Dog Behavioural Consultation Claremont
What Is Your Dog Struggling With?
A two-minute form is all it takes — Dave will take it from there
Helping Claremont Dog Owners Understand Problem Behaviour
One Session. A Clear Plan. Real Results
Barking at strangers, lunging on the lead, snapping at other dogs, refusing to settle — these are not personality flaws. They are signals. Your dog is communicating that something in their world feels unsafe, unpredictable, or overwhelming. Understanding what is driving the behaviour is the first step to changing it.
- In-home behavioural consultations in Claremont — Dave comes to you
- Tackles aggression, reactivity, anxiety, fear and separation issues
- APDT accredited — one session is often enough to get a clear plan in place
Living in Claremont with a dog displaying aggression, reactivity, anxiety, or fear can be challenging, but effective support is available locally. As an APDT-accredited behaviourist, I provide structured consultations that are grounded in ethical, evidence-based techniques, and you won’t be tied down by lock-in contracts. My approach focuses on understanding the root cause of your dog’s behaviour and developing tailored strategies to improve your dog’s wellbeing and your peace of mind. Reach out today to discuss your situation or book a consultation.
What Actually Happens in a Dog Behavioural Consultation?
A behavioural consultation is a focused, one-on-one session designed to get to the root of why your dog is behaving the way they are. Rather than teaching commands, it is about understanding your dog’s triggers, history, and emotional state — and building a practical plan around what you find.
Dave comes to you. Seeing your dog in their own environment gives a far more accurate picture of what is actually happening than any classroom setting could. Most behavioural issues — reactivity, aggression, anxiety, separation distress — are deeply connected to the dog’s everyday surroundings and routine.
Most owners leave the first session with a clear understanding of what is driving the behaviour and exactly what to do about it. You will not be handed a generic plan — everything is specific to your dog, your home, and your situation.
Key Benefits of a Behavioural Consultation for Claremont Dog Owners
Calmer Walks Without Worry
Daily walks become more relaxing and enjoyable when you no longer have to anticipate sudden lunges or barking. With tailored strategies from a behavioural consultation, handling challenging situations feels less stressful, so you can focus on bonding with your dog outdoors.
Relaxed Visitors and Social Gatherings
Entertaining guests feels more comfortable when your dog greets them with calm behavior. You can spend time with friends and family at home in Claremont without constant concern about jumping, barking, or other disruptive actions that used to cause embarrassment or tension.
Boosted Confidence in Handling Problems
Managing your dog’s behaviour feels less overwhelming when you have personalized guidance from a local expert. As you apply the recommended techniques, everyday challenges such as excessive barking or leash pulling become easier to address, increasing your confidence and peace of mind.
Personalised Solutions in Your Claremont Home
Receiving a behavioural consultation at home allows you to see techniques in action where issues actually occur. This practical approach targets the unique dynamics in your living space, helping you reinforce changes directly within your Claremont environment for lasting improvements.
Things to Consider Before Booking a Dog Behavioural Consultation
Not all behavioural consultations are the same. Before you book, here are the questions worth asking.
Is the Behaviour Actually a Training Problem or Something Deeper?
Some dogs pull on the lead because they have never been taught not to. Others react because they are genuinely anxious or fearful. Knowing the difference determines whether you need obedience training, a behavioural consultation, or both. If the behaviour feels emotionally driven — shutting down, snapping unpredictably, extreme reactivity — a consultation is the right starting point.
Does the Consultant Come to You?
Behaviour is highly context-dependent. A dog that seems fine at a training venue may fall apart at home or on the street. An in-home consultation gives a far more accurate picture of what is actually happening and why. Dave comes to you — that is not a convenience, it is a better way to assess the problem.
What Approach Does the Consultant Use?
Avoid anyone who relies on dominance theory, alpha rolls, or aversive tools to suppress behaviour. These methods mask the symptom without addressing the cause and often make anxiety-based behaviour significantly worse. Every consultation at Agile Dogs is grounded in modern animal behaviour science and positive, evidence-based methods.
How Long Has the Problem Been Going On?
The longer a behaviour has been reinforced — even unintentionally — the more patient and consistent the approach needs to be. Be upfront about the history. It helps Dave build a plan that is realistic and achievable rather than one that sets unrealistic expectations.
Are You Prepared to Change Your Own Behaviour Too?
Behavioural consultations are as much about the owner as they are about the dog. The way you respond to your dog’s behaviour — before, during, and after an incident — plays a significant role in whether things improve. The consultation will give you the tools. Using them consistently is what makes the difference.
Working through your dog’s behaviour issues takes patience and consistency — on the mornings it feels like slow progress, a freshly roasted coffee helps. Queen Bee Coffee delivers straight to your door so your morning routine stays intact.
