Question: What does agility training, gun dog training and reactivity training all have in common?

Answer: They are all types of training that require practice and potentially long-term commitment for advanced outcomes.

There have been 2 news stories in the last couple of weeks where a group of dogs have killed a person. Being someone who promotes the amazingness of dogs every day, I needed to somehow process it.

Labelling a dog on one observation. Something we may all be guilty of. Even dog trainers and behaviourists. Something I find interesting about my job is getting to see all the different versions of a dog.

Dogs always do things for a reason. For example: scared or anxious about something, in pain, tired, hungry, bored and so on.

Avoiding the trigger, is not avoiding the issue, it is part of the therapy.

A behaviour package is tailor made specifically for YOU and YOUR dog. It is made up of a diagnostic online questionnaire, initial first aid advice, consultation, a treatment plan, online support and potential follow up appointments.

Trigger stacking. What is it? An accumulation of stress over time that results in the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Trigger stacking is real for humans and it is real for dogs and it can take days to come down from.

OK, so this is a bit of a provocative title. Maybe it conjures up images of a hero dog trainer bitten many times on the way to being a superstar. The actual fact of the matter is, I have been bitten hardly at all and am very proud of it.

Part 2 The Street. This chart is to help the average dog owners make a more informed decision when they see another dog they don’t know on a walk. If your dog already has aggression or reactivity, please consult a behaviourist.

Part 3 Off lead areas. This chart is to help the average dog owners make a more informed decision when they see another dog they don’t know on a walk. If your dog already has aggression or reactivity, please consult a behaviourist.