Graham has been involved with dogs from a young age, and being brought up in North Devon, mainly the popular Border Collie and other pastoral breeds. Even at this early age, he has always been fascinated with the unique relationship between dog and handler, and the differences between working and domestic dogs. His behavioural career began with the adoption of a Husky by the name of Mya, with serious aggression issues toward other dogs. Incorrectly believing he had the knowledge and experience to rehabilitate Mya, Graham struggled to find the help he required, so began his studies within behavioural modification. The addition of a younger Staffordshire Bull Terrier into Graham’s family brought obvious issues, and soon became his first ‘case study’. Some time later, Graham now holds an Advanced Diploma in Canine Psychology and Behaviour with the British College of Canine Studies, and a Higher Certificate in Professional Canine Behaviour Practice with the CIDBT. He is also a Master Trainer with the Guild of Dog Trainers. ‘Gray’s Hounds’, Graham’s business, involves working as a professional canine behaviourist, purely within behavioural modification. His particular interest is working with dogs and owners experiencing aggression toward people and other dogs.

Graham holds consultations with owners and their dogs, in their home, on a one to one basis. He believes it is extremely important to assess the dog’s behaviour in his normal environment, alongside any family member which holds influence on the dog. Assessments involve addressing the balance of the relationship, the dog’s place in the family unit or pack, and the education of operant and classical conditioning within canine psychology. Graham prides himself on his ability to asses the relationship between both human and canine, and the training and lifestyle alteration required to achieve behavioural modification.

Graham’s method of training is very much placed in the ‘real world’. Alongside an extensive knowledge of breed differences, he is able to shape a behavioural programme to include the environmental and psychological contrasts involved. He understands the distinctive differences between how types and personalities of dogs are psychologically and physically fulfilled, and will always try to include this within training. Through play, on and off leash walking, lifestyle and the control of reward, Graham will focus on the state of mind of the dog during the scenario which is creating the behavioural issue, and will always promote calm. Every case is taken in it’s own merit, alongside the owner’s and dog’s ability. Every consultation includes an extensive, bespoke written behavioural plan, alongside unlimited support. He will do all he can to ensure success, or at the least, management of the issue.

Graham has gained experience and successfully rehabilitated dogs of differing breeds with various behavioural issues, including dog on dog aggression, sibling rivalry, dog on person aggression, over excitement, anxieties and general control.

Graham’s continued interest and study involves nutrition, and the impact this has on canine behaviour. Equally, Graham continues to study the psychological differences between the many types and breeds of dogs, and how this may impact the relationship with their environment. He shares his home with his wife Chloe, their young daughter Edith, Rocky the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Mya the Husky.