About me
Animal BehaviourIST | Aggression & Behavioural Risk | Expert Assessor & Media Consultant
19 years professional experience | MSc Applied Animal Welfare & Behaviour | Founding Member, Irish Veterinary Behaviour Association | Expert Witness & Media Consultant
Suzi Walsh is an animal behaviourist specialising in canine behaviour, aggression, and complex behavioural cases. She holds an Honours Degree in Zoology and a Master’s degree in Applied Animal Welfare and Behaviour, and has worked professionally in behavioural consultancy for over 19 years.
Suzi’s professional interests centre on aggression, behavioural development, and the complex relationship between welfare, environment, and human-animal interaction. She is particularly interested in translating real-world behavioural casework into broader discussions around public safety, ethics, and evidence-based practice, with the aim of strengthening collaboration between practitioners, veterinary professionals, and academic research.
Alongside private behavioural consultancy, Suzi contributes to public education and professional discussion around animal behaviour. She is a contributing writer for The Journal and regularly appears on Irish radio providing expert commentary on dog behaviour, welfare, and human-animal relationships. She delivers workshops, seminars, and professional training for pet guardians and industry professionals, and is frequently consulted as an independent behavioural assessor in complex or high-risk cases.
Suzi’s professional experience spans companion animal, welfare, and zoological settings. She has previously worked with Dogs Trust Ireland and served as a supervisor with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. She also collaborated with the veterinary department at Dublin Zoo on a nutritional research project involving captive wild animals, contributing to interdisciplinary welfare work.
Her broader behavioural experience includes work with a wide range of species across domestic, agricultural, and zoological environments, informing a holistic understanding of behaviour, welfare, and human-animal interaction.
In recognition of her work with rescue dogs, Suzi was nominated for an Ireland Involved Award in 2009 in the Animals and Environment category.
She maintains a particular interest in early behavioural development and prevention of behaviour problems, as well as improving public understanding of aggression, communication, and welfare in companion animals. In addition to consultancy work, she has contributed behavioural expertise to television and film productions and continues to support animal charities in a voluntary capacity.
VETERINARY JOURNAL IRELAND PAIN AND BEHAVIOUR
Qualifications and Certifications
BSc. Honours Degree in Zoology from University College Dublin, 2001-2006
MSc. Masters Degree in Applied Animal Welfare and Behaviour, Edinburgh University, 2006-2007
Approved behaviourist with Allianz Insurance (vet referral required).
Certificate in Canine First Aid (canine first responder course), 2009 & 2011
FETAC level 6 Canine Obedience & Training, Dog Training Ireland, 2012
Qualified Puppy Trainer , Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, 2010
Companion Animal micro-chipping certification, International Animal Care College, 2011
Competency Assessment Programme in Clicker Training – Level 1
Member of the Pet Professionals Guild
Associate member of the IAABC
Certificate in Dog daycare from the Companion Animal Sciences Institute
Certificate in Dog Emotion and Cognition, Duke University, 2015
Certificate in Feline Body Language, 2017
Certificate in Dogs with resource guarding issues from International College of Canine Studies
Certificate in Dog Body Language ICC
Certificate for the reversal of aggression in dogs and cats Dr Sophia Yin
Certificate in dog aggression ICC
Certificate in Treatment and Prevention of Dog Aggression Dr Ian Dunbar, 2017
Certificate in Canine Anxiety ICC, 2018
Certificate in reactive dog training Dr Ian Dunbar, 2018
Certificate introducing babies to dogs, 2019
Certificate in common behaviour problems in dogs Dr Ian Dunbar, 2019
Certificate in training advanced recall, Pet Professional Guild, 2019
Certificate in Understanding and Solving Separation Anxiety in Dogs, ICC, 2019
Advanced Accredited Certificate in Canine Reactivity Behaviour, Canine Principles, 2019
Certificate in Canine Impulse Control, 2019
Certificate Motivating Dogs (for dogs who won’t work for food), 2019
Certificate in Dog and Cat behaviour problems, Dr.Ian Dunbar 2019.
Certificate in dog behaviour (in the dogs mind), Victoria Stilwell, 2019.
Certificate in Dog - Dog Aggression and Reactivity, Scott Sheaffer, 2019.
Certificate - Neurological Versus Behavioural, Karen Overall, ACVB, 2025
Owner-related distance increasing behaviour, Donovan Behaviour, 2025
“Return, Rehome or PTS. Managing difficult decisions in veterinary behavioural medicine”, IVBA, 2025.
Companion animal empathy and the impact of this on our relationships with them, Dr Karen Hiestand, 2025.
