Services for Rescue and Rehoming Organisations

Practical, welfare-led behaviour support to improve outcomes for dogs and adopters

At Lighthouse Canine Behaviour, I work alongside rescue and rehoming organisations to support dogs with behavioural needs and improve adoption outcomes. My approach is welfare-focused, evidence-based, and realistic, with a strong emphasis on understanding the dog in front of us and the environment they’re living in.

Overview of services for rescue and rehoming organisations

My commitment to improving dog behavioural welfare, adoptability and adoption outcomes.

Hi, I’m Sadie.

I have over 15 years of experience working with dogs, with just over 8 years in hands-on roles in the rescue and rehoming sector. My experiences working with behaviourally complex dogs, and a strong desire to better understand and support them both in the kennel environment and in their new homes, prompted me to return to university 10 years after completing my original BSc in Animal Behaviour and Welfare to undertake an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour.

My specialist area of interest is improving adoptability and long-term adoption success for dogs with behavioural challenges.

My MSc dissertation explored the role rescue and rehoming organisations can play in shaping owner satisfaction with rescue dogs, and I aim to bridge the gap between academic research and real-life rescue practice.

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For me, this means:

  • Evidence-based recommendations

  • Practical, achievable strategies

  • A strong focus on welfare and realistic expectations

  • Supporting both dogs and the people adopting them

Having worked hands-on in rescue for over eight years, I know how challenging the environment can be — balancing welfare, resources, time, and difficult decisions. That experience has shaped my belief in the importance of practical, compassionate behavioural support to help dogs cope, progress, and find the right homes.

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Individual Dog Support Package (Onsite Dogs) - £150

Do you have a dog in your care that you’re worried about? You’ve tried different approaches, given them time, and done all the right things, but you feel a bit stuck and unsure about the next step to take.

An individual behaviour support package can be especially helpful when:

  • A dog isn’t progressing as expected despite your best efforts

  • You’re unsure what’s driving a behaviour, or what it might be communicating

  • Different team members have different ideas about how to proceed

  • A dog’s behaviour is making rehoming plans difficult

  • You’d value a fresh, objective perspective on what the dog needs next

I can offer a fresh set of eyes — taking the time to step back, assess what’s going on for the dog, and help you develop a clear, welfare-led plan that fits your setting, your team, and your resources.

I offer individual behaviour support packages for dogs currently in rescue or rehoming environments. Support is tailored to the dog, the environment they’re living in, and what is realistically achievable within your organisation.

Support may include:

  • Behaviour assessment to build a clear picture of what’s happening and why

  • Information gathering and collaboration with staff, volunteers, foster carers, and (where relevant) previous history

  • Identification of emotional needs and behavioural motivations (e.g. fear, frustration, stress, arousal)

  • Welfare-focused management strategies to support coping and reduce stress day to day

  • Practical training and behaviour modification plans that are achievable within the rescue setting

  • Hands-on demonstrations of key skills/techniques for the people working with the dog

  • Support with matching and rehoming decisions, including identifying the type of home that is most likely to be successful

  • Planning for future challenges, including what the dog may find difficult in a home environment and how to prevent issues from developing

The overall aim is to support the dog’s welfare while also creating a realistic plan to improve adoptability and readiness for placement.

Post-adoption behaviour support - £150

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I also offer post-adoption support for individual dogs and adopters, helping to bridge the gap between rescue and home life.

This support can:

  • Reduce the risk of adoption breakdown

  • Support adopters through early challenges

  • Improve owner confidence and understanding

  • Address emerging behavioural concerns early

  • Support long-term welfare and retention

Post-adoption services can be delivered in collaboration with your organisation or offered directly to adopters as part of your rehoming process.

This service can support dogs with known behavioural needs who have been identified as needing additional support in preparing for and transitioning to their new home, as well as dogs whose adopters report that their dog is experiencing difficulties in their new home and would benefit from extra support.

Behaviour Consultations (From £250)

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Find out more about behaviour consultations

Lighthouse Canine Behaviour offers comprehensive behavioural consultations for dogs, both in your care or post-adoption.

Each consultation includes detailed history taking, a review of veterinary medical records, careful assessment and diagnosis, a clear explanation of the dog’s behaviour, practical management strategies, and a fully personalised behaviour modification plan.

All behavioural consultations require a veterinary referral per APBC and CCAB guidelines. When booking this service, you will be sent a link to the veterinary referral form for your veterinary surgeon to complete prior to your booking being confirmed, or alternatively, your veterinary surgeon can refer the dog directly via the vet referral form found on the veterinary professional section of the website.

Training for Staff and Volunteers

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I offer tailored training sessions for staff and volunteers, designed around the specific needs of your organisation.

Training topics may include:

  • Canine body language and stress signals

  • Safe handling and interaction

  • Supporting fearful or anxious dogs

  • Reducing arousal and stress in kennel environments

  • Deep dives into specific areas of behaviour you feel your staff may want to know more about, e.g., resource guarding, repetitive behaviours, and grabbing-related behaviours.

Sessions can be adapted for different experience levels and delivered in person or virtually.

Education sessions for adopters, fosterers and volunteers

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Education plays a key role in improving dog welfare and successful adoption outcomes. I offer education sessions for adopters, fosterers and volunteers that can focus on subjects such as:

  • Understanding dog behaviour and communication

  • Common dog behaviour issues volunteers may encounter in their roles in the rescue centre

  • Normal adjustment behaviours after adoption

  • Setting realistic expectations

  • Supporting dogs through transitions

  • Preventing common behaviour challenges

These sessions are designed to be accessible, practical, and confidence-building.

Bespoke Services

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Every organisation is different. If you’d like to discuss how I could support your organisation, your dogs, or your adopters in a way that isn’t listed on this page, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Get in touch
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“I look forward to talking with you about how I can help your organisation, dogs, and adopters”

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Start your journey