Behavioural Consultations

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Three pairs of dog paw prints in gray, arranged diagonally across a black background. 
1-2-1 advice and support through actionable plans based on a force free, positive reinforcement philosophy for canine behavioural issues including reactivity, hyperactivity, separation anxiety, housetraining, resource guarding, mouthing & biting and more.
A happy dog with a pink nose and tongue hanging out, standing in a grassy field with hills in the background.
Happy black and white dog sitting in tall green grass.
A black dog with a happy expression, wearing an orange harness, standing in grass amidst tall green plants.

Our Behavioural Philosophy

At the heart of Martyn’s Mutts is a commitment to force-free, positive reinforcement methods. We believe that every dog deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, and that behavioural change comes through building trust, not fear.

Rather than relying on outdated dominance models or punitive techniques, we work with dogs to understand the root causes of their behaviour. Whether it's anxiety, reactivity, or fear based responses, our goal is to help dogs feel safe, confident, and empowered to make better choices. This means:
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No aversive tools or punishments

We don’t use shock collars, choke chains, or intimidation.
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Science based methods

We rely on modern behavioural science, focusing on motivation and reinforcement.
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Empathy for both dogs and owners

Behavioural challenges can be overwhelming. We’re here to support, not judge.
Our approach not only helps improve behaviour, it strengthens the bond between you and your dog through clear communication and mutual understanding.

Behavioural Issues

Whether you're dealing with a specific behavioural issue or just want to better understand your dog’s emotional world, we offer compassionate, personalised support in areas such as:
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Reactivity

Reactivity is a common behaviour issue where a dog overreacts to certain triggers, such as other dogs, people, bicycles, or specific environments - often barking, lunging, or growling. This behaviour is usually rooted in fear, frustration, or insecurity, not aggression.
Black background with a large white paw print in the center.

Fear and anxiety

Dogs can develop fears of specific objects, noises (like fireworks or hoovers), people, or situations. Chronic anxiety can also manifest in more subtle ways, like constant pacing, drooling, or avoidance.
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Separation-related problems

Many dogs struggle with being left alone, leading to distress behaviours like barking, whining, destructive chewing, or toileting indoors. This isn’t about “naughtiness” - it’s often a sign of anxiety or confusion about being apart from their person.
White paw print graphic on a black background.

Overarousal and hyperactivity

Some dogs struggle to regulate their excitement, leading to jumping, mouthing, barking, or an inability to settle down. This can be frustrating for owners and confusing for the dog, who often just needs help managing their emotions.
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Resource guarding

Resource guarding occurs when a dog feels the need to protect something they value - such as food, toys, or even a person. They may freeze, growl, or snap to keep others away. It’s a natural canine behaviour, but it can cause stress or conflict in a home environment.
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Generalised stress and lack of confidence

Dogs who are constantly on edge, easily startled, or reluctant to explore new things may be struggling with generalised stress or low confidence. These dogs may seem “shut down” or overly sensitive to everyday situations.
Each consultation begins with a detailed assessment to fully understand your dog’s history, environment, and triggers. From there, we’ll develop a practical, achievable plan to guide you and your dog forward and always at a pace that’s right for them.

What’s included:

  • Person walking a dog on a dirt trail overlooking a city and countryside under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

    Walk Observation

    Observing your dog on a walk in their natural routine and environment outside the home.

  • A dog lying on a brown couch with a sad or longing expression.

    Home Observation

    Observing your dog in their natural routine and environment inside the home.

  • A person writing a to-do list in a grid notebook, with items related to driving a car.

    Consultation

    Discussion of your dogs behavioural challenges in detail, including discussion of walk and home observation.

  • Person standing on a road with a German Shepherd dog sitting beside them, during sunset, with trees in the background.

    Behavioural Plan

    An actionable behavioural plan summarising observations and initial consultation, including advice and tips to address the areas of concern.

Testimonials

  • “I couldn't recommend Martyn highly enough. He came out today to help the meet up of cousins Oscar and Digby. He certainly knows his pooches. He cares for the dogs, understands their behaviour and knows exactly what to do an when. Thank you so much Martyn, we'll keep up the good work that you started.”

    Belinda

  • "I have recently had a consultation with Martyn for some behavioural issues with my first puppy, Harry. I was not sure what to expect but Martyn was fantastic. He spent 2 hours with us, firstly observing us with Harry and then worked through a very detailed questionnaire to establish how we manage and train Harry. Martyn has incredible knowledge and insight into the behaviours of dogs and he has created a behaviour plan that we are now working through. We found him to be professional, understanding and he provided some really helpful feedback for us. I would definitely recommend him."

