Dog Behaviour Support in Plymouth

Understand your dog and transform their behaviour with science-based, ethical guidance.

If your dog’s behaviour feels overwhelming, whether it’s reactivity, anxiety, aggression, or sudden changes you don’t understand,you’re not alone.

At Shaping Dogs, I specialise in compassionate, evidence-based behaviour support that looks beyond the surface. Together, we’ll uncover the reasons behind your dog’s behaviour, create a clear, achievable plan, and build skills to help your dog feel safe, confident, and understood

What I Can Help With

✅ Reactivity to dogs, people, vehicles, or sounds
✅ Aggression, including growling, snapping, or biting
✅ Handling sensitivities or grooming struggles
✅ Resource guarding
✅ Generalised anxiety or fearfulness
✅ Behaviour changes that may be linked to discomfort or pain

“Very proud of Barney! We’ve been doing circuits in the garden all week and he’s walking so well. He’s now super responsive to the ‘nice’ DMT system and it’s helping him to cope with all of the garden distractions. We’ve got people digging in the field behind us, work going on next door and a psycho pair of kittens running around and he’s bossing it.”
— V Harrison & Barney

My Approach

Many behaviour challenges are driven by a mix of emotions, past experiences, and sometimes physical discomfort. That’s why I combine:

  • Careful observation and assessment, including movement and posture analysis to identify potential pain or mobility issues

  • Ethical, force-free strategies, no intimidation, corrections, or equipment designed to cause fear

  • Clear, practical coaching, so you feel confident supporting your dog every step of the way

  • Collaboration with your vet, if pain or health issues may be contributing to your dog’s behaviour challenges

Together, we’ll develop a plan that suits your dog’s needs and your lifestyle, without judgment or blame

Your Everyday Training Support Package

Some behaviours don’t need a deep dive, just the right guidance and a little consistency. This practical, focused package helps you address common training struggles that can make daily life with your dog feel harder than it should.

The Everyday Training Support Package is ideal for dogs who are friendly and sociable but need help with things like:

✔️ Pulling on the lead
✔️ Jumping up at visitors
✔️ Struggling to settle
✔️ Overexcitement on walks
✔️ Not listening when distracted

It’s designed to give you targeted support over a few weeks, helping you build better habits and clearer communication with your dog, all with kind, reward-based strategies that work in the real world.

The package includes:

✔️ Three 60-minute training sessions (in person or online)
✔️ Practical guidance tailored to your goals
✔️ Ongoing email support between sessions

Investment

£165 (payable in full or two instalments of £85/£80 – please let me know if you would like to use this option)

Need help deciding which option is right for you? Just get in touch — I’m happy to talk things through.

Your Behaviour Transformation Programme

Behaviour change takes time, consistency, and guidance. My programme offers dedicated support over 8 weeks to help you make meaningful progress and is ideal for you if you’re:

🐾 Struggling with behaviours that go beyond training — such as fear, reactivity, barking at people or dogs, resource guarding, or handling sensitivity.

🐾 Worried about your dog’s wellbeing — maybe they seem anxious, unsettled, or just not quite themselves, and you're not sure why.

The Behaviour Transformation Programme includes:

✔️ Initial 90-minute consultation (in person or online)

✔️ Detailed behaviour assessment and history review

✔️ Movement and posture observations (where appropriate)

✔️ Personalised behaviour plan emailed within 72 hours

✔️ Four 60-minute follow-up sessions

✔️ Unlimited email support between sessions

✔️ Summary updates for your vet if required

Investment

£375 (payable in full or in two separate monthly instalments of £188 – please let me know if you would like to use this option)

Extra follow-up sessions (if needed after the programme): £75 per 60-minute session.

Why Invest in Professional Behaviour Support?

Behaviour issues can be stressful, overwhelming, and sometimes dangerous. When left unaddressed, problems often escalate, putting strain on your dog’s wellbeing and your bond with them.

It’s also important to know that dog training and behaviour are unregulated industries. This means anyone can call themselves a trainer or behaviourist, regardless of experience or qualifications. Many unqualified trainers still rely on outdated, punishment-based methods that use fear, intimidation, or pain to suppress behaviour.

While these approaches can sometimes create short-term compliance, they often:

❌ Damage trust and your relationship with your dog

❌Increase anxiety, fear, or aggression over time

❌ Mask the real cause of the problem instead of resolving it

Professional behaviour support helps you:

✅ Understand why your dog is struggling, rather than guessing or relying on outdated advice

✅ Feel confident using kind, science-based strategies to help your dog feel safe and secure

✅ Identify potential health or pain issues that could be contributing

✅ Avoid the frustration (and expense) of trying multiple approaches that don’t work

✅ Protect your dog’s welfare and your bond built on trust, not fear

Investing in professional guidance is an investment in your dog’s health, happiness, and your peace of mind.

FAQs

  • Many trainers focus mainly on teaching obedience skills like sit, stay, and recall. While these skills are useful, behaviour challenges such as reactivity, aggression, and anxiety often have deeper causes.
    My approach combines behaviour assessment, movement and posture analysis, and force-free strategies to address the root of the issue, not just the symptoms. You’ll also receive structured support, a personalised plan, and guidance on collaborating with your vet if needed.

  • That’s exactly why I include movement and posture observations and ask detailed questions about your dog’s health. If I suspect discomfort may be contributing, I’ll recommend you speak to your vet. I can also provide summary reports to share with your veterinary team.

  • Ethical behaviour professionals never guarantee specific outcomes, because every dog is an individual. Success depends on many factors: health, learning history, environment, and how consistently strategies are applied.
    What I can guarantee is that you’ll receive clear, evidence-based guidance and compassionate support every step of the way.

  • No. My approach is 100% force-free and fear-free. I will never use tools or methods designed to intimidate, startle, or hurt your dog. Instead, I focus on understanding, empathy, and positive reinforcement to build trust and lasting change.

  • Yes, behaviour challenges can happen in any dog, from puppies to seniors. I tailor every plan to your dog’s unique needs, breed traits, and life stage.

  • If you’d like extra sessions after your initial programme ends, you’re welcome to book additional follow-ups at £75 per session. Many clients find 2–3 months of focused support is enough to see significant progress, but I’m here for you as long as you need.