Q. Can you guarantee my dogs behaviour will change?
A. Behaviour change is complex, and our dogs behaviour is influenced by so many factors, from their history and background, the environment, your behaviour, their health and wellness, etc. There are no guarantees because we as your behaviour professional cannot control all of that for you. However, what we CAN guarantee is that we will support you through their journey, we can give you advice and clarity on what might be going on and provide you with safe, evidence-based recommendations and behaviour plans.
Q. Our dog is undergoing medical treatment at the moment; can we still begin a behaviour program?
A: That will depend on a few things that we will need to discuss in more detail. Feel free to email info@politepaws.ie and see if it's possible to start.
Q. We want to work with qualified professionals. How do we know your certificates are appropriate?
A. We qualified via AniEd Ireland in 2017 with an OCN NI Level 4 certificate in Canine Behaviour and Training Technician (CBTT). Since then we have been updating our education annual through regular CPD events with appropriate education providers. We are bound by the AniEd CBTT Code of Conduct, and you are free to discuss this with AniEd Ireland by emailing info@anied.ie.
Q. Do you need to see the behaviour that I want help with?
A. Contrary to popular belief, we don't need to see the behaviour you're struggling with in order to still help you and certainly we don't want to put your dog in a situation where they may be demonstrating difficult or stress-related behaviour. If you have video of it, however, or you happen to capture it on camera prior to our visit, we of course would LOVE to see it as it can support the development of your bespoke training program. We may also need to gather footage as part of an ongoing program for behaviours such as separation related distress which we can discuss when initially booking.
Q. Are there any breeds of dogs you don't work with?
A. We are welcoming of all breeds or crossbreeds of dogs. Whilst we understand that some dog breeds on the restricted breeds list may be required to wear a muzzle and remain on leash if we are training outside, we endeavor to ensure all our clients and their dogs get support, no matter their apparel or reputation.
Q. For training packages with follow-up sessions included, how soon does the follow-up session take place?
A. All follow-up sessions must take place within 8 weeks from the date of the initial consultation. Any follow-up sessions not booked within this time period will be forfeited. We will generally book our follow up session when your behaviour program is emailed out to you.
