The consultation process

Prior to meeting with you I will ask that you complete a behavioural/training questionnaire.  This provides me with a valuable insight into your animal’s background, temperament, the problems you are experiencing and the goals you wish to achieve.   By completing the questionnaire prior to the actual consultation you are also saving valuable time and cost which could otherwise necessitate an additional consultation.

Consultations preferably take place in your own home, as your animal companion will behave naturally and be observed more easily in its own surroundings.   For dogs that have behavioural problems when off the property or when faced with particular situations, then I am happy to also work with them in this environment.  Consultations generally take around two hours.

Personalised behavioural programmes are available, without a home visit, anywhere in New Zealand.  This is an ideal option for cat owners as there is very little behavioural assistance in other areas of the country.  Likewise, dog owners who do not have access to suitable behaviourists in their area can utilise this option.

I will ask you to fill out a questionnaire and gather further relevant information via either email or telephone.  You will then receive a personalised behavioural programme by post, along with a training clicker and treats.  Dog consultations will also receive Natural Animal Solutions’ Behaviour and Training Guide.   Free follow-up phone or email advice is then available for as long as required.

Further one-on-one training and/or behavioural modification sessions are available at a reduced cost (based on a one hour session) OR you may like to consider a discounted package deal.  Sessions can take place either at your home or at a venue such as a park or the environment you most need assistance with.

Training and/or behavioural modification packages

If you prefer to have regular and ongoing one-on-one sessions after your initial consultation, sessions can be used to take you through all the basic dog obedience commands, but will also be tailored to your personal goals and requirements; and/or sessions can be used to help you work with behaviour modification for any particular problems you are experiencing.  By paying for a training package each hourly session reduces (to qualify for the reduced rate you must book a minimum of three hourly additional sessions).   

6 week course for dogs that show aggression/over-reactivity/fear towards other dogs

Is your dog aggressive, over-reactive or fearful of other dogs?  After an initial consultation to gain a thorough understand of your dog, you have the option of undertaking a 6 week practical course made up of one hour one-on-one sessions in order to help your dog learn calm and appropriate behaviour.

Sessions take place in Upper Hutt as we use helper dogs and handlers in a controlled environment.  Other venues are available upon request but cost will increase.

Note: Every dog is different in how long it takes to turn around negative behaviours, therefore the six week programme is aimed at providing a solid foundation for behaviour changes and to build confidence and experience for owners to handle their dog going forward.

Here's what one of our clients who has taken the course has to say:

"I own Obi, a 2 1/2 year old lab staffy cross who I adopted one year ago knowing only that he was untrained but quickly discovered he had some serious behavioural issues as well. We suspect that Obi was never exposed to "outside" life or other dogs and animals when he was young.  When faced with a situation he cannot deal with i.e. an approaching friendly dog, he is unable to cope, panics and turns aggressive.  He does not have an aggressive nature and we had difficulty understanding why he did this.  After much difficulty in locating a person with experience to deal with our particular problem, Lynne O'Malley was recommended and I was immediately impressed with her professional approach and training methods, so I decided to enrol in the 6 week class for dogs that show aggression towards other dogs.  The classes were based at Upper Hutt in a park where Obi was exposed to other dogs in a controlled manner.  As Obi learned coping strategies during the exercises his confidence grew and he began to show less aggression.  Lynne not only worked with Obi but helped me understand techniques that I can use whilst other dogs are in close proximity.  I would have no hesitation in recommending Lynne.  She has an incredible knowledge and understanding of the behaviour of dogs and a calm positive attitude which I found valuable in working with her." K Jones, Wairarapa

Thinking of getting a new dog or cat?  Not sure of which breed, age, size or temperament is right for you, or what requirements and needs it will have?  In addition to the many dog breeds available, many pedigree cat breeds have unique needs and predispositions to specific behavioural problems and are therefore more suited to particular lifestyles.  Likewise, many rescue and shelter animals also have specific requirements.  This one session will cover all your unanswered questions.

If desired, at a separate time I can also accompany you to a breeder, shelter or the animal’s current home to help you choose the right dog or cat for you.  Cost dependant upon location.

You will also receive a 30% discount voucher off a behaviour or training consultation.

If you have recently obtained a new puppy or dog, this one session will cover all the basic aspects of successful dog ownership, problem solving and training, and set you up for future success.  You will also receive Natural Animal Solutions’ puppy or adult dog behaviour and training guide, training clicker and treats. 

If you have recently obtained a new kitten or cat, this one session will cover all the basic aspects of successful cat ownership, problem solving and training, and set you up for future success.  You will also receive a set of notes, training clicker and treats. 

Are you expecting a new baby?  A new baby can cause a great amount of stress for both dogs and cats as they struggle to adjust to the new arrival and associated changes in the household.  This one session will cover advice on pre and post baby and set both your animals and your new baby up for a harmonious relationship.  This session is best done a few months prior to your baby’s due date.  You will also receive a set of notes to help you through this time of adjustment.