Cognidog

Cognidog PhD-qualified canine behaviourist offering puppy training, 1–1 support, and behaviour services in Deal & East Kent. Evidence-based, kind, reward-based training.

Experienced, qualified dog trainer and behavioural consultant with twenty years experience working with dogs, and nine years specialising in canine cognition research - Force-free training - Competitive rates - Fully insured. Sevices include:

Group puppy, adolescent and dog training classes

One on one training sessions

Behavioural modification programs tailored to support both dogs and carers,

especially those experiencing complex and acute issues including trauma, aggression, separation issues and cognitive decline

👋 Hi, I'm Dr Rebecca Hassall, founder of Cognidog.I'm a PhD-qualified canine behaviour specialist with over 25 years of ...
18/06/2026

👋 Hi, I'm Dr Rebecca Hassall, founder of Cognidog.

I'm a PhD-qualified canine behaviour specialist with over 25 years of experience working with dogs as a trainer, behaviourist, welfare professional, and educator.

My journey began with a lifelong love of dogs and a fascination with behaviour. After completing a BSc (Hons) in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare, I began working as a behaviourist in 2012 under the guidance of my academic mentors.

Since then, I've completed an MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience, a PhD in Canine Behaviour and Cognition, managed behavioural cases across the UK and New Zealand, including spent five years as Head of Training at New Zealand's largest dog daycare centre where I trained upwards 2500 dogs and puppies each year.

What I love most about this work is helping dogs and their people better understand one another. Whether it's supporting a new puppy owner, helping an adolescent dog navigate the challenges of growing up, or working through more complex behaviour concerns, my goal is always the same: to provide practical, evidence-based support that builds confidence for both ends of the lead.

I'm currently based in Deal and work with clients across Deal, Dover, Sandwich, and the surrounding areas through puppy classes, dog training classes, one-to-one training, and behaviour consultations.

Helping dogs and their people strengthen their relationships and learn with confidence.

I'd love to hear about your dogs in the comments below!

Dr Rebecca Hassall
PhD Canine Behaviour & Cognition
Cognidog

17/06/2026

I first met Bella in my foundation puppy training classes. Despite having incredibly dedicated owners who did everything they could to thoughtfully socialise her, Bella found being around other dogs difficult and showed signs of reactivity from a young age.

It's easy for owners to blame themselves when things don't go to plan. But Bella is a wonderful example of how genetics, temperament, and early development can influence behaviour, even when owners do everything "right".

With a few one-to-one sessions, Bella's confidence grew enormously. She went on to join our loose lead walking classes and became one of the star students! She can now walk calmly around other dogs, focus on her owners, and even enjoying playing with other dogs.

One of the most important parts of my job is helping owners let go of self-blame. When we stop focusing on what we can't change and see our dogs as individuals with unique needs, progress becomes possible.

Sometimes the right support, understanding, and plan can make all the difference.

If you would like help with a PhD-qualified qualified behaviourist, call now for a free 15 minute phone consult to see how i can help you and your dog.

Dr Rebecca Hassall
PhD Canine Behaviour & Cognition
Cognidog

George and I first met when he joined puppy classes, and over the years we worked together through foundation training, ...
17/06/2026

George and I first met when he joined puppy classes, and over the years we worked together through foundation training, advanced classes, agility, and one-to-one sessions.

Like many dogs, George's journey wasn't entirely straightforward. As he matured, he began to show signs of separation-related distress and later developed reactivity following a couple of frightening encounters with off-lead dogs.

One of the things I love most about behaviour work is helping families navigate these challenges in real-life situations. With George, this meant working not just in a training hall, but also at home, in the car, and out on walks where the difficulties were actually occurring.

Behaviour change is rarely about teaching a dog to "stop" doing something. It's about understanding why the behaviour is happening, supporting both the dog and their caregivers, and building the skills and confidence needed to move forward.

George's owner still uses many of the strategies and protocols we put in place together years later. That's one of the most rewarding parts of this work. Helping dogs and their people build lasting skills and confidence that continue long after our sessions end.

Sometimes a little support at the right time can make a huge difference.

Dr Rebecca Hassall
PhD Canine Behaviour & Cognition
Cognidog

🐾 When do you need a dog behaviourist rather than a dog trainer? 🐾Before we start, there's something important every dog...
11/06/2026

🐾 When do you need a dog behaviourist rather than a dog trainer? 🐾

Before we start, there's something important every dog owner should know:

⚠️ "Dog behaviourist" is not a protected title in the UK. Anyone can call themselves a behaviourist, regardless of their qualifications or experience.

If you're seeking help with a behaviour problem, look for professionals who:

✅ Hold relevant qualifications (typically BSc level or above in animal behaviour or a related field)

✅ Work alongside veterinary professionals

✅ Are registered with recognised organisations such as the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), or the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC)

✅ Use evidence-based, welfare-focused methods

So, what's the difference between a trainer and a behaviourist?