The process of understanding and rehabilitating a reactive or anxious dog can be emotionally draining for owners too. If the stress of managing difficult behaviour has been taking a toll on your body as well as your mind, Nook Chiropractic are worth visiting — because looking after yourself is part of looking after your dog.
A Behavioural Consultation That Actually Makes a Difference in Claremont
A behavioural consultation is not just for dogs that have bitten someone or caused serious harm — it is for any dog whose behaviour is making daily life harder than it needs to be. Here is why it matters:
- Clarity — Understanding why your dog behaves the way they do changes everything. Guesswork is replaced with a clear, practical plan.
- Safety — Reactive and aggressive behaviour left unaddressed tends to escalate. Early intervention keeps everyone safer.
- Less walking on eggshells — Knowing how to read your dog and respond correctly reduces the daily stress of managing unpredictable behaviour.
- A calmer home — Separation anxiety, destructive behaviour, and incessant barking affect the whole household. Addressing the root cause brings relief for everyone.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Behavioural Consultation
A consultation gives you the roadmap — what you do with it at home determines how fast things change.
Be Honest About What You Are Seeing
The more accurate the picture Dave gets during the session, the more targeted the plan will be. Do not downplay the behaviour or make excuses for it — describe exactly what happens, when, and how often.
Involve Everyone in the Household
If one person applies the new approach and another does not, the dog gets mixed signals and progress stalls. Everyone who interacts with the dog needs to be on the same page.
Follow the Plan Consistently
Behavioural change does not happen overnight but it does happen faster than most owners expect when the plan is followed consistently. Small daily actions compound quickly.
Track What Changes
Keep a simple note of what triggers the behaviour, how your dog responds, and what is improving. Patterns become clearer over time and adjustments are easier to make.
One Session Is Usually Enough to Start
Most owners leave the first consultation with enough to work with for several weeks. There are no lock-in packages — you come back only if and when you need to.
A dog whose behaviour has been properly assessed and addressed is also a dog that can be trusted with more freedom at home — and if your garage or property needs securing while your dog has that independence, 2 Brothers Roller Doors are worth a look for reliable roller door installation across Perth.
Why book consultation with us
Since 2007, Dave has been professionally assessing and rehabilitating dog behaviour, and is proudly accredited with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). His extensive work with all breeds and temperaments throughout Perth has given him invaluable insight into the unique challenges faced by local dog owners seeking effective solutions.
One key advantage of this behavioural consultation Claremont service is the option for in-home assessments. By observing your dog in its familiar environment, Dave can pinpoint specific triggers and tailor recommendations to suit your household’s dynamics, allowing for more accurate and practical guidance.
Clients are never locked into costly packages. Instead, each consultation stands alone, empowering you to pay only for the support and sessions you need. This flexible approach accommodates varying schedules and budgets while encouraging focused, goal-driven progress for you and your dog.
For those outside Claremont or preferring remote support, Zoom consultations are available across Australia. This convenient option ensures expert guidance is accessible regardless of your location. Notably, most clients leave their initial session with a clear, actionable plan so they can start implementing strategies and noticing positive changes right away.
















In-home behavioural consultations are available across Claremont and surrounding Perth suburbs.
Problem behaviour rarely resolves on its own — but it does respond to the right approach. In-home consultations in Claremont are tailored entirely to your dog’s history, triggers, and temperament. No lock-in packages, no generic plans — just a focused session and a clear path forward. Zoom consultations are also available for owners outside the Perth metro area.
Saturday Group Sessions $30
Our group sessions ensure that each dog receives the attention it deserves. We hold group classes every Saturday at Claremont Park, where you can attend flexibly, with no lock-in commitment. These sessions focus on safe socialisation, fostering good obedience, and promoting desirable behaviours among puppies, adult dogs, and owners. We welcome all breeds and skill levels. For more information, or to secure your spot, please contact us directly to discuss your training options.
Enjoy the drive and experience the fun
Sunday Group Sessions
$30
Every Sunday morning, we offer group classes at Nicholson Reserve, Yangebup Reserve to ensure personalised attention for every dog. These sessions are designed to encourage safe socialisation, improve obedience, and reinforce positive behaviours. Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, all breeds and skill levels are welcome. Reach out to us today to discuss your training needs and reserve your place.
1:1 Private Sessions $275.00
For those who prefer more personalised attention, we offer in-home, private 1:1 obedience sessions and come to you in Claremont. Whether you are unable to attend group classes or wish to progress faster, these tailored sessions allow us to focus on your dog’s specific needs. For clients outside the Perth metro area, or those with busy schedules, we also offer convenient online Zoom sessions. Our accredited trainers will guide you through each level of obedience training to help you and your dog succeed.
Not sure if a behavioural consultation is the right fit? Browse our dog training classes in Claremont to see if a group obedience class might be a better starting point for your dog.
