About Me

I have a BSc (hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour from The University of Lincoln. I previously worked as a lecturer at both Nottingham Trent University and Hartpury University for 7 years as well as working as a Research Fellow on a jointly funded Kennel Club grant. I have seven published peer reviewed journal papers in the field of canine kinematics and am an experienced writer. I started my Canine Consultancy business after having my first baby and I adore my work. I am really passionate about what I do and helping owners and their dogs. I care deeply about improving owner and dog relationships and ensuring that the advice they're being given is up to date, ethical and science based.

Our first ever dog was the most wonderful rescue dog called Evie and to her, I pretty much owe everything! She was one of the naughtiest souls to have ever lived (but with the kindest nature ever) and it was due to her great ability to be naughty that I became interested in behaviour. Peggy was also quite naughty but marginally less so than Evie Dog but it was thanks to her my interest in Border Collies begain! I currently have two Border Collies, Zipper and Juno and a Working Cocker Spaniel called Mavis!

Consultations

I offer a range of various services and depending on your specific needs, can help in a variety of ways.

Dog Behaviour Consultations

Sometimes, dogs display behaviours that can be problematic for owners, which fall beyond the remit of a normal dog training. When this happens, behaviour consultations are needed to help owners understand why these behaviours are occurring and how to help them. Behaviour problems account for 90% of dogs being relinquished to rescue kennels thus, being able to get help and advice that is ethical, humane and based on sound scientific principles is really important for the welfare of both dog and owner.

Consults take place within your own home, or online, depending on the problem and indeed your geographical location. The process typically takes around 2 hours, during which time we go through a thorough case history, have a look at the specific problem (where safe to do so) and then develop a training plan specifically tailored towards you and your dog.

With all consultations, I look at the emotions that are motivating your dog to display the behaviour and I ensure the training plan aims to change those emotions. I also am passionate about ensuring the plan is effective, allowing dogs and owners to succeed. I work very closely with your vets as needed and require their consent prior to working with your dog.

A behaviour consult includes the initial consultation which lasts around two hours, consultation write up and behavioural plan as well as communication with other professionals (should this be required). I offer three packages depending on the level of support owners would like.

  • Bronze: £295 which includes 4 weeks of follow up support via email, text or phone call.
  • Silver: £450 which includes 3 months of follow up support via email, text or phone call and two one hour in person (or via zoom) follow up sessions 6 weeks apart.
  • Gold: £650 which offers 6 months of follow up support via email, text or phone call and four, one hour in person (or via Zoom) follow up sessions 6 weeks apart.

All behaviour consults can be claimed on your pet insurance (if they cover behavioural work) due to me being a CCAB and these claims can be paid directly from your insurance company.

Training Days

Article pieces, guest talks and training days

I love writing, particularly for audiences who can't easily access the research paper. Previous articles cover topics such as:

  • how to prepare your dog for a new baby in the family
  • how fireworks really affect your pets
  • whether you should get a dog for Christmas
  • how getting a dog ruined my life
I have also spoken at a number of conferences on various canine behaviour and welfare topics including The Canine Sports Science Seminar on topics such as how we can use research to influence our decision making.

With one of my keen passions being the dissemination of research to wider audiences and ultimately with the goal to improve canine welfare, I enjoy running training days and workshops for different organisations and charities. I have previously run training days focusing on either specific life skills such as recall or loose lead walking or, theory based training days focusing on things such as canine behaviour, understanding aggression and separation related problems.

If you would like an article written or you're looking for a guest speaker or someone to run a training day, please do get in touch with your requirements.

Contact

If you'd like to get in touch for more information about any of the services I offer please use the form below or email me on emilybirchcc@hotmail.com.

You can also contact me via my mobile 07817 786379.