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Canine Concerns - Dog Behaviour Problems
So you have what you thought was the perfect dog but things have gone wrong and your dog is now far from perfect – in fact he/she may even be driving you mad!
Our lifestyles have changed a lot over the years, gone are the times when the lady of the house would stay at home to care for the children and the family dog. She would walk with the dog to the shops and to drop off and pick up the children from school every day. The dog would only ever be allowed in the kitchen – other areas of the house were strictly forbidden and he/she would be fed on the scraps left over from the family dinner. A dog knew its place was at the bottom of the pack and a Dog Behaviourist was unheard of.
These days our lives are very different, both couples in a household will often work long hours to make ends meet. A woman may decide to have children in later life and a dog is often purchased as a substitute child or for company for a single person or as a status symbol or for protection. There are so many dog products available from food to toys and even (heaven forbid) bags to carry a small dog in and clothing!
What we tend to forget along the way is that all dogs are direct descendants from wolves and they have natural instincts and behaviours that we often find are inappropriate in our lifestyles today.
Before purchasing a dog in the first place – you should ask yourself:
- Can I afford it? Dogs need food, insurance, veterinary fees, regular worming and flea treatment costs as well as the equipment which goes with owning a dog – bowls, bed and bedding, grooming equipment or groomer’s fees, lots of bags to clean up after your dog, collar, lead and identity tag – the list is endless with so many dog products available.
- Do I have the time – to walk, groom, and train and generally care for a dog? A dog needs regular walks, training and attention during the day - every day for the span of his lifetime. Although dogs will get used to being left alone for short periods – it is unfair to expect your dog to stay at home all day for long periods.
- Do I live in the right environment for the type of dog I would like? There is no point at all if you want a Border collie or other highly intelligent, high energy level breed and you live in a one bedroom flat in the heart of town and go out to work all day. It is a recipe for disaster. Choose the breed carefully for the type of house you live in and the amount of time and energy that breed requires.
- Can I make a lifetime commitment to a dog? A dog’s average lifespan is 12 years – It is unfair to the dog to simply get rid of it when a new partner or a child comes along or you get fed up of caring for it. A DOG SHOULD BE FOR LIFE.
If the answer is no to any of these questions – you should think again before getting a dog. For further details on choosing and purchasing a dog – visit the Kennel Club’s website on the links page.
So where do you turn to if your perfect puppy turns into a hairy hooligan or an aggressive adolescent?
Why choose Canine Concerns?
- All the methods used are based on kind, effective ways to help you and your dog to understand each other.
- Because both dogs and owners are individuals, the methods are formulated to suit you and your lifestyle.
- Help and support are offered throughout every stage of the process.
- The solutions recommended are based on understanding your dog and your life and never using violence to resolve a situation....therefore they work!
So what Happens now?
 Evaluation
Once you have made the decision to seek help, there will be an initial evaluation.
This is essential to see the behaviours and discuss any other related issues with you and all the members of your family. The evaluation may last for 2-3 hours depending on the level of the concerns and takes place in your home environment.
Solutions
Together we will work out solutions to correct or modify the behaviour of your dog to fit in with both your dogs’ needs and your lifestyle. Training methods will be explained and demonstrated, so all the family will be able to join in with the journey towards having a happy, well balanced dog.
Journey Map
After the evaluation, a journey map will be provided; detailing the concerns discussed and the solutions offered to provide you with a clear picture of how to progress in the future.
A report will be sent to your vet if there are any areas of concern which have veterinary issues and it may also be necessary to speak to your vet if there are any medical reasons for the behaviour or if your dog is on any medication or long term treatment.
Help & Support
Another visit may be arranged if required to discuss the progress you are making and work out further solutions to any concerns which may have arisen since the first evaluation.
Follow up discussions can also be carried out via email.
To arrange an evaluation appointment – please contact us using our Contact Form or email directly to julie@canineconcerns.co.uk or call 07919 355622 - evenings are best - apart from Wednesdays but if I am not able to take your call - please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as I am able to.
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