"There are so many different ways to train dogs, with every 'expert' seeming to have a different view, that it can be bewildering for a pet owner to know where to even begin. There are so many people claiming that they can successfully train dogs, and calling themselves all kind of things - dog trainers, dog behaviourists, dog whisperers, dog listeners, dog behaviour counsellors or behaviour consultants - how on earth can the poor pet dog owner know who is any good and who is a complete waste of time and money. In fact, I know of several dog trainers who have now - without ANY further training started calling themselves behaviourists. One of them even told me that she did this purely so that she could charge more, as people will pay more for a behaviourist.
There is currently no regulation of dog trainers or behaviourists - literally ANYONE can do it. There are a host of courses and certificates that the aspiring dog trainer/behaviourist can acquire that sound great, but may not be worth the paper that they are written on. They are often simply designed to impress the pet dog owner into thinking that the person is 'qualified'. Always check to see if your professional is a member of a reputable organisation such as the U.K. Registry of Canine Behaviourists (UKRCB). I believe that the key to successful dog training is for the dog to be fully aware of the benefits of choosing behaviours that make its owner happy, and the consequences of making the owner unhappy.
If both of these things are understood AND effective, the dog will usually make the right choice. As both a dog behaviourist and a dog trainer, I try to help owners to fully understand their dog, and how to motivate it to behave in ways that make both the owner and the dog happy."
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What's New at The Dog Owners Club
Questions and Answers About the Dog Borstal Television Series
Rob's Basic Principles of Dog Training and Behaviour
Your Help Needed:
Canine Crusaders are a Cornwall based charity that rescue stray, homeless, and needy dogs. Cornwall currently has no professional, purpose-built rescue kennels, so all of the work is currently carried out by volunteers taking dogs into their own homes.
Having judged for Canine Crusaders at their annual fund raising show, I cannot remember the last time that I met a more hard working, dedicated, committed team of people. I was therefore honoured when they asked me to be their patron, and was delighted to accept.
Please visit their website www.caninecrusaders.org.uk. They desperately need donations of whatever you can spare, especially money, but also dog food, bedding, toys etc. Why not set up a standing order, paying just a couple of pounds a month. We often donate money to well established charities, but forget the smaller ones, for whom even a small amount of money can make a massive difference. Every little bit helps, so please give generously.
Rob Alleyne's Weekly Dog Training Tip
Be sure that your dog understands what you want from it before you punish it for not obeying you.
If you haven't properly taught the dog what a command means, how do you expect it to obey that command? Most dogs disobey commands because they have not been properly trained in the first place.