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īweriū Working K9

Intermediate · 6–16 weeks

Behavioural Training

Behaviour problems are rarely disobedience. They are usually stress, unclear structure, rehearsed habit or unmet need — and each requires a different response.

Assessment before intervention

Every case starts with a full history and a live assessment: triggers, thresholds, body language, medical factors, household structure and reinforcement history. We refer to a veterinary behaviourist where pain or clinical anxiety is suspected, because training cannot fix a medical problem.

What we work with

We take on lead reactivity, dog-to-dog aggression, resource guarding, separation-related distress, fear of noise and traffic, over-arousal, and territorial behaviour in adolescent and adult dogs.

  • Lead reactivity and frustration greeting
  • Dog-to-dog and dog-to-stranger aggression
  • Resource guarding of food, toys, people and space
  • Separation-related distress and crate anxiety
  • Noise, traffic and environmental fear

Method

We combine management to stop rehearsal, structure to reduce baseline stress, counter-conditioning below threshold, and clear alternative behaviours the dog can perform instead. Progress is measured in threshold distance and recovery time rather than in obedience polish.

Realistic expectations

Most behaviour cases improve substantially; not all are cured. We are explicit from the outset about what management will remain necessary for life, because false promises damage dogs and owners equally.

Frequently asked questions

Can an aggressive dog be rehabilitated?

Many can be improved dramatically with the right combination of management, structure and behaviour modification. Genetics, history and bite severity determine the realistic ceiling.

How quickly will I see change?

Most owners see measurable improvement within three to four weeks when management is applied consistently between sessions.

Enquire about Behavioural Training

Tell us what you need the dog to do and we will tell you honestly what is possible, what it costs and how long it takes.