After the recent comment from ‘A Real Professional’ I was angry and a little bit down that there are still people out there who think that only way to ‘Train’ a dog is to brutalise him either physically or mentally. Indeed, they see nothing wrong with it and consider anyone using a more thoughtful method as ‘Softies’. I wonder if these advocates of “Beat some respect into him” have children and if so how they raise them. I also wonder how many of these ‘Professionals’ have dogs of their own that they interact with on a day to day basis so that they can truly understand the dynamics of the pack, be it human/dog or dog/dog. A well publicised ‘Dog Expert’ with ten years ‘experience’. Said on TV this week when talking of a service for dog owners “If I ever had a dog it’s something I would use”. What next, Formula 1 drivers who can’t drive but have seen a road? Pilots who think a Spitfire is a mother-in-law? People who go for advice about their dog are often at their wits end and at the very least should expect to deal with someone who can show a deep and lasting interaction with the creature that they advising on. Remember this really can be a matter of life and death to the client dog. It is too serious a matter to be taken lightly.
That’s the rant over. Now the good bit. It has become very noticeable not only from my own experience but by talking to other Amichien Practitioners, how much more aware many dog owners are becoming. It used to be that most enquiries were in relation to behavioural problems in the dog and a breakdown in the relationship between dog and owners. It now seems that many owners are having consultations shortly after picking a puppy up, to nip any such problems in the bud. This has to be the way forward, it’s so much easier to gently guide a puppy from day one rather than try to get them to ‘unlearn’ behaviours at a year old. Responsible dog owners know that they have to share this planet with rest of us and are addressing the matter. Now all I have to do is to persuade those parents who allow their screaming brats to make my visits to Tesco’s (other supermarkets are available) a nightmare, to come for a consultation and I will be truly happy.