Castration & Behaviour: Should castration be recommended and if so, when? Sue McCabe, XL Vets, 2025
How Biological Needs affect Behaviour in Bull Breed Dogs, APBC, 2025.
How Chronic Pain Can Impact Behaviour and How to Diagnose It, Forte, 2025.
Treating separation related disorders in dogs, Sarah Heath, 2025.
Qualifications and Certifications continued
Certificate in Practical Ethology: Breeding Selection and Training Choices, Chris Redenbach, 2020.
Trainer & Behaviourist COVID-19 Certificate, Sarah Whitehead, 202o.
Canine Pharmacology Accredited Advanced Certificate certification, Canine Principles, 2020.
Certificate in Keeping Dogs Safe - Barbara Handelman M.Ed., CDBC, 2021.
Certificate in Rescue dogs - Canine Principles, 2021.
Remote Consultations for Aggression Cases, Raising Canine, 2021.
Certificate Canine Sex, Hormones & Neutering, Sarah Whitehead, 2021.
Certificate in Separation Anxiety - Simply Behaviour, 2021.
Heelwork (How To Stop A Dog Pulling On The Lead) Instructor Course, Simply Behaviour, 2021.
Recall (how to train your dog to come back) Instructor level, Simply Behaviour, 2021.
Certificate in Canine Play and Bonding, Canine Principles, 2021.
Certificate in Loose lead walking, Canine Principles, 2021.
Certificate Inspiring Resilience In Fearful and Reactive Dogs, Canine Principles, 2021.
21 days to a clever dog course. Sarah Whitehead, 2021.
Certificate in Canine Nutrition & Behaviour, The School of Canine Science, 2021.
Certificate in Canine Enrichment, 2021.
Certificate in the impact of dog play groups, Aimee Sadler, 2022.
Certificate in assessing pain in Dogs, Vet Ed, 2022.
Course Learning How to Recognize and Understand Pain in Dogs , Dr. Hannah Capon, 2022.
Recognizing Brewing Fear and Aggression in Dogs and Cats, Dr. Sophia Yin, 2022.
Rapid Reversal of Fear and Aggression in Dogs and Cats, Dr. Sophia Yin, 2022.
Restraint of Difficult Dogs and Cats, Dr. Sophia Yin, 2022.
Low Stress Handling® Silver Certification program, Dr. Sophia Yin, 2022.
Certificate Working with dogs who are not food motivated, Kathy Sdao, 2022.
Certificate Impulse control level 1 & 2, Donna Hill, 2022.
Reactivity in Herding Breeds, Emily Priestley, 2023.
Certificate Cooperative Care for Touch Aggressive Dogs, Sarah Dixon, 2023.
Identifying discomfort in dogs, APBC, 2023.
Certificate How to spot pain through movement and posture, Gemma Hodson, 2023.
Certificate Phantom pregnancy the silent killer, Dr Sara Davies, 2023.
Course in Puppy development and socialisation, Amplified behaviour. 2023.
Certificate Reactivity and Over Arousal, FDSA, 2023.
Certificate Tackling reactivity, Spirit Dog Training, 2023.
Certificate Forensic Dog Bite Investigations, Dr James Crosby, Amplified Behaviour, 2023.
Certificate Stop Jumping Course, Spirit Dog Training, 2023.
Course Car Chasing to Calm, Sarah Hederly, 2023.
Course Selecting drugs for pain trials, Dr. Kathy Murphy, BehavioUr Vets, 2024.
Course Stop Pulling! Loose Leash Walking, Grisha Stewart, 2024.
Cooperative Care, Dr.E’Lise Christensen, Behaviour Vets, 2024.
Behaviour-Supporting Medications and Supplements, Behaviour Vets, 2024.
Silence is Golden (solving barking issues) with Leslie McDevitt, 2024.
Separation Case Study Masterclass, Lauren Hewitt-Watts, 2024.
Defensive Handling with Aggressive Dogs, Michael Shikashio & Trish McMillan, IAABC, 2024.
Incorporating Enrichment into Your Behaviour Modification Plan, Allie Bender, IAABC, 2024.
Course Canine Compulsive Disorder, Toni Shelbourne, Canine Principles, 2024.
Course Reactive and aggressive behaviour, BehaviourVets, 2024.
Course on the Power of Play, BehaviourVets, 2024.
Course Resolving Resource Guarding, Sarah Dixon, IAABC, 2024.
Recognizing Pain: Physical vs Behavioural, Debbie Gross Torraca, IAABC, 2024.
Working with Separation Issues in Dogs, IAABC, 2024.
Functional Assessment Tracking, Suzanne Clothier, 2024.
Patellar luxation - diagnosis and management, John Innes, 2024.
