FAQ
Q: Why should I enrol my dog into a training class?
A: Dogs are creatures of habit and learn by a consistant repeating of exercises / actions. It is important that your dog learns your boundaries / rules and follow your guidelines, in an environment where they will meet and socialise with other people / dogs in a calm and controlled manner. The quicker they learn, the more you can teach them. :o)
Q: Why do dogs need a pack leader?
A: If you do not indicate what is acceptable behaviour in a consistent fashion, your dog will get confused leading to un-wanted behaviour. Try not to get bogged down with worrying about creating a 'pack environment'. Dogs do not live as their ancestors the wolf did, so there isn't the need to hunt or protect themselves in a pack. Dogs will still try to secure as many resources as possible. Think of affection, play as a reward rather than making it a constant resource for your dog.
Everything your dog sees as a resource should be 'on invitation only'. That includes all those cuddles! Make your dog want to earn something from you, rather than it just being given it all the time or when your dog demands it from you.
Q: Can an old rescue dog be re-trained?
A: Absolutely. It is often a mis-conception that all rescue dogs have been badly treated, when sometimes they are re-homed because they have become un-controllable. The behaviour shown on arrival, could be the fear and confusion of being in a kennel rather than a home environment.
It is important that you teach any new dog entering your family, that there are boundaries and you are they're biggest resource providing them with a balanced environment . Some problems are created due to over attentive owners teaching dogs that they are there to serve their every need. Rescue dogs need your understanding but not your sympathy, as this can nurture bad behaviours.
Q: How early should I enrol my puppy?
A: As soon as they have been vaccinated. The earlier your puppy starts to socialise with positive associations, the better. By enrolling early, you will be able to encourage good behaviour through training, rather than trying to correct unwanted behaviour when they are older. It will always take longer to break a bad habit, than to learn a new trick.
Q: What can I expect from a class?
A: In the classroom environment, we give you the tools to get the best from your dog. Progression will only be achieved through your hard work and enthusiasm . We will cover basic exercises and give you tips on social behaviour, when to correct and when to praise. Teaching your dog how to behave in a distractful environment is extremely rewarding. A well behaved dog is a socially acceptable dog. You can progress through the Kennel Club Scheme or just come along to socialise your dog.
Q: I've been to different classes that offer different advice, who do I listen to?
A: Everyone will have a different opinion, as everyone sees things differently. Remember that no dog and owner are the same. What works in some cases, may not work in another. A good trainer will help you find the right techniques for you. If you are consistently applying those techniques without results, ask them if you could try another method.
However, please remember that aggression breeds aggression and therefore it is better to take a 'calm assertive' attitude with your dogs training.
Q: Do you advise via email or telephone?
No! We can give you some very basic stereo typical advice but with most cases, it comes down to the individual dog and handler characteristics.
It is impossible to advise someone how to make progress with their dogs behaviour, without seeing the dog with the handler as every dog and handler are different.
There are no quick miracle fixes with dog behavioural issues. You should never pay for any advice given by telephone or email. No one would be able to pinpoint your dogs specific issue without seeing your dog first hand.
As you are seeking advice, it is unlikely that you know what the route cause of the problem is. A trainer would have to assess the dog in situe to be able to get enough information to advise you correctly.
Q: What is a Dog Behaviourist?
Far too many people claim to be a 'behaviourist' and all too often cause more damage than they solve, due to lack of knowledge and experience. Especially when it comes to nervous or aggressive dogs.
A dog behavourist is someone who is recommended by a 'vet' to work alongside the vet to assess your dogs behaviour issues.
A Dog Behaviourist will have sound scientific, phsychological and anatomy based training. The will also have vast knowledge in the breed characteristic of all types of dogs and be able to identfiy specific generic quirks.
This means that not only will they have many years of hands on experience with various dog breeds but also have studied for specifically related subjects.
A good behaviourist is one who is constantly prepared to challenge or question his or her own way of working with dogs. We constantly progress with understanding and developments in the dog world and need to maintain learning and personal progress, otherwise we would all still be teaching in the style of Barbara Woodhouse.
Further information about becoming a behaviourist can be found at www.compass-education.co.uk or 0845 458 5981.
Do not undertake specific 'Behavioural' advice from un-qualified individuals. Dog ownership is not enough to qualify someone to identify what specific behavioural issues your dog has. Anyone can undertake basic dog training but behavioural issues should be dealt with someone qualified to do so. Your wouldn't go to the optician for advice on your broken leg, so don't make the same mistake with your dog. Seek a qualified professional who can prove their qualifications and not rely on people who claim that they 'experience' qualified. This normally translates to 'dog owner'. Being an experienced car driver does not qualify you to drive, your licence does.