Client Testimonials

"So sorry it's been a while since we've been in touch, but I'm glad to say that it's because things are going so well with Eddie. We've been using the hints and techniques that you suggested and we've got a much happier and really well behaved dog. He socialises really positively with other dogs in all sorts of situations, is mildly curious about small children but is not overpowering with them and he is much more confident all round.

Thanks to your help we realised that our stress and concerns were really confusing and disturbing him. We're really positive with him now and he's responded so well.

We're about to go on a canal boat holiday, taking him with us in all confidence that we can deal with whatever is thrown at us - that's all we ever wanted.

Thank you so much for the help and insights that made us see where we were going wrong. We're having a great time with Eddie and I'm sure he'd thank you if he could..... but he's a dog and he's just enjoying the moment. Sounds like a plan!"
Tina and Jane Rothin-Wood

"I attended the Beginners and Advanced Companion Animal Behaviour Courses through Somerset Adult Learning taught by Fiona. I couldn’t believe how much I didn’t know about animal behaviour. I already had an 8 year old Large Munsterlander and wanted to soon get a puppy so wanted to know how to read and understand my dogs’ behaviour and how to give the puppy the best start possible. Fiona delivered the courses very well and produced lots of handouts for future reference. The content was very interesting, including lectures, video footage and exercises and I looked forward to going to school every Friday morning.

I have also attended some of Fiona’s one-day workshops, which too are very well organised and presented.

Since attending the course, I have used Fiona’s expertise to help with a socialising problem with my older dog. Taking Fiona’s advice, we now attend an outside social group for dogs to play and learn how to communicate with each other which has been brilliant. Thank you Fiona"
Karen Caile

"I first went to Fiona with my daughter's Malamute puppy and then continued with my own New Zealand Huntaway puppy. We are now on our third set of lessons. I have, over years, had many dogs and been to several trainers, but have never had more fun and more success than with Fiona. She has a gift for helping dogs, whatever their problems may be, and indeed for training the owners as well. There is always a sense of fun and humour in the classes and she takes care to match people and dogs in each class. She is always available if you call her with a problem and does her best to advise and reassure. I feel that I have a friend as well as a trainer."
Norma Pugh

"Fiona first helped us out with advice on one of our dogs over 4 years ago . On that occasion help was needed quite urgently and Fiona responded immediately and met us that same day.

Her advice was immediately helpful , but was also very practical, simple and easy to understand . She has remained involved in ongoing monitoring and subsequent advice and is always approachable and always makes time for her clients (whether the owners or the animals ! )

We have found her advice absolutely priceless in giving us help and support and achieving peace of mind for ourselves and our dog ."
Pete and Cathy Lyster

Professional Recommendations

'I have known and worked with Fiona professionally for many years. Fiona has attended many COAPE courses run by myself and my colleagues and actively pursues her continuing professional development to expand her knowledge in the field of animal behaviour therapy. I am very happy to recommend her services to veterinary practices for help with their pet behaviour referrals.'
Peter Neville DHc BSc (Hons). Director COAPE
Website: Peter Neville

What the Vets Think

' We have used the services of Fiona Warstat of 'Instincts' for a number of years now, and have always found her to be highly knowledgeable in all aspects of canine and feline behavioural problems. She has a considerate and professional approach to the client/animals problems and offers practical advice often only necessary over the phone. Where more intensive input and examination are required she is prepared to travel at very reasonable cost to the clients home. We are always interested and enlightened by the very full report Fiona prepares for the client, of which we receive a copy.

Fiona is highly dedictated and has pursued her interest in animal behaviour to high levels of further education, often without due reward or consideration to herself. She continues to keep herself at the forefront of the animal behaviour field.

In my opinion, Fiona offers an outstanding service, and I am grateful to be able to refer my difficult behavioural cases in the knowledge that they will have the best chance of a satisfactory outcome for dog and owner alike.'
Shaun Moore, Bvet. med. MRCVS Exeter, Devon

'When consulting a client with a pet behavioural problem, 'Instincts' is the first name I reach for. Fiona has provided our practice with four years reliable and professional service, producing good results and contented owners.'
Donald Ellicott BVMS, MRCVS, Cullompton, Devon

'Fiona Warstat has provided us with a reliable and professional service through her 'Instincts' Pet Behaviour Therapy for several years now. We have found her to be successful with her in-depth analyses and home visits where we have often despaired with problem dogs and cats. I can recommend 'Instincts' to fellow veterinary surgeons in practice.'
Simon White BVSc, MRCVS
Website: White Lodge Veterinary Clinic, Minehead, Somerset

Animal Rescue Charities

'We have used Fiona for several years now and have always been pleased by the results.'
Andy Canning, Co-ordinator,
Website: Glastonbury & Wells Branch, Cats Protection