Working Complex Aggression Cases, Laurie Lawless, IAABC, 2024.
Predation Substitute Training New Ways to Manage Predatory Chasing, Simone Mueller, 2024.
Handling Reactive Dogs in the City, Dr. Sarah Shapiro-Ward, 2024.
How Animals Communicate Pain - Matt Gurney, FABC, 2024.
Pheromonatherapy: Update on Clinical Applications and Related Science - Daniel Mills, FABC, 2024.
Giardia and behaviour - Dr Amber Batson, 2025.
Increasing owner understanding and compliance, Helen Zulch, 2025.
Socializing Puppies with Dr. Karen Overall - MMBC May 2025
my Services
Behaviour Consultation (In-Home)
€250 incl. VAT
(Evening & Saturday appointments €300 incl. VAT)
A comprehensive behavioural assessment designed for complex or persistent behavioural concerns. Consultations typically last approximately two hours and include a structured behavioural plan tailored to the individual animal and household.
I specialise in:
• Aggressive behaviour towards people or animals
• Reactivity and defensive behaviour
• Fear and anxiety disorders
• Separation-related distress
• Preparing homes expecting a new baby
• Behavioural issues with suspected medical components
Ongoing professional support and follow-up guidance are included to ensure safe and sustainable progress. Veterinary collaboration is encouraged, and cases may be eligible under Allianz pet insurance with veterinary referral.
Emergency Behaviour Consultations
€400 incl. VAT (Out of Hours / Sundays)
Available for urgent behavioural situations requiring immediate professional intervention.
Online & Phone Consultations
Online Consultation: €100 incl. VAT
Phone Consultation: €50 incl. VAT
Available internationally for behavioural advice, case discussion, or professional guidance.
Education, Lecturing & Professional Training
I deliver talks and educational programmes for schools, colleges, veterinary practices, and professional groups.
Topics include:
• Canine body language and bite prevention
• Understanding aggression and fear behaviour
• Low-stress handling practices
• Animal welfare and behavioural science
I have lectured at both school and college level and developed structured courses for individuals pursuing careers working with animals.
Puppy & Early Behaviour Guidance (Under 6 Months)
€180 incl. VAT
Early behavioural guidance focused on prevention, social development, and building safe lifelong habits.
Support includes:
• Recall and foundation training
• House training
• Puppy socialisation planning
• Preventing future behavioural problems
Pre-Adoption & Pre-Puppy Consultations (Online)
€80 incl. VAT
Professional guidance before bringing a dog into your home, helping families make informed and welfare-focused decisions when choosing a breed, rescue, or individual puppy.
MEDIA & Industry Consultancy
€750 per day
Support for professionals establishing or improving dog-related businesses, drawing on over 20 years of industry experience including ownership and management of a training and daycare facility. Media, academic, and professional collaboration enquiries are welcome. Suzi regularly contributes expert commentary on animal behaviour, welfare, and human–animal relationships across radio, print, and broadcast media.
Fear of Dogs Support (Children)
I work sensitively with children experiencing fear or phobia related to dogs, helping them develop confidence, understanding, and safe coping strategies through structured behavioural education.
Behaviour Advice for Other Domestic, Farm and Zoo Animals
While much of my work involves dogs, I also provide behavioural consultation for other species, recognising that behavioural welfare extends beyond canine cases. My professional experience includes behavioural work with a diverse range of species across domestic, agricultural, and zoological environments. Species I have worked with include horses, companion animals, small mammals, and farm species, alongside zoo-housed animals such as gorillas, red river hogs, Diana monkeys, and bongo antelope, with a focus on behaviour, welfare, and human-animal interactions.Support for behavioural concerns such as:
• Inappropriate toileting
• Aggression or handling sensitivity
• Stress-related behaviours
• Multi-pet household conflict
Consultation and educational talks relating to domestic and captive animal behaviour and welfare.
Expert Witness & Professional Reports
I provide independent behavioural assessment and expert opinion for:
• Dog bite and aggression cases
• Legal and insurance proceedings
• Local authority or welfare investigations
• Professional disputes involving animal behaviour
Reports are written to professional standards and based on behavioural science, observational assessment, and case history analysis. I am available for consultation with solicitors, veterinary professionals, and regulatory bodies.
““We contacted Suzi regarding our dog Hugo’s escalating aggressive behaviour, including resource guarding and reactivity that had begun to feel unsafe. Her assessment was thorough, calm, and grounded in clear behavioural science. She identified contributing factors we had not considered and provided a structured, realistic plan. The transformation in both our understanding and our dog’s behaviour has been remarkable. We felt supported, never judged, and fully informed at every stage.””
