The Animal Behavioural Clinic

For pet owners across England, particularly in Lancashire, encountering behavioural challenges with their beloved animals can be distressing and complex. While local vets address physical health, some issues stem from deeper psychological or environmental factors, requiring specialist intervention. This is precisely where The Animal Behavioural Clinic, based in Wheelton, Chorley, plays a crucial role. It is not a conventional veterinary practice for routine check-ups, but rather a dedicated centre focused on understanding, diagnosing, and treating complex behavioural problems in a wide array of companion animals.

Headed by the internationally recognised Dr. David Sands, The Animal Behavioural Clinic offers a highly specialised service designed to help owners combat unwanted behaviours such as aggression, anxiety, destructive habits, and phobias. Their approach is rooted in ethology (animal psychology) and focuses on gentle, 'aggression-free' treatment methods, often incorporating positive reinforcement techniques. For anyone in the UK grappling with challenging pet behaviour, understanding the expertise and services offered by such a clinic is paramount to fostering a harmonious relationship with their animal companion. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of The Animal Behavioural Clinic, outlining its unique specialisations, location, and why it is a vital resource for pet owners.

The Animal Behavioural Clinic is situated at 127 Blackburn Rd, Wheelton, Chorley PR6 8EJ, UK. Wheelton is a village located near Chorley in Lancashire, offering a relatively accessible location for residents across the region. Blackburn Road is a main thoroughfare, making the clinic relatively easy to find for those travelling by car. Its position outside the immediate hustle and bustle of a city centre can be beneficial for pets that may be anxious or reactive in busy environments, providing a calmer setting for consultations.

While specific public transport options directly to the clinic's doorstep would depend on local bus routes, Chorley itself is well-connected by road networks, including proximity to major motorways such as the M6 and M61. This ensures that clients from a wider geographical area across Lancashire and even further afield in England can reach the clinic for their specialised appointments. For a service that often requires in-depth, focused sessions, a location that offers both ease of access for clients and a suitable environment for the animals is highly advantageous.

The Animal Behavioural Clinic, under the leadership of Dr. David Sands, specialises in the assessment and treatment of a comprehensive range of behavioural conditions in companion animals. Their services primarily focus on:

• Diagnosis and Treatment of Aggression: Addressing all forms of aggression in dogs, cats, horses, birds, and exotic species towards people, other animals, or objects. This includes issues potentially falling under The Dangerous Dogs Act.
• Anxiety and Fear-Related Behaviours: Helping pets cope with separation anxiety (stress destructive, barking, toileting), noise phobias, generalised anxiety, and other fear-based reactions.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders (OCD-like Behaviours): Identifying and treating repetitive or ritualistic behaviours that impact an animal's quality of life.
• Hyperactivity: Managing excessive energy levels and associated unruly behaviours in various species.
• House Training Issues: Addressing inappropriate urination, defecation, and spraying in cats and dogs.
• Owner-Attachment Disorders: Dealing with over-dependency and separation-related issues without necessarily resorting to medication.
• Veterinary Referrals: The clinic primarily accepts referrals from veterinary practices, ensuring a holistic approach to animal welfare by integrating behavioural and medical understanding.
• Expert Witness Services: Dr. David Sands provides reactive-testing assessments and banned-breed analysis for court reports, working with the Crown and Magistrates Courts, CPS, solicitors, police forces, and authorities.
• Gentle, Aggression-Free Treatment Methods: Emphasising positive reinforcement and non-aversive techniques for behaviour modification.
• Consultations for a Wide Range of Species: Specialising in dogs, cats, equine, avian (tropical parrots), and a variety of exotic animals.
• Insurance Claim Support: The clinic is registered to undertake treatment for insured pets, and can assist owners with the necessary paperwork for claims.

• Led by Dr. David Sands: The clinic is headed by Dr. David Sands, an internationally established animal behaviourist, author, and ethologist with a doctorate in animal psychology from Liverpool University. His extensive experience, research background, and media appearances (including TV documentaries like 'The Pet Set' and 'Suicide Bridge Dogs') underscore his expertise and credibility.
• Specialisation in Complex Behavioural Issues: Unlike general trainers, the clinic focuses on deep-seated emotional and psychological problems, providing a crucial service for pets whose behavioural issues are beyond basic obedience training.
• Wide Range of Species Expertise: Their ability to provide specialist behavioural help for dogs, cats, horses, birds, and exotic animals makes them a unique and valuable resource in the UK.
• Ethical, Aggression-Free Methods: A strong emphasis on humane and positive reinforcement techniques ensures that animals are treated with respect and kindness throughout the behaviour modification process.
• Accepts Veterinary Referrals: Their work in conjunction with veterinary practices highlights a collaborative approach, ensuring that any underlying medical conditions contributing to behavioural issues are considered. This integration of veterinary and behavioural science provides a comprehensive solution.
• Expert Witness and Court Report Services: Dr. Sands's role as an expert witness for court cases related to dog behaviour (including dangerous dogs) demonstrates a high level of recognised professional authority in the field.
• Registered for Insured Pets: Being registered to undertake treatment for insured pets offers financial reassurance to owners.
• Extensive Research and Publications: Dr. Sands's background in research and his numerous published books and contributions to animal information videos demonstrate a deep, evidence-based understanding of animal behaviour.

Address: 127 Blackburn Rd, Wheelton, Chorley PR6 8EJ, UK

Phone: 01257 249960

Mobile Phone: +44 1257 249960

For pet owners throughout Lancashire and indeed across England who are facing complex and challenging behavioural issues with their cherished animal companions, The Animal Behavioural Clinic in Wheelton, Chorley, is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended specialist resource. It is vital for locals to understand that this is not a general veterinary clinic for physical ailments, but rather a unique centre for profound behavioural expertise.

The leadership of Dr. David Sands, an internationally renowned ethologist and animal behaviourist, provides unparalleled credibility and experience. His extensive background in research, numerous publications, and media presence demonstrate a deep, evidence-based understanding of animal psychology. This means that locals can have full confidence that their pets' behavioural problems, no matter how complex – from aggression and anxiety to phobias in dogs, cats, horses, birds, or exotic species – will be approached with the utmost professional insight.

The clinic's commitment to "gentle and 'aggression-free'" treatment methods, focusing on positive reinforcement, is a significant highlight, ensuring humane and effective solutions. Furthermore, their seamless collaboration with referring veterinary practices ensures that any underlying medical causes for behavioural changes are properly addressed, providing a truly holistic care pathway. For any local in England whose pet is struggling with challenging behaviours, or for veterinary practices seeking expert behavioural referral, The Animal Behavioural Clinic in Chorley stands as an invaluable and highly trusted specialist service, dedicated to improving the lives of both pets and their human families.

The Animal Behavioural Clinic

127 Blackburn Rd, Wheelton, Chorley PR6 8EJ, UK