Dog Behaviour Consultations in Sydney
Practical help for dog aggression, reactivity, anxiety, and other behaviour problems.
If your dog's behaviour is affecting everyday life, you're probably looking for more than another training class.
A behaviour consultation helps you understand why your dog is behaving the way they are and provides a practical plan tailored to your home, lifestyle and goals.
I work with dogs experiencing:
• Dog aggression
• Reactivity on walks (barking or lunging)
• Fear and anxiety
• Resource guarding
• Puppy behaviour problems
• Multi-dog household conflict
• Excessive barking and other challenging behaviours
Every consultation is conducted personally by Mark Ehrman, founder of Canine Counselling, in your home, where your dog's behaviour can be assessed in its normal environment. I provide in-home dog behaviour consultations throughout Sydney's Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, Lower North Shore and surrounding areas.
Clear guidance. Practical advice.
Behavioural science you can trust.
Why Behaviour Happens Matters
Most unwanted behaviour doesn't happen because a dog is being stubborn, dominant, or trying to "take control."
Every behaviour serves a function for the dog.
Before deciding how to change a behaviour, I first identify why it makes sense from your dog's perspective.
During your consultation, we'll explore:
What your dog is experiencing emotionally
Why the behaviour developed
The situations that trigger it
The factors that keep it happening
Practical strategies that will create lasting change
Rather than offering generic advice, every recommendation is tailored specifically to your dog, your family and your circumstances.
The goal isn't simply to stop unwanted behaviour.
The goal is to help your dog no longer feel the need to behave that way.
Is a Private Behaviour Consultation Right For Your Dog?
Many behaviour problems improve much more quickly once you understand what's driving them.
Private consultations are for dogs whose behaviour needs individual assessment rather than a group classe.
This service is ideal if your dog:
Barks, lunges, or growls at other dogs
Has shown aggression towards people or animals
Struggles with fear or anxiety
Guards food, toys, beds, or people
Has behaviour that has become progressively worse
Hasn't improved despite previous training
It’s also ideal if you:
Want to understand your dog's behaviour rather than simply manage it
Prefer evidence-based, reward-based training
Want practical advice specific to your home and family
Are look for long-term improvement rather than quick fixes
What Happens During a Behaviour Consultation?
1. Assessment
I spend time learning about your dog's history, behaviour, daily routine, and environment.
Understanding the whole picture is essential before making recommendations.
2. Behaviour Analysis
Together we'll identify the underlying causes of the behaviour and discuss why it occurs.
I'll explain everything in plain English so you'll understand not only what to do, but why it works.
3. Training & Management Plan
You'll leave with practical exercises, management strategies, and clear next steps tailored specifically to your dog.
If further coaching would be helpful, follow-up sessions are available, but there's never any obligation.
Why My Approach Is Different
Most training focuses on changing behaviour.
I focus on understanding behaviour first.
That difference matters.
My work combines modern behavioural science, applied behaviour analysis, and reward-based training to address the underlying causes of behaviour, not simply the symptoms.
That means:
Looking beyond labels such as "dominance" or "stubbornness"
Using positive reinforcement rather than fear or intimidation
Building confidence instead of suppressing behaviour
Giving owners the knowledge to make informed decisions
My goal is not to create perfect obedience.
My goal is to help owners understand their dogs better and create behaviour change that lasts.
Not in Sydney? Online Behaviour Consultations Are Available
Although most consultations are conducted in person throughout Sydney, I also work with clients across Australia and internationally via Zoom.
Many behaviour problems—including reactivity, aggression, anxiety, resource guarding and puppy behaviour—can be assessed surprisingly effectively online using your observations and video footage of your dog's behaviour.
An online consultation includes:
A comprehensive behaviour assessment
Practical training and management strategies
A personalised behaviour plan
Written recommendations where appropriate
If you're unsure whether an online consultation is suitable for your situation, feel free to contact me before booking.
What is dog reactivity?
Dog reactivity is an exaggerated emotional response to a trigger such as another dog, a person, a bicycle or a vehicle. It often appears as barking, lunging or growling on walks and is commonly driven by fear, frustration or over-arousal..
What is resource guarding?
Resource guarding occurs when a dog tries to keep possession of something they value, such as food, toys, resting places or even people. Behaviour may include freezing, growling, snapping or biting. Dogs can guard towards other dogs, or towards people.
Can you help with dog aggression?
Yes. Aggression is one of my primary areas of practice. Every aggression case begins with a detailed assessment to identify why the behaviour occurs before developing an appropriate behaviour modification plan.
Do you use positive reinforcement?
Yes. I use modern, evidence-based training methods built around positive reinforcement and behaviour science. My focus is on changing emotional responses and teaching alternative behaviours rather than using punishment or intimidation.
Do you come to my home?
Yes. Behaviour consultations are conducted in your home throughout Sydney because that's where behaviour naturally occurs. Even if your concerns are with behaviour outside of the home, we always start the consultation in your home. Observing your dog in their normal environment allows me to provide more relevant advice than would be possible in a training facility.
How many sessions will my dog need?
Every dog is different. Some families achieve their goals after a single comprehensive consultation, while others benefit from ongoing coaching as they work through more complex behaviour issues. I'll discuss realistic expectations during our first meeting. I'm here to offer as much support as you need.
Behaviour Consultation Fees
Initial In-Home Consultation: $599
Follow-Up Sessions: $220/hour
Not in Sydney? Online Consults Available
If you’re outside of our service area—or prefer a remote option—we offer online consults using the same approach.
You’ll still get:
A clear understanding of your dog’s behaviour
Practical, step-by-step guidance
Support tailored to your situation
Book Your Behaviour Consultation
If you're ready to better understand your dog's behaviour and begin making lasting progress, I'd be pleased to help.
Private Training | Puppy School | Menacing & Dangerous Dog Matters
Service Areas: Sydney, Eastern Suburbs, Inner West, Lower North Shore
📞 Call 0448599663
📩 Email [email protected]
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