    Carol

  • “Martyn understands dog behaviour and language so well. He has a wonderful approach to dog training using positive reinforcement and positive experiences which I know has really helped transform my rescue dog's reactivity. ”

    Sue

Availability

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Monday - 6pm onwards
Tuesday - 6pm onwards
Wednesday - 6pm onwards
Thursday - by request
Friday - all day
Weekends - by request

We provide behavioural services throughout the North-West. Please enquire for more details and availability.

Certified in:

    • Understanding Canine Communication: Exploring how dogs communicate through body language, vocalisations, and behaviour.

    • Recognising Stress Signals: Identifying signs of stress or discomfort in dogs, including subtle cues.

    • Reading Positive Signals: Learning to recognise when a dog is comfortable and happy.

    • Contextual Interpretation: Understanding how context affects body language interpretation.

    • Applying Knowledge in Training: Using body language insights to enhance training and behaviour modification.

    • Understanding Aggression: Examining the different types of aggression in dogs, including fear-based, territorial, and social aggression.

    • Assessing Behaviour: Learning how to assess a dog’s behaviour and triggers, as well as recognising body language associated with aggression.

    • Behaviour Modification Techniques: Exploring effective techniques for modifying aggressive behaviour, including positive reinforcement strategies.

    • Safety Protocols: Understanding safety measures for handling aggressive dogs, both in training environments and in everyday situations.

    • Owner Education: Providing guidance on how to educate dog owners about aggression, including management strategies and when to seek professional help.

    • Understanding Human Aggression: Exploring the reasons behind aggressive behaviour directed towards humans, including fear, anxiety, and territoriality.

    • Identifying Triggers: Learning how to identify specific triggers for aggressive behaviour in dogs, such as certain situations, people, or environments.

    • Risk Assessment: Understanding how to assess the level of risk associated with a dog displaying aggression towards humans.

    • Behaviour Modification Strategies: Exploring various training techniques and behaviour modification strategies, focusing on positive reinforcement and desensitisation.

    • Safety Protocols: Discussing safety measures for handlers and owners when working with aggressive dogs to prevent incidents.

    • Owner Support and Education: Providing guidance on how to help dog owners understand and manage their dog's aggression, including when to seek professional assistance.

    • Understanding Resource Guarding: Examining what resource guarding is, including the types of resources dogs may guard (food, toys, space, etc.) and the underlying motivations.

    • Identifying Signs: Learning to recognise the signs of resource guarding, including body language and behaviours that indicate a dog is uncomfortable or protective.

    • Assessment Techniques: Understanding how to assess the severity of resource guarding behaviours and identify triggers.

    • Behaviour Modification Strategies: Exploring effective training techniques to address resource guarding, focusing on positive reinforcement and desensitisation methods.

    • Safety Measures: Discussing safety protocols for handlers and owners when managing a dog that exhibits resource guarding tendencies.

    • Owner Education: Providing guidance on how to educate dog owners about resource guarding, including management strategies and prevention techniques.

    • Understanding Separation Anxiety: Examining what separation anxiety is, including its causes and how it manifests in dogs.

    • Recognising Symptoms: Learning to identify common signs of separation anxiety, such as excessive barking, destructive behaviour, and house soiling.

    • Assessment Techniques: Understanding how to assess the severity of separation anxiety and identify triggers for the behaviour.

    • Behaviour Modification Strategies: Exploring effective training methods to help alleviate separation anxiety, including desensitisation and counter-conditioning techniques.

    • Creating a Supportive Environment: Discussing how to set up a dog's environment to reduce anxiety and promote comfort when left alone.

    • Owner Education: Providing guidance on how to educate dog owners about separation anxiety, including management strategies and when to seek professional help.

    • Understanding Puppy Development: Exploring the different stages of puppy development and the behaviours commonly exhibited at each stage.

    • Common Behavioural Issues: Identifying typical issues that arise during the puppy stage, such as nipping, chewing, and house training challenges.

    • Socialisation Strategies: Learning the importance of socialisation and how to safely expose puppies to various people, environments, and other animals.

    • Basic Training Techniques: Introducing fundamental training concepts, including basic commands, reinforcement techniques, and establishing good manners.

    • Preventative Measures: Discussing how to prevent behavioural problems from developing by providing appropriate outlets for energy and mental stimulation.

    • Owner Education: Guiding puppy owners on how to manage and support their puppy’s development, including establishing routines and expectations.

    • Fundamentals of Dog Training: Introducing key concepts of dog training, including the importance of positive reinforcement and the role of motivation.

    • Understanding Canine Behaviour: Exploring basic canine behaviour and learning how dogs learn, including different training theories and techniques.

