Adam’s canine behaviourist work focuses on ‘last chance’ dogs; dogs which are faced with being signed into a rescue centre or being euthanised due to their behavioural issues. Adam has always been drawn towards dogs whose poor start to life has resulted in their problematic behaviour. This results in the majority of cases he accepts being dogs adopted from rescue shelters. Because of this, many of the cases he works with are typically advanced aggression towards either dogs or people.
Adam’s theoretical principals are based in the neuropsychology of behaviour, focusing on how emotion is often a major factor in anti-social reactions. This is an area of great interest for him and a subject of which he is always looking to expand his knowledge.
Adam has tailored his own education to understand and work with aggressive dogs. It is working with such dogs that Adam developed his fondness for Bull breeds. He always endeavours to champion and promote these much maligned breeds.”
CFBA profile excerpt.
MY Philosophy and approach
My technique is very much a holistic approach ensuring there is a strong bond of trust and understanding between dog and owner. Utilising neuropsychology expressed through body language will establish you, the owner, as the calm confident parental figure your dog needs you to be.
Assuming responsibility, and thus the perceived stress, will allow your dog to learn and progress safe in the knowledge you can be relied upon.
Providing your dog with simple guidance at home through quality daily exercise, stimulation and structure will instil their trust in you. Under your guidance your dog will gain the confidence to cope with day to day challenges in a calm manner.
Effective communication (both understanding and being understood by your dog), is the key to guiding your canine companion through any behavioural problems.
“Adaption, not Reaction” is the key. I like dogs to calmly adapt to their environment as opposed to reacting to everything that happens around them.
I don’t use gimmicks, gadgets, bags of treats or find it necessary to shape behaviour via force or through dominating dogs.
I address the root cause of the behaviour, not simply focusing on symptoms, allowing your dog to learn to make the correct decisions. Effectively you will be teaching your dog the manners and confidence it will need to be a positive member in any social environment.
Once you understand why your dog was misbehaving, and how to guide them through it, you will be able to address the issue yourself strengthening the bond between you and your dog.
Find out more about choosing a dog behaviourist here
See this post for my views on domination, pack theory, being the alpha and coercion.
I cover North Wales and North West England but will also consider other areas.
Behavioural Associations
I am a full member of the CFBA, Canine and Feline Behavioural Association, registered with them as a canine behaviourist.
It is being a member of this recognised behavioural association which qualifies me to trade as a Canine Behaviourist.
“The leader in the field of dog and cat behaviour solutions. Pet owners are assured that any member of the CFBA has a proven record of success and knowledge. The CFBA works with most of the UK pet insurance companies through referrals from veterinary practices. The Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training (CIDBT) is the education section of the CFBA and their courses meet the criteria demanded to achieve accreditation by the Kennel Club. The CFBA carefully selects membership from the very best of Britain’s dog and cat behaviourists to provide solutions to the UK pet problems”
You can view my full CFBA profile here
I’m fully insured as a canine behaviourist.
Adam Hobbs Canine behaviourist Qualifications
My journey into canine psychology began in the late 1990s and after working with worst case rescue dogs in the difficult rescue centre environment I developed a simple and effective way of integrating your dog into your home and family. More importantly, my methods encourage the dog to become naturally adaptive (instead of reactive) to all situations in a manner easily understandable by both pet and owner.
As part of my ongoing theory work I have so far earned:
Pet Education Training & Behaviour Council of Great Britain.
“This diploma is accredited by the PETbc and recognised in the UK as the premier qualification for canine behaviourists, trainers and instructors. Holders of this Diploma will be acknowledged as being highly competent within their field of expertise” – Pet Education Training & Behaviour Council of Great Britain.
Compass Education and Training covering subjects such as; what makes a social animal, acoustic communication, body language, visual communication, communication via scent, taste and why touch is important to canines.
