Booking a behavioural consultation for your dog can feel like a big step, and we understand that it’s natural to feel a little nervous. Whether you’re worried about your dog’s behaviour or simply unsure of what to expect, rest assured—we’re here to help. At Paws Academy, our approach is friendly, supportive, and judgement-free. Our goal is to guide you through the process and provide practical solutions that work for both you and your dog.
We offer behavioural consultations at two convenient locations: Ballycroy and Westport, ensuring a comfortable environment where you and your dog can focus on learning and progress.
How Our 90-Minute Behavioural Consultation Works
If you are coming for a 60 minute session, please find additional information here.
To get the most out of your session, we’ve structured it into two parts:
Part One: Client Discussion Without Your Dog (First Part of the Session)
In the first part of the session, you’ll meet with our behaviourist, Renee, without your dog. This allows us to have an in-depth conversation without distractions and helps us gather all the necessary details to create a tailored training plan.
What We’ll Discuss:
Your Concerns:
• What specific behaviours are you noticing?
• When did they start, and how have they progressed?
Daily Routine:
• What does a typical day look like for your dog?
• Are there particular situations where challenges arise?
Training History:
• What training methods have been tried before?
• How has your dog responded to past training efforts?
Possible Triggers:
• Are there certain people, animals, or environments that affect your dog’s behaviour?
Health and Well-being:
• Any medical issues, recent health changes, or medications your dog is on?
This part of the consultation helps us gain a clear understanding of your dog’s behaviour and set realistic goals.
Part Two: Practical Training Session With Your Dog (Second part of the session)
Once we’ve completed the discussion, your dog will join us for a hands-on training session. This practical section is where we apply the strategies discussed and work through specific behavioural challenges.
What to Expect During the Training Session:
Behavioural Assessment:
• Observing how your dog responds to different cues and situations.
Hands-On Practice:
• Demonstrating and guiding you through positive reinforcement techniques.
Handling Skills:
• Learning how to manage your dog in a variety of situations.
Confidence Building:
• Exercises designed to support your dog’s comfort and trust.
You’ll receive real-time feedback and support to ensure you’re comfortable implementing the techniques at home.
For the initial behavioural consultation and assessment, we kindly request that a maximum of two people attend with the dog. This ensures a calm and focused environment, allowing us to conduct a thorough assessment. If additional family members wish to be involved, they are welcome to attend follow-up sessions as needed. However, due to the nature of the initial consultation, limiting attendance to two people helps achieve the best results for both the dog and the training process.
What to Bring to Your Consultation
To make the most of your session, please bring the following items:
Tasty Treats: Choose high-value treats that your dog loves to use as rewards.
Favourite Toy: If your dog is toy-motivated, bringing a favourite toy can help with engagement.
Lead and Collar: A secure lead and well-fitted collar are essential for safety during training.
Poo Bags: All dog waste must be bagged and taken home with you after the session.
Water and Bowl: Keeping your dog hydrated is important, especially during training sessions.
These items will help create a positive and productive training experience for your dog.
After Your Session: Personalised Written Report
Following your consultation, we dedicate 2-3 hours to writing up detailed notes, compiling a bespoke training report, and gathering relevant online resources to support what has been discussed. You’ll then receive a detailed written report summarising everything discussed and outlining a tailored training plan, which we aim to send within 1-2 days post-session.
Your Report Will Include:
• A summary of key observations from the session
• A step-by-step training plan tailored to your dog’s needs
• Practical tips for managing and reinforcing training at home
• Additional resources and recommendations for ongoing progress
This report serves as a valuable reference to help you stay on track and measure progress.
To access your report, you will need to be a 'Paws Member' as the report and any additional guidance will be stored within your own private area. To sign up is really easy, please find detailed instructions here.
Working With Your Vet
In some cases, behavioural issues may be linked to underlying health conditions, such as pain or discomfort. If we suspect a medical issue, we may recommend consulting your veterinarian for further evaluation.
With your permission, we are happy to collaborate with your vet and share our findings to create a comprehensive plan that supports your dog’s overall well-being.
Our Approach: Training That Clicks
At Paws Academy, our training is based on positive reinforcement and clear, consistent cues. We believe in working with you and your dog to create a training experience that is enjoyable and effective.
Whether your goal is to address specific behavioural challenges or strengthen your dog’s overall skills, our methods focus on building trust and confidence at every step.
