Most dog owners find they have some sort of problem with their dog, which they wish they could solve. Common problems, which can be relatively easy to overcome, include:
- Pulling on the lead
- Jumping up at people
- Dog won’t come back when let off the lead
- General disobedience, won’t sit, lie down or stay on command
- Toilet training
- Unable to groom or cut the dogs nails
- Won’t retrieve or give up the ball
- Inappropriate stealing of articles
- Inappropriate chewing
- Constant attention seeking
More complex (but still common) problems include:
- Mouthing/biting
- Inappropriate barking
- Aggression towards people or other dogs
- Problems with being left alone
- Fearful, stressed and anxious dogs
- Problems while travelling in cars
- Chasing cyclists and joggers
Unfortunately dogs don’t come ready programmed to live with humans. As loveable and adaptive as they are they need to be taught how to behave around humans and the homes and environments we live in. They are a different species; they are not children in furry skins. To train your dog to live in harmony with you and your family you need to be able to understand how your dog thinks and learns.
 If you are experiencing problems with your dog then a one-to-one session will help you unravel the problem and re-adjust yours and your dogs behaviour.
My approach to all training and behavioural re-adjustment is completely non-violent and I use only kind, reward based methods. I use clicker training to train general obedience commands. I do not advocate the use of any training aids such as choke/check chains, electric shock collars, hitting, rattle bottles or other such methods that train by fear and negative sensations.
In the shop attached to the centre I sell suitable training aids such as:
- Gentle Leader head collars - an effective way to stop lead pulling
- Everyday training leads
- Longer leads for good recall training
- Interactive chew toys like Kongs to provide mental stimulation
- Retrieve toys
- Clickers for clicker training
If you wish to book a one to one session to discuss an aspect of your dog’s behaviour then call the centre on 01235 766907
I run classes for older and adult dogs. A new course is starting on Sunday 9th March 7:45 - 8:45 in The Old Mill Hall, Grove. Places are limited so please book early. More details call 01235766907 or email sheilamcd@fastmail.fm
If you are interested in the training and behaviour of dogs then see the recommended reading list on our website. These are all books I have personally read in my studies and can recommend will give you an insight into canine behaviours.
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