Services | Animal Behaviour Australia

Our Services Are Available Australia Wide

OUR
PROCESS

Do you want a fabulous relationship with your pet? Are you struggling with problematic behaviour? CLICK on the video play button above.

We empower you with the skills you need - specifically tailored to you, your pet and your situation - giving you the best possible relationship with your pet.

We provide consultations, Australia-wide, over video calls. It doesn't matter where you live, we can help you.

While we offer some in-clinic consultations, we have found that video call consultations are more effective. By assessing your pets at home via video call, without their knowledge, we witness their 'true' selves and unique personalities. Enabling us to quickly find a solution for your pet, your individual circumstances and your home environment. To assist you with your pet's troublesome behaviours, it's crucial to observe you pet's typical behaviours. The significance lies in comprehending the problem behaviour, rather than simply observing it. Seeing them perform the problem behaviour is less important! Video call is also more convenient for you, and more affordable. Plus, it doesn't matter where you live. That's a triple win!

Here's how it works and to include your vet in the process download a Vet Referral Form here.

A Behaviour Modification Consultation - to modify a problem behaviour your pet is exhibiting. We cover all types of behavioural problems. Little or large, newly established or well-ingrained. Fun, motivating, solutions exist for your cat or dog.

A Behaviour Prevention Consultation - For problem-free pets, and you want it to remain that way (clever you!). For those who want to prevent potential problematic behaviours from arising.

Find out more about each service by hitting the button below.

BEHAVIOUR CONSULTATIONS

BEHAVIOUR PREVENTION

THE

PROCESS

HOW

IT WORKS

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

OPTIONAL

How it works

The Process

BOOK

Book a Consultation via the booking form

Select the relevant consultation type for your pet, and choose a date & time that suits you.

Details of the consultation types are below.

Payment is taken at the time of booking.

Please allow 48 hours for rescheduling.

QUESTIONNAIRE

Complete your Client Questionnaire

Upon booking your consultation you'll receive a link to complete a questionnaire.

Please provide as much information as you can.

Upon receival, we perform your thorough pre-assessment.

Information provided by you, in the correct format, helps us to understand your individual circumstances, routine and personality of your pet. We analyse your case in detail, ahead of your Consultaion.

If applicable, you can upload video to demonstrate problems.

CONSULTATION

Face to Face Consultation via Video Call

We provide Consultations using the Zoom video call platform because video call consultations are more effective than in-person.

By assessing your pets at home via video call, without their knowledge, we witness their 'true' selves and unique personalities. Enabling us to quickly find a solution for your pet, your individual circumstances and your home environment.

To assist you with your pet's troublesome behaviours, it's crucial to observe their typical behaviours. The significance lies in comprehending the problem behaviour, rather than simply observing it. Seeing them perform the problem behaviour is less important!

Plus, a video call Consultation = a triple win!

More convenient,
More affordable.
It doesn't matter where you live.

The process we follow allows us to gain detailed information from you prior to the consultation, and throughout.

And, you get affordable access to a professional, qualified and experienced Behaviourist no matter where you live, at a time convenient to you!

BMP

Purchase a Personalised Behaviour Report

A BMP, or Behaviour Modification Plan, details your bespoke plan to change your pet's unwanted behaviour.

A written BMP prepared for you is optional. You can take your own notes throughout the consultation.

The BMP is step-by-step implementation instructions that details what's required to change your pet's unwanted behaviour.

A BMP is separate to your consultation. If you decide you wany one, please pay for your BMP by heading to the Learning Zone page on our website and selecting BMP.

If you decide you want a BMP it must be purchased within 48 hours after your consultation.

A BMP CAN BE PURCHASED HERE

FOLLOW UP & FEEDBACK

Book a Follow-up Consultation & provide Feedback

A Follow-Up Consultation is suitable for anyone who wants to check their newly acquired skills are being implemented correctly. Or, for those that require further support and guidance.

