- Regular opportunities to review progress and overcome challenges
- A tailored plan that evolves as your dog develops
- Long-term strategies for sustainable behavioural improvement
Travel & Location
Package prices may vary depending on location. For appointments outside my usual service area, a travel fee may be added to cover additional travel time and expenses.
Any additional costs will be clearly communicated and agreed upon before your appointment is confirmed.
Terms & Conditions
Please note, a 30% non refundable deposit will be required at point of booking. Session dates will be held open for 24 hours and are secured when the deposit invoice is cleared. The outstanding balance is taken on the day of the behavioural session, with premium bookings the outstanding balance is taken at the end of the first session to cover the following two sessions. Once paid for for sessions are non refundable. With premium bookings over three sessions customers are asked to contact Back to Balance Canine Behaviourist with regards to booking the next session.
Prices for one to one sessions can vary slightly if there is travel involved.
I do not drip feed information into shorter sessions over time as this is a more effective way for me to impart information and guarantee understanding from the client. My clients also find this more cost effective.
There are so many opinions on the internet about what methods should or should not be used when working with your dog that it often leaves owners feeling over whelmed as to what they should be doing. Finding the right approach for your dog is essential.
Positive Reinforcement:
This involves lots of reward and play on a positive level to help shape the behaviour you want by helping the dog increase its chances of repeating the desired behaviour, whilst at the same time simply ignoring the behaviour you do not want. This way, the dog is given the choice to repeat behaviour that is followed by a positive result.
Operant Conditioning:
This is also known as instrumental conditioning. This focuses on associating behaviours with consequences to either increase or decrease their frequency. This is achieved using positive reinforcement (rewarding desired behaviours) and mitigated corrections (discouraging unwanted behaviours).
Here is a more detailed explanation:
- Operant Conditioning:
A process of where the dog’s behaviour is modified by its consequences. - Positive Reinforcement:
Adding something desirable (a treat or praise) to increase the likelihood of something being repeated.
I use a combination of both to meet a point in the middle that is both fair, and realistic to either increase or decrease behaviours in dogs without being harmful to the overall long-term development of their behaviour physically or mentally. In short, this creates a perfectly balanced relationship between dog and owner.
- Clients will be helped to understand and recognise specific aspects of their own dog’s body language, eye contact and verbal communication, as well as any contributing environmental factors that may be relevant.
- The owner will learn how to communicate with their dog from a point of view that the dog understands, rather than relying solely on manmade constructs such as obedience training.