“This diploma is designed to equip the student with the knowledge to ‘read’ and understand how and what dogs communicate to each other and to humans. This is essential if one is to be working with dogs or engaged in training or behaviour therapy.” – Compass Education and Training.
Animal Care College, covering subjects such as; aggression types – development of and treatments of, neuropsychology (neurotransmitter and endocrine function), effects of stress and arousal, effects of diet and medical conditions.
“This diploma has been written for trainers and behaviourists. It summarises the reasons for aggressive behaviour, the backgrounds and the current thinking about the treatment of canine aggression and suggests ways in which aggressive behaviour can be modified.” – The Animal Care College.
Accredited by the Centre of Excellence, registered with the CMA.
Neuropsychology is a branch of psychology that is concerned with how the brain and the rest of the nervous system influences cognition and behaviours.
In order to progress dogs through behavioural issues a sound understanding of neuropsychology can facilitate accurate diagnoses of the underlying causalities thus avoiding focussing only on symptoms. This approach ensures reliable long-term results, as opposed to short term symptom suppression, creating a mutual human-canine relationship built on trust and confidence.
“This course covers areas such as; Neuropsychology, Brain and central nervous system structure, research methods, consciousness and awareness, perception, communication, memory, developmental disorders, psychiatric disorders and emotion.” – Centre of excellence.
Accredited by Centre of Excellence, registered with the CMA.
This course covers topics such as; Neuroplasticity, neurobiology, neurogenesis, recovery from psychological trauma, recovery from brain injury, attachment theories on the developing brain, overcoming attachment disruption and insecure attachment, harnessing neuroplasticity to enhance sociability and promote positivity.
“Neuroplasticity is a powerful tool that allows the brain to rewire itself to its advantage. It can heal from trauma, overcome insecure attachment, and change personality traits for the better.” – Centre of excellence.
British College of Canine Studies, covering subjects such as, the effects of high quality or low quality diet and nutrition on a dogs health, well-being and development, canine body functions and systems, common conditions/bacteria/virus and defences against them, conventional medicines, alternative and holistic therapies, first aid, exercise and how life stages are affected.
“Canine health and nutrition is a topic not enough people know about and the demand for canine nutritionists is growing. Nutrition is a vital part of your dogs health. There are so many different foods on the market for dogs it can be very confusing choosing the right one for your dog. However if you know what nutrients they need, you can make an informed decision. Canine health and nutrition can be very scientific, there are a variety of variables which can affect the health of our dog”. – British College of Canine Studies Education and Training.
Compass Education and Training, “Canine first aid is important for all people working with dogs in any professional capacity as well as private owners.” – Compass Education and Training.
Canine Feline Behaviour Association modules (CFBA) in conjunction with the Cambridge Institute of Canine Behaviour & Training;
Through the Canine Feline Behaviour Association this two day practical workshop module covers; the mental causes of dog aggression, the different aspects of triggers, other contributing factors such as situation and location. Also, training strategies, rehabilitation programs are covered as well the consultation and information gathering aspect of the process.
Through the Canine Feline Behaviour Association this two day practical workshop module covers; the mental causes of dog to human aggression, the different aspects of triggers, other contributing factors such as situation and location. Also incorporated are; training strategies, rehabilitation programs and the ramifications, both legally and morally, of advice offered. The consultation and information gathering aspect of the process is also covered
BOOK A CONSULTATION
In need of expert help for you and your dog?
Consultations are done on a one-to-one basis usually within your home or possibly at another suitable venue. They typically last around 3 hours; during this time I will observe your dog whilst we discuss the issues.
I will then explain the cause of the undesirable behaviours and how they developed. We will discuss, and I will demonstrate, how to progress your dog through the issues teaching you effective skills enabling you to go on to implement the solutions yourself.
Email or phone support is available and follow up sessions can be arranged on request.
