Dog Behavioural Consultation Como
Helping Como 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 Como — 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
In Como, working with an APDT-accredited behaviourist means your dog’s aggression, reactivity, anxiety, or fear is addressed using ethical, evidence-based methods tailored to their needs—without the pressure of lock-in contracts. Tackling challenges like barking at strangers or fear during walks, I’ll guide you through practical steps to build your dog’s confidence and your handling skills, both at home and outdoors. For specific advice or to start a behaviour consultation, get in touch today.
What Is Your Dog Struggling With?
A two-minute form is all it takes — Dave will take it from there
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 Como Dog Owners
Calmer and More Enjoyable Walks
Daily walks become more relaxing and less stressful when your dog responds well to guidance. Knowing you can anticipate and manage your dog’s reactions makes each outing a positive and pleasant experience for both of you.
Greater Confidence in Public Spaces
After addressing challenging behaviors, bringing your dog to parks and local events in Como feels less daunting. You’ll feel secure in your ability to manage your dog, making social activities together possible and enjoyable.
Personalized In-Home Solutions in Como
Consultations at home provide practical strategies tailored to your living environment and your dog’s unique needs. With advice based on the unique patterns of your home or Como’s surroundings, you experience smoother daily routines and lasting results.
Peace of Mind When Guests Visit
Welcoming visitors no longer requires extra measures to prevent disruptive behavior. You can trust your dog’s improved responses, allowing you to host friends and family with greater comfort and reduced worry.
A Behavioural Consultation That Actually Makes a Difference in Como
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.
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.
Why book consultation with us
Dave has been professionally assessing and rehabilitating dog behaviour since 2007, holds APDT accreditation, and has successfully worked with all breeds and temperaments across Perth. One key advantage of working with Dave is the in-home assessment approach, enabling him to observe your dog in their usual environment. This method allows for a more accurate understanding of behavioural patterns, stress triggers, and interaction with family members, providing tailored recommendations that suit your dog’s individual context.
Another important differentiator is the flexibility of service—there are no lock-in packages. You only pay for the consultations you need, avoiding unnecessary sessions. This approach is particularly helpful for owners who require immediate guidance or for those who wish to progress at their own pace. After just one behavioural consultation in Como, most clients have a clear, step-by-step plan they can implement straight away.
For those outside the immediate Perth area or who prefer remote guidance, Zoom consultations are available nationally. This option ensures you can access professional behavioural support regardless of your location, while still receiving one-on-one advice tailored to your dog’s needs. Dave’s experience and practical strategies mean that even via Zoom, you benefit from clear direction and actionable steps.
In-home behavioural consultations are available across Como and surrounding Perth suburbs.
Problem behaviour rarely resolves on its own — but it does respond to the right approach. In-home consultations in Como 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 Como. 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 Como 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 Como covers the foundational skills that make everyday life with your dog easier.
Where to Take Your Dog for a Walk and Reset in Como
Como, located just south of Perth’s city centre, is a picturesque suburb known for its riverside charm and relaxed lifestyle. Local residents and visitors enjoy outdoor activities amid leafy streets and scenic walking spots. Noteworthy parks and walking areas in and around Como include:
- Neil McDougall Park
- Como Beach Reserve
- McCallum Park
For dog owners, these green spaces provide excellent opportunities for exercise and socialisation in a peaceful setting. Behavioural consultations are a vital service for canine companions, and Agile Dogs frequently conducts in-home behavioural consultations and follow-up sessions throughout the Como area. These sessions often incorporate walks in the suburb’s local parks to better assess and address reactive behaviour in natural, real-life environments. With easy access to both recreational amenities and professional behavioural support, Como remains a highly desirable suburb for dog-loving families and individuals.
What our Como clients are saying
Members of the local community have shared how their dogs have shown noticeable improvements in obedience and confidence after participating in our behavioural consultation sessions, as reflected in the following reviews.
OUR PROCESS
The Como 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
Book Your Dog Behavioural Consultation in Como
Discover tailored behaviour support for your dog in Como, with consultations currently available and no lock-in packages required. Take the next step at your own pace, knowing you can book just a single session to start. We’re here to help you and your dog build a happier future together.
Book a consultation
0448 153 316
Dog Behavioral Consultation Service FAQs Como
How does a dog behavioural consultation in Como work?
I offer dog behavioural consultations in-home across Como, making it easier for your dog to feel comfortable in its usual environment. During the visit, I observe your dog’s behaviour firsthand, talk through your concerns, and work with you to identify the root causes behind issues such as aggression, barking, or separation anxiety. After assessing, I guide you through practical training steps and create a customised plan you can follow. If you prefer, or if you’re outside the area, we also do Zoom consults nationally. Most clients feel confident with a clear action plan after just one session, and there’s no pressure to commit to a package.
Is my dog too old to benefit from behavioural training?
Behaviour change is possible at any age. Older dogs can learn new ways of coping and responding, though it might take a bit more patience. I tailor my methods based on your dog’s age, history, and temperament, always working at a pace your dog is comfortable with. No matter if your dog is a puppy or a senior, a dog behavioural consultation Como is designed to support dogs of all ages.
Will I need to book several sessions or buy a package?
There’s no lock-in packages—each situation is different. Many owners find that after a single session, they feel ready to start working with their dog using the plan we create together. If you want extra support down the track, I’m always happy to arrange follow-ups, but you’re never obliged to book multiple sessions.
Can you help with dog-on-dog aggression in public places?
Absolutely. We start with an in-home consultation to understand your dog’s triggers and behaviour, then I often recommend a practical plan for gradual, safe exposure to other dogs. We’ll cover leash techniques and positive reinforcement strategies aimed at changing how your dog feels about other dogs in public. Progress is usually noticeable within a few weeks when the plan is followed.
Are virtual consultations as effective as in-person ones?
Zoom consultations are highly effective for most behavioural issues, especially for things like excessive barking, separation problems, and anxiety. I can guide you through exercises, analyse video of your dog, and coach you step-by-step. In some very severe aggression cases, in-person might be preferable, but for most situations virtual sessions work really well.
Is your service suitable for all breeds and behaviour problems?
All breeds are welcome, from smallest companion dogs to giant working breeds. I’ve worked with a wide range of behaviour problems—fear, reactivity, aggression, hyperactivity, and more. Every session uses science-based, positive methods accredited by the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), so your dog’s welfare is always the priority.
How much does a dog behavioural consultation cost?
Pricing is kept fair and transparent. A single in-home consultation in Como is charged at a flat rate, with no hidden fees and no required packages. I email you a summary and training plan afterwards. If you want extra check-ins, we’ll discuss options, but there’s absolutely no obligation to continue if you’re happy with your results.