Behavioural Services

At Brighton Veterinary Hospital, we offer a comprehensive and collaborative approach to behavioural care for both dogs and cats.

Our service combines the expertise of Dr Alexandra Lamb, a veterinarian with a special interest in behaviour, and Bill, an experienced behaviouralist with a strong background in practical dog training.

Bill joins us with a well-established reputation in the local training community, having previously worked with a highly regarded Adelaide training centre. His hands-on, practical approach complements our veterinary insight, allowing us to support everything from early training through to more complex behavioural challenges.

By combining veterinary and behavioural expertise, we provide thoughtful, evidence-based care that addresses both behavioural concerns and any underlying medical factors.

We tailor consultations to ensure you and your pet receive the most appropriate support.

You may see Bill (Behaviouralist) for:

• Puppy training and early development

• Basic obedience and life skills

• Lead walking, recall, and engagement

• Household behaviour challenges

• Mild to moderate behavioural concerns

• Owner coaching and training guidance

You may see Dr Alexandra Lamb (Veterinarian) for:

• Anxiety, fear, or stress-related behaviours

• Aggression or complex behavioural concerns

• Sudden changes in behaviour

• Cases where medical factors may be contributing

• Feline behavioural issues

• Situations where medication may be considered

Collaborative Care

In many cases, Bill and Dr Lamb work together to provide a combined plan, ensuring both the behavioural and medical aspects of your pet’s care are addressed.

Puppy Skills & Early Development

Set your puppy up for long-term success with early guidance and support.

• Toilet training

• Socialisation (people, dogs, environments)

• Building confidence at the vet

• Settling into home routines

• Foundations of responsible dog ownership

Foundation & Life Skills

Build reliable, practical behaviours for everyday life.

• Clicker training

• Basic cues (sit, down, focus)

• Reliable recall

• Loose-lead walking

• Wait and stay cues

• Understanding body language and calming signals

Working Around Distractions

Support your dog to stay engaged and responsive in real-world environments.

• Focus around other dogs and people

• Engagement in stimulating environments

• Strengthening owner-dog communication

In-Home Behaviour Challenges

Address common household concerns with practical strategies.

• Greeting manners at the door

• Barking and noise-related behaviours

• Destructive behaviours (chewing, digging, stealing)

• Resource guarding

• Dog–cat interactions

• Separation anxiety and distress

• Developing calm behaviour within the home

Reactivity & Anxiety Support

Structured support for more complex behavioural concerns.

• Reactive behaviour (towards dogs, people, environments)

• Owner coaching and handling strategies

• Management around triggers

• Counter-conditioning and desensitisation

• Reducing fear, stress, and anxiety

Understanding and Supporting Your Cat’s Behaviour

Behavioural concerns in cats are often subtle and can be closely linked to underlying medical or environmental factors.

Led by Dr Alexandra Lamb, our feline behavioural service provides a calm, considered approach tailored to each individual cat and household.

Common Feline Behaviour Concerns

• Inappropriate urination or toileting issues

• Scratching and destructive behaviours

• Inter-cat conflict within the household

• Anxiety, fear, or withdrawal

• Aggression towards people or other pets

• Changes in behaviour or routine

A Veterinary-Led Approach

Cats are particularly sensitive to stress and underlying health issues, which can often present as behavioural changes.

Our approach allows us to:

• Identify and treat medical contributors

• Assess environmental and social factors

• Develop practical, low-stress management strategies

• Support long-term behavioural improvement

Creating a Low-Stress Environment

We also provide guidance on:

• Environmental enrichment

• Litter tray setup and management

• Introducing new pets

• Reducing stress in multi-cat households

• Building confidence in anxious or fearful cats

• Veterinary and behavioural expertise combined

• Evidence-based, practical approach

• Support for both pets and owners

• Ability to assess underlying medical causes

• Dedicated feline behavioural support

• Trusted, independent local clinic

If you’re experiencing behavioural challenges or want to set your pet up for success, our team is here to help.

Whether you need training support, behavioural advice, or a more in-depth assessment, we’ll guide you to the right starting point.