The initial consultation will usually take place in your home. This allows me to see animals in their own environment and there is more opportunity to observe the 'problem' behaviour. I advise clients to see their vet to ensure that any physiological cause for the problem behaviour be eliminated. You can download a referral form here.
For cats the initial consultation and report are usually sufficient (with telephone follow up) but for dogs I prefer to see a client 3 times if practical. During the first visit I take a detailed case history and we often go out and about. An average consultation will take about two hours, and ideally all household members will be present. The history taking needs to be thorough, every animal and every situation are different, hence the need for expert advice to pinpoint the root of the problem. I need to ensure that everyone understands and is happy. During consultation I will give an explanation as to why the behaviour has developed into a problem and give some initial advice.
After the consultation, I will then prepare a written behaviour modification plan, which you should receive about a week after the initial consultation. I like to stage the second meeting about a month later allowing the client to start to implement the first part of the behaviour modification plan. During the second meeting we 'trouble shoot' any problems the client has with the plan and work on training techniques and handling skills. The third session is more of the same and allows for future recommendations. The success of the plan does depend upon client commitment. The plan may produce rapid resolution in some instances but more often requires time and commitment on the part of all family members. A report will be sent to your veterinary surgeon.
The cost of the initial consultation and behaviour modification plan is £110, the two follow up sessions are £30 each and usually take about an hour. Travel is inclusive inside the Shrewsbury ring road, otherwise charged at 40p/mile. Although I prefer to go to the clients house for the initial consultation (and am happy to do so for the subsequent sessions) clients are welcome to come to me for the follow up sessions or alternatively we often meet in the field, or at one of my workshops for aggression problems. If clients are prepared to pay for all three sessions up front I offer a 10% discount. Clients with pet insurance can likely claim my fee, as I am a member of the APBC.
If you need help please Contact me.
Example Consultation 1 - case history of a cat with a toileting problem.
Example Consultation 2 - case history of a dog with an inter-dog aggression problem.
|
