CAB (Clinical Animal Behaviourist)
Dog Behaviourist
Aggression Specialist
Specialising in aggressive and reactive dogs. Resource guarding, dog to dog aggression, dog to human aggression.
Qualified Behaviourist
Registered Clinical Animal behaviourist with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), Full CAB member of the Association of Pet behaviour Counsellors (APBC), Full CAB member of The Canine Behaviour and Training Society (TCBTS)
Expert witness
Behaviour assessments and written reports for court, social workers, custody, insurance and more. Section 3 of DDA and cruelty cases undertaken, court appearances as needed.
Why Choose Us?
• Emma is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist based in Derbyshire with a MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and a BSc in Canine Behaviour and Training
• Only compassionate, science-based methods. No force or fear is used to change behaviour, instead we prioritize positive reinforcement training.
• Focus on root causes, not just symptoms. We work on the underlying cause of the behaviour, (fear, anxiety or pain for example) and address these causes, rather than just looking to stop a problem behaviour as it will keep returning until the cause is addressed.
• Success with hundreds of dogs mostly within Cheshire, Derbyshire and Greater Manchester, but also throughout the UK: we have a proven track record with hundreds of dogs.
Common Behaviour Issues
• Aggression (towards dogs, people, or in the home) including interhousehold aggression- fighting between dogs in the same household
• Separation anxiety; distress when left alone or distress when separated from a particular person
• Resource guarding: guarding food, toys, chews, spaces or people
• Fear of visitors
• Noise phobia: fear of sudden noises, fireworks, traffic
• Reactivity on walks; either towards dogs or people/traffic
• General anxiety and fear: some dogs are more anxious and fearful and require help to build their confidence
Dog Behaviour Services in the North West
At The Centre of Animal Behaviour, we provide professional support for dogs and their families across the North West. Whether you are struggling with aggression, separation anxiety, reactivity on walks, or destructive behaviour at home, our tailored behaviour plans are designed to create long-lasting improvements for both you and your dog. We offer in-person consultations throughout Cheshire, Derbyshire, Manchester, and the surrounding areas, as well as online sessions for owners further afield.
Dog Behaviour Support in Cheshire
From Macclesfield and Wilmslow to Knutsford and the wider Cheshire region, we specialise in helping dog owners understand and resolve complex behaviour problems. As a qualified Clinical Animal Behaviourist, Emma provides evidence-based advice and clear, practical steps that work in real-life situations. Whether you’re dealing with a reactive dog, puppy behaviour challenges, or ongoing anxiety, we are here to support you with expert guidance.
Dog Behaviour Support in Derbyshire
Located close to Buxton, we work with families across Derbyshire and the Peak District, including both rural villages and busy market towns. Many dogs in countryside settings struggle with livestock chasing, recall difficulties, or nervousness around visitors. We also support dogs showing aggression, resource guarding, or fear-based behaviours. With calm, structured behaviour plans, we help you rebuild your dog’s confidence and improve life at home and on walks.
Dog Behaviour Support in Manchester
Living in Greater Manchester brings its own challenges for dogs, from noisy streets and traffic to crowded parks and unpredictable encounters with other dogs. If your dog is struggling with reactivity, excessive barking, or stress in busy environments, our dog behaviour consultations can help. We offer flexible in-home visits across Manchester and online behaviour support sessions, making it easy to access expert advice that suits your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Dog Behaviourist Questions
Do I need a vet referral?
Yes, this can be downloaded from the booking page or can be emailed directly to your vet. This is required to ensure that your vet has checked for physical or medical reasons for the behaviour and is happy for you to be referred to us. We always ask for veterinary involvement to rule out any medical causes of behaviour problems. Pain, illness, or discomfort can play a big part in behaviour, so working with your vet ensures your dog gets the right care.
What’s the difference between a dog behaviourist and a dog trainer?
Dog trainers primarily focus on teaching dogs basic obedience commands and skills, while dog behaviourists will delve deeper into understanding a dog’s behaviour, identifying the root causes of issues, and devising behaviour modification plans. Typically they will work with more complex behavioural problems and will have qualifications to a high level.
What types of dog behaviour problems do you help with?
We specialise in a wide range of dog behaviour issues including Aggression (towards dogs, people, or in the home) including interhousehold aggression- fighting between dogs in the same household.
◦ Separation anxiety; distress when left alone or distress when separated from a particular person
◦ Resource guarding: guarding food, toys, chews, spaces or people
◦ Fear of visitors
◦ Noise phobia: fear of sudden noises, fireworks, traffic
◦ Reactivity on walks; either towards dogs or people/traffic
◦ General anxiety and fear: some dogs are more anxious and fearful and require help to build their confidence
◦ Compulsive behaviours such as tail spinning, shadow/light chasing, licking etc
Every dog is unique, so we tailor support to your dog’s individual needs.
How do I know if my dog needs a behaviour consultation?
If your dog’s behaviour is causing stress for you, your family, or your dog, then a behavioural consultation can help. Some signs include aggression, growling, snapping, excessive barking, destructive behaviour, or showing fear in everyday situations.
What happens during a dog behavioural consultation?
We’ll start by gathering a full history of your dog’s behaviour, health, and daily life. Together, we’ll identify possible underlying causes and create a practical, step-by-step behaviour plan to support long-term change. You are fully supported through follow up sessions and access to us via whatsapp at any point during the process.
Do you only work with aggressive dogs?
Not at all. While we specialise in aggression and anxiety, we also support families with dogs who are fearful, overly excitable, destructive, or struggling with separation or compulsive behaviour.
Can you work with me online?
Yes, we offer both in-person and online dog behaviour consultations. Online sessions are just as effective and allow us to support clients across the UK and beyond.
How long will it take to see results?
Every dog is different. Some families see changes quickly, while others need more time and consistency. We’ll give you realistic expectations and ongoing support to help you succeed.
Will you train my dog for me?
Our approach is about teaching you how to understand and help your dog. We don’t take your dog away to “fix” them, but instead guide you step by step so you feel confident managing your dog in everyday life.
What qualifications do you have?
I am a Clinical Animal Behaviourist with an MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Training. My work is evidence-based, welfare-focused, and recognised by professional organisations in the UK.
How do I book a consultation?
You can book directly through our website using the contact form. Once we’ve received your vet referral, we’ll arrange your initial consultation at a time that works for you.
Struggling with your dogs behaviour?
Are you struggling with your dogs behaviour in the home or outside on walks? We have helped hundreds and hundreds of dogs and their guardians start to enjoy walks, relax at home and each others companionship.
Insurance claims
As a full member of the APBC and ABTC, you can often claim back the cost of a consultation or package from your insurance company.
Science backed methods
Using only kind, fair and scientifically proven methods to change behavior and improve your relationship
Full support
With unlimited WhatsApp support provided alongside our packages, you are supported every step of the way in changing your dogs behaviour and learning how to bring out the best in them.
How to book
Testimonials
“We were at breaking point with our dogs’ aggression. We had reached a point where we were scared of our own dog. I reached out to Emma who was a godsend, she was able to quickly gain his trust and helped us to increase his confidence around people and dogs. We haven’t had an agressive episode in months and couldn’t recommend her enough!”
Bonnie and Mark with Duke
“We were seriously considering rehoming our dog, Emma was our last chance. She was brilliant and the advice she gave was clear and easy to follow and impliment. We now have a completely different dog and can’t thank her enough for helping us”
Mark Cook and Penny the Border Terrier
Book Now
for an appointment
Book now to start on the path for a more peaceful life and solve those behavioural issues that are getting in the way of enjoying your dog fully, and them enjoying life to the full.