Behaviour

If you are having behavioral problems with your cat the Carole Burke RVN is the person to speak to.This is what she says    
  " I am a qualified behaviourist with an advanced diploma in practical aspects of animal behaviour and training with COAPE (Centre of Applied Pet Ethology) and an affilliate member of the Coape Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers (CAPBT). Go to www.coape.org. for our code of conduct and further information.
       For our clients I offer behaviour consultations for dogs and cats as well as 1-to-1 training sessions for dogs of all ages including clicker training. Behaviour consultations are on a veterinary referal basis only and can take place either in the owners  home or at the surgery. The consultation usually takes around 2 hours after which you will receive a written report of my findings and a treatment plan. Several follow up phone calls are also included in the initial fee for ongoing support and advice.
       My approach is based on EMRA which looks at the animals' Emotion at the time of the unwanted behaviour, its' general Mood state and at what is Reinforcing or rewarding the behaviour. All my methods use positive reinforcement WITHOUT the use of choke chains/electric collars/ rattle jars or any other aversives. My main aim is to help you to have a better understanding of your pets behaviour and to provide you with a toolbox of ways in which to help your pet to behave in a more appropriate way.  Behavioural problems that I can help with include:-

For Dogs,
           Aggression towards other dogs or people.
           Seperation related problems such as destructiveness or  barking.
           Fear/Anxiety/Phobias
           Resourse guarding which includes food, sofas, beds, toys etc

For Cats,
            Spraying indoors
            Over grooming due to stress
            Coping with multi-cat households

     The 1-to-1 training sessions usually take place at the surgery during pre-arranged times and will look at the best ways to train your dog or puppy through motivation and reward. Help can be given for a variety of problems including:-

      Puppy biting to teach bite inhibition
      Pulling on the lead
      Jumping up
      Improving recall with your dog or puppy
     
    Fees will vary according to length of the session."