This topic is also commonly referred to as ‘Problem Behaviours’ and can include, but is not restricted to, the following behaviours in various degrees –
- Excessive barking
- Destructiveness
- Relentless digging
- Escapism
- Fear and phobia based anxieties
- Inappropriate elimination
- Dog aggression
- Aggression towards other species
- Chasing children and other pets
- Growling or Biting
- Bullying of other dogs
- Resource guarding
- Problem behaviours whilst on or off leash
- Problem behaviours or lack of social manners whilst in the public domain
A BEYOND Dog Training professional one-on-one consultation can be conducted in your home and will provide you with a professional assessment of the difficult behaviours, a plan to resolve the difficult behaviours and/or a referral to a suitably qualified Veterinary Behaviourist should the behaviours require such action. Behaviour problems can be caused by an underlying medical problem, therefore an assessment by a Veterinarian or a Veterinary Behaviourist may be necessary before a training plan can commence.
It is also important to realise that nothing can be fixed overnight. The key to successful behaviour modification, whether that involves teaching a dog a new behaviour or undoing a bad habit or resolving a problem behaviour, is contingent on the following –
- A professionally qualified and suitably experienced dog trainer and/or a Veterinarian or a suitably qualified behaviour modification specialist such as a Veterinary Behaviourist.
- Commitment from the dog owner or handler and everyone else who comes into contact with the dog (and that includes the whole family) to follow through on veterinary advice, behaviour modification and training instructions.
- Other mitigating factors that can have an effect on the outcome include – the dog’s past history; any physical or chemical causes; the age of and the innate abilities and characteristics of the dog including the influence of its breeding e.g. most Terrier breeds love to dig which is part of their innate characteristics i.e. what they were originally bred to do. Thus, it would be unrealistic to expect these breeds to stop digging altogether. This is where alternative diversions can be useful and having a professional consultation with BEYOND Dog Training can help you to identify this and achieve more acceptable outcomes for both you and your dog.
These one-on-one Consultations are structured to address important aspects, such as –
- Identifying the difficult behaviours
- Identifying factors influencing the behaviours.
- Developing strategies to remove or desensitise the influencing factors and devising the best training plan.
- Educating the owner about their part in achieving the outcomes.
- Reviewing each stage as you progress.
- Identifying when the goals are achieved.
- Considering other difficult behaviours to be addressed or setting some new goals for your ‘reformed’ dog, if you desire.
**BEYOND Dog Training does NOT use aversive techniques or accessories such as prong collars or electric collars.