Canine Behaviour Specialist · Teesside
Behaviour modification that gets to the root cause — not just the symptoms. Helping reactive, anxious and overwhelmed dogs become calmer, safer and better understood.
Behaviour is never random. Every dog behaves for a reason, which is why every journey at It's Paw Choice begins with a comprehensive behavioural assessment.
Before we create a behaviour modification plan, we identify the emotional, environmental and learned factors driving your dog's behaviour.
Rather than simply suppressing unwanted behaviours, we help dogs understand they no longer need to respond that way.
We spend time understanding your dog, their environment, their emotional state and the situations that trigger unwanted behaviour.
Every behaviour has a reason. We identify the emotional, environmental and learned factors driving your dog's responses.
There are no generic programmes. Your behaviour plan is built around your dog, your goals and your lifestyle.
Together we teach your dog new ways to respond whilst giving you the skills and confidence to continue progress between sessions.
The aim isn't temporary obedience. It's helping your dog feel safer, calmer and more confident so unwanted behaviour becomes unnecessary.
Meet Craig
I'm Craig Dunn, a Canine Behaviour Specialist based in Guisborough, helping dog owners across Teesside create calmer, safer and more confident dogs through understanding — not punishment.
Every behaviour has a reason. My job is to find it, address it at the source, and guide you and your dog towards lasting behaviour change with a personalised behaviour modification plan.
Behaviour Challenges
Barking, lunging, freezing or becoming overwhelmed around dogs, people, traffic or busy environments.
Explore Reactivity 02Understanding the reason behind aggressive behaviour and creating a safe, structured behaviour modification plan.
Explore Aggression 03For dogs who ignore you outdoors, run off, chase distractions or choose everything else over you.
Explore Recall 04Helping dogs and owners build calmer, more connected walks without punishment or constant corrections.
Explore Lead Pulling 05Building confidence in dogs who struggle with visitors, noises, new environments or everyday situations.
Explore Anxiety 06Working safely with dogs who guard food, toys, spaces, people or valued items.
Explore Guarding 07For dogs who struggle to switch off, jump up, mouth, bark, chase or become over-excited quickly.
Explore Over Arousal 08Helping rescue dogs settle into family life through structure, patience and understanding.
Explore Rescue Support 09Supporting dogs who panic, struggle to settle or become distressed when left alone or separated from their owner.
Explore Separation AnxietyTrusted By Local Owners
Craig was amazing from start to finish. He helped us understand why our dog was reacting and gave us a clear plan that actually made sense.
Reactive Dog OwnerWe finally felt listened to. The assessment helped us see our dog differently and gave us confidence that things could improve.
Behaviour Assessment ClientCalm, professional and incredibly knowledgeable. The focus was never on forcing behaviour, but understanding what was causing it.
Anxious Dog OwnerBehaviour Assessment
Get in touch and book your behavioural assessment at a time that works for you.
We look at your dog, their environment, triggers, routines and emotional state.
You receive clear guidance built around your dog, your goals and your home life.
If suitable, we move into practical behaviour modification sessions.
The assessment is about understanding your dog properly before any recommendations are made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Reactivity is one of the most common reasons owners book an assessment. We look at why your dog is reacting, what triggers the behaviour, and what needs to change to help them feel calmer and safer.
Yes. Behaviour work should never be guessed. The assessment allows us to understand your dog properly before creating a safe and realistic behaviour modification plan.
No. The focus is on understanding behaviour, reducing pressure, improving communication and teaching your dog new ways to cope without fear-based handling.
No ethical behaviour specialist can guarantee behaviour change. What we can do is give you a clear, professional plan and support you through the process properly.
Assessments may take place at your home or a suitable neutral location depending on your dog and the behaviour concerns. Practical sessions are planned around what your dog needs.
It's Paw Choice is based in Guisborough and supports owners across Teesside and surrounding local areas.
Start The Behaviour Journey
If your dog is reactive, anxious, overwhelmed, aggressive, fearful or difficult to manage, the first step is not more obedience training. The first step is understanding why the behaviour is happening.