FEAR AND ANXIETY PROBLEMS…
Is your dog scared of sounds, worried by vet visits or anxious about walks/ car trips?
Well, you’re in exactly the right place… I can help you make life easier!
In-person support available in York Harrogate Sheriff Hutton Knaresborough Wetherby Easingwold Stamford Bridge ...and more!
LIFE CAN BE PRETTY CHALLENGING when…
your dog is scared
If your dog is showing signs of fearfulness or anxiety (such as being scared of sounds/ car travel/ vet visits etc.) it can be really upsetting and worrying for you too. It can also be hugely inconvenient if your dog simply freezes and refuses to move when you’re out on a walk!
Of course, you love your dog and you want to help them - you just wish you could get them to understand that there’s nothing to be scared of. But it doesn’t work and, with so much conflicting advice out there, it’s hard to know what to do for the best.
I’M HERE TO HELP
Let’s tackle it together
The truth is, situations like this are stressful for everyone.
To make things better, you need to work with someone who’ll take an educated and empathetic approach that gets to the bottom of what’s going on, rather than relying on ‘quick-fixes’ or ‘sticking plaster’ tactics… and certainly without resorting to doing anything unpleasant to your dog!
This is exactly what I can give you. Taking a compassionate and ethical perspective, combined with practical and pragmatic advice, I can support you in helping your dog to get back on track.
Now, doesn’t that take the weight off your shoulders?
ADDRESS THE ISSUE WITH A
comprehensive package of support
Information gathering from you and your vet, to help me plan and make the most of our time together.
Analysis of any relevant video footage, prior to our first session.
An in-person (or online) consultation in which we'll explore the issue you're having, work out the way forward and start to put together a bespoke plan of action.
Your written action plan with practical and pragmatic guidance to tackle the issue. With step-by-step instructions and videos to support you all the way.
The confidence that you can stop worrying about conflicting advice and, instead, follow a plan written by an expert, personalised to you and your dog.
A 45 minute follow up session (within 60 days of your initial consultation) to help with the practical implementation of the plan and trouble-shoot any issues.
Direct email support to address any queries, so that you can have timely guidance and reassurance when you need it.
The practical and realistic advice that you need so that you know exactly what to do when you encounter tricky situations in the real world with your dog.
An ethical approach, based on up-to-date scientific research and years of experience working with other dogs and their owners facing similar problems.
A deep understanding of your unique dog and the struggles that they’re facing so that you can support them in a way that further enhances your relationship.
Liaising with your veterinary surgeon, for a joined-up approach. Includes a separate report for your vet’s records.
Completion of any relevant insurance claim paperwork.
Investment: £745
NB. YOU MAY BE ABLE TO MAKE A CLAIM ON YOUR PET INSURANCE
Travel to your home is included for: York, Knaresborough, Harrogate, Wetherby, Easingwold, Sheriff Hutton, Stamford Bridge
Other locations that I cover (such as Leeds, Thirsk, Otley, Ripon, Northallerton, Malton, Boroughbridge, Pocklington) will incur a travel charge.
“When Elsie’s nervous demeanour threatened to stop her from wanting to leave the house, Gretta helped us to regain her confidence in the outside world and re-build her trust. It worked!”
Terri & Elsie
THIS PACKAGE WILL BE
a great fit for you if…
Your dog is showing problem behaviour due to fear or anxiety, in response to all sorts of things from hearing particular sounds to travelling in the car! This is NOT suitable for separation related anxiety.
You love your dog and want them to be happy. You’d like to address the issue in a way that is kind and ethical, as well as effective… you don’t want to use old-fashioned methods which rely on on intimidating or hurting your dog.
You understand that it’s important to work with a properly qualified, accredited and experienced professional. You want support from someone who you can trust to guide you and your dog to get things right.
You’re someone who likes to understand the ‘why’ behind what’s going on with your dog and the advice you’re being given (without it being a boring lecture!), so that you can move forward with confidence.
DON’T JUST TAKE MY WORD FOR IT…
here’s some feedback from others
“Delighted with the progress.”
“Lola didn’t like getting in the car or being handled by the vet. Working with Gretta was so reassuring. The final session took place at the vet practice. Lola happily bounced into the car boot (which would never have happened before!) and, once there, we practised handling in the consulting room. I’m delighted with her progress and I understand how to continue the training myself. Gretta has made a huge difference.”
Marg & Lola
“Dora is a healthy, happy girl.”
“Shortly after Dora, our young rescue dog, arrived Gretta came to see us at home. She was kind, sensitive and very knowledgeable. She gave us helpful advice as well as some much-needed reassurance. I am delighted to report that Dora is now a healthy happy little girl. Her progress has been founded on the principles of kindness, patience and the development of trust, all of which Gretta exemplified.”
Melissa & Dora
“Back to enjoying our walks.”
“I would recommend Gretta unreservedly. She taught us how to deal with our dog’s noise phobia but her observations and advice were also crucial in identifying other issues which we have now been able to investigate and begin to resolve. He’s a much happier dog and we’re back to enjoying our walks once again. Thank you Gretta, you really set us back on track and helped restore the doggy joy in our lives.”