The initial behavioural consultation and assessment is designed to identify the underlying triggers contributing to your dog's behaviour. During this session, we will conduct a thorough assessment and develop a detailed training plan to support behaviour modification in your home environment. However, it is important to understand that successful behaviour modification is a process, and further sessions are likely to be required to ensure progress. The initial session typically lasts 90-120 minutes, with a comprehensive follow-up report taking us approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Follow-on sessions are 60 minutes long, and we will provide updated recommendations and adjustments as you and your dog progress.
While we cannot guarantee the exact number of sessions required for full behaviour modification, we are committed to working with both you and your dog throughout the journey. The initial session is just the first step, and behaviour change requires time, patience, and consistent application of positive reinforcement techniques. It is not an immediate fix, but with dedication and the right approach, meaningful progress can be achieved.
Why Choose Paws Academy?
Choosing the right trainer is essential to your dog’s progress, and at Paws Academy, we bring a unique combination of experience, qualifications, and a compassionate approach to every session.
Expertise You Can Trust
With over 30 years of hands-on experience, Renee has worked with a wide range of breeds and behavioural challenges. Her background includes competing in agility and obedience events at prestigious venues such as Crufts and Olympia, and she continues to bring that dedication to every client.
Professional Qualifications
Renee holds multiple diplomas in canine behaviour, welfare, and training, including Level 5 and ongoing Level 6 studies in Advanced Canine Behaviour. Her training is backed by science and tailored to meet the individual needs of each dog.
Positive, Reward-Based Training
We focus on building trust and confidence using ethical, force-free methods that encourage positive behaviour through clear cues and reinforcement.
Specialist Knowledge in Reactive and Rescue Dogs
We have extensive experience in working with dogs that may have had difficult beginnings, helping them feel safe and understood while guiding owners through effective behaviour strategies.
Holistic Approach
Beyond training, we consider your dog’s overall well-being, offering support in areas such as nutrition, enrichment, and lifestyle adjustments to promote long-term success.
By choosing Paws Academy, you’re not just investing in training; you’re gaining support from a dedicated professional who is committed to your dog’s progress and happiness.
Client Notice – Working Livery Yards
We kindly remind all clients visiting our locations in Ballycroy and Drummindoo Stud that both are active working livery yards. For the safety of everyone, including our horses, we respectfully ask that:
Horses in fields and stables are not touched.
If a horse is working in the arena, it is not disturbed.
Children and dogs are supervised at all times.
Clients do not approach, touch, or walk behind any horse, as young horses in training may spook, kick, or bite.
Clients stay within designated training areas and do not wander around the livery yard, stables, or farmland for their own safety and to avoid disrupting daily operations.
Your cooperation ensures a safe and professional environment for all. Thank you for your understanding. :)
Ready to Start?
Book your consultation today and experience our proven, science-backed training methods at our Ballycroy or Westport locations.
Common Behaviours Addressed in Behavioural Consultations
At Paws Academy, we work with a wide range of behavioural challenges that can impact both your dog’s well-being and your daily life. Some of the most common behaviours we address include:
• Reactivity – Lunging, barking, or growling at other dogs, people, or stimuli such as cars and bikes.
• Separation Anxiety – Excessive distress when left alone, including destructive behaviour, vocalisation, or restlessness.
• Aggression – Displaying aggressive behaviours towards people, other dogs, or in specific situations such as resource guarding.
• Fear and Anxiety – Signs of stress in new environments, around loud noises, or unfamiliar objects.
• Excessive Barking – Constant barking at home or on walks, often triggered by boredom, fear, or excitement.
• Lead Pulling – Difficulty walking calmly on a lead, leading to stress and frustration for both dog and owner.
• Jumping Up – Excitable greetings that can become overwhelming or inappropriate.
• House Training Issues – Ongoing accidents indoors, marking behaviours, or difficulty establishing a routine.
• Resource Guarding – Growling, snapping, or guarding food, toys, or spaces from people or other pets.
• Lack of Focus and Impulse Control – Struggling to respond to cues, easily distracted, or difficulty settling down.
Recall Training – Struggles with returning when called, especially in distracting environments, affecting safety and freedom.
Our consultations focus on identifying the root causes of these behaviours and providing tailored training solutions to support long-term success.
If any of these challenges sound familiar, we’re here to help you work towards positive, lasting change.