Experienced Dog Behaviourist in Southampton, Hampshire
If you’re looking for a dog behaviourist in Southampton, you’ve come to the right place.
Hello, my name is Ian Mackay, and I am a certified dog trainer and behaviourist with extensive experience in the field. I am based near Southampton and specialize in working with reactive and aggressive dogs.
In my training approach, I focus on a concept called ‘dog listening’. This means that I strive to understand the purpose behind every action a dog takes so that we can effectively manage their behaviour.
Reactivity in dogs can vary in severity. It can range from minor issues, such as barking when the doorbell rings, to more extreme cases where a dog may provoke attacks on specific dogs or breeds. Other behavioural problems that dogs can display include pulling on the lead, separation anxiety, destructive chewing, and excessive barking. Dealing with these behaviours can make life with your dog quite challenging.
Imagine the frustration of being pulled around by your dog during walks instead of the other way around. Or coming home to find your furniture destroyed, not knowing when your dog might lose control and misbehave. It can be disheartening when other dog owners and non-owners give you disapproving looks, suggesting that you haven’t properly trained your dog. These situations can often lead to you being seen as the local troublemaker.
The good news is that help is available. If you are looking for a Dog Behaviourist in Southampton, and serving the Hampshire area, do contact me to discuss how we can help.
By applying the principles of Dog Listening, I have been able to achieve remarkable success in managing reactive dogs and addressing unwanted behaviours. Whether your dog goes into a barking frenzy when someone rings the doorbell or shows aggression towards other dogs or people, I can work with you to help manage these issues.
Let me share with you the story of one of my clients, Vasco. Vasco is a magnificent Estrela Mountain Dog who had a specific trigger when his owner’s doorbell rang. I have included a video below that shows a session where we worked on managing this behaviour. It will give you a glimpse into my approach and the effectiveness of these techniques.

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As you can see from the video, my approach is centred around understanding the root cause of the behaviour and addressing it in a calm and effective manner. By using communication techniques that dogs naturally respond to, I am able to create a harmonious relationship between dogs and their owners.
When working with reactive dogs, it’s important to remember that their reactions are not a result of them being ‘bad’ or ‘aggressive’. Instead, their behaviours are a response to a perceived threat or fear. Through Dog Listening, we can identify the triggers and work towards creating a sense of security and confidence in your dog.
In addition to reactive behaviours, I can also help with other common problems such as pulling on the lead, separation anxiety, and destructive chewing. By providing you with the tools and knowledge to understand your dog’s behaviour, we can work together to address these issues and improve your relationship with your dog.
If you are struggling with a reactive or aggressive dog, or if you simply want to improve your dog’s behaviour, I am here to help. Through Dog Listening, we can create a positive and peaceful environment for both you and your furry friend. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a happier and healthier relationship with your dog.
Trainer & Dog Behaviourist in Southampton, Hampshire
Behaviours treated: Lead Pulling, Separation Anxiety, Excessive Barking, Destroying Furniture, Chewing, Aggression, Reactivity, Poor recall… and all manner of other unwanted dog behaviour issues.
Click on the link below to go to my contact form, where we can set up an initial no-obligation chat. Here I can advise you on how best to address your dog’s behavioural issues. Looking for a Dog Behaviourist near you? – We serve the entire Southampton area and throughout Hampshire, UK.