Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What's the process of working together?
For my behavioural consultancy (looking at what get termed 'behavioural issues' - Aggression (including fear aggression and aggression between dogs within the same household), Territorial behaviour, Separation Anxiety, Nuisance barking, Anxiety and fear, Reactive Behaviour -dogs may bark, lunge and/or growl ... -Pulling on the lead, Behaving in the car, Not listening to you ... ) I would come to you for my three-visit Behavioural Program - This covers -1. A Preliminary Assessment, getting to the route of the issues you are facing - I come in with 'fresh eyes,' there's a saying, 'Those who live near a waterfall do not hear it's roar' and I find the sentiment to be true in this work. The Preliminary Assessment takes approximately 1.5 hrs, where I carefully read and assess your dogs behaviour and particular set of circumstances. 2. A Behavioural Modification Information Visit* (I try to get back to you for this within 7/8 days from your Prelim. Assess.) - where I'm looking to address the issues discussed, with demonstration where needed and a full set of consultation notes given to you (I prepare a 'Behaviour Modification Plan') taking approximately 3.5 hours. *As mentioned, we can also visit a nearby area such as a local park, as part of your second visit, if this is where at least some of the behaviours you wish to address are being displayed. This is inclusive in your pricing. As part of this session we discuss the probable reasons behind the behaviours, as well, I will always aim to provide you with reasoning behind what I'm asking you to do - look I get it, I need to know why I'm being asked to undertake a task too. We both want you to be able to maintain your effort here. Then, 3. A Follow-Up Appointment - A minimum of 4 weeks after the Information Visit (to get your dog accustomed to changes being made and you into behavioural modification habits) taking 45mins/1hr - where we assess progress made, keep all on their toes and look to the future You can also contact me via phone or email throughout the visitation process, with scheduled contact on my end also. Think of me like a coach on your dogs behavioural modification journey.
I provide other services tailored to meet the diverse needs of my clients also. Please visit my Dog Behavioural & Dog Training Services page for more detailed information.
Do you work Saturdays?
For your convenience, I do work Saturday's, these can get booked up fast so please enquire if you are interested in booking a visit on an upcoming weekend.
What's your price?
Price is dependent on my service and mileage to you, thus I would need to know the service and specific area you reside in to give you this information. I consult over an extensive distance, so enquire today if I personally work in your area.
How fast and easy is it to see results with your services?
Positive behavioural change is frequently noted at least within the first few days of a 'Behavioural Modification Info. Session,' however, we are focussed of course on being able to maintain this change for the long-term and these are the tools I wish to give you. From Testimonials (see page) - 'The changes in him were almost instant' Rowaina, Mathew and JD. 'From the moment she arrived she was able to correctly identify things we were doing incorrectly and she gave us helpful, practical suggestions that could be easily and immediately implemented.' 'We noticed change/improvement within a few days. Over time - much sooner than we expected in fact - her advice and insight proved sound and we are all living a lot happier together (and so are any guests)' Bonnie M. 'It has been an incredible relief and such an easy process to make simple and effective changes which are showing great results and a much calmer and happier situation for us all' Rochelle Bolt. 'Skills and techniques that we can use for the rest of our dogs lives that are simple, yet totally effective in every way' Maureen (and Pip) Stewart with Mackinley and Early. Also here is a link to see my Google reviews
https://share.google/7mg3iKPHz3VJzbehc
Would you come and do just an initial assessment?
Yes, please enquire about the possibility of me visiting you for the Preliminary Assessment component of my three-visit system, only (this would be to determine the viability of work going forward). Please note, this is not an information/training session for you, but rather an information gathering appointment for me, to determine if and how I will aim to go forward in assistance of you.
Do you offer any guarantees?
No, funnily enough, dogs are living creatures just like us, so their behaviours naturally change over time due to factors such as age and changes in their environment. I am very confident in my aptitude as a Canine Behaviourist (and I established this consultancy business in 2004) and giving you all the tools you require to succeed in your dogs behavioural modification if this is possible, but I cannot control you and the other factors involved in your dogs behaviour.
I would be very dubious of 'Guarantees of Success.'
Selina McIntyre, a Dog Behaviourist, Dog Trainer and Author operating in the Hamilton, Waikato, Tauranga /Western Bay of Plenty and Rotorua areas of NZ © Dogs Best Friend Limited N.Z. 2026.