What people are saying
I can't thank Adam enough for all his help with mollie, she was biting and wouldn't put any form of collar on, we ended up not being able to walk... read more
Jayne Humphreys
16/05/2022 Adam came to see me and my male sharpei as he was a nightmare walking and very reactive when seeing other dogs. Adam helped me a lot and have me... read more
Michael Baeten
13/04/2022 We were at a loss as to why my boys were fighting. They had lived together for years with no issues.
7 fights in 3 months.
Adam came to assess... read more
Sarah EJ Magness
20/02/2022- We contacted Adam as our rescue dog has a history of abuse, aggression towards people and dogs and just all round very unsocialised.
We knew we would need help with... read more
Leoni Elizabeth
22/01/2022 My rescue dog suddenly snapped at a visitor back in August and I was horrified. I had never seen this behaviour from her before and she had been with us... read more
Nicky Hodgson
03/11/2021 I would like to say a huge thank you to Adam . He came this morning to help us with our french bulldog . We now know how to make... read more
Wendy Crompton
27/02/2021 - I highly recommend Adam! He has helped me with my Eddy (a 4,5 year-old rescue) in the most amazing way! It's very obvious from the first seconds that he is... read more
Maria Katsarou-Makin
06/01/2021 We adopted a Romanian rescue who really did not want to do anything but hide away and sleep. She was terrified of me in particular, and would rarely venture out... read more
Andrew Wilkinson
18/12/2020 Thank you very much for helping us with our dogs’ behaviour. We hadn’t been able to walk our dogs together or let them be in the same room in months.... read more
Christy Collings
26/09/2020 - thank you so much for helping us understand the girls behaviour. for the first time in a long time I feel positive that we can keep them both under the... read more
Sam Webb
13/07/2020 Adam came to see myself and Martha, my Romanian rescue Carpathian Shepherd dog last week. Martha is 6 years old and has suffered years of abuse and has many... read more
Catherine Walshaw
03/01/2020 Adam came to see us a week ago to teach us how to help our rescue dog Ralph. Adams knowledge, sense of calm and level expertise is unrivalled. And on... read more
Anna Spanner
18/11/2019 - fabulous. already seeing results.
Jackie Goode
09/11/2019 We have just spent 4 invaluable hours with ADAM and our two dogs Zeus and Santo who have had a falling out after Santo returned from the Vets after... read more
Lord-Alan Stephen Wright
28/09/2019 I can't recommend Adam highly enough. The way he explained everything made total sense and seems obvious but I learnt so much about Rufus and his behaviour which has impacted... read more
Adele Phoenix
16/08/2019 - Absolute fantastic results already and it's only been a week, thank you so much! totally brilliant and made me So much more aware of my dog and also widened my knowledge
Rachel Tatler
14/08/2019 couldn't thank Adam enough for the help he has given us. after just one week we have 2 very calm relaxed and happy dogs. can not wait to see our... read more
Milly Mckay
13/08/2019 Adam helped us with our two excitable Staffies. His advice was invaluable and really helped us to understand them more. In just one meeting he gave us things to work... read more
Melanie Davies
07/08/2019
My ultimate aim as a Canine Behaviourist
I aim to reduce the number of dogs signed over to the rescue centre because of behavioural issues. Most unwanted behaviours could be eradicated in the home with a few simple steps from the owners with my guidance.
Find out more about my work with the North Clwyd Animal Rescue Centre (NCAR) here
This also applies to rescued dogs. Taking a rescue dog home can lead to initial problems as the dog becomes accustomed to their the new home and routine. It’s not uncommon for the new owner to have to help their new companion work through previous traumas they may have suffered.
Often the dog is given no chance to prove they can adjust successfully and is returned to the centre. Again, with my guidance, the new owners could have rapidly established a great relationship with the dog based on trust and confidence.
Working dogs through behavioural problems in a rescue centre environment can be very challenging and time consuming, whereas in a home environment, progress can be attained much faster. This keeps the dog with the family he belongs in, and gives the family the dog they always hoped for!
The rescue centre also benefits as it has one less dog to try to re-home leaving space for other rescue cases.