The Pet Behaviourist - Vanessa Ward

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The Pet Behaviourist - Vanessa Ward

The Pet Behaviourist - Vanessa Ward Pet Behaviourist & Dog Trainer
South Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 & online 🌍
Dog, cat or rabbit behaviour problems? 🐶🐱🐰🆘
Send me a message for a free enquiry

27/02/2025

Even beautiful puppies can make a mess!

This puppies lovely family wanted help with tackling toilet training, barking in the garden and managing that crazy puppy energy 🔋🔋🔋🔋

Sometimes dogs and puppies can be too distracted or amped up to go to the toilet outside. Why would this pup do a wee when the neighbours are out and about? Monitoring them is much more important! 👀

🤣🤣🤣

Puppy brains take in so much information, sometimes if toilet training isn’t clicking you might need to look at their levels of emotion when they’re outside. Being calmer outside allows clearer signals from their bladder to be received by their brain.

If you’re struggling with toilet training or other puppy behaviours I can help via a 1:1 or my puppy classes. Feel free to reach out and we can discuss which would be the best fit for you and your pup 🐾☺️

25/02/2025

Another beautiful pup!

He was showing some resource guarding around his food, crate and items he’d stolen.

Did you know found and stolen items are often the most precious to a dog? Stolen and found items are often higher value because they’re not readily available and because we, as dog guardians, are more likely to take these items off our dogs.

Did you also know that resource guarding can be genetic?

Learn to trade with your dog and use treats to move your dog away from items you need to retrieve. This helps remove the conflict around taking items from your dog.

If you need any help navigation family life with your dog get in touch to see how I can help.

23/02/2025

We don't like it. I don't like it. Talking about our pets getting older hurts and sucks!

It's important, as we are their guardians, that we do the best we can for their welfare. It's not all bed news either! Read on.

Firstly, I am not a vet or nutritionist❗I am a golden oldie owner and behaviourist who studied this during my education.

Talking to your vet is a must if you notice behavioural or physical changes in your pet . There's evidence that owners don't discuss symptoms of Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS) or pain in their older pets with their vet, thinking it's just a sad aspect of aging whereas sometimes symptoms can be lessened or stopped!

Read more in my latest blog post on my website 👇

https://thepetbehaviourist.wixsite.com/website-5/post/5-essential-tips-for-caring-for-your-aging-dog-a-must-read-for-old-dog-owners

21/02/2025

Multi-dogs households have their own unique challenges! 🐕🐩🐕‍🦺

This adorable pup loves visitors, his sister hates visitors and his brother is a bit on the fence. Multi-dog households are a real lesson in nature Vs nurture! You can raise your puppies the same but their genetics, health and life before you can all play a part! Every dog is different and needs to be looked at as an individual.

Is it just me or does a people loving dog always end up paired with one who’s less keen? 🤣

Any questions about your pets behaviour get in touch to see how I can help 📩

19/02/2025

Do You Feel Like Your Dog Is Being Stubborn?

It’s very frustrating when your dog ignores you!
Especially when you think they understand what you’re asking…

I was picking up some medication for Bear at our vets recently, and there was a dog waiting to be seen. His dad asked him to lie down, instead of lying down the dog gave his dad his paw. The dad exclaimed - “stop being stubborn you know what I mean”. Maybe the dog was being stubborn, but maybe the dog didn’t want to lie down on the cold hard floor, but he also knew what his dad was asking so offered and alternative but more desirable behaviour.

If your dog isn’t responding, there’s usually a reason why, for example:
👉 They don’t fully understand the cue
👉 They don’t understand the cue in this situation or environment
👉 They’re distracted, stressed, or overwhelmed
👉 The reward isn’t motivating enough
👉 There’s an underlying pain or medical issue

Instead of labelling them as “stubborn,” ask why they might not be responding. Training isn’t just about giving commands - it’s about communication. Yes there are cues we need them to listen too and respond too, for example recall, and we train these in a specific way that address all of the reasons why they might not respond above. By setting your dog up for success, you’ll see better results, and a lot less frustration!

Need help understanding your dog’s behaviour? Drop me a message if you need help understanding your dogs behaviour or you need to learn to teach your dog reliable cues.

If you’d like to read more on this topic, check out my blog on my website - specifically the ‘3Ds’ post ☺️

17/02/2025

This cute face is brought to you by a recent customer ❤️

His sh*tzu sister and him are both wary of new people. Their lovely parents want them both to feel less stranger danger and live their best lives.

