Belated Update

It's been a long time since I updated my blog due to a very eventful end to 2005. We thought that once we got over my daughters wedding in July things would slow down a bit but far from it. Treacle, the puppy, is getting bigger by the day. She is suffering from 'Friendly Dog Syndrome' and thinks that every dog out there is as good natured as her. She is just beginning to realise that some dogs are lacking in social skills. Generally her training is progressing well although she needs a good walk to let her burn off some energy before embarking on some of the exercises. She has the potential to track and search like a demon. Wait for the next exciting episode with pictures.

I lost my old German Shepherd 'Gaspode' aged 14 he just suddenly got very tired and knew it was time to go. It was upsetting for the family but the most affected was my remaining German Shepherd 'Jack'. When Jack was born he was rejected by his mother and so was bottle fed by kennel maids. As a result he missed out on the rough and tumble between litter-mates where a dog learns social skills. He was bought by a husband and wife, both Barristers, who returned him to the kennels at 11 months because he was too lively. Their theory was that if you bought a puppy from a kennels specialising in working dogs then it should leave the kennels aged 8 weeks fully trained. After a full and frank exchange of views between kennel owner and Barrister Jack was offered to me for training as a Police dog. I had been searching for a new dog and had looked at many but none were suitable, it takes a very special dog to do police work. They must be brave with fire in their belly but at the same time be good with decent people. They are after all going to spend a lot of time looking for missing children and it's always good if, when found, they are handed back to their parents in one piece. It's not good for Police/Public relations if your dog plucks a passing Nun from her bicycle! Anyway I went to look at Jack, not with any high hopes I must admit. We bonded at once he so obviously wanted to work, he was a natural. I took him home and that was when he got his reality check, he thought he was going to be top dog but the two older German Shepherds and Labrador bitch soon disabused him of that notion. Cocoa the Lab mothered him and taught him manners. Now Jack is an only dog and my wife Rosemary and I are already looking to the future, another GSD? Labrador? Or maybe something different. We both like Clumber Spaniels. Whatever happens we won't rush into anything, it will have to be the right dog. Remember dog ownership is like marriage without the washing-up.

Consultations with clients are increasing steadily. It is good to see so many dog owners are now taking the responsible route to 'dog training' and are realising that in general terms what we really need is 'Owner training'. I feel privileged to have the training and experience to be able to help people to have a full and rewarding relationshp with their dogs.

As I have mentioned in earlier postings I use Amichien Bonding when dealing with dogs and owners, this method was devised by Jan Fennell 'The Dog Listener'. Although trained by Jan I could not call myself a 'Dog Listener' because of trade mark restrictions. There were only two people who could use the title, Jan herself and Tony Knight her son. I am pleased to say that Jan has now allowed me to use the title so i will have to play with words. Should it be Robin Glover (Dog Listener) Consultant in Canine Communication and Behaviour or possibly Robin Glover Consultant in Canine Communication and Behaviour (Certified Dog Listener). Or maybe something entirely different? All suggestions welcome.