Why I Became A Dog Behaviourist
Training your dog is not about tough love or who is the top dog
Although I have had dogs all my life, nothing prepared me for the broken, wild dog that arrived at my home one Sunday night. I could tell that the poor dog that stood hunched up before me was a truly broken animal. After a few weeks and some very unusual behaviour, Champy started to bite family members for no reason. He became very aggressive towards my wife and he was very reactive to other dogs out on walks. I took him to the vet to see if there were any medical problems, there wasn't.
We had 3 different behaviourists turn up and none of them could suggest anything positive or point me in the right direction, and things were not improving. My dog had to be muzzled in the house and on walks, which was not nice for him. But I had to do it because he would still attack my wife and anyone else. He was a big dog and believe me, those bites hurt. I didn't know what to do for this dog. We wanted to help him but we didn't know how. We had spent hundreds on behaviourists and nothing worked or improved anything. I took him to training classes to try and help him with his socialisation but had to remove him from the class as he was so stressed and tried to bite the trainer.
We did talk about having him put to sleep, but we could see that there was a good dog in there. I realised that the only people that could help him was us. I enrolled in a behaviourist course full time and studied hard. The course opened up everything, it gave me the tools I needed to help our dog. I was lucky that I had the time to go on the course and a very understanding wife.
There is a lot more to the story but I think I have given enough information for now. Almost any behavioural problem can be helped with the correct approach and understanding, all without any kind of punishment. The old ways will never cure a broken damaged dog, only positive, science-based methods work.
I'm happy to say that Champy turned out to be a lovely, kind dog and went on to live a very happy life.
View the Gallery to see some of the wonderful dogs I’ve worked with over the years.
Ethics & Approach
Ray Ward Dog Behaviourist BCCS Advanced Canine Behaviour
Putting Your Dog’s Welfare First
I believe every dog deserves to feel safe, understood, and supported.
At Ray Ward Dog Behaviourist, my work is guided by kind, ethical, and science-based methods that prioritise both behavioural change and emotional wellbeing.
My aim is not to control dogs through force or fear, but to help them learn in a way that builds confidence, trust, and long-term success.
How I Work
I use reward-based training and behaviour support, focusing on teaching dogs what to do rather than punishing them for unwanted behaviour.
This Approach
Encourages voluntary, confident behaviour
Builds trust and strengthens the human–dog relationship
Supports reliable, lasting learning
Reduces stress, fear, and anxiety
Behaviour Is Communication
Dogs use behaviour to express how they feel. Fear, frustration, stress, or confusion often sit underneath behaviours that people find challenging.
When a dog is struggling, my priority is to:
- Reduce stress and pressure
- Change how the dog feels about difficult situations
- Support calm, safe, alternative behaviours
This allows behaviour change to happen at the emotional level, not just the surface level.
What I Do Not Use
For ethical and welfare reasons, I do not use:
- Physical punishment or intimidation
- Pain-based or fear-based equipment
- Startle techniques or verbal threats
Methods designed to suppress behaviour without addressing the cause.
These approaches risk increasing fear, damaging trust, and worsening behaviour over time.
Every Dog Is an Individual
No two dogs are the same. My work always takes into account:
- Age, health, and physical comfort
- Past experiences and learning history
- Sensory sensitivities and environment
- The needs of the whole household
I work at the dog’s pace and tailor support to what helps that individual dog succeed.
My Ethical Promise
I promise to:
- Put your dog’s welfare first at all times
- Use the least intrusive, most humane methods available
- Be open and transparent about my approach
- Support you with clear, practical guidance
- Recommend veterinary or specialist input when appropriate
My Aim
My aim is not just behaviour change, but a dog who feels:
- Safe
- Understood
- Confident
Able to cope with the world around them
Ethical behaviour work is about care, understanding, and partnership - and that’s the standard I commit to in every case.
A Tailored Approach To Dog Behaviour
I am happy to work with dogs of all ages, breeds and temperaments. Whether you have a dog which has had a troubled life with previous owners, or a puppy that's never been properly socialised, I will give 100% to ensure you and your canine can both enjoy a happy, worry-free life.
In the old days, punishment was the main way of dealing with an unruly dog. Not here. At Ray Ward Dog Behaviourist I use methods which have been fully researched, and are designed to reward desired behaviours, rather than punish bad behaviour.
Speak to an experienced dog behaviour specialist in Woodbridge today.
Fully Qualified
Rest assured knowing I am a fully qualified and recognised dog behaviour specialist. I currently hold a number of qualifications, including:
British College of Canine Studies Diploma Advanced Canine Behaviour (Level 4 Diploma)
Understanding & Working with Canine Behaviour Analysis & Application (level 5 Diploma)
Pet Care Trust accreditation
Dog Behaviour Specialist in Woodbridge, East Suffolk
I offer my training and behavioural support services 7 days a week, and I'm always happy to fit you and your canine companion in at a time that suits you best.
Get in touch today. I look forward to working with you!