03/06/2020
A story of frustration, harsh training, and misleading information from so-called dog trainers, led to a call a few weeks back from a caregiver with a massive Working Line German Shepherd. When I visited the home for the first time this week, I had just recently been bitten by a dog during an unprovoked attack (that story another day). So I entered with some trepidation, knowing this fellow had bitten his caregiver recently, resulting in 15-stitches.
I came down the stairs in a non-threatening manner, ensuring the dog was muzzled and leashed. He barked at me, warning me away as I entered his home. Once at the bottom of the stairs, I asked his human to let him go to greet me. I needed to observe him in action.
And then, wow, ... the most loveliest of welcomes. Little hops of joy, eyes soft and excited, he curved into me, head looking up, his massive body leaning back, waiting for some love.
So what makes a dog like this a serious biter? And, how do you achieve a goal of a lifelong change in how the dog thinks, feels and behaves? How do you help a dog to learn his teeth are not an effective way to say 'stop' or 'no'? How do you regain quality of life with a dog you love AND trust?
This is where our innovative and advance program is truly unique. Built on cutting-edge applied research results and a friendly approach, a partnership is formed between the human caregivers and myself. Together we developed a shared goal for them and their dog. They are taught how to teach their dog in an tailored interactive approach based on their unique learning style.
We look at 'all' the behaviours occurring in the dog, not just one or two, because the dog's is a whole being. Imagine just determining the health of someone by only looking at their pinky finger (!?!) Behaviours are always interconnected.
Our success stories grow with each client and the life-long relationships they build with their dog. This dog and his humans are in for the journey and it is exciting to once again; 'Change behaviours. Change lives.'
