Understanding Your Dog, One Step at a Time
At The Dog in Me, I believe every dog has a story—and sometimes, that story needs to be listened to with a little more care, patience, and expertise. My Dog Behaviour Assessment Walks, available in Lisburn and Belfast, are designed to help you understand the why behind your dog’s behaviour. Whether you’re dealing with reactivity, anxiety, pulling on the lead, fear-based responses, or general unruliness, these sessions provide clarity, guidance, and a path forward.
I walk with you-literally and figuratively-to observe your dog in real-world situations and provide practical, immediate insight and advice tailored to your unique situation.
What Is a Behaviour Assessment Walk?
A Behaviour Assessment Walk is more than just a stroll through the park. It’s an on-the-ground evaluation of your dog’s behaviour in a familiar or semi-controlled outdoor setting. This service allows me to:
- Observe your dog’s natural responses to common triggers like people, traffic, dogs, or unfamiliar environments.
- Understand the root causes of certain behaviours—be they fear, frustration, overexcitement, or lack of training.
- Assess leash manners, recall tendencies, and social interactions.
- Provide real-time feedback and strategies to address unwanted behaviour in the moment.
Unlike traditional consultations done in the home or training centre, assessment walks show me exactly what’s happening in the real world-because that’s where life with your dog really unfolds.
Who Is This Service For?
This service is ideal for dogs experiencing:
- Lead reactivity (lunging, barking, growling at dogs or people)
- Anxiety or over-arousal in outdoor settings
- Inconsistent recall or disconnection from the handler
- Poor leash manners (pulling, zigzagging, freezing, etc.)
- General behaviour issues in outdoor or public environments
- Transitioning rescue dogs who are struggling to adapt
Whether you’re based in Lisburn, Belfast, or the surrounding areas, I come to you or we meet at an agreed location that suits your dog’s needs and comfort level.
What to Expect During a Behaviour Walk
I tailor every session to your dog. No two dogs are the same, and I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all training.
Here’s how a typical session works:
- Pre-Session Questionnaire
Before the assessment walk, I’ll send you a short form to gather background information—your dog’s history, daily routines, known triggers, and your concerns. This helps me hit the ground running.
- Initial Meet & Greet
I’ll start the walk with a gentle introduction to ensure your dog is comfortable with my presence. Nervous or reactive dogs will be met at a distance, and I’ll work to build trust from the outset.
- Walk & Observe
During the walk, I’ll watch how your dog engages with the environment, how they respond to stimuli (dogs, people, cars, noises), and how they interact with you. I’ll evaluate body language, stress signals, and coping strategies.
- On-the-Spot Guidance
You’ll receive real-time coaching as situations unfold. Whether it’s teaching a redirection technique, suggesting a better piece of equipment, or guiding you through a trigger, I’ll support you with practical advice.
- Post-Walk Feedback & Plan
After the session, I’ll sit down (or chat over the phone) and discuss everything I’ve observed. You’ll receive a summary of findings, recommended next steps, and options for ongoing support if needed.
My Approach
At The Dog in Me, I work with a deep respect for both dogs and their people. My methods are rooted in:
- Positive reinforcement
- Evidence-based training practices
- Fear-free handling
- Empathy and education
I never use harsh corrections, punishment-based methods, or outdated dominance theories. My goal is to help you build a stronger, more trusting relationship with your dog by understanding their needs, motivations, and communication style.
Why Choose a Behaviour Assessment Walk?
Many behaviour issues are environment-specific. A dog who behaves perfectly in the house may become anxious, overexcited, or reactive outside. Assessment walks give me a true-to-life picture of your dog’s world and how they navigate it.
Benefits include:
- Immediate insight into your dog’s behaviour
- Personalised feedback and support
- A judgment-free space to ask questions and feel understood
- Progress tracking over time (if you choose follow-up sessions)
- Better results than working in a static environment alone
My clients often tell me how empowering it feels to understand their dog on a deeper level—and how much more connected they feel after just one session.
Service Area: Lisburn & Belfast
I offer this service in both Lisburn and Belfast, covering a range of local parks, urban settings, and residential areas depending on your dog’s needs. If you’re not sure if you’re within range, just get in touch—I’ll do my best to accommodate.
Popular walk locations include:
- Wallace Park and Lady Dixon Park (Lisburn)
- Ormeau Park, Victoria Park, and the Lagan Towpath (Belfast)
- Quiet residential routes for dogs needing calmer environments
We can also start the walk from your home if that’s where your dog feels safest.
Pricing & Booking
Our Dog Behaviour Assessment Walk package includes:
- Pre-session questionnaire & planning
- 60-minute walk and evaluation
- Post-session feedback and email summary
- Suggested training plan or behaviour program
Investment: £60 (Lisburn & Belfast areas)
Ongoing behaviour support is also available.
To book your behaviour walk, head over to my Contact Page or drop me a message via email, WhatsApp or social media. I aim to respond within 24 hours.
Helping your dog feel safe, understood, and supported is the most rewarding step you can take as a dog guardian.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply curious about your dog’s behaviour, a Behaviour Assessment Walk can be the turning point.
Let me help you see the world through your dog’s eyes-and give you the tools to walk forward together with confidence.
