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With Sarah Hickmott

Behaviour Consultations

Need a dog behaviourist? Sarah is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist and a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC). She can assist you with your dog’s problems via a behaviour consultation.

Problems I Deal With

General or specific fear and/or anxiety problems
Human-directed aggression
Dog-directed aggression
Separation distress
Resource guarding
Territorial behaviour
Noise sensitivities or fears/phobias
Tail chasing, light/shadow chasing or other abnormal repetitive behaviours
Inappropriate chewing
Multi-dog household problems
Excessive barking
Inability to regulate emotions
Hyperactive behaviour
Coprophagia

The above examples are not exhaustive and I have dealt with many other, less frequently seen behavioural problems. Please contact me to discuss your dog’s problems further.

How the Process Works

Behaviour Consultation Process

A consultation (lasting approximately two hours) will be arranged once a veterinary referral has been obtained. During the consultation scientific and reward-based methods will be put into place to work towards achieving a mutually agreeable goal. Both you and your veterinary surgeon will receive a copy of a comprehensive written behaviour modification programme. Email and telephone support is included in the initial consultation package and sometimes one hour follow up sessions are recommended to ensure that your pet is benefiting from the programme put into place but these aren’t essential.

Our Approach

Contact Us

Initial Contact

Phone or email to discuss your concerns and how Sarah can assist you.

Obtain Referral

It is essential that Sarah works with your veterinary surgeon and consultations will not be booked without a veterinary referral.

Complete Questionnaire

Sarah will send you a form to complete which will tell her all about your dog's lifestyle and the presenting behaviour problems. There is also the opportunity to send videos by WhatsApp at this point.

In-person Consultation

This will normally be based where the problems are occurring.

Written Behaviour Plan

This will be a comprehensive report with supporting documents. It will be emailed to you a week after your consultation and a copy will go to your veterinary surgeon.

Ongoing support

Unlike other establishments there is no limit placed on how much support you can have and the support is truly given. This is by phone or email and would last approximately three months.

Why Choose a Qualified Behaviourist?

Dog behaviour training can be a life-line for some dogs, so it’s important that you choose a specialist that is qualified and experienced in a broad range of cases. Sarah is a fully qualified Clinical Animal Behaviourist. This means her fees may be fees may be reimbursed by your pet insurance policy if behaviour is covered.

Please feel free to make contact regarding your dog to see how we can help you. Sarah will travel throughout Surrey, Middlesex and Berkshire dependant on your availability.

Cases are seen either in the dog’s home or where the presenting problems occur.

Requirements met set out by pet insurance companies

Can I Claim on My Pet Insurance Policy?

Several insurance companies cover behaviour therapy if a vet referral is obtained. With my qualifications and membership of professional bodies, I meet the requirements set out by pet insurance companies for behaviourists. However, I recommend you check your level of cover with your insurance company before arranging the consultation.

Unfortunately, I am unable to offer direct claims; payment is due in full on the day of the consultation. I do not charge a fee to complete your insurance claim form.