Calmer Dogs. Safer Homes. Stronger Relationships.
Jim Gillies | CAB, CDBC
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
Our 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.
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. Veterinary history or referral may be requested where needed.
03
Behaviour Assessment
The assessment considers your dog’s history, environment, emotional state, learning history, triggers, current management and caregiver 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 we’ve worked with
"We went to Jim for help because Finn, our 10-year-old Irish Terrier, was behaving differently — anxious and reactive with other dogs. As a result we weren't letting him off the lead and were nervous encountering other dogs on walks. Jim spent time observing Finn and gave 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 help from Jim and would recommend him highly."
Chris Fremantle
"We had six intense training sessions with Jim for our eight-year-old Border Collie, Loki, who was extremely wary of strangers, barked excessively and was very anxious when left alone. Jim sent us a detailed profile of Loki and a list of positive interventions, with real insight into his triggers and psychology. He was patient, took time to build a relationship with him, and offered new strategies each session, always checking how they worked. By the end, Loki was completely at ease with him — barking less, calmer when left alone and more confident outside."
Bartas Abaravičius
"Ten out of ten across the board. Great communication with the dog and the humans. Jim knows how dogs tick and has wonderful insight into easy changes that improve problem behaviour and make everyone happier — 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 an overstimulated rascal who didn't know how to self-settle, with a side habit of sleeve-grabbing and nipping. We've introduced all Jim's ideas to good effect and we're all calmer and happier for it."
Jillian Welch
"Can't recommend Jim enough — he was amazing with our dog Wren, including the whole family in her training. He listened to our concerns and tailored a plan specifically to Wren's needs. She 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 confidence and ours. She's now a happy, thriving dog who loves her walks. Very knowledgeable, patient and supportive. Highly recommend."
Susan Rae
"Jim was fantastic — local to us and came out to see our dog in her living environment. We opted for the three-month course and got most of it back through insurance. He really cares for the dogs and what they're going through. He gave us the building blocks we needed, and we'd be lost without CBT Dog Behaviour & Training. Can't recommend enough."
Leron Man
"My husband and I were at our wits' end with our dog Osker — he'd bark the whole time anyone entered the house, then go for the back of their legs as they left. Our vet put us in touch with Jim, and within a few weeks Osker was eating out of Jim's hand. He's so good, and so patient with both owners and dogs. What a difference in a dog. I'd recommend Jim for any problems with your dog."
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.