ALL WEATHER DOG WALKERS

Cwmbran, Pontypool, Torfaen, Newport and surrounding areas

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Hot Topics

The Pet Industry - Exploitation of Pet Owners?
 

The doggy press and internet forums regularly criticise the vets, pet insurance, dog food and drug companies. The pet business is a big business worth around £4 Billion pounds in the UK alone. The pet superstores are packed with all kinds of gizmos, food, toys etc. and persuasive marketing techniques!
 

So many humans, no longer just in Hollywood, need the services of an 'ologist or alternative therapists these days, and we’re led to believe our dogs now need the canine equivalent - “the behaviourist”. But do they really? Many problems can be resolved using “normal and kind” dog management / ownership and training techniques proven by the test of time. Not too far away in history, an owner would turn for advice/guidance from the local vet, local dog trainer or other local owners. Now we have internet forums, countless books and television “shows”.
 

Without doubt, some anti social issues, such as aggression, guarding or out of control prey drive (livestock/cyclists/people chasing) do require expert help – but with so many people jumping on the band wagon and self declaring themselves a “behaviourist”, it’s best to be referred to an expert by an expert ie your vet! Any decent behaviourist will insist upon a vet check anyway – to rule out medical conditions/injuries being a cause of the problem.

 

But what about “normal” doggy behaviours? The key, in our opinion, is establishing what motivates the dog to perform the unwanted behaviour, then use training, distraction and positive rewards to encourage the dog to do something different / acceptable instead. Consistency, not chopping and changing from one method to another, is extremely important, as is a good “No” and/or “Leave It” command!