Choosing a pet behaviourist

All pet owners will, at one time or another, have had to deal with “problem” behaviour, whether it's excessive barking in the car, fear of fireworks or toileting or spraying around the house.

Seeing your vet is obviously the first course of action as it is important to rule out any clinical reasons for the upset in behaviour. Your vet will then refer you to a qualified behaviour counsellor who will identify the reasons behind the behaviour and lay out a plan to work with you on bringing about change.

There is often no instant cure or overnight solution to your pet's problem, and it is important that you persevere with the advice you are given, but choosing a reputable pet behaviour counsellor means there will be someone to help you every step of the way.

Everywhere you look there is advice on pet behaviour but it will not be specifically tailored to your pet's personality and circumstances and can suggest methods which are at best ineffective and at worst barbaric! If your pet has a condition or problem that is causing you concern, please seek professional advice. All too often the reasons for the pet exhibiting the problem behaviour are mis-understood at the outset and therefore the remedial action makes the problem far worse and can be hugely damaging to the animal.

Without regulation anyone can call themselves a Pet Behaviour Counsellor/ Pet Psychologist / Pet Behaviourist and even add letters after their name! Someone with an interest in the subject who has completed an unrecognised qualification and may have a bit of experience can also advertise - and charge - for a service that can be potentially damaging.

Always ask to see qualifications - they should have at least a degree in either Animal behaviour or Human Psychology. If their website doesn't state the courses they have done, beware of committing to a costly consultation with someone who could be much less qualified to rehabilitate your pet than you!

In recent years we have worked very closely with Kris Glover BA (Hons), PG Dip CABC who is fully qualified in Animal Behaviour Management and is a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She owns and runs Pets in Practise who offer dog training classes as well as cat and dog behaviour consultations. Kris is BBC Radio Berkshire's pet behaviour expert.