Behaviour problemsMost behaviour problems take time, patience and lots of commitment to overcome. Unfortunately quick fix methods (often seen in popular television programmes) don't cure the problem but cause more serious problems further down the line. Trainers and behaviourists are not currently centrally regulated and anyone can claim to be a trainer or behaviourist without having to prove they have any qualifications or experience of dogs. Don't just go to anyone!
During an initial consultation with me the problem will be diagnosed, understood and ways to help will be discussed with you. You will be given a written report with a programme designed to help you and your dog. Follow up support and advice is included in the initial price so you can continue to work with your dog and deal with any problems that may arise.
Sensitivity to being groomed or touched
Dogs aren’t naturally predisposed to being touched, brushed and groomed. If your dog’s coat needs regular brushing and grooming to keep your pet comfortable then this can be a major problem
A programme aimed at desensitizing to touch and grooming will get your pet over this fear.
Inappropriate barking and chewing
Dogs bark and chew for many reasons so it is necessary to determine what these are then work on removing these reasons.
Inappropriate chasing
It’s a natural instinct to chase especially for the herding breeds. However chasing joggers, cars and cyclists is dangerous. Work needs to be done on providing alternative chase objects and improving the recall.
Inappropriate toileting
Quite a common problem that can be overcome with patience and correct teaching.
Car Travel problems
Dogs often bark in the car for various reasons. Often they are nervous of car travel and possibly sick. Work needs to be done on changing the dog’s perception of the car to help overcome such problems.
Jumping up at people
Common problem which can be easily rectified with consistent handling.
Mouthing
Dogs usually mouth because they are trying to play with you innapropriately. They need to be taught how to play with humans appropriately under control.
More serious behaviour problems
Fearfulness/shyness
Ther are things you can do to help the shy and nervous dog to cope better. Careful desensitization is necessary to help the dog overcome the problems.
Seperation Anxiety
Caused by a fear of being left alone. Dog is stressed and anxious at being left. Behaviour can be as mild as lots of whining and howling to full scale destruction of property and urinating and defecating everywhere when left alone.
Aggression towards people or other other dogsAggressive behaviours include barking, growling, lunging and nipping/biting. It’s much more common than you think and in most cases your pet can be helped. Most aggression is caused by fear and many owners do not appreciate this and tend to punish their dog for aggressive displays making the problem much worse than need be. You will need help to determine the cause of the aggression, how to deal with it and work towards getting your pet over the fear.
Some aggressive behaviours are caused by frustration as the dog is prohibited from reaching other dogs or people. Again help is needed to understand the behaviour and work towards helping your dog and teaching it more appropriate behaviours. See the page on classes for unsociable dogs!
Dominance issues
My dog is ‘dominant’ is a remark often made by owners and talked about a lot by inexperienced people and even 'trainers' who are stuck back in the dark ages and haven't moved on with current scientific research into dogs, how they learn and their behaviours. In reality 'dominance issues' are wrongly blamed when the dog's behaviour proves difficult to manage. Often all that is needed is owner education and expert help on what is happening with your pet and how to deal with it.
Whatever your dogs problem help is available and I look forward to working with you and your dog. Call or email to discuss your problem and book an appointement.
01235 227244