When you need more than a dog trainer
Some dogs need more than a private lesson can offer.
If your dog's behaviour is affecting your daily life, your safety, or your relationship with your dog, and what you've tried so far hasn't worked, a Behaviour Consult is where to start.
We work with aggression, leash reactivity, fear and phobias, separation anxiety, resource guarding and complex multi-dog household dynamics. We don't offer quick fixes. We offer thorough assessments, honest conversations and a plan that is actually built around your dog and their care team.
Behaviour Consults are scheduled Monday-Friday
The Dog School Difference
90 Minutes
Long enough to actually understand what's going on with your dog
Two Trainers
Dr Sarah Shapiro-Ward & Katrina Per-Carruthers attend and observe your dog's behaviour offering two expert perspectives
Two Documents
A comprehensive summary for you and one for your vet to ensure everyone is on the same page
In-Studio & Online
We have options. If you have an dog who is unsafe or unhappy leaving their home we are able to offer an online assessment.
Every Behaviour Consult at The Dog School is conducted by both Dr. Sarah Shapiro-Ward and Katrina Per-Carruthers together. This means you get two unique and expert perspectives in the same session who are able to provide insights over a broad range of behavioural challenges.
You also leave with two written documents. The first is your practical owner's plan: management strategies, training instructions and clear next steps written for you. The second is a formal behaviour report for your veterinarian, providing the clinical context they need to make their own informed decisions about your dog's care.
We don't shy away from difficult conversations. Sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is help you understand all of your options clearly, honestly and without judgment.
Our Process
Before you arrive, you'll complete a detailed behaviour intake questionnaire so we understand your dog's history before you walk in the door.
Your 90-minute consult covers a structured interview, a thorough review of everything you've already tried, a hands-on behavioural assessment, practical training exercises and a frank discussion of what's actually going on and what to do about it.
After your session you receive your two written documents. If your dog's case requires support beyond what we can offer, we have an extensive referral network of veterinarians and other practitioners we can refer you to for extra help.
Behaviour Consults cost 4 Credits ($200 with a membership, $240 without)
For more information on our Pricing please visit our Pricing Page
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a Behaviour Consult and a Private Lesson?
Private Lessons are hands-on training sessions for specific skills and challenges. Behaviour Consults are for more complex cases — they include a full intake questionnaire, a structured 90-minute assessment with two trainers, and two written documents: a practical plan for you and a clinical behaviour report for your vet. If you're not sure which is right for you, email us at info@thedogschool.ca and we'll help you figure it out.
How long is a Behaviour Consult?
90 minutes. Complex behaviour cases can't be properly assessed in less time. We need to understand the full picture before we can give you anything genuinely useful.
Will one session fix my dog?
Quite frankly, no. One consult gives you a thorough assessment, a clear understanding of what's driving the behaviour and a written plan to follow. Real change takes consistent work over time. We'll give you a realistic picture of what to expect at the end of your session.
What should I prepare?
You'll receive a behaviour intake questionnaire to complete before your appointment. Video footage of the behaviours you're concerned about is helpful if you have it. Any previous training records, vet notes or medication history is also useful context.
Do you work with aggressive dogs?
Yes. We assess every aggression case individually. For cases that require veterinary behaviour intervention beyond our scope we will always refer out but we will never leave you without a clear next step. If your dog is deeply aggressive towards new people, we may have the behaviour consult online to start.
Are Behaviour Consults available online?
Yes, for cases where coming into the studio isn't safe or practical. We'll advise you on which format makes most sense for your dog's situation when you get in touch.
How much are Behaviour Consults?
Behaviour Consults cost 4 Credits ($200 with a membership, $240 without). For more information please visit our Pricing Page
Ready to tackle this together?
Fill out our no-obligation form below. Once we have your information, we will reach out with our behaviour questionnaire.