Due to suffering from Adrenal Insufficiency, an auto-immune condition which can affect humans and dogs, Fran Griffin is not taking on any further behaviour cases in order that she can concentrate on puppy classes and agility. For all other enquiries concerning behaviour problems, please contact veterinary behaviour specialist: Kendal Shepherd, MRCVS on 01933 681640 (there is usually an answerphone on this number), or Professor Daniel Mills MRCVS at the University of Lincoln Behaviour Clinic. Glynis Gammie on 01908 562001, or Angela Wilkins on 01234 711074 are available to deal with issues such as control problems and separation issues. However, Fran is available to discuss problems via the phone and offer remedial advice before passing on. (01908 397236)

QUALIFICATIONS COMBINED WITH HANDS ON EXPERIENCE ARE ESSENTIAL - Fran Griffin

Although I have a strong academic background in behaviour science, and cognitive psychology,and was member of the UK Registry of Canine Behaviourists (UKRCB) for 14 years. I have learned a great deal from hands on experience both living and working with dogs for most of my life. I have also taken in rescue dogs who have come into my life with problems of their own, and have succesfully rehabilitated them, whilst taking on board what it is like to have lived with a dog who has various issues.

I help and give advice in many different types of behavioural problems, in dogs of all ages. This training includes going beyond the realms of treating the symptoms to looking for the root cause of the problem. Only then might a successful outcome become at all possible. I also have personal experience of living with rescue dogs who have suffered behavioural problems and fully appreciate the stresses and strains these cause.

It would be to difficult to describe what happens during and after the consultation as each case is individual and will need handling accordingly.  

If you would like to read about the experiences of one client please click here to read the story which she has very kindly submitted to this website.

ALL AGGRESSION CASES MUST HAVE BEEN THOROUGHLY EXAMINED BY A VETERINARY SURGEON BEFORE ASSESSMENTS CAN BE MADE. MANY AGGRESSION PROBLEMS HAVE UNDERLYING MEDICAL CAUSES, WHICH MAY NOT BE OBVIOUS TO THE UNTRAINED OBSERVER. ACORN DOG TRAINING HAS KENDAL SHEPHERD,MRCVS, A VETERINARY BEHAVIOUR SPECIALIST, AVAILABLE FOR THE MORE COMPLEX CASES.

The link below will show you one type of medical cause which might not be apparent to you, or to your veterinary surgeon without a thorough investigation. If your dog's behavioural problem has this type of cause, then without appropriate treatment, a successful outcome may not be possible. If you are having problems getting your vet to refer you, then please contact me for further information.

Behaviour changes associated with thyroid ~ should this link not take you directly to the article, please scroll down the page to list list of associated medical conditions.

Unfortunately not everyone calling themselves a "behaviourist" or "behaviour counsellor" are qualified, and some have very little, if any relevant hands on experience in training and handling problem dogs. Some may also be charging extortionate fees for their services. New guidelines as to who may refer to themselves as a "behaviourist/behaviour counsellor" will shortly be coming into effect. In the meantime please read the following article by the UK Registry of Canine Behaviourists, BEFORE approaching a potential behaviourist, to ensure they do have the right kind of background. Please click here to read the article.

If you are experiencing aggression problems with your dog then please contact the people listed at the top of this page. For all other problems, such as separation anxiety, hyperactivity, chewing, barking, etc please contact Fran on 01908 397236, or email. Otherwise check out the UK Registry of Canine Behaviourists Website for your nearest member.

Looking for a behavioural trainer in Scotland?

Please contact Dundee Dog Trainer

Site Articles:

Have you really got a dominant dog?

What a diet change can achieve

Interesting sites:

Dog Whisperer - Dog Psychology or Pop Psychology? - great reading which is a breath of fresh air, and which brings the understanding of dog psychology more up to date. However the operant conditioning information is well, well out of date, for the simple reason that the "pop psychology" of how dogs learn has sadly been left behind. How animals (including humans) learn is right at the cutting edge of modern cognitive psychology and most operant conditioning fans (who have never studied true cognitive psychology) would have their minds blown away by modern understanding which is advancing by the hour!

Joel Gavriele-Gold Author of "When Pets Come between Partners"

Click here to find out about Kendal Shepherd's new book for dog owners, with young children, who are concerned to do the right thing to avoid confrontations and bites.