Calmer Dogs. Safer Homes. Stronger Relationships.
Over a decade of helping dogs with behaviour issues, using evidence-based behaviour science.
Clinical Expertise
Clinical Animal Behaviourist in Glasgow.
Jim Gillies CAB | CDBC provides clinical behaviour assessments and structured behaviour plans for dogs presenting with aggression, anxiety, fear, phobias, reactivity and other complex behaviour problems.
10+
Years of professional behaviour experience
APBC
Full Member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors
ABTC
Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist
IAABC
Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant
Recognition
Scottish Enterprise Awards
- Clinical Canine Behaviour Consultancy of the Year 2026
- Canine Behaviour Specialist of the Year 2025 — Glasgow
- Best Dog Behaviour Consultancy 2025
ABTC · APBC · IAABC CDBC
Clinical, welfare-led behaviour support across Glasgow and West Central Scotland
Fireworks season • Advice from Jim
Preparing your dog
for fireworks
Recognise signs of distress, plan for the evenings ahead, and understand when your dog needs more support.
Read Jim’s fireworks guide →Individual support. Clinical understanding.
Behaviour concerns
I can help with.
Whether your dog struggles on walks, worries when left alone or shows behaviour that makes home life difficult, understanding what is driving it is the first step.
Aggression
Growling, snapping or biting towards people or other animals.
Reactivity
Barking or lunging at dogs, people or movement on walks.
Anxiety & Fear
Struggling with everyday situations, unfamiliar people or handling.
Separation Anxiety
Finding it difficult to cope when left alone or apart from you.
Resource Guarding
Guarding food, toys, resting places or other valued things.
Noise & Firework Fears
Becoming distressed by fireworks, thunder or everyday sounds.
Repetitive & Compulsive Behaviour
Repeated behaviours that are difficult to interrupt or affect daily life.
Prey Drive & Chasing
Chasing wildlife, vehicles or other moving things.
Not sure where to start?
Tell me about your dog and the concerns you’re experiencing.
Accreditations & Awards
My process
A clinical process, not a quick fix.
Every case follows the same four clear steps, so you know what to expect from first contact through to follow-up support.
All behaviour work is welfare-led and reward-based. No aversive, punishment-based or coercive methods are used.
01
Submit an enquiry
Briefly outline your dog’s behaviour, location, main concerns, bite history or risk issues, and whether support is self-funded or insurance-funded. This helps me understand the immediate priorities and advise on the most suitable next step.
02
Questionnaire
I'll ask you to complete a behaviour questionnaire so I can review your dog's background, daily routine, triggers, management, medical considerations and suitability for assessment. A veterinary referral is required before clinical behaviour work begins, so relevant medical factors can be considered and addressed where needed.
03
Behaviour Assessment
The assessment considers your dog’s history, environment, emotional state, learning history, triggers, current management and owner capacity. The aim is to understand why the behaviour is occurring and what is realistic to change.
04
Report & Support
You receive clear written recommendations, a structured behaviour modification plan and practical next steps. Where appropriate, follow-up support helps refine the plan, support implementation and adjust the approach as progress develops.
Ready to start?
Tell me about your dog and I’ll advise on the next step.
Real results from dog owners I’ve worked with
“We went to Jim for help because Finn, our 10 year old Irish Terrier, was behaving differently. He was anxious and reactive with other dogs. We were as a result not letting him off the lead and were nervous encountering other dogs on walks. Jim spent time observing Finn and was able to give us practical advice and support. Finn is very much happier and is back off the lead more often. We couldn't be happier with the advice and help from Jim and would recommend him highly.”
Chris Fremantle
“We got 6 intense training sessions with Jim for our 8-year old Border Collie Loki, who has been extremely wary of strangers, barked excessively and was very anxious to be left alone at home. We spent the first session discussing Loki and his background in detail. After the session Jim sent us a detailed profile of Loki and proposed a list of positive interventions and tools to help with his behaviours. He gave detailed insights into his triggers and general psychology which we found very helpful. Jim was very patient and took time to get to know Loki both indoors and outdoors over the next sessions, gradually building a relationship with him. …”
Bartas Abaravičius
“Giving Jim (CBT dog behaviour and training) 10 out of 10 across the board. Great communication with the dog and the humans😄 He definitely knows how dogs tick and has wonderful insight into easy changes that improve problem behaviour and make everyone happier and more fulfilled - most importantly the dog. His no force attitude is so impressive and not only works but cements the bond between pet and owner. Tig was a mostly overstimulated rascal who didn’t know how to self settle- with a side habit of sleeve grabbing and nipping. Happy to say we’ve been able to introduce all Jim’s ideas to good effect and we are all calmer and happier as a result. …”
Jillian Welch
“Can't recommend Jim enough, he was amazing with our dog Wren, including the whole family in her training. He took time to listen to our concerns and tailored a training plan specifically to Wren's needs. Wren was very anxious as a puppy, we literally couldn't get her to walk beyond the driveway. Working with Jim has increased both Wren's and our confidence to provide the support she needs. She is now a happy, healthy, thriving dog, who has settled into a great routine and now loves her walks. Jim is very knowledgeable, patient and provided help and guidance in a supportive manner, cognisance of what we needed as a family. Highly recommend.”
