What the 'experts' said.....

I have had a few requests to write about the trainers I have seen with Ben, I guess I was concerned that people may try and use some of the methods I have been told to use, but please if you have any behaviour problems with your dog, find a qualified behaviourist, your vet will be able to recommend one in your area. In some cases it depends on the dog and the extent of the behavioural problem, but many behaviourists will give you advice and guidance over the phone or email and help you find the suitable way forward with your dog.

Ok, so the first person I saw with Ben was a trainer that was recommended to me. I spoke with him on the telephone and he said he would be happy to come and assess Ben and bring one of his dogs with him. His advice was to get Ben a half check collar so I could control him better and 'check' him when he misbehaves. A half check collar is like a normal collar but half of it is a loose chain wrapped through the material of the collar, this enables the handler to yank the lead which tightens the chain part of the collar around the dogs neck. This is what the term 'checking' refers to. He also said to squirt Ben with water when he reacts at a dog or goes to attack one.

The second person I saw was a trainer who I found online from the Association of Pet Dog Trainers website. He advised to stand with Ben at a safe distance from other dogs, keep Ben on lead and when he looks at the other dog, give him treats. Then gradually increase the distance to other dogs as Ben improves.

The third person I saw was a gun dog trainer. He showed me a slip collar which is a thin rope that can be tightened in a similar way as the half check collar. He put the collar just behind Ben's ears and lifted the lead to tighten the collar around Ben's neck, this was to get Ben to sit. Ben panicked and was sort of dangling in the air, then he was sick. So the method is when a dog comes over to Ben tighten this slip collar so he behaves himself.

And finally, the fourth person I saw was a qualified behaviourist from the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors website. She advised to teach Ben the command Touch and Hide. So I can use 'touch' as a little trick to do to distract him from other dogs when I put my hand out for him to touch it with his nose. And 'hide' so I can get him to hide behind me when another dog comes over unexpectedly. She advised to use counter conditioning in the same way as the second trainer I saw also.

Amongst the above, I was also reading advice online, on facebook groups and forums. Its a no wonder my dog was not improving, all these different things I was doing, the poor animal was confused and so was I.