Does the consultant come to your home for the consultation?

Yes, the consultant comes to your home. This approach provides a more accurate picture of the dog's behaviour in its everyday environment, which is crucial for understanding and addressing the issues effectively.

What approach does the consultant use during the consultation?

The consultation is grounded in modern animal behaviour science and uses positive, evidence-based methods. It avoids dominance theory and aversive tools, focusing instead on addressing the root cause of the behaviour.

Is the behaviour a training problem or something deeper?

Some behaviours may stem from a lack of training, while others are emotionally driven, such as anxiety or fear. A behavioural consultation is recommended if the behaviour seems emotionally driven, as it can address these deeper issues.

Dog Behavioural Consultation Churchlands

Q: How long has the problem been going on?

The duration of the behaviour can affect the approach needed. Longer-standing behaviours may require more patience and consistency, and being upfront about the history helps in creating a realistic and achievable plan.

Q: Are you prepared to change your own behaviour too?

Yes, behavioural consultations involve the owner as much as the dog. The way you respond to your dog's behaviour plays a significant role in improvement, and the consultation provides tools to help you make these changes.

Helping Churchlands 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 Churchlands — 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 Churchlands, living with a dog showing aggression, reactivity, anxiety, or fear can create daily challenges for both you and your pet. As an APDT-accredited behaviourist, I offer tailored, evidence-based consultations that respect your dog’s individual needs and your family’s lifestyle—without lock-in contracts. Sessions are practical, supportive, and designed to build trust and confidence for lasting change. Let’s discuss how we can help your dog move forward—enquire or book a behavioural consultation today.

What Is Your Dog Struggling With?

A two-minute form is all it takes — Dave will take it from there

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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 Churchlands Dog Owners

Stress-Free Walks Around Churchlands

No longer feeling anxious during local walks can be transformative for both you and your dog. After your consultation, outings through the neighbourhood become easier, allowing both of you to enjoy the parks and streets of Churchlands with calm and confidence.

More Reliable Responses At Home

With a tailored approach, you’ll notice your dog listening and following cues more consistently in day-to-day situations. Everyday routines, such as greeting guests or meal times, are more manageable, and you regain a sense of control in your home environment.

Improved Confidence In Social Settings

Greater understanding of your dog’s behaviour brings newfound confidence when meeting other dogs or visitors. You can welcome interactions with less worry, knowing your pet will handle excitement or new people with greater ease.

Convenience And Comfort Of In-Home Support

Receiving a behavioural consultation at your Churchlands residence means your dog learns in its familiar environment. This not only reduces stress for your pet, but also means solutions are practical and immediately relevant to your daily routines and home setup.

A Behavioural Consultation That Actually Makes a Difference in Churchlands

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 brings expertise from working with all breeds and temperaments throughout Perth. His in-home assessments ensure that every behavioural consultation Churchlands is tailored to your dog’s specific environment and everyday circumstances. Observing your dog where they live allows for practical strategies that address the causes of behaviours as they naturally occur.

With no lock-in packages required, clients are free to progress at their own pace, investing only in sessions that deliver genuine value and results. This flexible approach means you receive an honest, needs-based pathway, ensuring sessions focus purely on achievable and sustainable behaviour improvements for your dog and household.

Zoom consultations are also available nationally, opening access to Dave’s proven methods no matter your location. Whether you’re in Churchlands or elsewhere, remote consultations provide expert guidance, support, and follow-up without the need for an in-person visit, accommodating busy schedules and diverse needs.

Most clients leave their first session with a clear, actionable plan tailored to their dog’s behaviour and family’s needs. This outcome-focused structure helps reduce confusion and anxiety, making the process more efficient and reassuring for dog owners seeking meaningful change.

In-home behavioural consultations are available across Churchlands and surrounding Perth suburbs.

Problem behaviour rarely resolves on its own — but it does respond to the right approach. In-home consultations in Churchlands 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 Churchlands. 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 Churchlands 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 Churchlands covers the foundational skills that make everyday life with your dog easier.

