doggy matters

ditch the behaviour not the dog!

Andrea Williams  -  Canine Behaviour Counsellor

Associate Member of Canine Behaviour Centre

 

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Doggy Delights!

The road to success

 

 

Barney – Irish Setter x

Problem Not getting along with other dogs

Feedback within 2 weeks of consultation

“Barney has been doing really well with the clicker; he’s really picked it up very, very quickly. I’ve also been giving him his drops as regularly as you asked, and he does really seem to be improving. He’s a lot less morose, definitely bubblier and more alive, and looks on the whole, a lot happier – he really does shine on occasions! I’ve also taken your advice and become a lot bubblier around him too, so I think the both of us are doing well.

 

Jo has been great too, and has really taken on board everything you said - I think with continued effort from both Jo and I, things will improve even more. We’ve also taken your advice when encountering other dogs when we’re out, remaining calm, and trying not to tense up. It’s not easy sometimes, but we’re getting better at it. I’ll be very interested in coming to some of the classes you will be running, so please keep me in mind when they start.” Simon

 

 

6 weeks later

Although both Jo and I are still, I guess in the learning stages, Barnes has really benefited. His recent reaction to a dog that was off a lead and who was pretty aggressive around him was typical of how far we’ve come in a short time. Previously, he would have become incredibly wound up, would pull towards the other dog and get very aggressive back in response. This time however, even though I was expecting a reaction for the worse, we carried on our walk with Barney very quiet and controlled, and with hardly any attention paid to the other dog (Barney did actually look at me as if to say ‘what is the crazy dog’s problem!!’). Overall, he’s become much more energetic and much happier and very good fun to be around!  See you Thursday!  Simon, Jo and Barney

 

 

Sasha – Japanese Akita

Problem Submissive Urination/Separation Anxiety/Chewing

Feedback within 1 week of consultation

 

“Hi Andrea

You asked for feedback within a week of seeing you last week so I am pleased to tell you that we have seen big improvements. Sasha hasn't urinated in the house since I emailed you last. 

The chewing of furniture, curtains etc has also stopped, this I think is down to their Kongs, which they love!   I'll update you in a few more weeks.

 

Thanks for everything!”

 

Heidi & Geraint

 

After approximately 1 month

“Things are still going great with Sasha, we've finished the remedies and she's still fine. Nothing else to report really, the house is still intact when we get home each day and she and Geraint are good mates now. Everything’s great. The only time she's troubled is when she can see us packing their kongs with food as she wants it straight away!”

 

Heidi

 

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Ellie – Black German Shepherd

Problem - Incessant barking in car

Feedback - Less than 1 week after consultation

 

“ … just to let you know that my Mum and Dad say that the improvement in Ellie’s behaviour even at this early stage is absolutely amazing … my Dad has been using positive reinforcement and speaking quietly to her and stopping the car etc …  my Mum sits in the back and tells her quietly to lie down and SHE DOES!! … friends don’t believe she’s the same dog”

 

 

Feedback – 1 week later

“We have bought Ellie a harness and although a little wary she seems to be coping very well with it.  Everyone is really, really impressed with her and we can’t believe she has responded so well, so quickly. Thanks again!”  Jan

 

 

Harvey – Cavalier King Charles

Problem - Indoor toileting, incessant barking

Feedback - Less than 1 week after consultation

 

“The difference in Harvey is incredible.  When he barks I just distract him quietly and reward him when he comes to me.  He listens to me so much more now than he used to.  It made so much sense when I realised that my getting upset and yelling was just making Harvey more anxious. No more mess in the house either.  My house is clean again!  Thank you.  You’ve helped me a lot!”  Amanda

 

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The road to success

Our own behaviour as humans does not generally change overnight and so it is unreasonable to expect miraculous changes in our dogs.   There is no magic pill.  However, with a shift in our attitudes and some positive action in the right direction, miracles can and do occur in a very short space of time!  

 

These incredibly successful outcomes are generally a result of the dog’s family and others who interact with the dog making a real effort to make some subtle changes in the way they interact with their canine companion.  It is sometimes easy to overlook the subtle changes and improvements in your dog’s mood and behaviour.  Be vigilant for any moves in the right direction and focus on these consistently and let your dog know how happy you are with his progress!   Remember that what you focus on grows!  Focus on the positive and you will see the difference it makes!

 

The good news is that these methods can be rewarding and fun and the bond you build with your dog in the process is worth its weight in gold!

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Associate Member of the Canine Behaviour Centre

Please Note:  All animal treatment will require your Veterinary Surgeon’s approval.

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