Getting the right help for your dog

Don't fall for gimmicks, quick fixes or false promises. We have all seen the adverts offering a quick fix or a shortcut.

First of all, we are not in the business of "fixing" dogs. Another point to consider is that unwanted dog behaviour does not happen in a vacuum. It isn't just about the dog's behaviour, it is often about recognising the dog's emotional experience, how our actions and behaviours impact them, the dog's motivations, their environment and much more.

Quick fixes often involve harmful or aversive techniques.

Each dog is an individual and there is no universal method that works for every dog. Changing a dogs unwanted behaviour ethically often involves an holistic approach.

Don't get drawn into believing empty promises and false headlines - do your research before employing a dog trainer or behaviourist!

What do you need?

Dog trainers and behaviourists have particular expertise in different areas.

Dog trainers can teach you how to use rewards, how to teach your dog the things you would like them to do and to avoid some unwanted behaviours. This may be how to walk on a loose lead, how to teach recall or to settle down quietly. Dog trainers may specialise in specific types of activity, such as agility, trick training or nose-work. They will often run puppy classes.

Dog behaviourists can also teach these things, but they also specialise in emotional problems such as when a dog becomes anxious, frightened, over-aroused, frustrated or even aggressive. These emotions can lead to various unwanted behaviours, and they cannot be resolved simply through training. We should also remember to consider underlying pain or medical issues.

Behaviourists will spend time identifying the underlying emotions, cause and creating a plan designed specifically for you and your dog. Home behaviour consultations allow me to see your dog in their normal environment so that we can make an accurate assessment of what is happening. We will discuss the best way forward and start implementing the behaviour chanbge. I also provide a written training plan to follow, with ongoing WhatsApp/email support for one month.

Often unwanted behaviour isn't straight forward. Take the example of pulling on lead.

Pulling on lead is not always the main issue and is also not always a “dog training” issue. We need to look deeper into the problem. Some dogs pull simply because they have not been taught how to walk on a loose lead. Some dogs pull because they are anxious or stressed. Simply teaching the mechanics of how to walk on a loose lead is not going to help an anxious or stressed dog. Very likely they can walk beautifully at home in the garden but go back to lunging and pulling when out on a walk.

Applying training methods to dogs that pull because they don’t feel safe or are feeling stressed is never going to work. It can also lead people to use so called “training tools” which cause further stress and anxiety.

We need to understand the dog in front of us. When we do, magic happens! We really do become partners, dancing partners.

If your dog is anxious or reactive to strangers, you might want to consider an initial online consultation.

If you are looking for help with your dog, get in touch and we can see what sort of help your dog needs. If you are interested in urban agility (dog parkour) with your dog I also run 1:1 sessions in Heckington, Sleaford, Holbeach, Kings Lynn and Spalding..

We are now able to offer 1:1 dog training sessions in Heckington, Sleaford and surrounding villages as well as Holbeach, Kings Lynn and Spalding and surrounding villages.

Please note, I do not run puppy classes.