Motivation is the key to any successful training programme but especially for behavioural problems. As before I can solve a problem such as inappropriate toileting indoors or possessive aggression I need to discover how the problem has developed and what methods the owner has already tried to resolve it. Once the motivation of the dog and the owner is established then I can work on a behaviour modification programme that can be feasibily implemented by the owner.
GUIDELINES FOR A HAPPY DOG.
- RESEARCH YOUR BREED. GET ADVISE BEFORE THE DOG.
- CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE DOG FOR YOUR HOME AND LIFESTYLE
- ONLY BUY FROM A REPUTABLE BREEDER THAT YOU HAVE MET AT LEAST ONCE.
- THE BIGGEST RESOURCE YOU CAN GIVE YOUR DOG IS YOUR TIME.
- DOGS ARE SOCIAL ANIMALS AND NEED SOCIAL CONTACT WITH THEIR OWNERS
- ALL DOGS NEED MENTAL AS WELL AS PHYSICAL STIMULATION, SO PLAYING AND TRAINING ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS WALKING.
- DIFFERENT BREEDS NEED DIFFERENT OUTLETS SUCH AS A LABRADOR REQUIRES MORE MENTAL STIMULATION THAN A CAVALIER . RETRIEVERS NEED TO RETRIEVE. SHEEPDOGS NEED TO CHASE. TERRIERS NEED TO DIG !
- TRAINING IS JUST MENTAL EXERCISE THAT DOGS ENJOY. BOTH THE OWNER AND THE DOG REAP THE REWARDS OF A SOCIALLY ADJUSTED AND ACCEPTABLE COMPANION
- THE EARLIER YOU START TRAINING AND SOCIALISATION THE BETTER. A PUPPY IS MUCH EASIER TO HANDLE AND INFLUENCE THAN AN ADULT.
- GROOMING AND HANDLING ARE VERY IMPORTANT ELEMENTS IN A YOUNG PUPS SOCIALISATION AND SHOULD BE STARTED EARLY.