If your dog needs more than behaviour support, our dog obedience training in Claremont covers the foundational skills that make everyday life with your dog easier.
Where to Take Your Dog for a Walk and Reset in Claremont
Claremont, located in Perth’s stunning western suburbs, is renowned for its picturesque streets and vibrant community atmosphere. The suburb offers residents and visitors a variety of green spaces perfect for dog walking and recreation. Popular walking spots in Claremont include:
- Claremont Park
- Lake Claremont
- Mofflin Reserve
These parks provide excellent environments for exercise, relaxation, and socialisation for both owners and their furry companions. Behavioural consultations and follow-up sessions are often carried out by Agile Dogs in and around Claremont. Their experienced team regularly includes real-world walks in these parks, using them as ideal settings to assess and address reactive behaviour in real environments.
With a blend of natural beauty and practical facilities, Claremont stands out as a fantastic location for dog owners seeking safe and accessible walking areas.
What our Claremont clients are saying
If you’re wondering how our tailored dog behavioural consultations have impacted local pet families, these recent client experiences highlight the positive changes in confidence and calmness many have observed.
Posted on Karen DansonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dave came around for a one on one session with our new rescue dog Mikey. Dave is so knowledgeable about dog behaviours and training methods. He educated me on why Mikey was reacting the way he was and what I needed to do to be a good leader for him. It all made such perfect sense. I also appreciated that Dave made sure I was realistic about my expectations for Mikey. I only wish I had found Dave from the very beginning of our journey with Mikey. I feel so much more aligned and comfortable with Dave’s training approach and look forward to continuing our journey with Agile Dog Training.Posted on Elouise MartinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Have only been to two classes and we/ our dog loves it! 10/10!Posted on Keith MitchellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dave provided an excellent private session for our new pup which was incredibly informative and we’ve already seen great results in just a few days.Posted on kylie rofeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing dog training. Kind people who helped so much with my reactive dog. Couldn’t recommend them more for both 1 on 1 classes and group classes.Posted on Alex VoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently attended our first class at Agile Dogs and we were really impressed! The class ran seamlessly with over a dozen pups. The trainer was very knowledgeable and approachable. Not only did he provide practical advice, but also demonstrated the techniques with such ease, making it easy for us to follow and apply with our pup Really glad we found Agile Dogs and will definitely be back for future classes. Highly recommend!Posted on ray knightTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We engaged Dave for a home visit to help us with our 3 year old Labrador. Dave gave us practical advice and demonstrated some effective strategies to assist with lead walking and excessive barking. We have seen a dramatic improvement in how we manage our dog’s behaviour. Would highly recommend his services.Posted on Rashel B.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing training session with Dave today. The class was organised and structured, his instruction was precise and clear being really easy to follow. Our puppy loved every minute of the class, and is now totally exhausted. Thanks Dave. We are already looking forward to next week!!Posted on Leah MoncrieffTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend this dog training! We have a three year old Kelpie cross who is reactive to other dogs when on the lead. We’ve had one session of one-on-one training and attended one group session and can see a difference already. Thanks Dave!Posted on Lydia FattoreTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Definitely recommend Agile Dogs to any new puppy owner! David is so knowledgeable, and for the short time that I was able to be at the private session with my partner, I learned so many new techniques to put into practise. He provided the support and knowledge we need to get through the roller coaster puppy phase. 5/5!
OUR PROCESS
The Claremont Dog Training Process
Initial Consultation
Preliminary Assessment
Problem Solving
Training Recommendation
Explore All Our Dog Training Services in Perth
- Dog Obedience Training — group classes and one-on-one sessions for all breeds and ages
- Dog Behavioural Consultations — in-home assessments that get to the root of problem behaviour
- Reactive Dog Training — trigger-specific training for dogs that lunge, bark, or snap
- Puppy Training — setting your puppy up with the right foundations from the start
- Complex Skills and Clicker Training — advanced tricks and skills for dogs ready to go beyond obedience
What a Behavioural Consultation Actually Involves
Living with a dog whose behaviour you do not understand is exhausting. A 1:1 behavioural consultation cuts through the guesswork — Dave assesses your dog in your home or via Zoom, works through the history, identifies what is driving the behaviour, and puts a practical plan in place.
How Many Sessions Does It Take?
Most behavioural issues are addressed in 1 or 2 sessions. Complex cases — particularly aggression — may require more. Where appropriate, Dave will recommend transitioning into group obedience classes once your dog is ready. No lock-in packages — you only continue if and when it makes sense for your dog.
Get a Clear Plan for Your Dog's Behaviour
Book a Session
Claremont dog behavioural consultations available for booking
Discover tailored solutions for your dog’s behaviour with no lock-in packages required. Consultations are currently available and designed to fit easily into your schedule. Reach out to explore options and see if our service is the right fit for you and your dog.