Susan Rae
“Jim was fantastic, local to us and came out to see our dog in her living environment. We opted for 3 month course and also got most of it back through insurance. Can’t recommend enough, he really cares for the dogs and what they’re going through and if we have more issues in the future or feel like we are struggling we will definitely be working with Jim again. He gave us the building blocks we need to work on our dog and we would be lost without CBT Dog Behaviour & Training honestly”
Leron Man
“… then our vet put us in touch with Jim Gillies dog Behaviour within a few weeks Osker was eating out of Jim's had he is so good and lots of patients with the owners and the dogs Jim showed us how deal with osker when people came in what a difference in a dog I'd recommend Jim for any problems with your dogs thank you Jim”
Nancy Hardie
Free behaviour resources and structured learning.
Explore clear, clinically informed guidance on common behaviour concerns. Each resource is designed to improve understanding and help you identify appropriate next steps for your dog.
Free behaviour resources
Dog behaviour articles. Free to explore.
Practical, evidence-informed articles from Jim Gillies CAB | CDBC, covering aggression, anxiety, learning, emotional state and welfare-led behaviour support.
Understand more. Respond thoughtfully. Support lasting change.
Clinical insight
Rage Syndrome in Dogs
What the controversial label means, why careful assessment matters and which differentials must be considered.
Guide
How to Overcome Dog Reactivity
Why dogs bark, lunge or struggle around other dogs, people or movement, and how fear-led reactivity can be reduced.
Emotional wellbeing
Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Recognising separation-related distress and what a gradual, individualised behaviour plan may involve.
Articles by Jim Gillies CAB | CDBC
@cbtdogbehaviour
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Some commonly asked questions
What is a dog behaviourist?
A dog behaviourist is a qualified professional who assesses and addresses behaviour problems by identifying the emotional, environmental, and sometimes medical factors influencing a dog’s behaviour. Clinical behaviourists work with both the dog and their owner to develop a structured, evidence-based behaviour modification plan, and may liaise with veterinary professionals where appropriate.
What kind of issues can a dog behaviourist help with?
A dog behaviourist can help with a wide range of behaviour concerns, including aggression towards dogs or people, anxiety-related behaviour, separation-related distress, fear-based behaviour and phobias, reactivity, compulsive or repetitive behaviours, excessive barking, and more complex or persistent behaviour problems. Support may also be appropriate where behaviour has changed following illness, injury, or ongoing pain.
How do I know if I need a dog behaviourist?
You may benefit from working with a dog behaviourist if your dog’s behaviour is causing distress, poses a safety concern, is worsening over time, or has not improved with basic training approaches. Behaviour support is also recommended where behaviour appears linked to fear, anxiety, aggression, or other underlying factors rather than simple training gaps.
What happens during a dog behaviour consultation?
A behaviour consultation involves a detailed discussion of your dog’s history, environment, and current behaviour, alongside observation where appropriate. The aim is to understand why the behaviour is occurring and what factors may be maintaining it. Following the consultation, you will receive a written behaviour report and a personalised behaviour modification plan, with follow-up support offered where needed.
Is there a guarantee that my dog's behaviour will change?
There is no ethical guarantee of behaviour change. Progress depends on many factors, including the nature of the behaviour, the dog’s emotional state, environmental influences, and consistency in implementing recommendations. The focus of behaviour work is on improving welfare, safety, and quality of life through realistic, achievable change.
How many sessions will it take to modify my dog's behaviour?
The number of sessions required varies from case to case. Some situations benefit from a single consultation and written guidance, while others require ongoing support over a longer period. This will depend on the complexity of the behaviour, contributing factors, and how the plan is implemented in daily life.
How much does a dog behaviour consultation cost?
Costs vary depending on the level of support required. Clear pricing for behaviour consultations and support packages is provided in advance, and recommendations are made based on the needs of the individual case. Insurance-funded options may be available where appropriate.
Can a dog behaviourist help with all breeds of dogs?
Yes. Behaviour work is based on the individual dog, their history, environment, and emotional needs, rather than breed alone. Support is tailored to each dog and household, taking breed traits into account where relevant.
How do I book a consultation with a dog behaviourist?
The first step is to Get In Touch and tell me about your dog and the concerns you’re experiencing. I’ll review your enquiry and advise on the most suitable next step, including options and availability for a consultation. Submitting an enquiry does not book an appointment or require payment.
Do I need a veterinary referral to work with a clinical animal behaviourist?
Yes — a veterinary referral is required before beginning clinical behaviour work. This is standard practice for clinical animal behaviourists and ensures any medical factors that may be influencing your dog's behaviour have been ruled out or addressed first. I'll liaise with your vet as part of a safe, ethical and welfare-led approach.