It’s a hard truth but sometimes behaviour change can take time and patience. We all know how hard it is to create a new habit right? Dogs are no different! It’s a marathon not a sprint so it’s important to support yourself through the process too. Take breaks, talk about it with friends and family and make sure to focus on the fun and silly things your dog does. When we’re looking to change a dog’s behaviour we can end up only focusing on their less desirable traits, so remember to have fun and enjoy your dog!

Drop a silly or funny behaviour your dog does in the comments below 👇

If you need help with your dog’s behaviour feel free to message me and I’ll let you know how I can help.

Vanessa - The Pet Behaviourist
🐶🐱🐰🆘

15/02/2025

Do you come back from your dog walk more stressed than when you left??

One of the most common complaints I hear from Dog Guardian's is just how frustrating it can be walking your dog if they pull on lead.

No matter how big or small they are, it can be pretty uncomfortable, and even painful. It’s amazing how much even a small dog like a Dachshund can pull!
When you add that together with not coming back when you call them, and just generally not listening to a word you say - it’s no wonder why dog walks aren’t always the enjoyable experience we want them to be.

But, it doesn’t have to be this way!

Join me, this coming Monday at 7pm in Stocktonville Hall for Four Weeks of Life Skills Classes.

These classes are aimed at Dogs over the age of 6 Months, who would benefit from a training refresher covering Loose Lead Walking, Recall and Focus Skills.

Four weeks from now, you could be enjoying early springtime walks - with a whole lot less stress, and a dog who wants to stay by your side.

Send me a message if you have any questions or would like to book your space [there are only a few remaining] - each block of 4 Classes is £100.00

Come and join us!

11/02/2025

Does your dog need ✨ Life Skills ✨?

Do they:
🐾 pull on the lead
🐾 not come when called
🐾 jump at guests
🐾 bark at the window
🐾 get over excited

Learn the basics, important life skills and super helpful cues with a qualified behaviourist.

🐶 Weekly hour long classes starting Monday 17th February 7pm for 4 weeks
🐶 Location:Stocktonville Hall Tredegar
🐶 £100 for the 4 weeks

Message me to grab a space 📩

🔸Access to Life Skills trading hub for all handouts and more 🔸 Individual help 🔸 Trainer in your pocket for 4 weeks 🔸Troubleshooting🔸Q&A 🔸Learn to speak dog 🔸 Strengthen your bond 🔸 Meet people 🔸

Suitable for all ages over 6 months, breeds, new dogs and great for rescues.

All done at your dogs pace with a focus on their well-being and yours ❤️

05/02/2025

Resource guarding can be a complicated and scary behaviour that can be very difficult to live with.

Having an understanding of the issue and a management plan really helps.

These 6 rules will help prevent it developing in puppies and new dogs.

Any questions feel free to ask and if you’d like professional help from me just drop me a message.

28/01/2025

• pull on the lead
• not listen
• need to calm down
• doesn’t recall
• counter surf
• bark excessively
• pester you whilst your busy
• jump on people
• eat things they shouldn’t
(or any other less fun dog behaviour!)?

Then these classes can help you both!

I focus on both ends of the lead and operate with 0 judgement. Sharing your life with a dog that you don’t feel in control of can be very hard!

Any questions just ask, to book a space message me 👇

Info:
🐶 Weekly hour long classes for 4 weeks
🐶 Starting Monday 17th February 1900-2000
🐶 Tredegar Stocktonville Hall
🐶 £100 for the 4 weeks
🐶 Limited spaces to keep class size small
🐶 Access to my Training Hub for all handouts
🐶 Support throughout

23/01/2025

Puppy class started this week, it’s so good to be back! 🥰

Not pictured - Martha, because her photo was only blur 🤣 ah who cares, I’ll add it anyway and get another one next week 😂

We looked at excitement levels, training basics, loose lead walking a touch cue and more!

If you have a pup and need some help, get in touch 👇

20/01/2025

Raising a puppy can be very overwhelming!

Look at this pups little white toes 🐾❤️

I recently got to help this adorable pup and his mum, we discussed lots of puppy raising advice - including the dreaded puppy nipping!

