Anyone who knows me well will understand that I don’t pay for something unless I absolutely have to, or really really want something, so it occurred to me that some people may do a little research into getting help with their dog’s naughty behaviour, find out some prices and go for the cheapest one, or find out some prices and decide that they don’t mind the behaviour that much, so rather than spend a little bit of money on it, they’ll just put up with the behaviour, after all, it’s part of their character…  I don’t know of anyone for sure who would do this, but I am someone who will go without something rather than spend the money on it, so I can imagine that there are others out there like me who may categorise dog training as an unnecessary luxury.

The truth of it is that bad dog behaviour is normally a sign that your dog is stressed.  If you name a type of bad dog behaviour, I can tell you how that is the dog showing stress.  For example chewing things when you are out, this is because your dog is worried about you and so is chewing to release endorphins and relieve stress.  Excessive barking, your dog thinks that it is responsible for keeping you safe and keeps hearing/smelling/seeing things which it thinks might mean you are all in danger so barks a warning to the danger to leave you alone, being stressed about things that we know are no problem, e.g. the post man!  I could go on.

The point of this post is to urge people like me to reconsider decisions not to get help on a financial basis.  If your dog is stressed, you can relieve that stress by learning and applying a simple technique to show it that you are in charge, and take the stress from its furry shoulders.  In my (ridiculously frugal) book, that help is worth a dog’s weight in gold.  Also I would advise against shopping around for the best price.  Shop around for something that makes sense!  If you get cheap dog training, does that mean you are getting good dog training?  My service is inexpensive, but I’m sure there are cheaper trainers out there.  I know many many dog owners who have gone to trainers to be told that their dog is ‘untrainable’, or to be given things to do which are bordering on animal creulty.  If you have my help you are dealing with an experienced and Highly Recommended Dog Listener who will provide you with a LIFE TIME of back up support by phone and email if you need it.  If this method didn’t work I wouldn’t be able to do offer this!  And most importantly, what I will ask you to do is in your dog’s best interest.  I’m not interested in getting quick results by using gadgets or force, I use Jan Fennell’s method of Amichien Bonding, which forms a relationship of trust between you and your dog, and releases your dog of its burden of stress.  So can you now see what a good investment a consultation would be…? 

Prices range up to a maximum of £200 depending on travel distance and I am based in Leigh on Sea, near Southend and work in Essex, Kent or London.  Ask for a quote for your location, and this is all you will have to pay - no hidden extras!

Yesterday I looked out of the window to see a young man being taken for a walk by his two dogs.  The word ‘waterskiing’ sprang to mind!  Dogs pulling on the lead think that they are ‘leading the hunt’, which means that they think that they are in charge of your pack.  If your dog pulls on the lead, no matter how relaxed or obedient it may be at other times, it is thinking that it really ought to be in charge of the walk.  The common misconceptions is that your dog is pulling because it is so excited to be going out, or because that is what it has been bred to do in the case of husky owners.  Not true.  What looks like excitement is adrenalin surging through your dog’s body.  It is getting ready to take charge of the hunt.  In the wild, the Alpha pair are in charge of the hunt, therefore if you can take the role of Alpha, part of that will include you taking charge of the walk and your dog will choose to walk with you (not because it is being checked, or is on a halti).

If you are interested in knowing more about this, I’d recommend reading “The Dog Listener” by Jan Fennell.  If you would like one-to-one help to learn how to stop your dog pulling on the lead (and any other behavioural problems you may have) then please give me a call.  I provide in home consultations in Essex, and parts of London, Kent, Suffolk and Hertforshire.  Dog training in a way that makes sense to your dog!

I like to spend a little time reflecting at the beginning of the year on what I want to achieve and what I have to offer.  I found myself thinking about what I offer to people as a Dog Listener…  Well most people will come to me looking for Dog Training, because there is some sort of problem which is making life a bit difficult.  The problems are highly varied, from aggression to other dogs, aggression to people, resource guarding and the other ‘scary’ dog behaviours, to the annoying behaviours like pulling on the lead, barking at the slightest noise; to behaviours which show a real anxiety – destruction when you are out, whimpering and hiding at noises, toiletting when they see strangers…  the types of behaviour are so varied and vast, but ultimately what I give everyone is an understanding of their dog.  It goes without saying that when they hire me as a dog trainer they are going to see improvements in their dog’s behaviour (provided they continue the training we discuss), but what every single client I’ve visited has ALSO benefitted from is having their eyes opened when it comes to what is important to their dog.

This thought made me think a little bit about bringing children up.  When a child does something that we don’t want them to, we can teach them ‘no’ and explain to them why not, because that child is also growing up to understand English.  Our dogs are never going to understand English, you will never be able to rationalise with them in a human way, so you may as well stop now!  If you want to reason with a dog, you need to learn to understand your dog.  To understand what your dog’s perspective is, what is important to him/her.  Your dog came to you with a ready made set of instincts, no matter how young you take that dog in.  Work with the instincts, and your dog will want to work with you.

Anyone ready to start off the New Year with an understanding of your dog which will improve your relationship with your dog, and any other dog you ever have, forever…?!