Dog behavioural therapy: what is it and when do you need it?

Dog behavioural therapy isn’t training, but a therapeutic process for an underlying behavioural problem: fear, aggression, compulsive behaviour, excessive barking or separation anxiety. Where a dog school teaches skills, a behavioural therapist looks for the cause of the behaviour and builds a targeted approach around it. Not sure whether your dog needs regular training or therapy? Read on below.

Dog school or behavioural therapy: the difference

A dog school focuses on obedience, socialisation and general skills, group lessons, puppy courses, obedience training. Behavioural therapy is more targeted: one-on-one guidance for a specific problem, often starting with an extensive analysis of the situation, its history and the triggers. Many regular dog schools refer clients on to a behavioural therapist themselves as soon as a problem turns out to be structural and doesn’t resolve with regular training.

When do you need behavioural therapy?

• Persistent fear that doesn’t lessen with regular socialisation or habituation.
• Aggression towards people, other dogs or specific triggers.
• Compulsive behaviour, such as excessive licking, spinning or chasing their own tail.
• Separation anxiety that persists despite gradual training.
• Leash reactivity that doesn’t decrease with standard training.

Do you recognise stress signals in your dog that persist or worsen? That’s a good moment to consult a behavioural therapist rather than waiting it out.

Who’s allowed to call themselves a behavioural therapist?

There’s no legal title protection, in principle, anyone can call themselves a dog behavioural therapist. Look, therefore, for recognition through a professional association. In the Netherlands that’s the NVGH (Nederlandse Vereniging van Gedragstherapeuten voor Honden, founded in 1997), whose members must hold a diploma from a recognised behavioural-therapy training programme and complete annual continuing education. The SPPD also keeps a register of accredited animal behaviour specialists, with a clear distinction between animal behavioural therapists and dog instructors. You can read more about this and other certifications in recognising an accredited dog school.

What does a behavioural therapy programme cost?

Prices vary a lot by practice and the complexity of the problem. As an indication, one Belgian practice quotes a behavioural assessment of around 2 hours for roughly €100, with follow-up consultations around €50, this is a sample rate from one practice, not a market average. Always ask each practice for a concrete price quote, and check whether your pet insurance covers (part of) the cost.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a dog school and behavioural therapy? A dog school trains obedience and skills; behavioural therapy treats an underlying problem such as fear or aggression, often through an individual programme.

When do I need a behavioural therapist instead of a dog school? With structural fear, aggression, compulsive behaviour or reactivity that doesn’t resolve with regular training, a regular dog school will often refer you on itself in that case.

What does dog behavioural therapy cost? This varies a lot by practice. Expect an extensive initial assessment plus follow-up consultations; always ask for a price quote in advance.

Does my pet insurance cover behavioural therapy? Some insurers reimburse consultations with a recognised behavioural therapist. Check this in your policy terms.