Puppies nip when they’re overstimulated, overexcited, overwhelmed and overtired. Make sure your puppies getting enough sleep, this pup actually took himself off for a nap during our consultation 🤣 What a great skill! 😴

Nipping doesn’t make them ‘bad dogs’ and it’s usually not a sign of aggression, but it can be very painful and scary! This pup didn’t have a solid bone in his body during our consultation 🤣 loose body language is a good sign.

We also discussed socialising, how to stay loose lead walking and what to focus on first. There’s a lot to cover 😳

If you want to feel confident raising your puppy and you want help knowing where to start with your training goals get in touch 👇

I look forward to hearing from you,

Vanessa - The Pet Behaviourist

🐶🐱🐰🆘

20/01/2025

Just a bit of cuteness to help with any blue Monday feelings!

I am beginning to miss the sun 🌞 BUT longer days are coming 🎉

14/01/2025

3 spaces left - set them up for ✨success✨

Covering prevention and management of common problems so they can grow into happy confident adult dogs!

We'll look at socialisation, handling, body language, listening, nipping, toileting, recall, loose lead walking, calmness, useful cues and more 🎉

Training is all done at your dogs pace with a focus on their well-being and yours ❤️

All are welcome!

All the skills I chose to teach in my puppy classes are essential life skills, or incredibly useful for helping your puppy develop into a happy confident dog - and you to develop into a happy confident dog owner!

Any questions just ask ⭐️
Tag a puppy owner below or share with them 👇
Booking link in comments☺️

Next round of puppy classes info:
🐶 fully vaccinated puppies under 10 months
🐶 4 weeks consisting of 4 hour long classes in person
🐶 Trainer in your pocket - message me with questions
🐶 Limited spaces to keep class size small - lots of 1:1 attention
🐶 Training handouts and support throughout - refer to if problems arise in the future and no need to take notes in class

Location: Stocktonville Hall Stocktonville Hall, Gelli Road, Tredegar (opposite Lidl)
At: 1900-2000
Dates:
Mondays
20 Jan
27 Jan
3 Feb
10 Feb

Here’s what Ceri said about attending:
Highly recommend Vanessa, Willow my Cocker Spaniel and myself learned allot in the puppy classes. Gave good lessons in recall, wait, sit and to lie down to mention a few. Very patient lady who has lots of knowledge and is amazing with pets and people alike

13/01/2025

I want everyone to be able to enjoy their dog walks! Pulling on the lead is such a common problem I see all the time, and it can really ruin a lovely walk.

I’ve met guardians who dread and even avoid walking their dogs because they’re scared they’ll get pulled over or spend the whole walk feeling stressed and out of control. This is why I’m declaring 2025 is the year to start enjoying your dog walks!

I want to help as many people as possible in 2025. Whether you feel they’re too big and strong, don’t pay attention or they’re hurting themselves and you by pulling, here’s how I can help you master walks:
• in puppy or life skills classes
• 1:1 sessions
• remote course you work through in your own time

Message me with your dogs age and your location and I’ll send you all the relevant options and information 🥰

09/01/2025

A story of Bear and the Anthony Gormley statues 🤣

09/01/2025

Learn all this and more in my puppy classes!

The next round of my popular puppy classes is starting, spaces are limited to keep class size small

All the skills I chose to teach are essential life skills and incredibly useful for helping your puppy develop into a happy confident dog - and you to develop into a happy confident dog owner!

Any questions just ask ⭐️
Tag a puppy owner below 👇
Message me to book ☺️

Next round of puppy classes info:
🐶 fully vaccinated puppies under 10 months
🐶 4 weeks consisting of 4 hour long classes in person
🐶 Trainer in your pocket - message me with questions
🐶 Limited spaces to keep class size small - lots of 1:1 attention
🐶 Training handouts and support throughout - refer to if problems arise in the future and no need to note take in class

Location: Stocktonville Hall, Gelli Road, Tredegar (opposite Lidl)
At: 1900-2000
Dates:
Mondays
20 January
27 January
3 February
10 February

08/01/2025

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ahh such a lovely review!

This dogs family worked hard and reaped the rewards 🥰

Its true - you can teach an old dog new tricks and there are no quick fixes, but knowing what to do and being consistent can create real change.

If, like this family, you need help with jumping or overexcited greetings then get in touch!