CONTACT ME
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VETERINARY REFERRAL FORM
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Terms & Conditions
By accessing and using these Services, you accept and agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement as defined below.
Booking
Your booking is confirmed once a date and time are agreed by both parties. On agreeing to an appointment you are also agreeing to the terms and conditions below.
Services
The services will be performed either at the Client’s property or in a place mutually agreed between the Trainer and the Client at the time the booking is confirmed.
The Trainer reserves the right not to provide Services to any dog that they consider dangerous or a danger to any person or other animal. This shall be at the sole discretion of the Trainer.
Trainer Responsibilities
I only use force-free and humane training methods. However, results are never instant and require the Client’s commitment to work with their dog in the long-term.
I cannot guarantee that the training will work because each dog is an individual case with different behavioural and training issues and a different background.
The training that I use will be tailored for your dog based on the information you provide to me, including via any form of communication by phone, email or text.
I am not responsible for providing a stooge or practise dog if this is recommended for progressing the training or behaviour therapy.
I will apply personal judgement and will cut short a Session, if necessary, because of extreme weather conditions, including but not limited to: excessive heat, torrential rain, thunderstorms and snow or ice. The decision to do so lies with the Trainer using their personal judgement, for the safety of themselves, their Client and Client’s dog, members of the public, and other animals.
Client Responsibilities
You will inform the Trainer before any Training Session regarding any updates to the information previously provided in previous communication. This includes but is not limited to: medical information, dog behavioural changes, homing situation or ownership of the dog and legal matters relating to the dog for example a Court order.
You are fully responsible for the good health and timely vaccination status of your dog and will seek professional medical assistance from your veterinarian. The Trainer is not qualified to provide any medical or vaccination advice.
In the case of behavioural issues, you are happy for us to contact your vet on your behalf. It is your responsibility to obtain a Vet Check for your dog if this is recommended by the Trainer.
The training that I provide will be specific to the dog that you have consulted me on. It is not designed for, and should not be used for any other dogs without prior consultation with me regarding its relevance.
It is your responsibility to keep yourself, your family and visitors, and your dog safe. I am not responsible for injuries or damage to you, your dog or personal property. Your dog must be kept on a lead during training unless agreed with the Trainer.
You are responsible for all vet bills, no matter how they are incurred.
You must keep your dog under control during the Session. Failure to do so and any injury caused by your dog being out of control will be your full responsibility.
You are responsible for bringing any recommended equipment advised by the Trainer to the Session.
I train using positive reinforcement methods as I believe it is the most effective way to train dogs. If you use forceful handling methods or punishment, your Session will be terminated and you will not be offered a refund.
I will not conduct a training Session where aversive equipment is being used. This includes but is not limited to choke chains, prong collars, electric collars, rattle cans and corrector spray. These Sessions will be cancelled and you will not be offered a refund.
If your dog is known to bite other dogs or cause injury then they must wear a well-fitting muzzle for the Session. The Trainer takes no responsibility for dogs not muzzled or not kept under control during the Session or when outside of the Session. Failure to wear a muzzle when asked may result in the immediate termination of services.
Privacy
The Trainer collects information from and about their Clients and their dogs for the sole purpose of providing their Services and may disclose this information to others as is necessary for the provision of said Services. This includes but is not limited to veterinarians with whom the Trainer would be reasonably expected to share information in the provision of Services. The Trainer shall accept no liability for any loss or inconvenience suffered by any party as a result of the disclosure of such information.
Disclaimer
The Trainer is not qualified to provide veterinary or legal advice and the information they provide is not intended to constitute such.
Fees & Payment
My fees are as set out in my written communication with you and are quoted per dog.
Payments must be made in full by electronic bank transfer, using the details provided at the time of booking. An electronic receipt will be issued where requested in writing. Those clients who wish to put a claim through their insurance for behaviour consultations must pay in full, the trainer is unable to process these claims on behalf of the client as stated by the insurance company.
Payment is required in full no more than 48 hours after the services are performed.
I do not offer refunds for cancelled services or missed Sessions unless in exceptional circumstances, to be decided at my discretion.
Where a refund is issued, it will be made by bank transfer to the person who made the original payment.
Cancellations
I reserve the right to cancel any Session (at any time and with immediate effect) if the dog does not respond well to the training plan (where the continuing of said Session is deemed, by me, to constitute a risk).
I reserve the right to cancel a booked Session at any time at my discretion due to unforeseen circumstances.
I reserve the right to cancel the contract (at any time and with immediate effect) if any dog under the contract does not respond well to the training and behaviour plan
Please direct any complaints to the Trainer. These are viewed as an opportunity for improvement and are welcomed.