Schedule your consultation today
0448 153 316
Dog Behavioral Consultation Service FAQs Claremont
Can a dog behavioural consultation help with aggression towards other dogs?
Yes, I work regularly with owners whose dogs display aggression towards other dogs. During a dog behavioural consultation in Claremont, I’ll assess your dog’s specific triggers and history in your home environment, then demonstrate practical strategies to safely manage and start changing your dog’s behaviour. You’ll get a clear plan tailored to your circumstances and skills you can practice between sessions. Most dogs make noticeable progress with consistency and patience.
Can you help with a dog that barks excessively when left alone?
Yes, separation-related barking is a common reason people reach out. I’ll start by evaluating what’s happening before and during your absence to pinpoint possible causes—whether it’s anxiety, boredom, or habits formed over time. The consultation covers management strategies, enrichment advice, and step-by-step exercises you can follow. We’ll set realistic expectations together, and after our session you’ll know exactly what to do next.
Are online dog behaviour consultations as effective as in-person sessions?
For many behaviour problems, Zoom consultations work just as well as in-home visits. Video allows you to show me your dog’s behaviour in real time and walk me through your set-up. I’ll coach you through practical exercises and answer your questions as they come up. This is a good option for owners outside Claremont or those who prefer remote support.
Do I need to book a package of sessions or is one consultation enough?
There’s no lock-in or fixed number of sessions. Most owners find that one comprehensive consultation provides a clear understanding of their dog’s behaviour and a practical plan to follow. Follow-up support is always available if you’d like further guidance, but you’re not locked into a package.
Can you help dogs of any breed or age, or is my dog too old to change behaviour?
Behaviour can improve at any age, with any breed. I work with puppies through to senior dogs, including breeds with reputations for stubbornness or reactivity. Change is possible with the right approach and consistent follow-through. We’ll set goals that are realistic for your dog’s stage of life and personality.
Is a dog behavioural consultation in Claremont expensive?
The cost covers a thorough in-home assessment, a custom behaviour plan, and ongoing support after your session. You’re only paying for the time you actually need—no unnecessary packages. Most clients see great value in having a practical, professional plan developed specifically for their dog and situation. My rates reflect APDT accreditation and years of hands-on experience.
What qualifications do you have for dog behaviour consultations?
I’m accredited through the APDT and regularly attend continuing education on canine behaviour and training methods. My approach is evidence-based and humane, with practical strategies tailored to both dogs and their owners. You’ll get up-to-date advice and ongoing support as you implement your behaviour plan.
Trusted by Perth Dog Owners
Posted on Karen DansonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dave came around for a one on one session with our new rescue dog Mikey. Dave is so knowledgeable about dog behaviours and training methods. He educated me on why Mikey was reacting the way he was and what I needed to do to be a good leader for him. It all made such perfect sense. I also appreciated that Dave made sure I was realistic about my expectations for Mikey. I only wish I had found Dave from the very beginning of our journey with Mikey. I feel so much more aligned and comfortable with Dave’s training approach and look forward to continuing our journey with Agile Dog Training.Posted on Elouise MartinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Have only been to two classes and we/ our dog loves it! 10/10!Posted on Keith MitchellTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dave provided an excellent private session for our new pup which was incredibly informative and we’ve already seen great results in just a few days.Posted on kylie rofeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing dog training. Kind people who helped so much with my reactive dog. Couldn’t recommend them more for both 1 on 1 classes and group classes.Posted on Alex VoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently attended our first class at Agile Dogs and we were really impressed! The class ran seamlessly with over a dozen pups. The trainer was very knowledgeable and approachable. Not only did he provide practical advice, but also demonstrated the techniques with such ease, making it easy for us to follow and apply with our pup Really glad we found Agile Dogs and will definitely be back for future classes. Highly recommend!Posted on ray knightTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We engaged Dave for a home visit to help us with our 3 year old Labrador. Dave gave us practical advice and demonstrated some effective strategies to assist with lead walking and excessive barking. We have seen a dramatic improvement in how we manage our dog’s behaviour. Would highly recommend his services.Posted on Rashel B.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing training session with Dave today. The class was organised and structured, his instruction was precise and clear being really easy to follow. Our puppy loved every minute of the class, and is now totally exhausted. Thanks Dave. We are already looking forward to next week!!Posted on Leah MoncrieffTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend this dog training! We have a three year old Kelpie cross who is reactive to other dogs when on the lead. We’ve had one session of one-on-one training and attended one group session and can see a difference already. Thanks Dave!Posted on Lydia FattoreTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Definitely recommend Agile Dogs to any new puppy owner! David is so knowledgeable, and for the short time that I was able to be at the private session with my partner, I learned so many new techniques to put into practise. He provided the support and knowledge we need to get through the roller coaster puppy phase. 5/5!