About

cainie behaviourist Lizzie Sibley BCCSDip.AdvCanBhv GoDT

Canine Behaviourist
Lizzie Sibley BCCSDip.AdvCanBhv GoDT

I'm Lizzie Sibley, a qualified dog behaviourist and trainer based near Henley-on-Thames, working with dogs and their families across Oxfordshire and Berkshire.

I set up Family Dogs because living successfully with a dog is about much more than teaching them to sit or walk nicely on a lead. Behaviour is shaped by the individual dog, their experiences, health, environment and the people they share their life with. Understanding all of those things helps us make changes that are realistic for both the dog and their family.

Contact Me

Qualifications & Professional Memberships

Advanced Canine Behavioural Science Diploma (Level 4)
PETbc

Professional Dog Training Instructor
The Guild of Dog Trainers

Professional memberships
IAABC
UK Dog Behaviour and Training Charter

DBS checked • Fully insured

I am also currently studying towards my Level 5 Diploma in Canine Behaviour as part of my ongoing professional development.

Behavioural support

Sometimes training alone isn't the answer.

For more complex concerns, I offer behavioural consultations that look beyond the behaviour you're seeing to consider what may be driving it. This can include your dog's learning history, environment, physical health, emotional state, motivation and communication.

Where pain or another medical issue may be contributing to behaviour, I will recommend veterinary assessment and can work alongside your vet where appropriate.

Behavioural Consultations

Training for real life

I offer one-to-one training for puppies and adult dogs, working with you in your home and out in the places where you actually need those skills.

That might mean helping a new puppy settle into family life, improving recall or lead walking, working on greetings and visitors, or simply making everyday life together a little easier.

Explore Puppy School

Explore 1-2-1 Training

Schools & organisations

I also provide independent behavioural assessments for dogs being considered for schools and other workplace environments.

These assessments consider the individual dog, the demands of the environment and the practical measures needed to support the welfare and safety of the dog and the people around them. Following the assessment, I can provide a written report with observations and recommendations to help the organisation make an informed decision.

How I work

My approach is reward-based, force-free and informed by current understanding of canine behaviour and learning. I don't use methods or equipment designed to cause pain, fear or intimidation. Instead, I work with the dog and the people around them to understand what's happening, make appropriate changes and teach skills that can be used in everyday life.

I am a qualified dog behaviourist and trainer (BCCSDip.AdvCanBhv, GoDT), fully insured and DBS checked, and I continue to develop my knowledge through further study and professional development.

Not sure where to start?

If you're unsure whether you need training or a behavioural consultation, take a look through my services and FAQs, or get in touch and I'll help you work out the most appropriate next step.