In some cases, we will recommend a Follow Up session if a pet or scenario requires it.

At the end of the process, we would appreciate you providing a Google review. By providing a review, you are helping other pets in need to access help.

WHY VIDEO CALLS
ARE YIELDING SUPERIOR RESULTS!

What makes video call consultations more effective?

Do you believe that a video call consultation is inferior to an in-person consultation, whether in-clinic or at home?

Our Behaviourist thought, "No way they will work". Despite being the biggest sceptic, she was proven very, very wrong! CLICK on the play button to find out why...

DO VIDEO CALL BEHAVIOUR CONSULTATIONS REALLY WORK? - DEFINITELY YES!

After more than a decade of face to face, in-clinic consultations I was sceptical about the effectiveness of this technology too. But experience has proven that they not only work, but are actually superior in overcoming limitations with traditional methods.

Video-calls are more effective than in-clinic appointments or house visits for behavioural consultations… Here’s why:

1. Consultations take place while the pet remains in their normal behaviour state:

When a pet enters a veterinary clinic, or has a stranger in their home during a consultation their natural behaviour inevitably changes. As an Animal Behaviourist, seeing how a pet acts normally conducting daily life (problems and all) is extremely important. If necessary (and it often isn't), clients can supplement a video-call by sending in a short video of their pet’s unwanted behaviours.

2. Consultations take place in the pet's home environment:

Depending on the nature of the pet’s behaviour problem, being guided through the home, or problem location, on a hand-held device while discussing the pet’s routines can provide invaluable information that helps to diagnose behavioural issues. Leading to efficient treatment.

3. Clients can access professional services not available locally, at a time that enables all family members to attend (including after-hours consultations):

Meeting all family members involved in a pet’s care, and creating a team plan to prevent or rectify behavioural problems greatly improves the long-term effectiveness of positive behaviour change.

4. Consultation prices are kept low by avoiding unnecessary overheads:

Video calls are free of travel time, travel costs and clinic operating costs, meaning clients get great value and save their time too. Video calls are very simple using the Zoom platform. That simple, anybody who has a smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC with a camera can do it. Even 89 year olds (our oldest client to date!).

Not Convinced? Check out our client's testimonials on our website.

If you have questions about our services, how the video call consultations are delivered, or how we can benefit you and your pet, please send us an email with your specific questions.

Dionna

Dionna Newton

BSc (Hons) AdvDipCABT VN

SEE CASE STUDIES

BEHAVIOUR

MODIFICATION

Behaviour Modification

BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION
FUN. MOTIVATING. SOLUTIONS.

If you are struggling to cope with your pet's unwanted behaviour, do not despair. We can provide the understanding required to address the underlying issues causing your pet's unwanted behaviour. We will equip you with the knowledge and tools required to modify problematic behaviours.

We know you love your pet - that's why you're here - and YES, WE CAN HELP YOU!

Having a pet is like being in a relationship: you love them but sometimes they can drive you crazy! It’s great when you’re in tune and getting along, but it can make your life miserable if things start going wrong and you can’t see eye-to-eye.

Does any of this sound familiar?

Your loved one play up to get attention? Scares easily / for no reason? They are a nervous nelly, generally? Toilets outside the litter box? Their spraying is ruining your home? Are they stuck in a bad routine? Are they short-tempered? Reactive? Fighting with each other? Do they wreck your stuff? Are they noisy when you want quiet? Do they never seem to listen?

We provide four types of Behaviour Modification Consultations and Follow-up support.

Within these consultation types, our experienced Behaviourist (of 20+years) provides professional, and fun, motivating solutions for the following:

1) Behaviour Modification Consultation with Follow-up Consultation: Cat

For cats with existing behavioural problems.

