See my about me section blog for more info and how I got into dog training!
At Step Pets we REWARD and we will reinforce wanted behaviours. My approach counter-conditions gradually using systematic desensitisation- We won't be flooding and overwhelming your dog by forcing them into a situation they are not ready for or pushing them into long periods of being over-threshold.
I will not use tools or apply techniques that your dog finds aversive. This is something that is fear provoking/ causes significant stress, discomfort or pain with the goal of correcting a behaviour.
We will use treats +/ toys in our sessions. Some people believe their dogs 'just aren't interested' but it is not that simple. Often a dog who is not interested in these things is actually overwhelmed and being pushed too far which is why they don't value the reward.
A large part of my approach is addressing the dog's lifestyle and how this can be altered to better improve their mental wellbeing.
Management also has a place in dog training- it is important we don't give dogs access to practice undesirable behaviours repeatedly.
The focus of training your dog shouldn't be to just stop the behaviour. The real focus is to figure out why that behaviour is happening and meet the dogs needs so they don't feel the need to express the behaviour in the first place.
We want our dogs to feel better in situations- rather than just 'behave'.
Add a description about this category
Includes an observation phase where you act as you normally would so I can see the issue you are experiencing.
Discussion around theories of learning and how these apply for you.
Discussion about what may be causing the dogs behaviour.
Management and initial changes to implement.
In most cases- show you some of the alternative ways in which we will address the issue to better your dogs wellbeing.
Presentation document with summary and further information to aid you training.
Ideal for more complex situations. Usually booked for dogs who are experiencing a lot fo anxiety and going through gradual systematic desensitisation approaches. Also helpful for those who feel they would benefit from having their own skills checked to ensure they are doing the best they can for their dogs.
Usually booked for puppies, first time dog owners wanting to get on top of some basics.
Please be aware that training in this method requires consistency. This is not a training style that delivers immediate results as the focus is on making life more enjoyable for the dog rather than making life more convenient for the owner. Methods that guarantee quick results are addressing and shutting down the behaviour a dog is using to communicate- not improving the dogs wellbeing. Many of my clients report seeing immediate changes in their initial sessions- but to really truly teach/change a behaviour for the long term is a daily effort that you must be dedicated to.
I will come to you, I believe an important part of my training to be that I see the dog in their own environment where they are most likely to present the behaviours you describe.
Bites can happen for a number of reasons. Depending on the severity and the cause- I have and do work with dogs who have bitten. I am not however an expert in aggression and will advise you if i feel someone who specialises in that area would be better suited. I strongly advise there be transparency between clients and vets where there are behavioural issues where biting has become a risk. Some dogs may need extra support from a veterinary behaviourist who can prescribe medication to aid bettering their wellbeing.
Yes! Step Pets is like family. You are welcome to message anytime or we can arrange a call. Up to 4 weeks after each session you are able to contact me to check things or ask for advice free of charge!
No. Trainers can not prescribe medication for your dog. If you feel your dog is in need of medication you should address your concerns with a vet who may also refer you on to a veterinary behaviourist for this purpose. Most behavioural issues won't require medication but I am a supporter of them where they could be of benefit. Please feel free to call and discuss your issue in more detail. As a trainer I am happy to work alongside other professionals who have the same goal of helping you and your dog.
No, Sadly this is not an area I have experience with and would therefore not be prepared to complete such work.
Yes! In fact two of my biggest success stories in my training have been 2 Romanian rescue dogs. You can find more about their story in my client reviews. I also work with other ex 'street' dogs regularly in my dog walking and pet sitting services.
They are not a tool that I utilise in my training. I have not found a need for them and do have concerns over the growing research into if such methods have a negative impact on the dogs wellbeing. I firmly believe that training should be to better your dogs wellbeing on the inside- not just the external behaviours they show as a result of their emotion.
Copyright © 2024 Step Pets - All Rights Reserved.