What's the Difference? Understanding Training, Behaviour, and Gait Sessions for Dogs

Keeping your Little Woofer happy and healthy goes beyond walks in the park. Sometimes, unwanted behaviours or changes in movement can signal deeper issues. We offer a range of services to address these concerns. But with terms like training sessions, behaviour sessions, and gait analysis getting tossed around, it can be confusing to pick the right option for your pup. Worry not, pet parent! This blog post will unpack the differences between these sessions, helping you choose the best path for your Little Woofer.

Training Sessions: Teaching Your Pup New Tricks

Training sessions focus on teaching your dog specific cues and desired behaviours. This could involve basic obedience skills like sit, stay, come, or heel, or more advanced tricks like give that paw or fetch. A good training session will be positive and reward-based, strengthening the bond between you and your dog.

Behaviour Sessions: Addressing Unwanted Habits and Emotions

Behaviour sessions tackle existing behavioural problems your dog might be exhibiting. This could include anything from excessive barking and jumping/lunging on lead, to not being able leave the room with your Little Woofer going in to panic stations. But behaviour work goes deeper than just stopping the action. A qualified behaviourist will work with you to understand the root cause of the behaviour, which can often be rooted in emotions like fear, anxiety, or frustration. By addressing these underlying feelings, behaviour sessions aim to help your dog feel more positive and secure, ultimately leading to a more well-adjusted and happy companion. This is a tailored behaviour modification programme.

Gait Analysis: Assessing Movement for Pain

Gait analysis is a specialized session that focuses on analysing your dog's walking pattern and movements. This can be helpful in identifying potential sources of pain or discomfort in dogs of all ages. A gait analysis often involves observation of your dog moving on specific surfaces, as well as everyday movement combined with your dog's medical history. The impact of pain or discomfort is often under-estimated by us - as our dogs hide it well! In many cases where previous behavioural work has not been successful, gait analysis is the best place to start!

Still Unsure? We Can Help!

If you're unsure which session is best suited for your dog's needs, don't hesitate to contact us. Remember, a happy and healthy dog is a well-understood dog! We are here to help!