Any Fool Can Be Unpleasant

I was talking to a client the other day after a consultation and she told me that she was surprised as to how I had treated her. She said that she knew that I would be kind to her dog but, having seen a number of the 'Dog Training' programmes on TV recently she expected me to shout and maybe swear at her. She certainly expected to have her stress levels raised by me. I told her that it's been a long time since I've raised any womans stress levels but, hey, look at John Prescott, there's hope for us all.

The whole Amichien ethos is that everything, both dog and humanwise is done in a natural stress-free way. There is no point in any kind of bullying either physical or emotional it is wholly unproductive and I will never use such methods. I prefer to rely on a proven system, thirty years of handling a variety of dogs, handling them all day, every day not just for a couple of hours in the evening and, of course, my natural boyish charm.

When I got to thinking about unpleasant people on TV I realised that it's not just 'Dog Trainers' with character flaws who feel a need to massage their already inflated egos by humiliating the participants in the show that they think, they've come on to be helped. There are the copycat versions on British TV of the Jerry Springer type show which make the Springer version look like Shakespeare.It is beyond me how we can pay presenters vast amounts of money so that they can gloat and pretend sympathy at the same time when some-one tells their husband or wife in front of millions of people that they are sexually attracted to mice or have some even more bizarre hang-up. They always seem to justify their cruelty by saying "You weren't there for me".

One of the biggest waste of a wage bill must be down to those two godawful creatures whose day seems to consist of getting dressed in the dark having got their clothes out of a charity shop reject bin and then having the nerve to tell members of the public that they look like crap. Don't they have mirrors at the TV station? Hasn't any TV executive got the guts or moral fibre to tell these people the truth? I fear the answer is, No. Rudeness sells to a certain type of viewer. The problem is that the behaviour encouraged on TV is moving into everyday life.

Well it's not going to influence me, I expect to be treated with courtesy and I hope that I deal with everybody with the same courtesy and consideration no matter who they are. Life is just so much nicer that way.

My client told me that I should be on television. No thanks. I've done a few bits, some years ago I was on a 'World in Action' about the 'Special Patrol Group', I also was involved in a 'CuttingEdge' programme about the Naval Provost in which I was shown with my dog doing a drug search at a Naval base. My TV career climaxed with a six part ITV documentary 'Dog Squad' in which I appeared in several episodes. The problem is that the the programme makers are looking for people to be larger than life and play to the cameras and if you get swept along by them then you can end up looking a complete muppet. In one instance a camera crew had been with me on patrol on a Saturday day shift. In the evening I was going to a pub to watch my sons band play a gig ( check out www.voodoofire.com ). A camera crew were filming the gig, still no problem but then, they wanted to film me getting out of my uniform, having a shower and then getting dressed again. They couldn't understand why I said no. I had visions of viewers phoning the TV station in distress saying "I don't know what that dog handler's wearing, but it needs ironing".

Everybody I know agree that when it comes to television then I have the perfect face for radio.

All I really want to say is, let's hear it for good manners. Whenever I hear people in the street swearing, belching, breaking wind, spitting or doing any of those things that make life unpleasant for the rest of us and then thinking it's clever because they've seen some third rate presenter do it on TV. I just say to myself,..................ANY FOOL CAN BE UNPLEASANT.

New Website

Those of you who have previously visited my website may recall that the background was a bright orange and the text was white. Steve (who does the website) and I, discussed this and decided that the combination of colours was quite wearing on the eyes. Overnight Steve played around with the site and it is now blue background with black text. Everyone who has seen it so far agrees that it is a great improvement.

Steve also changed the layout and presentation of the whole site and I for one think it's much better. I certainly couldn't attempt even a basic site on my own I'm so pleased that my daughter married well.

The one thing on the new version of the site which is not yet complete is the Gallery. There are a few pictures on there but nowhere near the amount on the old site but this will be rectified in the near future (watch this space).

Children and Dogs

Every child should have a pet, preferably a dog, but then I'm biased. They teach children so many things, to care for another creature in an unselfish way, loyalty and even the facts of life, and death. All this helps to make a child able to better interact not only with animals but also with fellow humans and allows them to grow into a well balanced and caring adult.

If you decide to bring a dog into your household with your children it is important that both dog and children have guidelines. The dog hopefully will be brought up using 'Amichien Bonding' which will ensure he behaves correctly, but it is advisable to teach the children how to interact with the new addition to the family before he arrives and gets swamped by over-excited playmates. The following tips may be of use to you.

1. Treat as a dog as you would like to be treated, don't pull their ears or tails. Never shout at them, they don't forget how you treat them.

2. Even if he looks kind, don't approach him. If he wants to come to you he will.

3. Avoid everything that might threaten the dog.

4. Never look the dog in the eyes, he may take it as an invitation to fight.

5. Don't go near his tail, don't pull it or step on it. He uses it the express feelings.

6. Don't disturb a dog when he's eating and never try to take his food away, he'll defend it instinctively.

7. When you play with him don't pet him near his teeth. He likes catching things and it could be your fingers.

8. Never try to separate fighting dogs, go and get help from an adult you know.

9. Whether you are afraid or not, never run away from a dog he'll take it as an invitation to chaseyou.

10. You have two hands, he has only his teeth to hold on to you. Often you may think he wants to bite but he may only want to hold on to you.

11. Only play with a dog when you are with an adult, dogs respect them more because they are larger.

12. No two dogs are the same, you have to get to know them. Treat them kindly and gain their respect.

Value for Money, How the System Works

Your money is hard earned and there are countless things to spend it on. The trick is to know that when you do spend you get value for money. You know that when a washing machine breaks down or you have a leaking pipe the tradesman you call is going to charge you £50 just to knock on your door. You will then probably be charged by the quarter hour and then of course there are the parts that have to be paid for. You will never know until you get the bad news at the end of the call how much it's going to cost you. If you have another fault next week you will have to go through the same procedure and cost again because what is the point of a washing machine if you don't get the benefit of it?

