PROBLEM PREVENTION                                                                                 SOLVING PROBLEM BEHAVIOURS                                                                   PRIVATE LESSONS


Some dogs have problem behaviours that need to be addressed individually in the home or outdoors.... This section could be never ending, but the majority of the problems we deal with come under the following headings, and below we give an idea of how we’d approach them.

We welcome enquiries to discuss the best strategy; please don't hesitate to contact us. Probably better to phone than email, so we can talk in depth.

• Poor recall
• Excessively boisterous behaviour
• Pulling on the lead
• Anxiety around other dogs
• Aggression towards dogs and or humans (see INAN courses too)
• Fears and phobias
• Guarding
• Eating the house!
• Relationships with family members

• Toileting problems
• Barking
• Problems with other pets and/or livestock
• Grooming/handling issues
• Geriatric issues
• Overcoming owner-fear of other dogs

The problems and their causes are very varied, and the solutions need to reflect the individual dog’s character, history, and relationships within the family.

The solutions invariably involve seeing the problem from the dog’s point of view and addressing the root cause, knowing how to communicate clearly and consistently with the dog, instead of trying to simply prevent or circumvent the behaviour.

While we are very careful to say we have no magic wand to cure a dog instantly (as seen on TV!), we are confident that we can make inroads into most intractable problems, given the commitment of the owner to put in time, thought and understanding.

Often, one home visit will be sufficient to explain why the dog is ‘being a pain’, and showing how, by changing human behaviour, we can amend and ‘manipulate’ what the dog does, and help the dog relax and understand the boundaries of behaviour. Longer standing or more complex problems may well take more time and need a structured programme, to move the dog steadily to a new understanding.

It is not rocket science; by us giving guidance and support, and setting up situations where the dog can gain experience in a controlled and structured way, we have had great successes in helping with all sorts of problems.
We have excellent contacts with other professionals with whom we will work to ensure the best outcome for the dog.

1:1 sessions are structured for the individual, and can range from a simple training session to a full blown behaviour home visit; from a walk in the park to a structured set-up session in a private field introducing other dogs, live-stock, bicycles, joggers etc as needed.

Additionally, we regularly use the opportunity of the outside lessons to gradually introduce dogs to group training at their own pace, so that on week 1 they may work at 100 yards away, moving closer to other participants at the speed the dog can assimilate. This has had excellent and speedy results in raising the confidence and/or self control of dogs who are wary or over boisterous around other dogs.