Dog Training & Dog Behaviour

DOG TRAINING & DOG BEHAVIOUR

Practical training in Norway with Nordic Education Centre for Ethical Dog Training.

In Norway, with Anne Lill Kvam, internationally known trainer and nosework specialist, who also taught on the courses. And Lisbeth Borg de Waard, trainer and behaviour consultant, School founder and principal.

Teamwork.

With Lisbeth Borg de Waard, and the world renowned Turid Rugaas who taught on the courses, and whose philosophy the School follows.

Working with Puppies in Norway.

Discussing options.

My inspiration and teachers, Lenny & Coco. Missed and remembered every day.

THE HEART OF THE MATTER

Dog training shouldn't be about getting your dog to be obedient or submissive to you. It should be about building a relationship, based on trust. And the first requirement for any dog, is to feel safe.

Dogs communicate with each other, firstly through body language. This language is universal to all dogs. And this is how they try to communicate with us also. We should try to meet them half way.
Humans are Primates - dogs are not. Our physical communication style, differs in many ways.
So the least we can do is to communicate with our dogs in a language they know and understand.
I can teach you how to do this.

Training and Behaviour issues are two different things really. Training is teaching a skill, modifying behaviour is addressing an emotion. When it comes to behavioural issues - there is no such thing as good or bad behaviour. There is just, behaviour. And it is performed to fulfill a legitimate need. Humans label it good or bad, depending on our own wants or needs, and our own rules of society.
Dogs do their best to fit into our world. It is our job to help them, by giving them more suitable behavioural options to chose from, to fulfill their needs. And before we can do that, we must understand that behind every behaviour, 'good' or 'bad' is an emotion. When we want to change a behaviour, recognising, and addressing this first, attends to the cause rather than the symptom.
Behaviour doesn't occur in isolation, there can be a number of factors influencing it. So, addressing behavioural issues, requires that we take a look at the whole life of the animal from genetics, physical health, past experiences, to his/her daily routines, friendships and interractions.

Can't teach an old dog new tricks? Yes you can!

Specific, desired outcomes cannot be guaranteed as each dog is an individual, with a unique personality, a unique past, and living in unique circumstances. Sometimes managing the environment, is what is required.
While issues are sometimes resolved after one session, you can only "guarantee results" or "results after only one session", if you use, or are prepared to use, aversive methods, techniques, tactics and/or tools. It is a 'results at all costs' approach. When choosing a professional, don't be afraid to ask detailed questions, so you can make an informed decision. You owe it to both yourself and your dog.

My approach to working with dogs is based on a few underlying principles. All services are Fear Free®, Force Free, Pain Free, Positive Reinforcement and Choice Based. And I work in line with the latest scientific evidence.

COMMON ISSUES CLIENTS ASK FOR HELP WITH

Jumping up on people
Pulling on Lead/Loose Leash Walking
Biting the lead
Problems passing other dogs/ people/ stationary objects
Getting your dog's attention
Recall (coming to you when called)
Fear of getting into the car
Leave it - Not taking certain things in their mouth
Drop it - Releasing things from their mouth on request
Distructive behaviours in the home
Barking out the window at people passing by
Begging for food
Overreacting to the doorbell

I can help you and your dog with these, and other issues.

THE MOST COMMON ISSUES I SEE

Not understanding dog body language and how dogs communicate with each other and us
Not understanding what you communicate to your dog, through your own body and vocal language
Not understanding the range of needs that all dogs have, and those specific to your breed or cross
Lack of socialization for your dog and lack of understanding of what socialization actually means
Misusing the dog's name
Misusing the word 'No'

Educating yourself in these areas will help to empower you as a caregiver and will improve the relationship between you and your dog. I can help you with this. Be The Change You Want To See!!

HOW I WORK WITH YOU

I work with you and your dog as a team. No other dogs are involved unless or until required.
Location depends on a number of factors. Sometimes it will be at your own home.
I firstly meet with you and your dog for an evaluation and I draw up a plan/proposal from there, including pricing. You pay for the evaluation on the day, and can then choose whether or not you would like to proceed.
Tools I use: 'Y' Harness and Long Leash. Nothing else.
Methods I use: Positive Reinforcement, Choice Based, Cooperative methods only. My training methods are based on relationship building and mutual respect rather than power structure and submission. I follow the latest scientifically proven methods. I don't use aversive tools or techniques.
I don't teach traditional obedience.
I support the 'Five Freedoms' of animal welfare.
I provide a confidential service where people are not judged on either their past or present situation or training with their dog. We are all learning and trying our best.
The only thing I require from clients is an open mind and a willingness to put in the effort.
Training/behaviour modification takes time, patience and practice. So, if you're looking for the magic wand, quick fix approach, I won't be the professional for you.
However, if you are interested in my approach and what I have to offer, I would be delighted to work with you and your dog.

TRAINING FOR GROOMING & VET VISITS
I provide specific training for dogs who find certain aspects of grooming stressful, or who will not allow themselves to be groomed at all. Positive reinforcement and choice based methods used only.
No behavioural restraints used. Fear Free® Certified.

The Above Video
No jumping on the table or begging for food. I have some pieces of apple and some dog treats on the table. I use body language only. No verbal commands.
And our model for today is the lovely Joy!

The Above Video
Jumping on people, biting the lead, pulling on the lead.
An adult female, Bernese Mountain Dog, can weigh between 30kg - 50kg, with serious pulling power. So it is important that we address these issues from a safety perspective, if nothing else. At just 15mths old, putting me through my paces today is the beautiful Bailey!

The Above Video
'Drop It'. Important if your dog takes something they shouldn't. Can also help with resource guarding.
Demonstrating this today is the bubbly Buddy! Much loved by Sarah and Tommy.

The Above Video
Getting on with training an attention sound and recall with a dog with a strong drive to hunt.
And our challenger today is the magnificent Molly!
At the end of the video, I am recalling Molly from her human, who is filming. Impressive start to this training from Molly.

While it is important to obey the law and keep our dogs and others safe, we sometimes over-regulate our dogs' lives. We control what and when they eat, when they go to the loo, when they go outside, play, walk, sleep, where they can lie down, who they interract with, what friends they can have etc. I believe this over-regulation plays a large part in the issues we see in our dogs today. But there is good news! Simply allowing our dogs to be dogs, do doggie things and have more choice in their lives, can prevent many issues from developing in the first place, and can reduce and even eradicate many existing issues.

Credit: Elspeth Rose Design

Credit: Jeanne Willis & Lorna Freytag. 'Wild Child', 2015

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