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 Hocking

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 Hocking 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 Hocking — 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

Many dogs in Hocking experience behaviour issues such as aggression, reactivity, anxiety, or fear, making everyday life challenging for both pets and owners. As an APDT-accredited dog behaviourist, I take a tailored, evidence-based approach to address the root cause of your dog’s difficulties—without requiring lock-in contracts. Together, we can implement gentle strategies that foster lasting change for you and your dog’s wellbeing. Get in touch to discuss your concerns or arrange a behavioural consultation.

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 Hocking Dog Owners

Walks become calm and enjoyable

After a behavioural consultation, owners in Hocking often find themselves looking forward to everyday walks. Clear guidance helps prevent disruptive leash behaviour, turning stressful outings into opportunities for relaxed and pleasant exercise with your dog.

Greater confidence in daily interactions

The practical strategies gained through consultation allow for smoother routines at home. Pet owners report feeling more self-assured when managing greetings, feeding, or visitors, reducing uncertainty and hesitation in all types of situations.

Peaceful home environment restored

The relief from constant barking, aggression, or household tension is noticeable once tailored behavioural advice is implemented. With less disruption and fewer incidents, the whole family can experience a calmer and more harmonious living space.

Convenience of in-home assessment in Hocking

With a specialist coming to your home in Hocking, recommendations are directly relevant to your layout and lifestyle. The ease of in-home visits means you get custom support in your familiar environment, making changes simpler to apply day-to-day.

A Behavioural Consultation That Actually Makes a Difference in Hocking

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, is APDT accredited, and brings experience working with all breeds and temperaments across Perth. His behavioural consultation Hocking service always starts with an in-home assessment, ensuring that problematic behaviours are observed and addressed in your dog’s familiar environment. This approach allows for real-time evaluation of triggers and interactions, making the intervention highly relevant and tailored to your household.

Clients can benefit from a no lock-in packages policy, giving you the flexibility to book only the consultations you truly need. There is no obligation to sign up for multi-session programs, so you remain in control of your dog’s behavioural support and budget without unnecessary commitments.

For those outside the local area or preferring a remote solution, Zoom consultations are available nationally. This convenient option expands access to Dave’s expertise, allowing busy owners and those in regional areas to receive personalised advice and solutions from the comfort of home.

Notably, most clients walk away with a clear and practical plan after just one session. Dave’s focus on actionable strategies ensures you see prompt progress, backed by his extensive experience and proven methods.

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

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

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

Hocking, located in northern Perth, Western Australia, is a thriving and family-friendly suburb known for its serene outdoor spaces and community atmosphere. Residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of local parks and walking spots, including:

Gungurru Park
Hinckley Park
Rocca Way Park

These green areas provide excellent opportunities for walking, exercising dogs, and connecting with nature. Agile Dogs often carries out in-home behavioural consultations and follow-up sessions in and around Hocking, including walks in local parks to assess reactive behaviour in real environments. With its well-maintained streets and access to quality amenities, Hocking is an attractive suburb for pet owners and families alike.

What our Hocking clients are saying

Many families in the local area have seen positive changes in their dogs’ confidence and behaviour after consultations with us, as reflected in the experiences shared below.

OUR PROCESS

The Hocking 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 consultations now available in Hocking

Consultations are now available for dog owners in Hocking looking for guidance and support. There are no lock-in packages, so you can book the sessions that suit you and your dog’s needs. Take the opportunity to learn more about your dog’s behaviour in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Book a consultation

0448 153 316

Dog Behavioral Consultation Service FAQs Hocking

Can a dog behavioural consultation help with my dog’s aggression towards other dogs?

Absolutely, dealing with dog-to-dog aggression is a key part of what I do. During an in-home consultation in Hocking, I’ll assess your dog’s behaviour in the environment where issues usually happen. Together, we’ll work out practical management and positive reinforcement strategies to help your dog remain calmer around other dogs. Most owners leave the first session with a step-by-step plan tailored specifically to their situation. If you prefer, we can also do a Zoom session, which works well for many behavioural issues.

How do dog behavioural consultations work for separation anxiety?

For separation anxiety, I come to your home in Hocking for a detailed assessment. We look at what triggers your dog’s distress and make an action plan, often starting with small changes in your daily routine and gentle desensitisation exercises. I’ll guide you through realistic steps to help your dog feel safer when you’re away. You get a written plan and follow-up support via phone or email as needed. Zoom consults are available if you’re outside the area.

Is my dog too old to benefit from behaviour training?

Dogs of any age can learn new behaviours and improve with the right approach. Whether your dog is a puppy or a senior, I tailor each dog behavioural consultation Hocking session to your dog’s individual needs and capabilities. Progress might be a bit slower with older dogs, but it’s absolutely possible to see meaningful change, even in long-standing behaviour issues.

What does a dog behaviour consultation cost, and am I locked into a package?

There’s no lock-in packages—just a straightforward session fee, with most cases needing only one visit to get a plan underway. You pay per consultation, and there’s no pressure to buy ongoing sessions. The goal is to empower you with practical tools from the start, and you can book follow-up help only if you feel you need it.

Can you help with excessive barking?

Yes, excessive barking is a common complaint. During your consultation, I’ll find out what’s triggering the barking and show you positive ways to manage or redirect it. The process often involves adjusting routines, teaching alternative behaviours, and making a few changes in the dog’s environment. You’ll get a clear plan and ongoing support as needed.

Do I need to be home during the consultation?

It’s important you’re present for the session so you can be involved in the assessment and learn the management steps firsthand. This way, I can demonstrate techniques and make sure you’re comfortable using them yourself. If it’s a Zoom session, you’ll just need a device with a camera and microphone, which most people already have.

Are your consultations suitable for all breeds and all behaviour issues?

I work with all breeds, from small companion dogs to large guarding breeds, and help with a wide range of behaviour issues including reactivity, fear, anxiety, aggression, and more. My APDT accreditation means my methods are science-based and suited for every dog, regardless of age or past experiences.