Dog Behavioural Consultation Kensington
Helping Kensington 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 Kensington — 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 Kensington, managing a dog with aggression, reactivity, anxiety, or fear can be stressful, but specialised behavioural consultations can help bring lasting change. As a local APDT-accredited behaviourist, I use positive, evidence-based methods tailored to your dog’s unique needs—no lock-in contracts, so you stay in control of your progress. Practical strategies and support are provided every step of the way to address the underlying causes, not just the symptoms. Reach out to discuss your dog’s specific challenges or book a consultation 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 Kensington Dog Owners
Less Stressful Walks in Public Spaces
Once problem behaviours are addressed, daily walks through Kensington’s lively parks become more enjoyable. Owners no longer fear unpredictable lunging or barking, making outings smoother and less stressful for both dog and handler.
Greater Confidence Welcoming Visitors Home
After a successful consultation, inviting friends or family over can be a pleasant experience again. Owners notice their dog responds more calmly to new arrivals, allowing gatherings in the home to be more relaxed and comfortable.
Easier Management of Daily Routines
With tailored strategies in place, daily activities like mealtimes, grooming, and settling for the evening run with fewer hassles. Consistent routines become possible, offering owners reliable structure and peace of mind as they go about their day.
Practical Solutions Delivered in Kensington Homes
The convenience of an in-home consultation means recommendations are adapted to the exact environment where behaviours occur. Practical, real-life solutions can be implemented immediately in spaces familiar to both dog and owner, supporting smoother transitions and faster improvements.
A Behavioural Consultation That Actually Makes a Difference in Kensington
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 assessing and rehabilitating dog behaviour professionally since 2007, is APDT accredited, and has experience with all breeds and temperaments across Perth. His in-home behavioural consultations in Kensington allow for a detailed assessment of your dog’s environment and routine, ensuring solutions that are both practical and easy to follow. This approach makes it easier to identify specific triggers and tailor strategies that encourage lasting change in your dog’s behaviour.
Clients appreciate the flexibility of no lock-in packages, giving them the freedom to schedule sessions as needed without financial pressure or unnecessary commitment. This structure puts your dog’s individual progress at the forefront, letting you control your own path toward better behaviour.
For those outside Kensington or who prefer remote support, Dave also offers Zoom consultations available nationally. These sessions provide accessible, professional guidance no matter your location, ensuring you never miss out on expert help when it’s needed most.
Most clients leave the initial behavioural consultation with a clear, practical plan to help their dog, often after just one session. This focus on fast, actionable solutions means your household can start seeing progress straight away, making the process rewarding and efficient for both you and your dog.
















In-home behavioural consultations are available across Kensington and surrounding Perth suburbs.
Problem behaviour rarely resolves on its own — but it does respond to the right approach. In-home consultations in Kensington 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 Kensington. 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 Kensington 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 Kensington covers the foundational skills that make everyday life with your dog easier.
Where to Take Your Dog for a Walk and Reset in Kensington
Kensington is a vibrant suburb located just a few kilometers southeast of Perth’s central business district in Western Australia. Renowned for its leafy streets and community-oriented feel, Kensington boasts several attractive green spaces perfect for outdoor activities. Local parks and walking spots include:
- Harold Rossiter Park
- Kensington Bushland
- Jarman Park
These parks provide accessible areas for walking, socializing, and enjoying nature. With their spacious grounds and well-maintained trails, they are particularly popular among dog owners seeking convenient locations for daily exercise. Behavioural consultations are an essential part of pet care, and Agile Dogs frequently delivers in-home behavioural consultations and follow-up sessions in and around Kensington. These services often include walks in local parks, allowing professionals to assess reactive behaviour in real environments and provide valuable guidance to dog owners.
What our Kensington clients are saying
Many local dog owners seeking improved socialisation and calmer home behaviour have shared their experiences below to help others considering a behavioural consultation for their pets.
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 Kensington 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
Dog Behavioural Consultation Now Available in Kensington
Begin your journey to a calmer, happier dog with our behavioural consultation services in Kensington. Consultations are currently available, and you have the flexibility of no lock-in packages—just book as needed. We’re here to support you and your dog at your own pace, with no pressure to commit long-term.
Book your consultation
0448 153 316