Aggression, anxiety, excessive barking, sudden changes in older pets — behaviour problems are often medical problems in disguise. We rule out underlying disease first, then work with you (and qualified behaviourists where needed) on a structured plan.
Behaviour problems are one of the most common reasons pets are surrendered, rehomed or euthanased — despite being one of the most treatable categories of issue we see. The biggest mistake owners make is assuming it’s “just behaviour” without first ruling out a medical cause. Pain, sensory loss, hormonal disease and cognitive decline all show up as “behaviour problems” in pets that can’t tell you what’s wrong.
Common behaviour issues we see
Aggression
Sudden or escalating aggression in a previously well-behaved pet almost always has a cause — pain (particularly dental, ear or joint pain), sensory loss (hearing, vision), neurological disease, or hormonal changes. Even in dogs with longstanding behavioural aggression, ruling out medical contributors is the essential first step. Once we’ve done that, we can refer to a qualified clinical behaviourist for behaviour modification work.
Separation anxiety
Distress when left alone — vocalising, destructive behaviour, toileting indoors, self-injury or escape attempts. Genuinely common, often missed because owners don’t see what happens when they’re out. We can support with medication where appropriate, structured behaviour modification plans, and signpost to recommended training and behaviour support.
Noise phobias & firework anxiety
Fireworks, thunderstorms, gunshots, fairground noises — pets can become genuinely terrified, with serious welfare implications. Modern treatment combines pre-event preparation, environmental management, anxiety-reducing pheromones (Adaptil, Feliway), and medication where appropriate. Crucially, this needs planning weeks ahead of fireworks season — come and see us in early autumn for the best results.
Excessive barking or vocalising
Chronic barking has many causes — boredom, anxiety, frustration, territorial behaviour, attention-seeking, or pain. The treatment depends entirely on the cause, which is why a proper assessment matters more than generic advice.
Cognitive dysfunction in older pets
The pet equivalent of dementia — we recognise it more often now thanks to better awareness. Signs include disorientation, altered sleep-wake cycles (pacing at night), reduced interaction, accidents indoors, and apparent “forgetting” of trained behaviours. There are evidence-based medications, dietary interventions and supplements that can genuinely help. Old age isn’t a diagnosis — cognitive decline is treatable.
Toileting issues
House soiling in a previously trained pet is often medical — UTIs, kidney disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, arthritis (making it hard to reach the toileting area). In cats, FIC and stress are particularly common. We’ll always check for medical causes first.
Stereotypic & compulsive behaviours
Tail chasing, flank licking, light chasing, fly snapping, paw licking. These often start with a medical or environmental trigger and become self-reinforcing. Early intervention is much more successful than waiting until the behaviour is entrenched.
Stress in cats
Cats are particularly sensitive to stress. Multi-cat households, changes in routine, new family members, building work, or even unseen stressors like a neighbour’s cat in the garden can trigger stress-related illness — FLUTD, over-grooming, withdrawal, inter-cat aggression. We’ll work through this with you systematically.
Signs your pet may need a behaviour consultation
Behaviour change as a medical red flag
Sudden behaviour change is often the first sign of a serious medical problem. Please book a same-day or next-day consultation if your pet is:
- Suddenly aggressive when previously placid — particularly when touched in a specific area
- Hiding, withdrawn, or unusually quiet
- Disoriented, walking into walls, or appearing confused
- Showing severe self-trauma (over-grooming to bald patches, biting at limbs)
- Repeatedly star-gazing, fly-snapping or having “absent” episodes (could indicate seizures)
- Pacing, panting and unable to settle (could indicate pain or distress)
Our approach to behaviour problems
1. Rule out medical causes
Full physical examination, bloods where indicated, pain assessment, sensory testing. Many “behaviour” problems are medical problems in disguise.
2. Detailed history-taking
Extended consultation to understand the behaviour itself — triggers, context, frequency, what works and what doesn’t. We’ll often ask you to keep a diary or send video.
3. First-line management
Environmental changes, pheromone therapy, dietary support, medication if clinically appropriate. Often this is enough for milder cases.
4. Specialist referral
For complex aggression, severe anxiety or persistent issues, we refer to qualified behaviourists who specialise in this work — and stay involved in supporting the medical side.
Working with The Dog Training Company
As part of the Paws & Co Group, we work closely with The Dog Training Company — offering science led, evidence-based training and behaviour support across West Yorkshire. For training and management issues that don’t need clinical intervention, the trainers there can often resolve issues with a few well-targeted sessions.
Transparent pricing
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard Consultation (15 min) | £39 |
| Extended Behaviour Consultation (30+ min) | £60 |
| Bloods / pain assessment | POA |
| Behaviour modification medication | POA |
| Clinical behaviourist referral | Referral Discount |
Companion Plan members receive consultations included plus 20% off medications. The Dog Training Company offers training packages tailored to specific behavioural goals.
Behaviour change takes time. We’re with you for it.
Most behaviour cases need follow-up consultations, possibly long-term medication, and structured progress reviews. Companion Plan members get free consultations plus 20% off medications — and we offer the wider Paws & Co Group as a coordinated training and behaviour resource.
Frequently asked questions
My old dog has started growling at the children — should I just manage it?
Please book in — sudden aggression in older pets is often pain-driven, particularly arthritic or dental pain. Don’t assume it’s a behaviour problem until we’ve checked. Treating the pain often resolves the aggression.
Are anti-anxiety medications safe long-term?
Modern behaviour medications — fluoxetine, clomipramine, sileo, trazodone — have strong safety profiles when used appropriately. They’re not sedatives; they’re typically used alongside behaviour modification rather than instead of it. We’ll discuss the options thoroughly.
What can I do to prepare for fireworks season?
Start in early autumn. Options include calming pheromones, anxiety wraps, soundproofing safe spaces, gradual sound desensitisation, and short-term medication for the worst nights. Planning ahead transforms outcomes.
Do you do home visits for behaviour problems?
We don’t routinely offer home visits, but we can request video footage of the behaviour at home as part of the consultation. For severe cases requiring environmental assessment, a clinical behaviourist referral may include a home visit.
Is my older dog going senile?
Cognitive dysfunction is common in older pets — signs include disorientation, altered sleep, reduced interaction and accidents. The good news: there’s real evidence behind dietary support, supplements (e.g. Aktivait), and prescription medications that can slow progression and improve quality of life.
What’s the difference between a vet and a clinical behaviourist?
Vets diagnose and treat medical contributors to behaviour, prescribe medication, and oversee the case medically. Clinical behaviourists hold specific qualifications in behavioural science and run the practical behaviour modification programmes. The two work together — we’ll happily refer when appropriate.
Get behaviour problems properly assessed
Medical workup first. Honest advice. Coordinated support across the wider Paws & Co Group.