Activdogs is now Steven Symonds — Dog Behaviour & Training. A name that better reflects the work I do.
Activdogs is now Steven Symonds — Dog Behaviour & Training. A name that better reflects the work I do.
If you are unsure whether you need Behaviour, Training, Puppy support or Ongoing coaching, these answers should make the starting point clearer.
If the problem involves significant fear, aggression, guarding, repeated reactivity, separation distress or behaviour that worries you, start with Behaviour Support. If your dog is able to learn and you want to build everyday skills, recall or training foundations, start with Training.
Two questions that come up regularly.
Yes. Practical Behaviour Sessions follow a Behaviour Consultation so the hands-on work is based on a proper assessment rather than guesswork. After the consultation you normally receive a detailed written report and, where appropriate, a simple starter Training Plan so you have useful work to begin before any practical follow-up.
No. Ongoing support builds on work we have already done together. New clients should begin with Behaviour, Training or Puppy support.
No. I do not deliberately recreate a bite risk, force a dog over threshold or provoke behaviour simply to observe it. The aim is to understand the problem while keeping the assessment useful and proportionate.
Behaviour reports and starter Training Plans are normally sent within seven working days. I usually reply to non-urgent emails within 3–5 working days.
Tell me the main thing you are struggling with and I can point you towards the most appropriate starting point.