Dog behaviourist for York, Harrogate, Wetherby and surrounding areas
Looking for a qualified dog behaviourist or puppy trainer in York, Harrogate, Wetherby, Knaresborough, Tadcaster or nearby? You’re in the right place.
I’m Gretta Ford, a Clinical Animal Behaviourist offering kind, practical support for dogs and their people across York, Harrogate, Wetherby, Knaresborough, Easingwold, Sheriff Hutton, Stamford Bridge, Tadcaster and surrounding parts of North Yorkshire.
Whether you’re dealing with barking, lunging, growling, snapping, fearfulness, puppy struggles or you need a formal dog assessment, this page answers some of the questions people often ask before getting in touch. If your question isn’t covered here, please contact me.
FAQs
What does a dog behaviourist do?
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A dog behaviourist helps when a dog is struggling with behaviour that feels worrying, stressful or difficult to live with.
That might include things like barking and lunging at other dogs, growling at visitors or family members, fearfulness, anxiety, handling issues, or other behaviour that seems out of character or hard to manage.
My role is not to blame you or your dog. It’s to work out what is driving the behaviour, look at the bigger picture, and create a realistic, ethical plan to help things improve.
What kinds of behaviour problems can you help with?
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I support dogs and their families with a range of behaviour concerns, including:
reactivity or aggression towards other dogs
barking, growling, snapping or biting towards people
resource guarding
fearfulness and anxiety
handling concerns
visitor-related problems
worries linked to vet visits, travel, sounds or walks
puppy training and puppy behaviour concerns
I also offer support for school dogs, insurance assessments, and dog assessments for fostering or adoption.
Do you use force-free, positive and ethical methods?
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Yes. I use kind, ethical and effective methods. That means I do not use intimidation, pain, fear or punishment-based techniques.
My approach is focused on understanding why the behaviour is happening and helping you make progress in a way that protects your dog’s welfare and your relationship with them.
Are you qualified and accredited?
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Yes. I am a Clinical Animal Behaviourist and I’m listed with recognised professional organisations. My background includes postgraduate study in Clinical Animal Behaviour through the University of Edinburgh Vet School, and I’m an ABTC-Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist. I am also a full member of the APBC.
If qualifications matter to you... and they should... you can feel reassured that you’re working with someone properly trained and professionally recognised.
What’s the difference between a dog trainer and a dog behaviourist?
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Dog training usually focuses on teaching skills, routines and practical behaviours.
Dog behaviour work goes deeper. It looks at the emotional, environmental and behavioural factors behind problems such as aggression, fear, reactivity or anxiety.
Some professionals do both. In my work, I offer both dog behaviour support and 1:1 puppy training, depending on what you need.
How do I know whether I need a dog behaviourist or a dog trainer?
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A trainer may be a good fit if you want help with general puppy training, manners, life skills or getting off to a good start.
A behaviourist is usually the better fit if your dog is growling, snapping, lunging, barking intensely, showing signs of fear or distress, or if the problem feels emotionally driven or more serious.
If you’re not sure, get in touch and I can point you in the right direction.
Can you help with dog aggression or reactivity?
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Yes. This is one of the main areas I help with.
I support dogs showing aggression or reactivity towards other dogs, visitors, strangers, family members or children, depending on the situation. That can include barking, lunging, growling, snapping, biting or resource guarding.
Because these cases can feel frightening and overwhelming, my approach is calm, practical and tailored to your individual dog.
Can you help with fearful or anxious dogs?
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Yes. I work with dogs who are struggling with fearfulness or anxiety around things like sounds, vet visits, travel, walks and everyday situations.
The aim is to understand what your dog is finding difficult, reduce unnecessary stress and help you move forward with a plan that feels manageable and kind.
Do you help with puppies?
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Yes. I offer 1:1 puppy training and puppy support for people who want to get things right from the start.
That can include help with common puppy challenges as well as guidance around early training, settling in, confidence, handling and everyday life with your new dog.
Do you offer in-person dog behaviour support?
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Yes, I offer in-person support across York, Harrogate, Wetherby, Knaresborough, Easingwold, Sheriff Hutton, Stamford Bridge, Tadcaster and nearby areas.
If you are slightly further afield in North Yorkshire, it is still worth asking.
Which areas do you cover?
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I work with clients in and around York, Harrogate, Wetherby, Knaresborough, Easingwold, Sheriff Hutton, Stamford Bridge and Tadcaster.
Some services may also be available in places such as Thirsk, Leeds, Otley, Ripon, Northallerton, Malton, Boroughbridge and Pocklington, though a travel charge may apply depending on the location and service.
Do you work online or only in person?
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Most of my support is designed around working with you and your dog in real life, because context matters and behaviour rarely happens in a neat little vacuum.
If you are not sure what is possible for your location or situation, please get in touch and ask.
Do I need a vet referral?
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For behaviour cases, due to the possibility of an underlying medical or emotional health component, a vet referral is required. All properly qualified and accredited behaviourists work only on veterinary referral as it is part of our professional code of practice.
I work professionally and collaboratively, and I am used to liaising with vets when needed.
Can I claim the cost through pet insurance?
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In many cases, yes.
Because of my accreditations, some clients are able to claim behaviour support costs back through their pet insurance. This will depend on your individual policy, insurer and the type of support needed.
It is always best to check with your insurer directly before booking if this is important to you.
Can you help if my dog has bitten someone?
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Yes. If your dog has bitten, snapped at or seriously threatened someone, it is important to get appropriate professional support as soon as possible.
When you get in touch, give me a clear outline of what happened so I can advise on whether I am the right person to help and what the best next step might be.
How quickly will I see results?
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That depends on the issue, your dog, their history, their health, their environment and how long the problem has been going on.
Some people feel relieved quickly because they finally understand what is happening and what to do next. Behaviour change itself can take time, especially when fear, stress or long-standing patterns are involved.
Anyone promising instant fixes for serious behaviour issues is, frankly, waving a rather suspicious flag.
Do you offer support for school dogs?
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Yes. I provide school dog training and support, drawing not only on my animal behaviour expertise but also on my background as a former Deputy Headteacher.
This means the advice is practical, realistic and grounded in the realities of school life rather than dreamt up in a room by someone who has never had to manage a corridor full of children.
Do you carry out insurance, fostering or adoption dog assessments?
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Yes. I carry out insurance assessments and dog assessments for fostering or adoption purposes.
If you are unsure whether your assessment falls within this kind of work, get in touch with the details and I can let you know.
How much does a dog behaviour consultation cost?
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The cost depends on the service you need.
The current price for my standard behaviour packages and formal assessments can be found on each of the individual service pages.
Travel charges may be applicable to some locations. Get in touch for more information.
Ready to get help?
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If you’re looking for a qualified dog behaviourist in York, Harrogate, Wetherby, Knaresborough, Tadcaster or surrounding areas, please get in touch here.
I’ll help you work out the right next step.