Cognidog

11/06/2026

🐾 When do you need a dog behaviourist rather than a dog trainer? 🐾

Before we start, there's something important every dog owner should know:

⚠️ "Dog behaviourist" is not a protected title in the UK. Anyone can call themselves a behaviourist, regardless of their qualifications or experience.

If you're seeking help with a behaviour problem, look for professionals who:

✅ Hold relevant qualifications (typically BSc level or above in animal behaviour or a related field)

✅ Work alongside veterinary professionals

✅ Are registered with recognised organisations such as the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), or the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC)

✅ Use evidence-based, welfare-focused methods

So, what's the difference between a trainer and a behaviourist?

A dog trainer helps dogs learn new skills and behaviours. This might include:

• Puppy training
• Recall
• Loose lead walking
• Basic manners
• Adolescent training
• Building focus around distractions

A dog behaviourist, on the other hand, investigates the underlying causes of behavioural problems and develops a treatment plan to address them.

You may benefit from working with a qualified behaviourist if your dog is experiencing:

🚩 Reactivity towards dogs, people, or vehicles

🚩 Aggression, including growling, snapping, or biting

🚩 Separation-related distress

🚩 Severe fears or phobias

🚩 Compulsive or repetitive behaviours

🚩 Sudden behaviour changes

🚩 Complex anxiety-related issues

Importantly, behaviour problems are often influenced by factors such as pain, illness, genetics, early life experiences, learning history, environment, and emotional wellbeing. That's why qualified behaviourists work closely with veterinary professionals and will always consider whether medical factors could be contributing to the problem.

In reality, training and behaviour often overlap. Many dogs benefit from both practical training and behaviour support. The key is finding someone with the right qualifications and experience for the challenges you're facing.

If you're unsure whether you need a trainer, a behaviourist, or simply some guidance on where to start, my Pathfinder Sessions are designed to help identify the best next steps for you and your dog.

❤️ Helping dogs and their people connect and learn with confidence.

Dr Rebecca Hassall
PhD Canine Behaviour & Cognition
Cognidog

09/06/2026

🐾 Sudden behaviour change? Call your vet BEFORE your trainer. 🐾

This is one of the most important pieces of advice any qualified behaviour professional can give.

If your dog suddenly becomes reactive, aggressive, fearful, anxious, withdrawn, restless, clingy, or simply starts behaving "out of character", the first step should always be a veterinary check-up.

Dogs can't tell us when something hurts. Instead, they often communicate discomfort, illness, or pain through changes in their behaviour.

That's why qualified trainers and behaviourists will always recommend ruling out medical causes before starting a training or behaviour modification programme. Pain, digestive issues, hormonal changes, neurological conditions, sensory decline, and many other health problems can have a profound impact on behaviour.

🚩 Common signs include:
• New or worsening reactivity
• Aggression towards people or dogs
• Increased anxiety or fearfulness
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Reduced tolerance of handling
• Withdrawal from family members
• Loss of interest in favourite activities

One of my previous clients, Sukhoi, is a great example of why this matters.

Sukhoi joined our puppy classes and had wonderfully dedicated, supportive owners who provided him with every opportunity for thoughtful, positive early socialisation. Despite this, he began to struggle with reactivity as he matured.

Following careful assessment and veterinary investigation, it became clear that Sukhoi's difficulties were linked to several underlying medical issues, including gastrointestinal problems. Once these issues were identified and addressed, we were able to make far more meaningful progress with his behaviour.

Without this crucial piece of the puzzle, Sukhoi and his family may never have achieved the fantastic progress they have made.

Behaviour is communication. When a dog's behaviour changes suddenly, it's often worth asking not "How do I stop this?" but "Why is this happening?"

❤️ If your dog's behaviour has changed unexpectedly, speak to your vet first.

Dr Rebecca Hassall
PhD Canine Behaviour & Cognition
Cognidog

08/06/2026

What do puppy training classes with a PhD-qualified behaviourist look like? Lots of fun! 6-week course in Deal starts Wed 8th of July @ 7.15 pm. Covers essential cues (sit, down, stay, recall and loose leash walking), whilst developing confidence, social skills and focus around distractions. You'll receive practical guidance and a puppy parent manual covering toilet training, biting, chewing, separation, nutrition, health and more. Setting you and your puppy up for success.

Comment puppy to find out more or book online at cognidog.co.uk/puppy-training-foundation-course

08/06/2026

🐾 Worried about your dog’s behaviour or not sure where to start with training? My 1-hour Pathfinder Sessions (£35) are designed to help you better understand your dog, discuss any challenges you may be facing, and identify the best next steps.

Sessions include practical training advice and behaviour support from a PhD-qualified behaviourist with over 25 years of experience working with dogs across training, behaviour, welfare, and daycare settings.

Pathfinder sessions are suitable for:
• puppies
• adolescent dogs
• adult dogs
• behaviour issues and concerns
• training advice
• owners wanting reassurance and guidance

📍 Deal, Dover, Sandwich & surrounding areas

Please feel free to message me or visit Cognidog.co.uk if you’d like to learn more or book a session 😊

07/06/2026

Happy Saturday morning pups!

06/06/2026

Look at those puppy recalls. When you start with small steps you get he best long term results

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

Did you know that young children are more likely to be bitten by a dog than any other population group? 🐕

Children communicate very differently from adults, and dogs can find it hard to understand them. They can be unsure how to make it known when they want to be left alone.

So, it’s important to teach children how to interact safely with dogs.

This Child Safety Week, explore our top tips: https://bit.ly/4vH5XoH

02/06/2026

Great sound socializing for your puppy. Just remember every puppy has individual needs. So if you have a timid pup you will need to start with quieter noises and work your way up to louder noise as they become more confident.

17/07/2016

Hi everyone. A quick request to any of my past clients, you probably all remember Regan from classes, or pictures of her playing with all her dog walking friends. Please like share or donate if you can. Every little helps!

Regan the dog: Help my humans are going to Newzeland! a PHD in animal cognition is taking them away and I want to go too. Mum says it will cost over £4000 take me. Her research helps all animals, but she doesn't think her heart can take breaking mine.