Behaviour consultation + follow up report

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We asked Jo for help with our dogs separation anxiety. Jo is lovely, she met with us, listened to our story and our expectations, and then gave us things to work on - stage by stage. Jo celebrates every win - no matter how little or big! And she supports any set back, with encouragement or tweaks as necessary. Jo is always on hand and I think that's what has kept us going, reporting our updates and progress, and being so closely supported. Thank you Jo for helping us get our freedom back!! 🐶
Verity

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We contacted Jo when we saw some worrying behaviours in our 3 year old lab Ernie. He was beginning to isolate himself from the family in another room of an evening and on a number of occasions growled at us if we approached him when he was resting in the evening. I became very anxious about this just assuming it was an “aggressive” part of his personality emerging until Jo suggested that these behaviours could be directly related to him feeling pain or discomfort in his body. We also noticed he was stiff after upto an hours walk - not something we would expect from a 3 year old lab. Jo conducted a dynamic dog assessment with Ernie and highlighted some issues both in dynamic and static positions. After a visit to our own vet to discuss this we had a subsequent referral to a specialist orthopaedic vet and a CT scan and assessment. We now find out that Ernie has elbow dysplasia. Although this is not the news we wanted to hear we now have a treatment plan to include medication, lifestyle changes and hydrotherapy which should give Ernie the best chance of a fuller life with far less pain and discomfort. Had it not been for Jo highlighting this link between unwanted behaviour and the possibility of pain/discomfort and encouraging me to explore this further we would still be back at square 1. Jo is kind, patient, empathetic and so knowledgeable. Would highly recommend her and am looking forward to working with Jo on some 1:1 training in the near future once Ernie is settled on his new regime. Thank you Jo 🤩
Joanne

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We have a Reactive Young GSD and had seen multiple trainers before Jo with unfortunately no improvement. Within the first session with Jo she had picked up on ways in which we could make him feel more comfortable and his improvements have been growing week by week. The initial consultation was at our home which was very nice as she got to see him in his home environment where he is most comfortable. Jo is very accomodating and has tailored our session around our lifestyle. we are still a working progress but we have a lot of hope now for our boy now and that all of us can enjoy our walks again!
Anonymous

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We cannot rate Jo highly enough, she helped us years ago with a rehome we took on to great success, we have since rescued a troubled little boy and Jo,again, has helped us with his issues. Initially he had a few ‘triggers’ when out and about and Jo devised a training plan for us to use which was really effective. A few months down the line he started resource guarding us in the lounge, Jo came out and implemented a strategy which we have adhered to, the change in our Woody has been amazing. Jo definitely knows her stuff, she is very knowledgable, calm and very easy to talk to. We are very grateful for the support she has given us, she has checked in to see how we are doing and we know she is right there for us if we need her.Thankyou Jo. You have made such a difference to a troubled little rescue.
Connie

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We really recommend Jo for her help, professionalism and expertise with our male 2 year old Miniature Poodle. Charlie has had severe generalised anxiety for most of his life, with difficulties with handling and grooming especially, as well as unfortunate incidents with other off lead dogs. Jo recommended starting relaxation training and a Dynamic Dog Assessment. This involved filming Charlie during various specific activities, in his own home, with his family around, so much more natural and relaxing than at a vets. Jo sent her observations to our new fear free vet who started Charlie on a pain trial straight away. We are so glad we did the DDA, Charlie has been in chronic pain for two years with undiagnosed Elbow Dysplasia and concerns re his hip, despite being seen at our previous vets multiple times (he was too tense and fearful to demonstrate pain). We still have a journey to follow with his care but now he's on pain medication, he's so much more playful, more cuddly and generally happier and able to go out more! We have our puppy back!Thank you so much to Jo, we look forward to continuing to support and help Charlie in the future, now he is able to be in a learning state of mind.
Cheryl

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Jo knows her dog breeds! She knew exactly how to help our spaniel change his negative behaviour habits. Jo is easy to talk to and had a great rapport with Harry. We went away after four sessions with some great methods to encourage positive behaviour, some big improvements in unwanted behaviour and a happy dog. Thank you Jo
Susan Mulkern

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I was recommended Jo through my mum who had worked with her previously for her nervous staffie Elsie and couldn’t speak more highly of her.I have a very energetic, lively cockapoo puppy barney and after trying puppy classes and 1:1 sessions was struggling with what to do next.Jo completely put me at ease, made me realise barney was no different to any other puppy and just needed little reminders every now and again, particularly with settling whilst I was working and distraction techniques when he became over stimulated. Jo was continually on hand if I had any questions and has such a kind and calm approach, I couldn’t recommended her more. Barney still can be challenging at times but I now have the tools to manage him and he is a much more enjoyable pup to have around.
Shelley Smith

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Jo came to see Poppy about 6 weeks ago as her behaviour had changed. After Jo's assessment, it was recommended to make some small changes to her environment, her diet and to introduce 'calm'. Poppy is now raw fed and her treats have been replaced with more nutritional alternatives. Another suggestion from Jo was to book Poppy in to see a Physiotherapist. After a consultation Poppy was diagnosed with mild arthritis so this may have contributed in her change in behaviour. I was asked to supply Jo with a weekly diary for 4 weeks; people may think this unnecessary and time-consuming but it was necessary as you could clearly see an improvement week by week. Poppy is 8 years old next month and a right pickle - but she's our pickle and we love her. With Jo's help and guidance, Poppy is more settled, enjoying raw feed and is taking daily supplements for her arthritis. Jo, I can't thank you enough for your help, support and guidance in the last few weeks. Work with Poppy is ongoing and there is still room for improvement but she is definitely more settled and calmer. I would highly recommend Applause For Paws to anyone.
Rosie Hobbs

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I would highly recommend Jo, she is absolutely brilliant, so knowledgeable, supportive and patient. She put together a bespoke separation anxiety programme for our dog which has had amazing results so far! We can’t thank her enough as without her guidance we wouldn’t even know where to start. Thanks Jo!!
Dale Tucker

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I have really appreciated the help from Jo, she is so knowledgeable! She has really helped me to understand my dog and her needs in some challenges we were facing. The training that Jo provides/teaches is easy to teach your dog and easy to do with you dog on your own. What Jo has taught us is really going to help around the home and on days out and make everyone feel much more relaxed including Olive 🐾 We have noticed a big difference in Olive already! Jo is lovely, kind and very approachable. Would definitely recommend Applause for Paws.
Tilly Holden

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Jo is so knowledgeable, she knows her stuff inside out and is very kind and gentle with her approach and advice. You can tell she’s so passionate about what she does and cares for the dog she’s working with like they’re her own. I’m so excited to continue working with her and feel very positive about the outcome that I know we’ll achieve with her amazing help!
Charlotte Bowden

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We have had the best experience with Jo, we came to her after struggling with Milo’s recall and ignorance towards us on walks. Jo asked us everything we was doing with him and questioned his whole routine from waking up, dinner, walks She has been absolutely amazing to speak to about anything at anytime but also giving us so much help and advice with everything. Nothing is ever too much & she goes above and beyond, her love and intelligence with dogs is incredible. We can now walk Milo off the lead without worrying about whether he’s going to come back or not, he comes back every single time and his attention is fully on us. Couldn’t recommend enough if anyone is thinking about it! 🐾🐶🖤
Becky Myles

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Since going to see Jo,my pugs behaviour has improved so much. She's not as nervous and is a lot calmer around other dogs. I highly recommend applause for paws!
Sarah

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Just a fantastic help and support as we’ve worked with Seth, our 5 year old rescue dog.
Geoff