I’m conscious I haven’t been updating my blog, life has been very busy. Working in a full time contract role, rather than short term interim makes a big difference. I lose the breaks between contracts, which is why I decided to take on contacts in the first place. But my team are great, and there are benefits to staying in one place too.
Zeke has had his third birthday, where does time go? If you follow my also patchy pics on Instagram, you’ll see he’s been doing really well with Scent Detection classes. I’m also taking him to KC Good Citizen classes, the same classes I took Leo to for people exposure. I’ll try and keep you posted as he progresses. As you know I’m more into safety and building trust through choice, than a command and control type of obedience. In Zeke I have a dog that intently watches and listens, because the breeder used Puppy Culture, and from everything I’ve done since to continue with the positive reinforcement.
Positive reinforcement (+R) works. I do still encounter people who ask me how long they must continue to reward their dog (answer +R is a life time commitment, and why wouldn’t you acknowledge your dog for making the right choices?). Zeke has his reward Ratty because that’s high value to him. It doesn’t always have to be food, which Zeke won’t take when his arousal is high.
A new favourite
I still take a few dogs for behaviour and training, but now only through Vet referrals. As my focus is mostly rescue, I find when I do take clients if they come through a Vet I know the dog has been cleared to work, ie. pain has been discounted. I also find People who come through their Vet are prepared to put the work in. I can see the industry is working on getting its house in order, but there are still far too many unqualified ‘experts’ offering quick fixes that often aversive and the dog feels worse.
When Leo came to me as a fearful long term rescue resident, I can say even with my own experiences it took time and a lot of careful management starting with sessions with the RSPCA Behaviourist, I then took him to 121 training sessions for twelve months, then mixed classes, then we joined Flyball! It was a long ongoing journey.
I am fortunate to have found some very experienced and lovely people with the same +R values as me. Listen to your instincts, if anything you’re asked to do with your dog makes you feel uncomfortable, speak up and clarify what the ask is. Good teachers always explain their methods, none of which should make you feel uncomfortable.
Qualified Behaviourists and Trainers are held to a professional code of conduct. as I am through COAPE and IMDT.
Until next time
Jen
