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Lennox the German Shepherd came to Boot Camp with some serious aggression issues, particularly in the home and out on walks. When I first went to visit Lennox and his owner Peter, I was greeted by being charged at the door as I came into the house. Luckily Peter had Lennox muzzled otherwise he would have had a taste of my left arm! (more…)
Another dog attack in the news, this time a Japanese Akita. Akita, Malamute and Husky breeds seem to be the trend these days just like Staffordshire Bull Terriers were years ago. Unfortunately the owners of these breeds that I have worked with always seem to have the same issues, that their dog is displaying aggressive and dominant behaviour. So many people select dogs because of their looks or the trend at the time but give little thought as to the needs of the breed. These breeds are strong active working dogs built for endurance and in the case of the Husky and Malamute are built for sled pulling. The Akita was and still is used for guarding due to it’s strong and courageous traits. Not knowing the details of this case regarding the Akita’s behaviour history makes it difficult to identify the cause. However all these breeds need huge amounts of exercise and strong leadership otherwise they become frustrated and dominant and that’s when you get BIG problems ! Just because they are trendy breeds to have in a house with a family does not mean that they stop needing the daily fulfillment that is Primal to their needs. My message is match your lifestyle as a family with the right breed of dog, if you are not active or very assertive don’t get these breeds !
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-12230120
It’s always a ‘YEE HA’ moment at the point when dogs with phobias and fears make it over a hurdle and actually overcome their fear. It’s a long uphill climb working with dogs like this that takes every ounce of patience and calm energy. For Alfie who joined our pack about 3 months ago with a bundle of fears including fire flames, the cooker timer, in fact anything that clicks or crackles, it’s a continuous challenge of building his confidence, self esteem and trust and challenging him to face his fears. Today has been a BIG day for him and me as he actually came into the front room by himself, walked past the candles that were lit and went and curled up next to the sofa. That may not seem a big deal but for Alfie it was huge ! Before, he would look at me with the classic ‘Rabbit in headlights’ look and bolt upstairs or behind the sofa….anywhere that he could hide.
When dogs get anxious they go into survival mode and will either take flight, fight or submit and Alfie loves to run away and hide when he gets spooked. Every day he has become more trusting, more confident and more relaxed…..today is a happy day and he gets a Big Hug !
Maggie Philbin is going to be doing a live report with us on Friday 7.00-10.00am on Radio Berkshire 104.1FM/104.4FM. Maggie will get to walk with the Dog Trouble Pack, talk to us about some of the Boot Camp Dogs and get to chat to some of our clients about their thoughts on the results that we have had with them and their dogs. Hopefully the Pack will be on their best behaviour!!
Once Clients have used our services at Dog Trouble they get to Board their dog(s) when they need a well earned break ! Paddy the Cairn Terrier puppy came to stay for New Year and had a ball with Freddy in addition to being reminded of a few things he learned from his Puppy Basics Consultation.
It’s always upsetting when I hear of another dog attack in this country and in this case with a fatal outcome…. both for dog and human. I have had a couple of enquiries over December from desperate dog owners who are stuck between a ‘Rock and a Hardplace’ following incidents where their dog has attacked them. It’s a tough place to be trying to decide whether or not to have your dog put to sleep or whether to take a risk and trust me to rehabilitate your dog and teach you the skills that you need to prevent it happening again. Most dog owners believe that once their dog has bitten someone that is who they are going to be forever. Wrong!….Dogs live in the moment and will respond to the environment and energy they are experiencing at that time. The first question I get asked is ‘Can you guarantee that my dog will never do it again?’ and the answer I give is always the same…’No I can’t because I can not be with you and your dog everyday to ensure you are doing what I showed you. But what I can do is show you how to fulfill your dog on a daily basis, in a way that meets their Primal needs so that they are balanced. I will also teach you to recognise the signals that your dog is giving you through its body language so that you understand how your dog is feeling.”
I spend a great deal of time with clients during consultations talking through what their dog is doing at that moment and why they are behaving in that way. I then go through the owner’s daily routine and the issues they have, adjusting what they currently do with their dog so that they begin to fulfill them in a way that they understand.
My point is dogs can be rehabilitated, so don’t leave it until someone gets hurt before taking action. Help yourself and your dog live a balanced happy life and give your dog that chance they deserve of proving to you that they can be balanced. Get help and contact Dog Trouble.
“Extremely professional as soon as she walked through the door I knew she was experienced by how she handled our dog in a calm assertive manner. Took us through everything very well, checking that we understood and it was going at our pace.”
Joanne O’Hare
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