River McDonald BSc MSc CCAB ABTC-ATI
Clinical Animal Behaviourist
As the founder and director of Edinburgh Dog Behaviour, my goal is to build a happy confident relationship between people and their pets. I believe in honesty, kindness and the highest level of service and therefore promote only the use of kind, up-to-date methods based on research and best practice. My approach is firmly centred on you and what you hope to gain from working with me, whilst paying close attention to your pet’s history and individual needs, to build a behaviour plan that is achievable for you both.
Due to the high demand for help with separation anxiety during and after the pandemic, I set up Separation Anxiety Sorted in 2020 to provide expert help for owners experiencing the stress and heart ache of separation-related problems with their dogs. In my experience, most separation cases benefit from clinical input and so I work with vets and trainers to ensure you dog gets the highest level of input to solve their problems as quickly and effortlessly as possible.
As a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist with ASAB, a full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) and registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), insured dog owners can claim on their insurance for my services.
Amy Bastow Bsc
SA Pro Trainer
If you’re looking for 1-2-1 training to help your dog feel calm and happy home alone, you won’t find a more supportive, kind and skilful trainer than Amy.
Amy joined the separation training team in 2021 after graduating from Julie Naismith’s SA Pro course. She comes with extensive training and behaviour knowledge, over 10 years experience working with and training dogs, and is ready to support separation anxiety clients with bespoke training exercises and Whatsapp support. River & Amy work together to deliver a combined clinical and training package that represents the highest level of support you could wish for in tackling the problem of separation anxiety in dogs.
As a committed fear-free trainer, Amy will work with you to help you understand and communicate with your dog better, coaching the human side of the relationship and bringing insight and practical techniques to further your training goals. She holds a BSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, as well as an MSc in Wildlife Biology & Conservation and lives with her gorgeous Rottweiler Coco.