People spend a lot of their hard earned cash on their dogs, you can pay £1200 or more for some pedigree animals. Pedigree puppy or old rescue dog of indeterminate parentage, people love their dogs. They have them for company, security or maybe so that they get some exercise themselves, taking long country walks. They want the best for their dogs so it's no expense spared in food, toys and vets fees.

Having spent all this money on your dog what do you do if he has problems that you can't resolve such as anxiety, aggression, pulling on the lead or not coming back when called? You could go to dog training classes pay an enrolment fee and then an additional fee each time you attend. If your dog is nervous or aggressive on it's own territory how are the stress levels going to be relieved by putting them in a confined space with other dogs? If he won't come back when you are alone with your dog why would he when there are other distractions? A good use of your money? And what about your stress levels?

So, if you decide to use Amichien Bonding what do you get for your money and how is it good value?

You will be quoted a one off price at the time of your enquiry. This will depend on whether the consultation is on a weekday or weekend, there is no extra charge if you require an evening visit. If due to distance there is a mileage charge to cover fuel and travelling time that will be included in the quote. There will be no other charges even if there is more than one dog. I will attend your home address to see you and your dog(s) on their home territory so that they are not stressed. Ideally any other family members who interact with your dog should also be present. I will take a full case history from you to include areas of concern. I will fully assess the dog and then teach you a clear and stress free system to get your dog to moderate his behaviour of his own free will. You will be given specific ways of dealing with any identified behavioural problems. During the consultation I will take unposed pictures of your dog with a digital camera. Before leaving I will give you a 'crib' sheet of reminders of the main points of the system. On my return home I will prepare an individual 'ActionPlan' specific to you and your dog(s) and the family situation and lifestyle. There will be comprehensive advice on all matters raised as well as general advice on keeping your dog happy in his place in your family (pack). The Action Plan will be further individualised by placing pictures of your dog(s) on it. The completed report will be laminated so that it can be kept in good condition and referred to if required and either sent to you by first class post or hand delivered depending on your location.

The consultation will take a minimum of two hours but will last as long as it takes. I'm happy to talk dogs forever, while you have questions I'm happy to stay. A four hour consultation is not unusual. Remember however long the consultation you only pay the quoted price. After the consultation should you have any problems or are just a little unsure of something, you can at anytime during the lifetime of your dog, contact me by phone or email at no extra charge.

This system works because it uses the dogs natural behaviour patterns and means of communication. If you implement the system consistently you will have a calm, well behaved dog that you can take anywhere. A dog that will not pull on the lead and will come back when called. In short, a dog whose company you can enjoy.

A short case history will give some idea of how the system supplies good value. Shortly before Christmas 2005 I visited a very nice family with a big problem. Family consisted of Mum, Dad and two adult daughters. They had a twelve year old dog 'Bernard' who had always been the alpha male. He was a nice dog but a had always dragged 'his' human wherever he pleased when he went for a walk. Then Daisy-May arrived a pretty little Jack Russell. Bernard didn't waste anytime, he was straight down the florists, a quick diversion to Tesco for a bottle of Blue Nun and the next thing was the arrival of six puppies. Homes were found for four of the puppies but as the daughters were moving to their own homes they decided to keep one each, Molly and Stanley. That was fine except that the daughters moves were postponed and as they worked it left Mum to look after four dogs. Worse was to come, Bernard had always been alpha and saw no reason to change, Daisy had found out what boys were really like and was'n't having anymore of it, Molly was a shy girl but Stanley thought of himself as the new kid on the block and was after the alpha male role. There was a lot of tension in the pack with the potential for major fighting, there had been a couple of skirmishes already. They could not be walked together and had to be done in pairs or singly depending on the relationships each day. I visited one Saturday, the family were a joy to work with, so receptive and open minded. We went through the system, many questions were asked and answered. I explained that as Bernard mellowed then Stanley, if he did not elect the humans in the pack as leaders might still try for the top job. I was delighted to receive a Christmas card from the family in which they wrote, "Things are progressing! Bernard is enjoying a relaxing retirement after a lifetime of dedicated service as alpha male-it's great to see him race off to play with the others on his walk rather than remaining responsibly on duty. He walks to heel happily after pulling us all along for 12 years. We still have a few dominance issues with young Stanley but we are persisting-he's great on his own but still keeps pushing it when he's with the others-the girls are happy to be followers so they're no problem". We talked about Stanley and I reminded them that they had to convince him that they were the pack leaders not him and suggested a couple of techniques to reinforce the method. Shortly afterwards I received an email, I smiled when I read the message title 'I've Been Elected' Stanley had given up his leadership challenge. I recently received another email from one of the daughters who is now moving and taking Stanley with her. She was seeking advice as to the most stress free way to introduce a dog to a new home. All this was covered by the initial consultation cost. Four dogs one fee. Is that a bargain or what.

In conclusion, consider, one fee, all done. No subscription, no gadgets to buy, no stress for you or your dog. Value for money.

Cats and Dogs

It's strange how things come in cycles. Until about six weeks ago I had never had a consultation or even an enquiry which mentioned, even in passing, the interaction between the client dog and the family cat. Then out of the blue every other enquiry seems to feature a cat somewhere in the list of problems.

When I had the first cat enquiry I was confident that the dog, once the principals of 'Amichien Bonding' were introduced, would, of his own free will stop trying to mug the cat. What I wasn't sure about was how the cat would react. I was pleasantly surprised, it seems that if the dog ignores the cat then the cat will return the favour, in some cases they become close friends. It's just a case of laying down boundaries.

Next problem please.