CLINICAL ANIMAL BEHAVIOURIST
Clinical
Animal
Behaviourist
London | Kent | East Sussex
For dogs of any age
I am a registered clinical animal behaviourist with the highest qualifications achievable for the role (PhD & CAB).
Any vet can make a referral to me. More about me here. I am now a Clinical Animal Behaviourist with the RSPCA.
As a CAB and Full Member of the APBC you can usually claim for my services on your pet insurance (check your policy).
I have over 10 years’ experience successfully treating adult and adolescent dogs with wide-ranging problem behaviours including:
Barking/ lunging towards people/ dogs/ other stimuli during walks (lead ‘reactivity’)
Doorbell/ front door overarousal/ excessive barking/ jumping up at visitors
Resource guarding
Aggressive behaviour in a multitude of contexts
Overarousal
Sound sensitivities
General fears and phobias/ general anxiety
Compulsive behaviours
Handling issues (brushing, putting on equipment)
Dr Nicky's APBC Profile
Dr Nicky's APBC Profile
METHODS I USE:
Working in collaboration with your vet where necessary to establish or rule out any physical health contributors to your dog’s behaviour
Liaising with your vet to discuss behaviour medications where appropriate
Gathering accurate information before starting behaviour modification
Listening, learning, being empathetic and realistic about achievable goals
Identifying your dog's preferences and motivators
Positive reinforcement only
Building you and your dog’s skills and confidence
METHODS I DO NOT USE:
Making you feel judged, ashamed or incompetent
Negative reinforcement, positive punishment
Deliberate physical/ verbal intimidation or force in order to stop or reduce behaviours
Equipment that causes pain or fear e.g., spray collars, prong collars
Putting you or your dog in situations that you have not been given the skills to cope with
A ‘one size fits all’ approach to training and behaviour challenges
AS A CLINICAL ANIMAL BEHAVIOURIST I:
Uphold the professional standards set out by the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) and Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC)
Have a full DBS check
Will provide the paperwork required to make your insurance claim for behaviourist services
And all fees are payable in advance of the training or behaviour session. Fees are non-refundable except under extenuating circumstances - 48-hours’ notice is required for cancellations/ reschedules
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This simply means that I will correspond with your vet prior to our consultation to make sure they are happy for me to proceed. Your vet will send me your dog’s clinical history so that I can determine any possible physical contributors to your dog’s problem behaviour. I can then collaborate with your vet going forwards if necessary with regards to any potential further treatment options.
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Yes. I will come to your home for the behaviour consultation which will last between 2-3 hours. I will observe your dog both at home and if necessary outside where any problem behaviours occur and start treatment on the day.
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A 2-3 hour behaviour consultation is £495 including written follow up guide/ report and email/ phone support for two months post visit. Check your dog’s insurance policy as you should be able to claim.
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Yes, but do check your policy. Most insurance companies will cover behaviour consultations and follow up visits by Clinical Animal Behaviourists (CABs), members of the APBC and ABTC of which I am both.
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A full behaviour consultation typically lasts between 2-3 hours. This allows for a thorough assessment of your dog's behaviour, discussion, agreement on the treatment plan and getting started with treatment on the day.
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The written report is also a step-by-step guide for you to follow post-consultation. It details the behaviour modification plan we put in place during the consultation and serves as a comprehensive guide for you to follow. With your consent, a copy of the report will be sent to your vet, ensuring collaboration and potential recommendation of any medications to assist with he plan.
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It depends on the complexity of the case. Most often one follow up may be required but usually no more than that. It may be in-person or via Zoom.
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In some cases, having discussed your dog’s behaviour with you, Nicky will be recommending the use of behaviour medication. If this is agreed between yourself, your vet and Nicky, the medication will be dispensed before your consultation. This enables the medication to become effective and provide your dog extra support prior to the implementation of any practical strategies.
Ready to get going?
1. Get in touch to discuss your dog’s behaviour - you will need to speak with Nicky first
2. Follow this link to complete the behaviour questionnaire after you have spoken with Nicky
3. Send this quick referral form to your vet after speaking with Nicky
4. Determine a date and time for your consultation with Nicky
5. Book your consultation as agreed with Nicky and receive a confirmation email
6. Receive your report and insurance claim receipt no later than 7 days post-consultation
Images from Chelsea Dog Day, Made in Chelsea, Goodwoof 2026 & The Times
“From the very first phone call to the last meet up we had, Nicky was calm, non-judgemental and came up with great ideas to help with Bailey's behaviour.
The change in Bailey has been amazing, and reaching out to Nicky was the best choice I made for Bailey - I really can't thank her enough.”
- Carol & Bailey, Battersea - Lead reactivity
“Nicky has been so thorough and kind while working with me on my dog’s reactivity. Together we managed to find the right combination of behavioural supports,
and six months later not only is my dog much less anxious, his behaviour is much easier to manage and therefore I’m also much calmer.
Nicky is really lovely to work with and she really knows her stuff - you and your dog will be in great hands with her!”
— Olivia & Milo, Hampstead - Overarousal & lead reactivity
“Thank you so much Nicky for all of your help, Pango is a different dog and it really has been life changing”.
Amy & Pango, Ramsgate, Kent - Overarousal, mouthing & lead reactivity
“Thank you so much Nicky, it was lovely to meet you & we’re so grateful for all of your help.”
Rachel & Barney, Croydon - Sound sensitivities
“Nicky, you are an Oracle! Everything you say and how you say it resonates with me and is new, not the old school teaching I find online. You have created a very special spaniel.”
— Katy & Sunshine, Belgravia - Hyperactivity
“Honestly since you visited and we changed things up there's been a huge improvement - just wanted to say a big thank you.”
-Jay & Genghis, Fulham - Excessive barking
“Nicky’s expertise drastically reduced Bear’s resource guarding, A+ service.”
— Rebecca & Bear, Chelsea - Resource guarding
“Can you move in with us?!”
— Fiona & Indie, Westbourne Grove - Repetitive behaviour