Inappropriate toileting - urination, soiling
Spraying and marking
Nervousness to people or other animals
Anxiety, fears and phobias
Integrating a new cat to your existing cat(s)
Separation Anxiety / Distress
Restlessness
Excessive yowling / vocalising
Waking household early / keeping up late (disturbing your sleep)
Problematic prey-drive behaviours
Destructive behaviour - scratching, chewing
Anti-social or unruly behaviour
Hyper-excitability
Needy behaviours - food / fuss / attention
Mental stimulation indoor cat, including catio / enclosure design, and use
Resource guarding
Compulsive or repetitive behaviour, including OCD and PICA (eating non-edible items).
Aggression towards strangers - people, other cats, other animals, (including the family dog)
Aggression towards owner or family members
Territory disputes between neighbourhood cats
Re-directed aggression
Grief-related Decreased Mood State (depression)
Insert other... The specific problem behaviour unique to your cat!... (the list is endless).

2) Behaviour Modification Consultation with Follow-up Consultation: Dog

For dogs with existing behavioural problems.

Nervousness to people or other animals
Aggression towards strangers - people, other dogs or animals
Aggression towards family members
Anxiety, fears and phobia
Separation Anxiety / Distress
Restlessness
Needy behaviours - food / fuss / attention
Waking household early / keeping up late (disturbing your sleep)
Anti-social or unruly behaviour
Destructive behaviour - digging / remodelling the home
Problematic hunting behaviour
Excessive barking
Effective mental stimulation: apartments / small-footprint homes
Resource guarding
Hyper-excitability, and ADHD
Compulsive or repetitive behaviour, including OCD and PICA (eating non-edible items).
PTSD
Grief-related Decreased Mood State (depression)
Insert other... The specific problem behaviour unique to your dog!... (the list is endless)

3) Inter-cat Aggression Behaviour Consultation with Follow-up Consultation:

For bonded cats in the same household not getting along.

4) Inter-dog Aggression Behaviour Consultation with Follow-up Consultation:

For bonded dogs in the same household not getting along.

Follow-up Consultations are available for all four Behaviour Consultation types.

We employ an approach called MHERA™ (pioneered in the UK) to uncover the psychological motivations driving unwanted behaviour. This enables us to identify a suitable substitute behaviour for your pet to demonstrate that suits them, and you! We educate you on understanding your pet's motivations and drives and offer fun and motivating solutions to resolve their unwanted behaviour.

With the consultation complete, you'll be armed with a personalised and realistic behaviour modification plan for your pet. Crafted with your input during the consultation, to ensure it can be accomplished within your daily schedule. We are dedicated to helping you every step of the way. Short Follow-up Consultations are available to support you, to ensure you remain on track. Take advantage of these, and our fun, motivating, solutions to your pet's behavioural problems.

You are not alone; we are in this together!

Our Goal: Happy people, wagging tails and purring felines.

BOOK APPOINTMENT

HOW DO I DO VIDEO CALLS?

BEHAVIOUR

PREVENTION

BEHAVIOUR PREVENTION

A Preventative Behaviour Consultation is often used for:

Bringing home a puppy/kitten or a newly adopted pet,
Soon to be introducing a new baby to the family,
Expecting any changes to your current lifestyle,
Changing job,
Moving house.

Who is it for?:

Pets of any age, regardless of how long you've owned them.
Owners of any experience level, including highly experienced pet owners.
For owners that want a problem-free pet and to enjoy their relationship to the fullest.

Why you need it?

Because every pet has their own unique personality and characteristics.

A Preventative Consultation acts as a behavioural vaccination and is as crucial as vaccinating your pet against illness. 'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure'.

If your pet develops behaviour issues it will compromise your relationship with them on a daily basis.

Behaviour problems can be prevented.

Allow us to assist you in identifying and proactively preventing issues.

Happy clients, wagging tails and purring felines:

Clients who have utilised a Preventative Consultation feel they have received exceptional value for money in this one-off service - "happy to have dodged a potential bullet" one said!

