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Problem
dogs
You
have a problem dog? Don't worry! However many trainers you've tried,
whatever you've done to try and sort out your dog, I might be able to
help you improve your dog's behaviour. If I don't think I can then I
won't waste your time and money! More importantly though, if I think I can
help, I won't use any harsh techniques. No throw cans, no check chains,
no bullying to make your dog comply.
What sort of things can I help with?
- Growling,
snapping, biting (people and/or other dogs)
- Barking
- Hyperactivity
and overexcitement
- Chasing
- Disobedience
- Chewing,
digging
- House training
- Pulling on the
lead, poor recall
Many
of these problems need one to one help through a behavioural assessment
as well as training. Classes may be appropriate in some cases, because
classes are aimed at preventing
those problems rather than fixing them, so may not be the best option
for you or your dog. Sometimes group classes can make the problems
worse. But however we approach it, you will need a better understanding
of what is going on. In some cases referral to a vet may be necessary
to eliminate any physical causes.
How
do we deal with the
problems?
Relying on the dog to only behave as we want when he is
told is not sufficient.'Obedience', although important, can often just
paper over the cracks in the dog's behaviour. Improving the dog's
default behaviour in the absence of commands has to be a priority. If
you get the dog's underlying behaviour right, then you will need less
'training' to control it. That is what behaviour modification aims to
do.
What I do is help you to...
- reduce the problem behaviour
- teach the dog what you do want it to do instead
- how to understand your dog better
- to help your dog to understand you
better
- give advice on managing
situations so you can live together with less aggravation
We look at the dog's 'default' behaviour as well as teach the dog to
respond to commands, if that is what is needed.
All techniques used put the emphasis on building a
positive, constructive and dog-friendly relationship with your dog. No
check chains, throw cans, or water squirters. No bullying.
Some problems may be difficult to resolve
in which case I will offer guidance on your options and give you a
realistic assessment of your chances of success.
Do you need a
behaviourist, a trainer or a 'dog whisperer'?
There are NO legal requirements, NO registers of dog
trainers or behaviourists which are regulated by any law. Anyone
(literally anyone) can call themselves a trainer, a behaviourist
or a 'dog whisperer'. What I describe myself is entirely up to
me. Anyone can form themselves into a group or association and
claim some legitimacy or quality control. Some do that well; some
don't. They will have different ethos, different membership criteria
and reflect different philosophies towards how dogs are treated and
trained.
Until 20 or 30 years ago there were only 'dog trainers'. A la Barbara
Woodhouse. With some scientific input from ethologists such as Konrad
Lorenz.Then dog training discovered the value of learning theory and
psychology when Roger Mugford came along and first talked about 'dog
psychologists'. A degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) in animal
behaviour, psychology or related subjects has now become popular and
those who are most likely to call themselves 'behaviourists' usually
have a relevent degree. But equally many who do not have a relevent degree also
call themselves 'behaviourists', which they are perfectly entitled to
do. Many academically qualified 'behaviourists' have little
practical experience of dog training and handling ; some have
plenty. Some veterinary surgeons specialise in dog behaviour. They are
few and far between but would
normally be entitled
to the title 'behaviourist'. Most 'trainers' do not have a relevent
degree and therefore may have less understanding of the
underlying science, but are
likely to have practical expertise. Many have excellent dog handling
and training skills, perhaps in a particular dog training discipline.
They would certainly claim to have good understanding of dog behaviour.
Sometimes they do; sometimes they don't.
The
label an individual adopts tends to indicate what 'school' they come
from in terms of how they approach helping you and your dog and you
should be aware that there is a wide range of methods, expertise and
techniques which are associated with those labels. The message is...do
your homework when you want someone to help you. Don't make a
decision based on a label.
Return to
the home page and check out the
options. One to one training/behaviour assessment or classes.
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