Address

Opening Hours

Monday	10:00 - 19:00
Tuesday	10:00 - 19:00
Wednesday	10:00 - 19:00
Thursday	10:00 - 19:00
Friday	10:00 - 19:00

Telephone

+447469957715

Website

http://www.thepetbehaviourist.com/

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Videos

Don’t Google it!! #puppyclass #puppyclasses #dogsocialisation #puppysocialisation #southwalespup #southwalespuppies #southwalespups #southwalespuppy #southwalespuppytraining #southwalesdogs #southwalesdog #southwalesdogtraining #southwalesdoodles #puppyignoringme #puppydog #puppywontlisten #puppywontcomein #puppyclassessouthwales #dogsofgwent #dogsofrhondda #dogtrainer #dogtraineruk #dogtrainingsouthwales #dogtrainingclasseswales #dogsofthevalleys #puppiesofwales

Did you find acupuncture as relaxing as Bear? Is your dog stressed at the vet? It’s totally ok to bring enrichment to help them! Your vets will likely appreciate them being calmer and stiller too! This may also help with grooming and medical procedures a home. Try it and let me know how you get on 👇 #vet #vetvisit #dogatvet #dogatvets #doghatesvet #dogtraining #dogtraineruk #dogacupuncture #dogtip #vetsanddogs #dogtrainingtips #acupuncture #dogacupuncturetreatment #vetacupuncture #dogacupunctureworks #hypermobility #doglimp #dogmedicine #dogmum #dogdad #southwales #southwalesdogs #dogmums #dogdads #dogcare #dogwellness #dogsofsouthwales #dogtrainerwales #dogownerswales

Is your dog stressed at the vet? Here’s a game-changing trick to help keep them calm and still for procedures! 1️⃣ Grab a handful of treats 2️⃣ Close your fingers around them leaving a very small gap 3️⃣ Offer to your dog 4️⃣ Let them lick between your fingers and slowly eek out one treat at a time This may also help with grooming and medical procedures a home. Try it and let me know how you get on 👇 #vet #vetvisit #dogatvet #dogatvets #doghatesvet #dogtraining #dogtraineruk #dogtrainer #dogtip #vetsanddogs #dogtrainingtips #pemf #pemftherapy #pemftreatment #pemftherapydevice #hypermobility #doglimp #dogmedicine #dogmum #dogdad #southwales #southwalesdogs #dogmums #dogdads #dogcare #dogwellness #dogsofsouthwales #dogtrainerwales #dogownerswales

This or that!? #dogmum #dogdad #dogowner #dogguardian #puppymum #puppydad #welshdogs #puppyowner #puppyowners #firsttimepuppyowner #firsttimedogowner #dogofwales #southwalesvalleys #southwalesdogs #dogsofsouthwales #thisorthat #pups #welshpuppy #dogtrainer #dogbehaviorist #puppytrainer #welshdogtrainer #dogtraining #dogtrainingadvice #dogwellness #dogtips #puppytips #dogtraineradvice #thisorthatdogsedition

Training = loose lead walking #dogbehaviour #dogtraineruk #dogtraining #looselead #looseleadwalking #harness

Have you ever heard of dog hydrotherapy? 🌊🦮 It may sound like a fancy spa treatment! In reality, it is a highly effective form of therapy for dogs with hyper mobility, like Bear! Hyper mobility, is a condition where the joints in a dog’s body are able to move beyond their normal range of motion. Bears back leg joints were doing some crazy awful stuff and were popping out 🥶 I’ve seen such a difference in Bear since he started hydrotherapy ❤️thank you @caninerehabcardiff ! #dogmum #dogdad #dogowner #dogownerproblems #bulldoghealth #doghealth #dogwelfare #bulldogwelfare #doghypermobility #bulldoguk #doghydrotherapy #doghydrotherapyuk #dogpool #dogexercise #hydrotherapy #hydrotherapyfordogs #hydrotherapydog #hydrotherapydogs #dogtraining #dogtrainer #bulldogswim #bulldogsofwales #welshbulldogs #welshbusiness #dogfitness #hipdisplasia #doghippain

It’s their walk. If your dog pulls on walk - get in touch by sending me a message 🐾 #dogpulling #dogwalk #dogsuk #dogdaduk #dogsofsouthwales #dogpulls #southwalesvalleys #gwent #rhonndavalleys #looseleadwalking #looselead #dogtraining #dogsneedstraining #looseleadwalking #looseleadwalkingtraining #looseleadwalkingskills #dogpullsonleash #southwalesdogs #dogsuk #dogtraining #pullingonlead #dogtrainer #bulldog #bulldogwalks #trainersdog #dogharness #countrydogwalk

