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This week we signed up Alfie the Goldendoodle from Sunderland. He has completed his behaviour modification and dog training program.
When I first spoke to Alfie’s owner on the phone she was very upset and thought there might be no other choice but to have Alfie put to sleep.
Alfie had bitten several times, usually while resource guarding or when his owners needed him to move. Most recently he had bitten his owners new partner several times.
Previously, Alfie had been taken to another local trainer who is completely unqualified to be a trainer - this is why you should always hire a trainer who is accredited, understands the science and understands how dogs brains work, not just because they used to handle dogs many moons ago.
Dog trainers are completely unregulated as an industry, although there are regulated qualifications and courses - so always make sure your dog trainers has these.
Basically, the method used to teach a stay and recall had created a negative association to him having his collar touched, but he can escape that negativity by biting - so he did.
We worked through creating a positive association to collar touches, teaching him that someone reaching for items he has is a good thing, teaching him and his owners alternative ways to ask him to move and finally to ignore other dogs rather than jump on them.
Alfie is a beaut and it’s been a privilege to work with him and his owners who will now have a happier, less confrontational life
Well done Alfie and Co!
If this case sounds like your dog and you are having a similar issue, or a different issue entirely, book a FREE assessment call with us by clicking HERE.