Where to Take Your Dog for a Walk and Reset in Churchlands

Churchlands, a leafy suburb in Perth, Western Australia, is known for its peaceful atmosphere and abundance of green spaces, making it an ideal location for dog owners. Local residents and their pets often frequent several well-maintained parks and walking spots, including:

Herdsman Lake Regional Park
Perry Lakes Reserve
Newman College Oval

These locations offer scenic trails and open areas perfect for daily strolls or energetic playtime. Agile Dogs often carries out in-home behavioural consultations and follow-up sessions throughout Churchlands, allowing trainers to observe and address canine behaviour in familiar settings. As part of their tailored approach, Agile Dogs frequently incorporates walks in local parks to assess reactive behaviour in genuine environments, ensuring lasting improvement for both dogs and their owners.

What our Churchlands clients are saying

Many local pet owners have shared how our tailored dog behavioural consultations have helped their dogs achieve calmer, more confident behaviour and improved family relationships—read their experiences below.

OUR PROCESS

The Churchlands Dog Training Process

Initial Consultation

Our process begins with a quick phone consultation to discuss your dog’s behaviour challenges and any specific issues you’re facing. Once we have a clear understanding of your situation, we’ll discuss the best training options and arrange a time to assess your dog in the appropriate environment, either at home or another location.

Preliminary Assessment

Next, we conduct an assessment, which can take place at your home or via Zoom for online sessions. During the one-hour assessment, we’ll gather information about your dog’s history, current behaviour, and environment. We’ll then provide you with a detailed explanation of why these behaviours are occurring and how they can be addressed.

Problem Solving

Once we’ve assessed your dog’s behaviour, we’ll help you understand the underlying causes of the issues. We will guide you through practical solutions and provide the necessary tools to resolve the behaviour challenges. Our aim is to give you the knowledge and confidence to address these issues effectively.

Training Recommendation

At the conclusion of the consultation, we will provide tailored training recommendations. This includes advice on managing your dog’s behaviour, implementing strategies moving forward, and the type of training that will be most beneficial. Depending on your dog’s needs, we may recommend additional sessions, follow-up consultations, or group training classes.

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

Dog Behavioural Consultation Now Available in Churchlands

Book a professional dog behavioural consultation in Churchlands with no hidden costs or lock-in packages required. Our consultations are currently available and designed for your dog’s unique needs, offering a flexible approach without pressure. Take your time and reach out whenever you’re ready for support.

Book a consultation

0448 153 316

Dog Behavioral Consultation Service FAQs Churchlands

Can you help if my dog is barking excessively when home alone?

Yes, excessive barking is one of the most common issues I address during dog behavioural consultation Churchlands sessions. I’ll visit your home to get a sense of the triggers and environment, or if you’re further away, we can do a Zoom call. We’ll figure out why your dog is barking and make a tailored plan to manage their stress and teach calmer behaviours, all using positive reinforcement. Most owners leave the first session with clear, practical steps to start seeing change quickly.

Is my dog too old to change its behaviour?

Dogs can learn new behaviours at any age, and I regularly help older dogs who have developed problem habits over time. With the right approach and some patience, we can always make improvements, whether your dog is a puppy or a senior. The key is understanding what’s driving the behaviour and setting achievable goals for your dog and your family.

Do you offer consultations for aggressive dogs?

I have a lot of experience working with aggressive and reactive dogs of all breeds and sizes. During our session, my priority is safety – for everyone involved, including your dog. We’ll work together to understand what’s causing the aggression and put in place practical strategies you can use right away. In-home sessions in Churchlands are ideal because I can observe your dog in their usual environment, but Zoom consults are also available if you’re outside the area.

Will I need to commit to a package or multiple sessions?

There are no lock-in packages or minimum number of sessions required. Most people find that one consultation gives them a clear action plan to follow and answers their main concerns. If you feel you’d benefit from extra support, follow-up sessions can be arranged, but it’s entirely up to you. My goal is to empower you to make changes confidently after our first meeting.

Do you cover all dog breeds and sizes?

Yes, I work with every breed and size of dog, from tiny Chihuahuas to giant Great Danes. The principles of positive, reward-based training apply to all dogs, though I tailor strategies to suit each dog’s individual temperament, history, and physical needs. My APDT accreditation ensures up-to-date, effective techniques for any dog.

What’s involved in a dog behavioural consultation in Churchlands?

A behavioural consultation typically takes place in your home in Churchlands, where your dog is most comfortable. I’ll assess your dog’s behaviour, discuss your goals, and demonstrate simple changes you can make straight away. If you’re further afield, we can run the session over Zoom. There’s a full written plan sent to you afterwards, so you know exactly what to do next. The approach is friendly and practical, focussing on real life results.