Think about it as getting behind the wheel of a brand new car. Although you possess the skill of driving, each car comes with its own set of differences. Let us teach you how to build the best relationship with your pet. Why drive a banger, when you can drive a Porsche?!

What you get:

We consider your pet's characteristics along with your lifestyle, home environment and expectations. Then, offer guidance on how to prevent potential behavioural issues from arising. Which, depends on your pet's personality, yours, and your individual circumstances and home set-up.

Our goal: for you to have a problem- free pet and to teach you how to establish an optimal, and enviable, relationship with your pet.

Each Preventative Behaviour Consultation is tailored to the pet and person in question, however, topics covered include:

Effective methods for developing socialisation skills with humans and animals.
How to avoid creating fear and anxiety when introducing new experiences or routines.
The most effective ways to avoid common problems: anxiety, reactivity, re-directed aggression, inappropriate toileting, spraying, vocalising, barking, destructive behaviours (home and garden), separation anxiety, hyper-excitability.
How to maximise training success and mental stimulation aids.
Unlock the secrets to maximising joy in your pet ownership journey, and so much more...

BOOK APPOINTMENT

HOW DO I DO VIDEO CALLS?

Behaviour Prevention

FAQs

Indie - Animal Behaviour Australia - Rescue Rottweiler

My pets behaviour is so out of control I doubt anyone can help! Do you really think you can?

Yes! I'm passionate about helping you get the best relationship with your pet. I use honed techniques to get as much out of you both in our time together. A professionally trained Animal Behaviourist treats underlying problems and equips you to change the negative behaviour your pet is exhibiting yourself - and have fun doing it!
What is the difference between an Animal Behaviourist, a Dog Trainer or Veterinary Behaviourist?"

To avoid confusion, the latter are vets first, behaviourists second, whereas I am a behaviourist first and foremost. Trainers offer broad training advice, help you to train your pet in obedience and might train your pet to perform a task themselves. But training alone cannot solve a behavioural problem. I specialise in animal psychology, which means I look at the driver and reinforcement behind your individual pets behaviour, to treat and solve behavioural problems and work alongside the owner. I am not a vet, so cannot prescribe medication, however I am trained in behavioural pharmacology and neuroscience, so can work with your vet if we determine medication can assist. Notice I used the word assist. That's because medication cannot solve a behavioural problem.
Video calls won't be as effective as you seeing me and my pet in person?

Video calls work so much better... ! It sounds crazy, right? So, let me explain. First off, the honed process we follow allows me to gain detailed information from you prior to the consultation. Then, by assessing your pets at home via video call, without their knowledge, I witness their 'true' selves and unique personalities. Enabling me to quickly find a solution for your pet, your individual circumstances and your home environment. To assist you with your pet's troublesome behaviours, it's crucial to observe their typical behaviours. The significance lies in comprehending the problem behaviour, rather than simply observing it. Seeing them perform the problem behaviour is actually less important! Video call is also more convenient for you, and more affordable. Plus, it doesn't matter where you live. That's a triple win! Get affordable access to a professionally trained Animal Behaviourist, no matter where you live, at a time that is convenient to you.
What if I struggle to implement the changes you recommend?

You can book a Follow-Up consultation here. We can go over your plan we created together. Perhaps something hasn't worked as expected? Or, you have realised you cant put one aspect of the plan in place? Whatever it is, I'll help you understand what's holding you both back and advise the best course of action. You're not alone!
Which consultation type should I select?

