They Passed!

What an enjoyable night! Putting the 'late brigade' (our late training class!) through their Bronze KCGCDS has been an interesting experience.  Not because the dogs have been a problem but some of the owners have a real lack of confidence in their own ability and in their dog.  However, they all did really well tonight and all passed the test. Very proud of them all.  From little Sybi the Shih Tzu whose owner didn't think she would be able to do anything to the lab Gambit whose view on life is 'Just Chill'! they all proved they can train their dogs and enjoy it in the process.  As for 'Patch' well what a star!

Follow Up on the Mighty Patch!

Well, Patch and Mary have worked hard on their issues.  It hasn't been easy for them and Patch has had a couple of setbacks along the way but....... he made it all the way to class last week! We were all delighted to see him and he just sat and watched what everyone was up to but what a huge step forward.  So proud of them.  Still a way to go but well on their way.  It is a pleasure to work with Mary who is so determined to work through this with Patch.  They are coming to class tomorrow to do their Bronze Good Citizen - we have had to make some adjustments so he isn't put under too much pressure but he will still have the same test as everyone else and I'm sure he will pass with ease.  So keep fingers crossed!

Mulling Over the Issues of the Week

Just been mulling over two issues that have arisen this week. Firstly a little dog who came to us for help after being with another trainer who dealt with the dog's aggression to other dogs by stabbing it in the ribs with two fingers (this dog weighs under 12lbs) and now the dog is aggressive to humans. Secondly the little JRT on the One Show with resource guarding issues and the awful way in which Jordan Shelley decided this issue should be addressed.

Please ensure that before you take your dog to any trainer/behaviour advisor you obtain recommendations, you see them in action with other dogs and most importantly that they have the requisite experience and knowledge/expertise to deal with the issue. A qualification means nothing without experience and experience means nothing without studying canine behaviour and continuing professional development.

As pointed out by a friend, there are students new to the field who don't have a lot of hands on experience but have an understanding of the science of learning theory.   So don't close your mind to a newbie on the block, that's why it's important to go and see them in action to get a feel for their methods. If you are uncomfortable with someone's method walk away no matter how much experience they may have. There are some out there who continually highlight how much experience they have but doesn't make them good at what they do, just the same as having a qualification doesn't mean they are good at what they do either. It's the same in any profession.  

See the results then make up your mind if it's the right trainer/behaviour advisor for you and your dog.

The Lasting Effects

We often read about or hear about a dog being attacked by another dog or dogs and we shake our heads, feel sad for the dog and move on.  Rarely do we hear about the lasting effects of such an attack and the hard work that the owner needs to undertake to get their dog back on track after a frightening ordeal.

Here's one such story..... Let's call him Patch (names changed to protect the innocent!) and his owner Mary.  Patch and Mary were enjoying their walk one evening when they met a lady coming towards them with a Rottweiler and GSD.  The dogs were set on getting to Patch and Mary and the owner lost control of them and dropped their leads whereupon they set about Patch to his severe injury.  Mary rushed Patch home and onto the vet.  Patch was quite down for a while and following a couple of weeks away, on his return to his house, he would no longer go for a walk.  Mary tried hard to persuade him but he was too frightened to venture past his gate. 

This has gone on for a few weeks now so we set off tonight to see what we could do to help.  With some exercises and lots of reward Patch ventured along the road a bit and passed his gate twice going in different directions.  It will not be an overnight cure for Mary and Patch but Mary is determined to help Patch overcome his fear and I'm sure they will get there.  We will review in a week to see how it's going and move on to the the next step.

It's the side of the story that is never seen and there are no consequences for the owner of the other dogs although the Dog Warden is now aware as is the Police but we have had word today that it has happened again. Perhaps if she was aware of the financial and emotional cost of her actions (or lack of them) she might just do something but then again perhaps not.....