Welcome to
Understanding behaviour.
Supporting dogs and their people.
Individual dog behaviour consultations in person and online, including thorough assessment, a personalised behaviour plan, and continuing support.
Every dog is different. Behaviour is shaped by experience, health, environment, emotion and learning, which means there is rarely one simple answer that suits every dog or household.
My role is to help you understand what your dog may be communicating, identify the factors influencing the behaviour and develop a practical plan that works for both of you.
A thoughtful and practical approach
Behavioural work begins before the consultation itself.
You will be asked to complete a detailed pre-session questionnaire and may also provide videos of the behaviour where it is safe and appropriate to do so. This allows me to begin considering your dog’s history, routines, environment and likely influences before we meet.
During the consultation, I will observe you and your dog, discuss the behaviour with you and explain the factors that may be contributing to it. We will then begin developing a practical and realistic plan that takes account of your dog’s individual needs and your everyday life.
After the consultation, you will receive a personalised written behaviour plan setting out the agreed approach, recommended exercises and the reasoning behind them.
You will also receive continuing support relating to the agreed plan, so you are not left trying to interpret everything alone.
Behaviour support tailored to your dog
Living with a behavioural difficulty can be frustrating, upsetting and sometimes isolating. You may have received conflicting advice, tried several approaches or found that techniques which worked for other dogs have made little difference to yours.
I can help with a range of concerns, including:
Reactivity towards dogs or people
Fear, anxiety and nervous behaviour
Noise phobias
Lead pulling and frustration
Overexcitement
Separation anxiety
Resource guarding
Confidence building
General behaviour and communication
The aim is not simply to stop an unhealthy behaviour. It is to understand why it is happening and help your dog develop safer, calmer and more appropriate ways of coping.
Choose the level of support that suits you
Every new-client service begins with a comprehensive assessment, a 90-minute consultation and a personalised behaviour plan. The difference is how much practical and continuing support you would like afterwards.
Consultations are available in person or online where appropriate.
Understand & Plan
£195
Assessment, consultation, personalised plan and 28 days of support.
Learn & Practise
£250
Everything in Understand & Plan, plus a 60-minute practical follow-up.
Behaviour Coaching
£395
Everything in Understand & Plan, plus a further three 60-minute practical sessions and six weeks of continuing support.
Already worked with me?
Existing clients are able to take advantage of these sessions at reduced rates.
* These sessions can only be confirmed for existing clients
Who we are
I am Damian Sherman, a dog behaviourist with almost twenty years of experience living and working with Alaskan Malamutes and other dogs.
My experience includes running a sled-dog kennel in Sweden, working with rescue dogs and supporting owners dealing with complex or emotionally difficult behaviour.
I have spent years studying canine behaviour, psychology, learning, training and diet, but I also understand that behaviour work is not only about the dog. Owners need advice that is clear, realistic and possible to follow within everyday life.
My approach is compassionate, evidence-led and based primarily on positive reinforcement. I do not use fear, intimidation or outdated ideas about dominance.
Blue, my Alaskan Malamute, is an important part of my life and has also shaped my understanding of trust, communication and the relationship between dogs and people.
What clients say
“ He has helped us with absolutely everything”
“Our Romanian rescue dog had some significant challenges with on lead reactivity to other dogs”
“We walked away thinking so positively and confident”
Frequently asked questions
Will one consultation solve the problem?
Some owners notice improvements quickly, while other behavioural difficulties require time, consistency and further support. The consultation is intended to give you a clear understanding of the behaviour and a structured plan for working on it.
Do you only use positive reinforcement?
Positive reinforcement forms the foundation of my approach. Behaviour plans may also involve careful management, changes to the environment and preventing unwanted behaviour from being repeatedly practised. I do not use fear, pain or intimidation.
Can you guarantee that the behaviour will stop?
No responsible behaviourist can guarantee a particular outcome. Behaviour is influenced by many factors, including health, environment, previous learning and the consistency with which a plan can be followed. I will, however, provide honest guidance, realistic expectations and practical support.
Do I need to see a veterinary surgeon first?
Some behavioural changes may be influenced by pain, illness or other medical factors. Where appropriate, I may recommend veterinary assessment before or alongside behaviour work.
Can consultations take place online?
Yes. Online consultations can be appropriate for some behavioural concerns and can be particularly useful where travelling would cause unnecessary stress to the dog.
You do not have to work through it alone
Behavioural problems can place considerable strain on both dogs and their owners. Understanding what is happening is the first step towards meaningful change.
A thorough assessment, an individual plan and the right support can help you move forward with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of your dog.
Contact Us
If you are interested in anything you’ve seen here today, please fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. Before you do, have a look to see if your question might be answered in our FAQs. We can’t wait to hear from you!