Jim Gillies
Clinical Animal Behaviourist Glasgow
Jim Gillies | CAB, CDBC
APBC Full Member | ABTC Registered | IAABC Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant
APBC
Full Member
Full Member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, a leading UK professional body for clinical animal behaviour practitioners.
ABTC
Registered CAB
Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist with the Animal Behaviour & Training Council, meeting recognised professional standards for clinical behaviour work.
IAABC
Certified CDBC
Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants.
Fully
Insured
Professional indemnity and public liability insurance held for clinical behaviour consultations and related behaviour support.
About Jim Gillies
Dog Behaviourist Based in Glasgow & West Central Scotland
Jim Gillies CAB, CDBC is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Dog Behaviourist based in Glasgow, supporting clients across West Central Scotland and, where appropriate, online.
With over a decade of professional experience, Jim works with dogs presenting with aggression, anxiety, fears and phobias, reactivity, resource guarding and other complex behaviour problems. His work is assessment-led, welfare-focused and grounded in evidence-based behaviour practice.
Each case is approached individually, with careful consideration of the dog’s emotional state, learning history, daily environment and the practical needs of the household. Recommendations are designed to be realistic, welfare-led and sustainable, helping owners understand not only what to do, but why it matters.
The aim is not simply to stop behaviour at the surface level, but to understand why it is occurring. This includes looking at the dog’s emotional state, learning history, environment, triggers, medical considerations, management and the practical needs of the household.
Jim is a Full Member of the APBC, an ABTC Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist and an IAABC Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant. He provides structured behaviour assessments, written behaviour plans and follow-up support for owners who need clear, practical guidance.
Where appropriate, Jim works collaboratively with veterinary professionals and other relevant practitioners to ensure behaviour support is informed by the wider clinical picture. Progress is reviewed over time, with recommendations adjusted as new information emerges and the dog’s needs, circumstances and response to intervention develop.
Areas we cover
CBT Dog Behaviour & Training provides behaviour consultations across Glasgow, West Central Scotland and surrounding areas. Virtual consultations may also be available where suitable for the case.
In and around Glasgow
Behaviour consultations are available across Glasgow and nearby areas, including the Southside, West End, East End and surrounding neighbourhoods.
West Central Scotland
Support is available across West Central Scotland, including East Renfrewshire, Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire and surrounding areas.
Wider Scotland on request
For suitable cases, consultations may be available further afield depending on location, case type, travel requirements and clinical suitability.
UK & international, online
Online behaviour consultations may be suitable for some cases, particularly where the work is history-led, management-led or where in-person assessment is not essential.
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a dog trainer and a dog behaviourist?
A dog trainer usually focuses on teaching skills such as recall, loose-lead walking, settling, manners and day-to-day training.
A dog behaviourist works with the underlying emotional and behavioural factors driving problem behaviour. This may include aggression, reactivity, anxiety, fear, phobias, guarding, handling sensitivity or behaviour that has not improved with standard training alone.
If your dog is struggling due to fear, stress, frustration, conflict or anxiety, a clinical behaviour assessment is usually more appropriate than general training.
What qualifications should a dog behaviourist have?
In the UK, the title “dog behaviourist” is not legally protected, so qualifications and professional accreditation matter.
Look for recognised professional standards such as ABTC Registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist, APBC Full Member, ASAB Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist or IAABC Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant.
Short courses and weekend certificates are not equivalent to assessed clinical behaviour accreditation, supervised case experience and ongoing professional development.
How much does a dog behaviourist cost in the UK?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the case, the level of support required and whether a written report or follow-up sessions are included. At CBT Dog Behaviour & Training, support begins with an Initial Behaviour Consultation & Report, with package options available for clients who need structured follow-up support.
Get in touch for current pricing. Insurance-funded behaviour support may be available where a veterinary referral and insurer approval are in place.
Can a dog behaviourist help with dog aggression?
Yes. Aggression is one of the most common reasons owners seek behavioural support.
Aggression does not mean a dog is “bad”. In many cases, aggressive behaviour is linked to fear, anxiety, frustration, pain, conflict, learned associations or difficulty coping in a particular environment.
The first step is to understand the context and function of the behaviour. This may include reviewing bite history, triggers, predictability, emotional state, management, medical history and household safety. A structured behaviour plan can then be developed around risk reduction, welfare and realistic behaviour change.
How do I find a good dog behaviourist in Glasgow?
Check professional accreditation, experience and methods before booking.
A suitable behaviourist should use evidence-based, welfare-led and reward-based methods. Avoid anyone using dominance theory, “alpha” language, e-collars, intimidation or guaranteed quick fixes.
For complex behaviour problems such as aggression, anxiety, fear or sudden behaviour change, it is also important that the behaviourist is willing to work alongside your veterinary surgeon where needed.
Do I need a veterinary referral?
Yes. A veterinary referral is required before beginning clinical behaviour work. This is an essential part of professional practice as an accredited Clinical Animal Behaviourist and ensures that any medical factors influencing your dog's behaviour have been identified or ruled out first.
Behaviour and health are closely linked — veterinary information helps identify whether pain, illness, medication, sensory changes or other medical factors may be contributing. Insurance-funded behaviour support also requires a referral and insurer approval to be in place.