    • Basic Commands: Teaching essential commands such as sit, stay, recall, and heel, along with effective methods for training these behaviours.

    • Communication Skills: Developing effective communication skills between the trainer and the dog, including body language and verbal cues.

    • Problem Solving: Identifying and addressing common training challenges and behavioural issues that may arise during training.

    • Socialisation: Understanding the importance of socialisation and how to safely introduce dogs to various environments, people, and other dogs.

  • An intensive hands-on program to build practical skills in coaching group dog training classes, covering essential skills such as structuring and planning classes, teaching effective training methods, and using observational techniques to assess both dog and handler progress.

By:

Logo with the acronym IMDT in large red letters, featuring a silhouette of a dog performing a stretch inside the letter D; underneath, black text reads "Institute of Modern Dog Trainers".

&

Logo of IMDTB, the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers and Behaviour, with green letters and a white silhouette of a dog inside the letter D.

For more details or enquiries, please use our contact form to get in touch

The Martyn’s Mutts Pack

  • A happy tan dog with one ear up and one ear down, standing on grass with open mouth and tongue out, wearing a collar and leash.
  • Smiling black and white Australian Shepherd dog with its tongue out, sitting on a grassy field with mountains, trees, and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
  • A happy small dog running on green grass in a clear outdoor setting, wearing a blue harness, with a joyful expression and its tongue slightly out.
  • A black Labrador Retriever dog with brown eyes and a pink tongue hanging out, standing in a grassy area with tall green grass around.
  • Black Labrador mix dog wearing an orange harness sitting on grass with a yellow flower and water in the background, smiling at the camera.
  • Happy brindle-colored dog with large ears sitting on green grass with fallen leaves, wearing a harness and a red collar.
  • Looking up at a happy, cream-colored Labrador Retriever standing on muddy ground with small plants and twigs.
  • Close-up of a happy, tan curly-haired dog standing on green grass, looking up with an open mouth and bright eyes.
  • A happy dog with black and white fur, sitting on grass near a dirt path on a sunny day.
  • Two smiling Pomeranian dogs with fluffy coats and expressive faces outdoors in grassy area.
  • A wet, scruffy dog with a happy expression standing on grass.
  • Close-up of a playful Basset Hound puppy with big expressive eyes and floppy ears, sitting on grass and looking up at the camera.
  • Group of five dogs on grassy lawn, facing upward toward the camera, with sunlight and shadows visible on the grass.
  • A brown dachshund puppy with floppy ears sitting on green grass in an open field with yellow flowers and trees in the background, under a cloudy sky.
  • Close-up of a wet, cream-colored spaniel dog with curly ears and big eyes, standing on a grassy field during daytime, with trees and hills in the background.
  • Black curly-haired dog walking on a grassy trail in a rural area with green hills and cloudy sky in the background.
  • A brown dog with a red collar and blue harness lying on its back in green grass.
  • A close-up of a dachshund dog with a brown and tan coat lying on green grass, wearing a purple harness with butterfly patterns, in a park with trees in the background.
  • Close-up of a happy golden retriever with floppy ears, wearing a harness, outdoors in a park with green grass and trees, under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A happy black Labrador dog wearing an orange harness sitting on a sidewalk next to a flower garden with white, yellow, pink, and red blooms.
  • A happy, wet dog with a black nose and light brown and cream fur, sitting among green foliage and looking up.
  • A happy, fluffy white dog with a black nose and bright eyes, standing on green grass with its mouth open and tongue out.
  • A brown, curly-haired dog sitting on green grass, looking up with its mouth open and tongue out.
  • A brown dog with long, curly ears and light green eyes is standing on green grass in a park or wooded area. The dog is on a striped leash and looking to the side. In the background, there are trees and a gravel path.
  • A small, happy dog with tan fur and pointy ears smiling with its tongue out, standing in dry grass.
  • Close-up of a happy, fluffy Chow Chow dog with its tongue sticking out, sitting in tall green grass outdoors.
  • A small brown Dachshund dog on a green grassy field with trees and a blue sky in the background.
  • A fluffy black dog with curly fur lying in a field with yellow flowers, looking at the camera with its mouth slightly open, and trees and cloudy sky in the background.
  • A happy brown and white dog with long ears and a wagging tongue standing on green grass, wearing a harness and leash.
  • A smiling black puppy walking on a grassy trail through a green field with trees in the background and cloudy sky overhead.
  • A happy, light-colored dog with floppy ears, sticking out its tongue, standing outdoors on a dirt and grass path in a grassy, hilly landscape under a blue sky.