What’s the difference between a dog trainer and a dog behaviourist?

This is a really common question, and understandably so as it’s easy to get muddled up. A dog trainer is someone who is perfect for teaching your dog to do certain things, obeying commands for example. A dog behaviourist is someone who focuses on problems that a dog might be having, like displaying aggressive or anxious behaviour. A behaviourist will work to try and identify the cause of the issue, and create some form of plan to help overcome the difficulties caused by the issue.

We’ve tried behaviourists before, and they didn’t work?

Each person you deal with may well have a different approach, and a different personality. It may well have been that, like anyone that you have in your lives, they weren’t a good match. We all have people we prefer to see, a favoured doctor we feel really listens to us, a hairdresser we get along really well with, or even a cafe we like to go to as they remember our names, and remember how we like our coffee. Having someone you enjoy the company of, and who listens and understands, can contribute heavily towards success. It’s also important to manage expectations—some dogs may never fully recover from certain problems, but they can still make significant progress. If your previous behaviourist didn’t explain this, you might feel as though they failed you. However, if your dog is no longer reacting as severely as they once did and seems happier, the treatment may have achieved the best possible outcome, even if this wasn’t clearly communicated to you.

What locations do you cover?

For in-person consultations we are currently covering most of Essex and Suffolk in England. With prior discussion, we are happy to travel elsewhere. For virtual consultations, well, we both have internet provision, so we are already set! If you’re in any doubt, please do get in touch, we’re sure we can help.

You aren’t anywhere near me, how can you help?

While in-person sessions can be helpful, we’ve all embraced technology in recent years. With tools like WhatsApp, Facebook video calls, Zoom, and Teams—and good old email—distance is no obstacle. We've worked with dogs in the USA, France, Sweden, and India whilst in the UK. If you can take targeted videos of your dog’s behaviour and explain the situation over a call or in writing, we can work together seamlessly. Time differences are the only challenge, but we’re also experienced in managing those.

Will this work quickly, my dog has had this issue for years?

Every situation is unique. Some problems can be resolved in under an hour, while others may take months to address, especially if they are deeply rooted. When tackling an issue, we consider factors like your time, ability to stay consistent (not always easy!), any health challenges, and more. We promise to work as efficiently as possible because we want your problem solved as quickly as you do. As mentioned earlier, it’s important to manage expectations. While your dog may never fully recover from certain issues, significant progress and an improved quality of life are fantastic achievements in themselves. One thing is certain, the sooner a problem is addressed, the less chance it has to escalate.

This could be expensive!

Addressing problems often comes with a cost—whether it's a vet, mechanic, or plumber. Investing in your dog’s well-being is investing in both their physical and mental health, and your peace of mind. Consider how often your dog’s behaviour has spiked your anxiety or led to frustration, despite seeking advice from friends or online videos. Consulting a dog behaviourist* can save you time, stress, and uncertainty. We develop customised plans to address your dog’s needs, leading to a happier, healthier life for both of you. Have a little read of the next FAQ for more details, and our reviews to see what others have said. From a personal point of view, I want to fix any issues quickly, and that means also means that I want it to be cheap for you too. More money in your pocket means more money for dog treats!

*It is worth checking to see if behavioural issues are covered by your dogs insurance policy.

What do we get?

Rest assured, you will be very well taken care of, (just take a look at our reviews!). Your first contact with us might be through this site, where you’ll find a questionnaire to complete during the booking process. Depending on your situation, there may be additional forms to help us gain a thorough and objective understanding of your dog and your unique circumstances. We will also speak with you directly to ensure we fully understand any issues you’re experiencing. We want to avoid making assumptions that could compromise the success of your individually tailored treatment plan.

Our goal is to successfully give your dog the quality of life it deserves and to help you build the best possible relationship with them. In the politest way, we hope you’ll only ever need to see us once! Together, during our sessions, we will create and work on your individualised plan. Using online tools, you’ll be able to review your plan, access notes I’ve made about you and your dog, and comment on anything needing further attention or clarification. You’ll also have ongoing contact with us to follow up on your progress and make adjustments if necessary, so don’t worry about being left to fend for yourself once your session is over.

Our care is grounded in rigorous, in-depth research from across the globe. We strongly believe in a science-based approach and have trained, and continue to, under the guidance of highly qualified professionals worldwide. Our treatments draw heavily on scientific studies and meta-analyses, ensuring that we use only the most up-to-date, reliable, and proven techniques.

Why should we choose you?

We are certified, insured, and hold the highest level of DBS checks. In addition to this we are truly dedicated to making a difference.

Damos approach goes beyond typical ‘training’ methods, shaped by his own journey with PTSD and ADHD. These experiences give him a deeper empathy for dogs facing their own anxieties, fears, and behavioural challenges, and he knows first-hand the importance of patience, understanding, and consistency. His ADHD helps him stay dynamic and resourceful, constantly adapting and finding creative ways to address complex behaviours. Damo is driven to succeed because he knows the impact a stable, balanced companion can have on mental health, and brings that same commitment to every dog and owner he works with. Choosing Pawsitive Dog Dialogue means working with someone who understands resilience, values every dog's unique needs, and is fully invested in helping you and your dog achieve lasting harmony.

My dog is terrified of fireworks. Can you help?

We can! We have trained with Dr. Else Verbeek, of the Swedish University of Agricultural Science, (SLU), in Uppsala, Sweden. Dr.Verbeek, an international lecturer and an expert in ethology, stress physiology, and the neuro-biology of cognition and emotion in animals, uses only the latest evidence based science in her teaching, ensuring that everything is based on tireless research rather than ‘the latest fad’. In conjunction with you, we can assess your dogs anxiety to, not only fireworks, but any noise that frightens them, and create an individual plan that we can work on together to bring more calm to you and your dog.

What’s your opinion of (famous dog person)?

We have watched and learned from many famous dog personalities. Growing up in England in an era that looked up to the late Barbara Woodhouse, and then seeing the world introduced to others such as Cesar Millan, and Victoria Stilwell we believe we can learn something from everyone, though we’re naturally drawn to those who resonate with our values. For us, one principle stands out: the importance of positive reinforcement. It’s a method we consistently favour, ensuring that dogs are motivated and treated with kindness as they learn and grow.