Sarah & Otto
YOU MAY BE ABLE TO
claim on your insurance
Due to my professional qualifications and accreditations (CCAB, Full Membership of APBC and FABC), many insurance companies will cover my fees.
You should check your own pet insurance policy details to see if you can claim back some or all of the costs of working with me, if this is of interest to you.
It’s simple
here’s how it works…
You get in touch
Tell me a bit about your dog and the issues you’d like help with… I’ll check if we’d be a good fit to work together and when I’d be able to help you. Just click on the button below and it'll take you straight to the contact page.
I’ll send the details
I’ll come back to you by email (usually within 24 hours, Monday - Friday), to answer any questions and let you know if I’m able to take on your case. If so, I’ll send you a link for online booking and payment… nice and easy!
We’ll get started
I’ll do all the necessary preparation before our first session. We’ll begin with the initial consultation, to unpick the issues and set out a way forward. Following this, I’ll send your action plan and we’ll go from there…
“Having struggled with Archie’s fearful behaviour for nine months, the change after working with you is unbelievable. He really is a different dog now - so much more relaxed and happier. I can never thank you enough for your help.”
Joan & Archie
REST ASSURED, I’M also
recommended by vets
Invaluable and reliable... the 'go to' specialist
"Having worked with Gretta for several years, we have found both the prompt service given to owners in need of help with their pet's behavioural problems and responses to our requests for advice invaluable and reliable. Gretta became very well known amongst our clients for her training and tackling of behavioural issues. She was the 'go to' specialist in our area and having Gretta available to refer cases to was always reassuring."
Julie Turner BSc, BVetMed, MRCVS
My first choice for all behaviour referrals
"I have worked with Gretta on a number of cases of dogs with challenging behavioural problems. She is an excellent and very knowledgeable behaviourist and, before she moved to Yorkshire, she became my first choice for all behavioural referrals. As an added bonus, clients love her too! I am already missing having her in Hertfordshire and am struggling to find someone that can match her standards of professionalism and knowledge."
Dr Mike Groombridge MRCVS
Extremely professional... highly recommend
"It's an all too familiar line we hear from clients - 'I've been to see a behaviourist' but there has been no communication with the vets! Gretta is one of the exceptions: extremely professional and works with the vets as a 'team' for that pet. We were lucky to have Gretta in our area - she kept us updated and was always there for advice. Feedback from clients was always very good. I would highly recommend her for any behaviour referral."
Dr Melanie Taylor BVetMed, MRCVS, MVetSci
“Gretta is really knowledgeable. The programme she provided has helped my dog overcome severe anxiety issues. We went on a long walk today - Trixie heard the bird scarers and didn’t freak out!”
Guy & Trixie
GOT QUESTIONS?
these might help…
If you have other questions that aren’t answered here or would like to arrange an initial 15 minute chat (at no cost) to see if I might be the right person to help you and your dog, just send me a message by clicking on the button below.
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Good question!
In very simple terms, a dog trainer teaches new skills (such as coming back when called and walking nicely on the lead) whilst an animal behaviourist helps with problem behaviours, including aggression.
Problem behaviours tend to have an underlying emotional component (such as fear). The underlying emotion is addressed as part of the plan, rather than purely focusing the surface-level behaviour which arises as a result (eg. growling/ refusing to walk etc.).
It’s often suggested that you can think of it this way: a dog trainer is like a teacher whereas a clinical animal behaviourist is like a clinical psychologist.
I am qualified and accredited as both a trainer and a behaviourist.
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Any strategies that I recommend will be kind and ethical, based on positive reinforcement. Your dog’s emotional wellbeing will always be at the forefront of what is advised.
The importance of building trust and a bond with your dog cannot be underestimated and there is absolutely no place for fear and intimidation in how I work.
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Yes! All properly accredited animal behaviourists can only work on veterinary referral (it’s in our professional Code of Practice).
This is in order to ensure that there’s a joined-up approach in caring for your dog. Some behavioural issues can occur as a result of (or be exacerbated by) medical problems so it’s really important.
However, it’s a really simple process - just ask your vet and they can easily arrange this. You can see more info on the ‘vets’ page on this website.
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It's not possible to make guarantees about the future behaviour of any animal due to individual variation and learning history, as well as the influence of your own behaviour, of course!
However, I’ve worked with hundreds of dogs over the years and seen a huge range of issues in that time so you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands.
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Don’t worry. I can often provide additional follow-up sessions. We can discuss this as we work through your plan and decide on the best way forward if you want more.
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Maybe! Due to my qualifications and professional accreditations, it is often possible to claim back some or all of my fees. However, whether you can claim on your insurance or not depends on your individual policy.
I don’t take direct payments from insurance companies - instead, you pay for your service and then claim the money back from them. Therefore, you should contact your insurer to check exactly what will/ won’t be covered before going ahead if you’re relying on them funding your work with me.
I’m very happy to complete any necessary insurance paperwork.
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I’m a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB)
I have a Post Graduate Certificate and a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Animal Behaviour
I am an ABTC-Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB)
I am a full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) and the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC)
I have an MA (Hons) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
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The cost of the full package is shown here.
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Don’t worry - this is quite common. Just pick the option that is the biggest priority for you and get in touch to discuss. We can add on extra follow-up sessions if necessary.
Ready to move towards where you and your dog want to be?