Dog Behaviour Assessment in Centurion

Understand Your Dog’s Behaviour

Are you struggling with your dog’s behaviour and unsure how to address it? A Behaviour Assessment is the first step towards understanding your dog’s behaviour and determining the most appropriate way forward.

With over 17 years of experience in dog training and behaviour, I offer professional, individual Behaviour Assessments in Centurion, conducted in person at the home where your dog lives.

Every dog and household is different. The purpose of the assessment is to understand your concerns, gather relevant information and determine whether I can assist you and your dog within my professional scope.

When Should You Consider a Behaviour Assessment?

You may benefit from a Behaviour Assessment if you are struggling with your dog’s behaviour or finding everyday life with your dog difficult to manage.

This service is suitable for owners seeking professional guidance to better understand their dog’s behaviour and determine the next steps.

What Is a Behaviour Assessment?

A Behaviour Assessment is an information-gathering consultation. It gives me the opportunity to learn more about your concerns, consider the relevant circumstances and assess whether further training or another form of professional support may be appropriate.

The assessment takes place at your home, where your dog lives, so I can consider the dog within its familiar environment.

The appointment typically takes approximately 60 minutes, although the duration may vary depending on the circumstances and the dog.

Is the Behaviour Assessment a Training Session?

No. The Behaviour Assessment is not a practical training session.

It is an initial consultation to gather information and determine the most appropriate way forward. It does not include practical training exercises, a personalised behaviour-modification programme or a written assessment report or training plan.

What Happens After the Assessment?

After the assessment, I will consider the information gathered and determine whether I can assist with your dog’s needs.

If I accept the case for further training, I will provide feedback on the recommended areas of focus and advise you on the training sessions I recommend.

A six-session training package is a common starting point for many behaviour concerns. However, every case is different, and more or fewer sessions may be required depending on the dog’s behaviour, circumstances, progress and individual needs.

Further training is not automatically included in the assessment fee and is charged separately.

If your dog’s needs fall outside my professional scope, experience or available resources, or if veterinary care or another suitably qualified professional would be more appropriate, I will explain this and, where appropriate, recommend the next steps.

Not every case will necessarily be accepted for further training.

Behaviour Assessment Fee

R950 per household per appointment

The fee covers one Behaviour Assessment at the home where the dog lives, within my Centurion service area. Travel within this service area is included.

The assessment fee is charged per household per appointment, not per dog. The concerns and circumstances will determine which dogs are relevant to the assessment and what can reasonably be covered during the appointment.

Preparing for Your Assessment

To make the most of your appointment, please ensure that:

• Relevant household members and anyone involved in handling or caring for your dog are identified during the initial screening.
• At least one responsible adult is available to participate fully in the consultation and focus on the discussion without competing responsibilities.
• Children, visitors and other household activities do not unnecessarily interrupt the assessment. Please arrange appropriate supervision for young children where necessary.
• Your dog can be managed safely during the consultation, with reasonable arrangements made to minimise distractions and avoid unnecessary stress.

These arrangements are equally important during subsequent training sessions. Training requires active participation, consistency and the ability to focus on the exercises and instructions being discussed.

Animal Welfare and Professional Conduct

Your dog’s welfare and the safety of everyone involved are essential.

I will not tolerate animal abuse or deliberate cruelty towards a dog. Threatening, intimidating, abusive or aggressive behaviour towards me or other people present, including shouting at or insulting others in a manner that compromises safety or prevents the consultation from proceeding appropriately, will not be accepted.

If a situation compromises safety, animal welfare or my ability to work responsibly, I reserve the right to pause or terminate the appointment or training session where reasonably necessary.

Any decision to discontinue a consultation will depend on the circumstances. Further details are covered in the applicable Terms & Conditions.

How to Book

Before proceeding with a booking, I will first have a brief discussion with you to understand your concerns and determine whether the case may be suitable for my services.

You will need to provide relevant information about your dog, its behaviour, the people involved in its care, who will be present during the assessment and anyone else who handles the dog. Please also disclose any circumstances that may affect safety, animal welfare or the suitability of an in-home appointment.

This screening process helps determine whether I can reasonably and safely assist you and your dog.

Once the initial screening has been completed and the case is considered suitable to proceed, I will provide the relevant booking and payment instructions.

Payment or a booking request does not guarantee that an assessment will proceed if relevant information or circumstances raise concerns about safety, animal welfare or professional suitability. Any decision to decline, postpone or terminate an appointment will be handled in accordance with the applicable Terms & Conditions and relevant law.

Service Area

Behaviour Assessments are conducted in person at the dog’s home within my Centurion service area. I do not offer Behaviour Assessments outside this area.

Take the First Step

You do not have to figure out your dog’s behaviour alone. A Behaviour Assessment is the starting point for understanding the situation and deciding on the most appropriate next steps for you and your dog.

Book your Behaviour Assessment to get started.