On your bed, Sit, Down. All in that bouncy puppy style ✨ Message for info about my next puppy classes 👇 #dogmum #dogdad #dogowner #dogguardian #puppymum #puppydad #welshdogs #mydogsjourney #mydogwontlisten #recall #recalltraining #recalltips #recalltip #recalltipsneeded #dogtraineruk #dogtrainerwales #dogtrainer #puppytrainingtips #puppytrainer #bulldogtraining #welshdogtrainer #welshdogtraining #puppy #freedogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingtip #bulldogtrainer #dogtrainingvideo #puppy #puppytraining

Loose lead walking tip 🐾👣 This is an essential skill. Without it dogs can develop sore necks, chests and shoulders and owners can develop sore everything! Do this: 🔹Place a treat on the floor 🔹Whilst you’re dog is eating take 2 steps forward 🔹As they finish and start to catch up, place another 🔹Take 2 steps forward 🔹Rinse and repeat! I’d love to help you and your dog start to enjoy walks! ❤️ For 1-2-1 help and classes message me. Extract of what a previous class attendee has said: 💬 We attended Vanessa’s class in all honestly thinking it prob won’t make a difference but at least we tried! However!! 6 weeks later and it’s like we have a completely different dog our lives have been transformed and for the first time in 3 years I have been able to walk Magi without been dragged and even better actually enjoyed walking her! The classes have have been invaluable to us not only as a dog owner but also as a family. #dog #dogwalk #dogsuk #dogdaduk #dogsofsouthwales #southwales #southwalesvalleys #gwent #rhonndavalleys #looseleadwalking #looselead #dogtraining #dogsneedstraining #looseleadwalking #looseleadwalkingtraining #looseleadwalkingskills #looseleadwalkingtips #southwalesdogs #dogsuk #dogtraining #dogttainers #dogtrainer #bulldog #bulldogwalks #trainersdog #dogharness #countrydogwalk

You’re not alone if you struggle with your pets behaviour ❤️ A lovely cuddle break between clients today 🥰 Today consisted of seeing or discussing: • reactivity • settling in a cafe • puppy chewing • fear of dogs, noise sensitivity, general puppy behaviours and useful cues I’m tired but happy 😊 What behaviour or training problems are you having? #dogmum #dogdad #dogowner #dogownerproblems #dogcare #dogwelfare #bulldogwelfare #bulldoguk #dogtraining #dogtrainer #bulldogsofwales #welshbulldogs #welshbusiness #dogmummy #dogdaddy #petbehaviour #petbehaviourist #petbehaviourproblems #dogreactivity #puppyproblems #puppychewing #puppychewseverything #puppychewingproblems #puppiesofwales #reactivedogs

Bear loved cabin life 🤣 @canopyandstars #minimoon #minimoonwithdog #minimoonwithdoggo #shepherdshut #cabin #justmarried #remotegetaway #bulldog #holidaywithdogs #bulldogholidays #remoteholidays #hut #cabinretreat #cabindog #cabindogs #cabindoggie #cabindoggo #minimoons #bulldogtrip #dogtravel #travelingwithdogs #bringthedog #dogsonminimoon #dogholidaysuk

1. You need to teach your dog to walk on a lead. Equipement wont do this for you. This is good news! It will take some time and effort but then you wont have to use aversive equipment your dog doesnt like to enjoy your walks. 2. Good owners can have badly behaved dogs. It’s not all about how you raise them. Genetics, one time learning events, their very early life, illness and many other factors contribute to a dog’s behaviour. 3. Any dog can be aggressive and bite. There’s no such thing as a bullet proof dog. Any dog can be pushed too far. Doesn’t mean we need to fear them but an understanding of dog communication and a healthy level of respect is important. #dog #dogbehaviour #dogtrainer #dogbehaviourist #dogbehaviourists #dogtrainers #dogs #dogsuk #dogbehaviouruk #aggressivedog #aggressivedogtrainer #dogwalk #doglead #gooddog #doggenetics #baddog #naturenurture #dogmum #dogdad #dogowner #dogowners #dogownerproblems #dogownerlife #dogownerslife #hardtruths #dogtruths #dogtruthsrevealed #doglover #doglifeisgood #doglovers

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