A dog trainer helps dogs learn new skills and behaviours. This might include:

• Puppy training
• Recall
• Loose lead walking
• Basic manners
• Adolescent training
• Building focus around distractions

A dog behaviourist, on the other hand, investigates the underlying causes of behavioural problems and develops a treatment plan to address them.

You may benefit from working with a qualified behaviourist if your dog is experiencing:

🚩 Reactivity towards dogs, people, or vehicles

🚩 Aggression, including growling, snapping, or biting

🚩 Separation-related distress

🚩 Severe fears or phobias

🚩 Compulsive or repetitive behaviours

🚩 Sudden behaviour changes

🚩 Complex anxiety-related issues

Importantly, behaviour problems are often influenced by factors such as pain, illness, genetics, early life experiences, learning history, environment, and emotional wellbeing. That's why qualified behaviourists work closely with veterinary professionals and will always consider whether medical factors could be contributing to the problem.

In reality, training and behaviour often overlap. Many dogs benefit from both practical training and behaviour support. The key is finding someone with the right qualifications and experience for the challenges you're facing.

If you're unsure whether you need a trainer, a behaviourist, or simply some guidance on where to start, my Pathfinder Sessions are designed to help identify the best next steps for you and your dog.

❤️ Helping dogs and their people connect and learn with confidence.

Dr Rebecca Hassall
PhD Canine Behaviour & Cognition
Cognidog

🐾 Sudden behaviour change? Call your vet BEFORE your trainer. 🐾This is one of the most important pieces of advice any qu...
09/06/2026

🐾 Sudden behaviour change? Call your vet BEFORE your trainer. 🐾

This is one of the most important pieces of advice any qualified behaviour professional can give.

If your dog suddenly becomes reactive, aggressive, fearful, anxious, withdrawn, restless, clingy, or simply starts behaving "out of character", the first step should always be a veterinary check-up.

Dogs can't tell us when something hurts. Instead, they often communicate discomfort, illness, or pain through changes in their behaviour.

That's why qualified trainers and behaviourists will always recommend ruling out medical causes before starting a training or behaviour modification programme. Pain, digestive issues, hormonal changes, neurological conditions, sensory decline, and many other health problems can have a profound impact on behaviour.

🚩 Common signs include:
• New or worsening reactivity
• Aggression towards people or dogs
• Increased anxiety or fearfulness
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Reduced tolerance of handling
• Withdrawal from family members
• Loss of interest in favourite activities

One of my previous clients, Sukhoi, is a great example of why this matters.

Sukhoi joined our puppy classes and had wonderfully dedicated, supportive owners who provided him with every opportunity for thoughtful, positive early socialisation. Despite this, he began to struggle with reactivity as he matured.

Following careful assessment and veterinary investigation, it became clear that Sukhoi's difficulties were linked to several underlying medical issues, including gastrointestinal problems. Once these issues were identified and addressed, we were able to make far more meaningful progress with his behaviour.

Without this crucial piece of the puzzle, Sukhoi and his family may never have achieved the fantastic progress they have made.

Behaviour is communication. When a dog's behaviour changes suddenly, it's often worth asking not "How do I stop this?" but "Why is this happening?"

❤️ If your dog's behaviour has changed unexpectedly, speak to your vet first.

Dr Rebecca Hassall
PhD Canine Behaviour & Cognition
Cognidog

08/06/2026

What do puppy training classes with a PhD-qualified behaviourist look like? Lots of fun! 6-week course in Deal starts Wed 8th of July @ 7.15 pm. Covers essential cues (sit, down, stay, recall and loose leash walking), whilst developing confidence, social skills and focus around distractions. You'll receive practical guidance and a puppy parent manual covering toilet training, biting, chewing, separation, nutrition, health and more. Setting you and your puppy up for success.

Comment puppy to find out more or book online at cognidog.co.uk/puppy-training-foundation-course

🐾 Worried about your dog’s behaviour or not sure where to start with training? My 1-hour Pathfinder Sessions (£35) are d...
08/06/2026

🐾 Worried about your dog’s behaviour or not sure where to start with training? My 1-hour Pathfinder Sessions (£35) are designed to help you better understand your dog, discuss any challenges you may be facing, and identify the best next steps.

Sessions include practical training advice and behaviour support from a PhD-qualified behaviourist with over 25 years of experience working with dogs across training, behaviour, welfare, and daycare settings.

Pathfinder sessions are suitable for:
• puppies
• adolescent dogs
• adult dogs
• behaviour issues and concerns
• training advice
• owners wanting reassurance and guidance

📍 Deal, Dover, Sandwich & surrounding areas

Please feel free to message me or visit Cognidog.co.uk if you’d like to learn more or book a session 😊

07/06/2026

Happy Saturday morning pups!

06/06/2026

Look at those puppy recalls. When you start with small steps you get he best long term results

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