Dog Behaviour Consultation & Therapy
Evidence-based support for dogs experiencing fear, anxiety, aggression, reactivity, high arousal and other complex behavioural challenges.
At Future Proof Training Academy, we look beyond the behaviour itself to understand the emotional, environmental and physiological factors influencing your dog. From our Wangara facility, we develop an individualised plan focused on improving welfare, regulation and practical outcomes for both you and your dog.
Behaviour support begins with understanding why the behaviour is occurring — not simply trying to stop it.
Is Behaviour Consultation Right for My Dog?
Behaviour consultation may be appropriate when your dog’s behaviour is affecting their wellbeing, your ability to manage everyday situations, or the safety and quality of life of people or animals around them.
You do not need to know exactly what is causing the behaviour before contacting us. Part of our role is to help determine what may be contributing to it.
Fear & Anxiety
Fear, avoidance, hypervigilance or difficulty coping with unfamiliar people, places, sounds or situations.
Reactivity & Aggression
Barking, lunging, growling, snapping, biting or defensive responses around particular triggers.
Arousal & Regulation
Difficulty settling, persistent over-arousal, frustration, impulsivity or slow recovery after stressful or exciting events.
Handling & Veterinary Care
Fear, avoidance or defensive behaviour associated with grooming, restraint, veterinary care or physical handling.
Changes in Behaviour
New, escalating or unexplained changes that may involve behavioural, environmental or physiological factors.
Complex Behaviour Problems
Multiple triggers or contributing factors where standard training alone has not resolved the problem.
Not sure whether you need training or behaviour consultation?
Contact our team and we can help determine the most appropriate starting point for your dog.
The FPTA Behaviour Consultation Process
Behaviour problems are rarely explained by one factor alone. Our process focuses on understanding what is influencing your dog’s behaviour, developing an individualised plan, and adjusting that plan as your dog progresses.
Understand
We start with your dog’s history and current concerns.
We consider when and where the behaviour occurs, relevant experiences, environment, routines, health information and the impact the behaviour is having on everyday life.
Implement
We help you put the behaviour therapy plan into practice.
Sessions focus on putting the behaviour therapy plan into practice, helping your dog develop more adaptive responses while supporting you with practical management and behaviour modification strategies.
Assess
We assess behaviour in context rather than relying on labels.
We look at observable behaviour, triggers, emotional state, arousal and regulation, coping responses, recovery and other factors that may be contributing to the problem.
Monitor & Adjust
Behaviour therapy is a process, not a single session.
We monitor your dog’s responses, recovery and progress and adjust the plan as new information becomes available.
Plan
We develop an individualised behaviour therapy and management plan.
The plan prioritises welfare, safety and practical management while addressing the emotional, cognitive, environmental and physiological factors that may be contributing to your dog’s behaviour.
Veterinary Collaboration
We consider health and behaviour together.
Where health, pain, medication or other physiological factors may be influencing behaviour, we may recommend veterinary assessment or work collaboratively with your veterinarian.
Initial Behaviour Consultation Package
Our initial behaviour consultation package provides a comprehensive assessment of your dog’s behaviour, followed by practical therapy and ongoing professional support.
We look beyond the behaviour itself to understand the emotional, cognitive, environmental and physiological factors that may be influencing your dog’s responses. This allows us to develop an individualised approach focused on improving regulation, coping and behaviour over time.
Initial Consultation & Assessment
A detailed behavioural assessment exploring your dog’s history, current concerns, triggers, environment, behavioural responses and other factors that may be contributing to the problem.
Following the assessment, you will receive written recommendations and a behavioural report outlining our findings and recommended approach.
Where appropriate, we can also provide information or a report to your veterinarian and collaborate with them as part of your dog’s care.
Two Follow-Up Therapy Sessions
Your initial package includes two 50-minute behaviour therapy sessions.
These sessions allow us to begin implementing your dog’s individualised plan, work practically with you and your dog, assess their responses and recovery, and adjust the approach as we learn more.
You and your dog are supported by Dr Liam Clay and Tara Herbort throughout the behaviour therapy process.
Initial Package — $820
Includes:
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Initial behavioural consultation and assessment
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Written behavioural report and recommendations
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Veterinary report or liaison where required
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Two 50-minute follow-up therapy sessions
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Recommendations for the appropriate next stage of behaviour therapy
Ongoing Behaviour Therapy
Behaviour therapy is usually an ongoing process rather than a three-session intervention. Many behavioural concerns will require further therapy beyond the initial package.
Following the initial assessment, we will discuss the likely treatment pathway and provide an approximate timeframe based on your dog’s individual needs and response to therapy.
Additional behaviour therapy sessions: $170 per 50-minute session.
Why Choose FPTA for Behaviour Support?
Complex behaviour requires more than simply teaching a dog what to do. Our approach combines behavioural assessment, practical therapy, welfare science and ongoing evaluation to understand each dog as an individual.
Evidence-Based & Welfare-Centred
Our approach is informed by contemporary animal behaviour and welfare science, with strategies selected according to the individual dog, their emotional state, environment and ability to cope.
Two Professionals Supporting Your Dog
Your initial behaviour package includes support from Dr Liam Clay and Tara Herbort, providing additional observation, problem-solving and practical support as your dog progresses through therapy.
Specialist Behaviour Experience
Behaviour consultations are led by Dr Liam Clay and Tara Herbort, whose background spans companion animal behaviour, veterinary technology/nursing, behavioural assessment, welfare and professional education.
Individualised & Practical Support
There is no one-size-fits-all behaviour plan.
Assessment findings are translated into practical strategies for your dog, household and everyday environment, with the approach adjusted as your dog’s responses and needs change.