Qualified, professional dog behaviour support + 1:1 puppy training in York, Harrogate, Wetherby & North Yorkshire.

In-person support available in York Harrogate Sheriff Hutton Knaresborough Wetherby Easingwold Stamford Bridge ...and more!
Cocker spaniel owned by Gretta Ford, Dog Behaviourist, North Yorkshire

I’m here to help…

Using ethical and effective methods, I can help you and your dog to enjoy your life together!

So, whether you’re struggling with your dog’s behaviour, need to arrange an adoption/ foster assessment, plan to introduce a school dog or just want to get things right with your new puppy, I’m here for you.

I can help you with…

  • Dog to human aggression - North Yorkshire, York, Thirsk, Harrogate, Wetherby

    Problem Behaviour Towards People

    FOR DOGS THAT SAY ‘STOP THAT!’ BY BARKING, GROWLING OR SNAPPING AT PEOPLE

    Suitable for: ‘resource guarding’, dislike of handling, issues with family members (including children) and aggression towards visitors.

  • Dog Reactivity Help - North Yorkshire, York, Harrogate, Thirsk,

    Problem Behaviour With Other Dogs

    FOR DOGS THAT SAY ‘GO AWAY!’ TO OTHER DOGS BY BARKING, LUNGING OR SNAPPING

    Suitable for: dogs that are reactive to other dogs, are worried by unfamiliar dogs or get over-excited/ frustrated when meeting other dogs.

  • Dog anxiety fear and phobia help - North Yorkshire, York, Harrogate, Thirsk, Easingwold

    Problems Due to Anxiety/ Fearfulness

    FOR DOGS THAT SAY ‘OH NO!’ BECAUSE THEY’RE WORRIED BY THINGS THEY FACE IN LIFE

    Suitable for: fear of sounds (eg. gunshot/ fireworks), worries about going out on walks, fear of vet visits, car travel problems and similar.

  • Puppy Training and Problem Prevention

    FOR PUPPIES WHO NEED TO LEARN ESSENTIAL SKILLS THAT MAKE THEM A JOY TO LIVE WITH

    Suitable for: puppies under 6 months of age, who would benefit from personalised support, including those living alongside young children.

  • School Dog Guidance and Assessments

    FOR DOGS WHO SPEND TIME IN SCHOOLS OR NEED AN INSURANCE ASSESSMENT

    Suitable for: schools looking for ‘school dog’ guidance and training or schools that need to have a dog formally assessed for insurance purposes.

  • Child Adoption or Fostering Assessments

    FOR FAMILIES WHO ARE GOING THROUGH THE ADOPTION/ FOSTERING PROCESS

    Suitable for: people who want to welcome a child to their family through adoption or fostering (privately or through the local authority).

CLIENT FEEDBACK

“He’s like a different dog compared with when we first worked together.”

​“I’d just like to say a big, heartfelt thank you for all you have done for Tango. After 5 months of working with someone else, my decision to approach you instead was the best decision I have ever made! Thank you for showing me how to support him in his journey to being a confident, happy dog who chooses the right way to do things. He is now a joy to be with and it has all been accomplished in a kind, compassionate and humane way.”

Hilary & Tango

I’m Gretta… It’s lovely to meet you!

I’m an experienced, highly qualified and accredited dog behaviour consultant.

I’m an ABTC Registered Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB), a full member of the APBC and FABC and a guest lecturer at the University of Edinburgh’s Vet School. Of course, I’m really proud of all of that.

But what I really want you to know is that I’m here for you… and your dog!

When supporting dogs and their families, I combine my extensive expertise with my strong ethics and an empathetic approach, to ensure that it’s a positive experience for everyone.

“After conducting extensive research, we chose to work with Gretta... she was clearly highly-qualified and we trusted that she would know what she was doing with Annie - she certainly didn't disappoint!”


ELIZABETH & ANNIE

trying to choose who to work with?

We’ll be a good match if…

  • You’d like help with your dog who is displaying aggression/ reactivity or showing signs of fear/ anxiety OR you’d like help with choosing/ preparing for/ training a puppy.

  • You love your dog and want to have a great relationship with them, instead of feeling frustrated or worried by their behaviour (or just telling them off all the time!).

  • You’re sick of all the conflicting advice - you want to work with a properly qualified, accredited and experienced professional, who you can actually trust.

  • You want to be supported by a dog behaviour specialist who is empathetic, pragmatic and approachable…. you’ve been doing your best but now you need help.

NEED MY HELP WITH YOUR DOG?

follow these 3 steps

1. Choose your package

I offer a targeted approach, based on what you need. Select the best-fit option for you and just let me know how I can help. Not sure which service is the right one for you? No problem… just get in touch.

2. Guidance and support

I’ll work with you and your dog in person, to determine what’s going on and why. Then I’ll set out a clear action plan, to help you to move forward together, using kind, ethical and science-led methods.

3. Enjoy life with your dog!

With my support, you’ll have the confidence to make progress towards your goals and tackle any challenges in a positive way. You’ll soon be looking back and celebrating just how far you’ve both come!

  • "I am so thankful I found Gretta! Her extensive knowledge and care for her clients is priceless."

    BETSY (WITH TEDDY)

  • "I can't thank Gretta enough for her help. A much, much happier dog and human - just brilliant!"

    CHRIS (WITH LOKI)

  • "Gretta knows exactly what she's doing, explains things clearly and it works - it really is that simple!"

    JANE (WITH ZAK)

EMPATHETIC

EDUCATED

ETHICAL

EMPATHETIC ∘ EDUCATED ∘ ETHICAL ∘

REST ASSURED, I’M also

recommended by vets

Invaluable and reliable... the 'go to' specialist

"Having worked with Gretta for several years, we have found both the prompt service given to owners in need of help with their pet's behavioural problems and responses to our requests for advice invaluable and reliable. Gretta became very well known amongst our clients for her training and tackling of behavioural issues. She was the 'go to' specialist in our area and having Gretta available to refer cases to was always reassuring."

Julie Turner BSc, BVetMed, MRCVS

My first choice for all behaviour referrals

"I have worked with Gretta on a number of cases of dogs with challenging behavioural problems. She is an excellent and very knowledgeable behaviourist and, before she moved to Yorkshire, she became my first choice for all behavioural referrals. As an added bonus, clients love her too! I am already missing having her in Hertfordshire and am struggling to find someone that can match her standards of professionalism and knowledge."

Dr Mike Groombridge MRCVS

Extremely professional... highly recommend

"It's an all too familiar line we hear from clients - 'I've been to see a behaviourist' but there has been no communication with the vets! Gretta is one of the exceptions: extremely professional and works with the vets as a 'team' for that pet. We were lucky to have Gretta in our area - she kept us updated and was always there for advice. Feedback from clients was always very good. I would highly recommend her for any behaviour referral."

Dr Melanie Taylor BVetMed, MRCVS, MVetSci

How can I help you with your dog?