Behaviour Problems?

Are you looking for a Dog Trainer/Instructor or a Dog Behaviourist?

Dog Trainers/Instructors – Offer, often in group/class sessions – methods and advice on how to train towards teaching the dog certain actions/behaviours like Sit – Walking to Heel – and Coming Back when Called etc.
Trainers/Instructors often have many years of ‘hands on’ experience and will therefore often be able to help and advise on Behaviour problems and recognise when 1 to 1 help is needed

Dog Behaviourists – Offer, normally 1 to 1 – methods of modification to change or stop behaviour that is already occurring by looking back at what has or may have caused it.
Many (but not all) Behaviourists have studied ethology and/or cynology at University/Collage level to gain the knowledge and experience to offer modification programs.  

So, although there is differences between the role of the Trainer/Instructor and the Behaviourists the work they do will and does often overlap – so both normally will have an understanding of each others expertise.    

Dogs with what may be considered 'behaviour problems' are seen on Saturdays. Before attending please phone Alan to discuss the problem.

Remember that what you consider a problem may only be so; because of the way you expect your dog should behave or a normal trait of the breed you have chosen.

A dog that has adequate mental and physical exercise is normally happy and contented and will likely spend most of the day resting - not chewing, barking, digging, escaping or destroying things and therefore far less likely to have 'behaviour problems'

For certain and/or sudden changes in behaviour a health check by your vet is advisable before seeking help from a behaviourist.

   Dominant Dog?

I believe there is real confusion among dog owners about what is a Dominant Dog.
In my opinion and experience what is often called Dominant is often a nervous,
aggressive or neurotic character – sometimes containing more than one of these temperaments.
Character and temperament I believe is partly an inherited trait and part luck of the draw. The breeder will choose which dogs to use to try and produce the best puppies, they can decide what to put in but nature will always decide what she sends out.
Character and temperament not only in breeds, but also within a breed and even within a single litter can differ considerably. It has been said that the reason the dog is often so biddable is that we never allow them to grow up and that in many ways they remain puppies all their life. So perhaps it’s the one's that do 'grow up' that gives us the real dominant dog?

As far as character and temperament what do we have – here my list:

1. Confident - Having self-assurance in familiar and unfamiliar surroundings and people.
2. Shy - Lacking confident in unfamiliar surrounding and people
3. Nervous – Feels intensely ill at easy with anything unfamiliar or outside it's own surroundings.
4. Aggressive – Willing to bite with no provocation.
5. Placid – Free from tension and inhibition, easy going in familiar and unfamiliar surrounding and people.
6. Sharp – Willing to bite in certain situation with little provocation.
7. Neurotic – Hysteric, demented, unbalanced, unable to cope away from its home environment and people it lives with.

A dog often seen with so called dominant problems is the: 'I want him to be a free spirit and be allowed to do what he wants when he wants' Owner.  All is fine until the day comes when the owner objects to what the dog is doing and then the problems start.
Dogs do not want social equality – what they long for is a benevolent, affectionate, non-bullying leader. Owners make the rules, are fair about administering them and the dog learns that these rules benefit everyone in the human/dog family.
Rules of course should be established when the pup first enters its new home, Puppies become accustomed to discipline from their mother while in the litter, so its just part of the pups continuing education.
With an older or rehomed dog care must be taken on how to establish rules, you need to gain their respect and trust before demanding too much – but if we are gentle & fair we can start to establish the rules so avoiding conflict.
Alan.

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Behaviourist

Anita Crundall BSC(hons). CIDBT. APDT (01061)

Having an BSC (hons) in Animal Behaviour from ARU, Anita has also completed a Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour Training (CIDBT) course in basic care and behaviour.
Having always been interested in dog behaviour and training she has owned and trained dogs from an early age. She currently just has one dog; a 2year old black Labrador called Skiba.

The Foundation Class

Aims to offers a good introduction to formal training for those dogs who have had limited or ineffective training, problem behaviours or are not comfortable around other dogs. Places are limited to maintain a small class size thus ensuring that owners and their dogs get the appropriate level of attention.

The objective of the class will be to get those attending to a basic level of training and control therefore helping you to have well-mannered dog and allowing those who wish to become a member of CCEG and attend the main classes.  

Everyone wishing to join this class will be advised to have a 1-2-1 with me before they join the class, so that the individual requirements of each dog can be discussed and a training plan developed. We can offer a ‘double observation’ of problems at this session – 1 from a Behaviourist and 1 from a Trainer - to offer the best help & advice  we can.

This class is held on Saturday’s only from 12.45pm to 1.30pm - To find out more or to book a place contact me at

ccegbehaviour@tesco.net   or telephone 07816329402

Independent of the main training group is CCEG Behaviour run by Anita here she offers  private 1to1 Home visits on training and behaviour problems 
if interested please use the above contact details

Graphic from www.cybergifs.com/dogs  &  www.fuzzyfaces.com