Dog behaviourists SW London/north Surrey

[TarrSteps]

Any recommendations for a behaviourist to work with a dog in the above area? I know about Roger Mugford and have heard good things about him but just wondering who else is out there. The dog isn't super complicated but does have some lingering aggression issues from a difficult past. Despite making a great deal of progress, there are still a few situations that seem especially challenging for her and we'd like some expert help sorting out the last few issues and/or setting reasonable expectations.

 

[marioforever]

At Roger Mugfords in Chertsey (The Company of Animals) there is a trainer where I took my dog when a puppy and he seemed very good. His name is Chirag Patel and I am sure he would be able to help you or if he cant he goes to seminars around the world and I expect he could recommend someone. Good luck with your dog.

 

[lexiedhb]

Is it dog dog aggression?

These chaps are good

http://www.dogcommunication.co.uk/

 

[TarrSteps]

Is it dog dog aggression?

These chaps are good

http://www.dogcommunication.co.uk/

Someone on Greyhound Gap recommended them and I will give them a ring, but she's absolutely fine with other dogs, even very badly behaved/timid/aggressive ones. Her dog skills are above average!

It's people that are still a bit of an issue. She was very badly treated right from birth and her whole litter bear the scars, so it's no surprise she is the way she is. She's improved tremendously, now lets strangers pet her when she's out and about, takes treats from strangers (although we're curtailing that as our other dog is a mugger and I can see her starting to get that idea), is even okay with people in the house or being in other people's houses now. The only remaining issue is with strangers "surprising" her when she's inside, say coming through a door suddenly, especially when she's sleepy or preoccupied. (She's also protective of the car but frankly, I'm not that worried as she's fine with someone in the car, it's just that she'll bark if a stranger leans in the window or tries to get in when I'm not there, although a stranger can let her out and let her back in with no problem.) She will bark and I couldn't say with certainty she wouldn't snap if they kept coming or accidentally bumped her. Unfortunately we had a few incidents early on with a stranger (to her, obviously) who kept trying to pet her, which reinforced her concerns. I will say, though, she's been to stay with a dog walker friend of mine and was okay with him and his partner but then they are obviously very clued up.

Realistically, I know the element of surprise is a tough one to train for and the dog has real (and, unfortunately, developmental) reasons for her concerns. We can manage her successfully and she made it through family Xmas without incident. But having to be so careful of her also means other family members treat her with kid gloves (I think they may be more scared of me than her . . .) and I would like to know we're doing everything we can to help her feel as comfortable as she can be.