We offer several types of consultations. Preventative Consultation: for pets with no existing behavioural problems. The questionnaire you need to complete is very different from the one you complete for problem behaviours: "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".Your consultation will focus on preventing behavioural problems from emerging, after i have assessed your unique pet's characteristics, your individual circumstances, home set-up, and your expectations. Behaviour Modification Consultations: for pets with behavioural issues you need to address. A modification consultation addresses unwanted behaviour. This is a more complex process. By the end of your session, you will understand what is driving your pet's unwanted behaviour and have a plan in hand to fix and solve your pet's behavioural issues. We offer the following Behaviour Modification Consultations: Behaviour Consultation with Follow Up - Dog: Suitable if your dog is suffering from any behavioural issue. Behaviour Consultation with Follow Up - Cat: Suitable if your cat is suffering from any behavioural issue. Inter-Dog Aggression with Follow Up - Dog: Suitable for dogs in the same family who are not getting along. Inter-Cat Aggression with Follow Up - Cat: Suitable for cats in the same family who are not getting along. Follow-Up Consultations: Available if you have had a Behaviour Modification Consultation and would like further help, support or guidance. More details on Consultation types here. If you're unsure about the consultation type to book or need specific questions answered before booking your consultation, please email us and we'll reply shortly.
Do I need a written Behaviour Modification Plan (BMP)?

That is entirely your decision. You will learn everything you need to do, and how, within the Consultation and can take your own written notes throughout the session. Your BMP is designed with you during your consultation and is specific to you, your lifestyle and your pet. No two BMP's are the same. By the end of your consultation, you will understand why the behavioural problem has established, and have learned the strategies required to change the unwanted behaviour. Some of these strategies can be quite subtle and a stepped process. A written BMP, prepared for you, allows you to efficiently and effectively change your pet’s behaviour by following step-by-step instructions. If you decide you want a written BMP, head to the Learning Zone page on our website and select the Behaviour Modification Plan to pay for your bespoke plan. Payment can be made either before or directly after your consultation. Please allow up to 14 days for your BMP to be written. A written BMP is not required for a Preventative Consultation; however the information you receive during this consultation will prevent you from running into many unforeseen problems.
How much is it?

We offer a variety of consultations for preventing or modifying unwanted behaviour. Take a look at the Book Now page for current prices here.
My pet isn't a cat or dog - can you still help?

Absolutely. The techniques our Behaviourist uses works on other pets too - rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds. However, she does not consult for horses. If you're still not sure whether to book, please send us an email and we will get back to you shortly.
I have tried everything over the years and nothing has helped. How will you be able to help me?

Tried everything? Have you had a consultation with a professionally qualified and experienced Animal Behaviourist? If the answer is no, then you haven't tried the single one thing you need to do! An Animal Behaviourist is a skilled professional. And our Behaviourist has two decades worth of experience helping owners with their pets. We are sure you are fabulous at your job too, well trained and experienced in whatever you do. Let a trained professional with bucket loads of experience help you with you pet! You won't regret it. Cat owners are normally the most hesitant. Do not fear. It doesn't matter what behavioural issues your cat has, or what breed of cat you have, she can help you. Please don't despair.
My cat has not been using the litter tray for years and has on-going spraying issues. Can anything be done?

YES! Please, please, book in for a Behaviour Consultation to address this. This is probably the most common behaviour issue we help cat owners with. There is always a solution. A trained eye is needed because each cat is different. Please don't despair and put up with this unnecessarily. How stressful for both you and your cat.

FAQ's

Vet Referrals

VET

REFERRALS

Vet Referral Form.pdf

When your pet is exhibiting behavioural problems, it's advisable to have a medical examination to check if any medical causes are contributing to the behaviour. Depending on the nature of your case, we may need to collaborate with your vet and obtain your pet's medical history. The perfect team consists of you, your vet, and us. Our combined efforts ensure your pet receives optimal care and you are on the path to success.

If you prefer booking a consultation through a referral from your vet, that's great! Download the form. We gladly collaborate with all Veterinarians and ensure complete confidentiality for any information shared with us. We promote proactive referrals from vets when they encounter clients in need of assistance.

Help to streamline the process by clicking on the PDF icon to download the Vet Referral Form, take it to your Vet to complete, and then send it to us at your earliest convenience. Please then book an appointment and complete the process as standard.