Problem Dogs:
An in-depth workshop to offer
Quality Socialisation for Dogs with (or without!) Problems
New Course!
Sheila Harper
20th – 24th August 2010, 9.30 (registration) -5pm
The Museum of Cannock Chase, Valley Road,
Hednesford, Staffordshire, WS12 1TD
£325 Handlers welcome
Having a socially proficient dog is ever more important in today’s society. There is a huge amount of pressure on every pet owner to get their socialisation right with any dog, whether it be a puppy or rescue dog. Lists are produced with what a dog should see and emphasis is put on attending puppy playgroups or training classes.
One question we should all be asking is this: Is all socialisation appropriate or are there examples of poor practice which adversely affect the developing personality of the individual dog?
So, what is quality socialisation?
Contrary to popular opinion, socialisation doesn’t stop after puppy age. Quality socialisation should not be prescriptive! It is whatever is appropriate for each individual according to his stage of life, past experiences, and situations that this dog will be most likely to encounter in the future. It’s definitely a life-long process!
Whether puppy, adolescent or adult, many dogs lack the polite approach that their mother would supervise if she were still able to influence her offspring’s behaviour.
Often we see dogs regardless age or breed that either bully or intimidate, rushing directly up to other dogs and people or children, or those that run away, bark, cower or snap at the approach of another dog. Unfortunately it’s a well-known picture for many dogs. From society’s point of view it’s very important that dogs can socialise appropriately, however from the dog’s point of view it’s even more important. To learn the right skills enables them to cope in our increasingly demanding society.
During this 5 day workshop theoretical sessions are interspersed with practical activities with the aim of helping you identify your dog’s social needs. We will help you to gather some techniques and ideas on how to help your dog where behaviour issues have arisen over time. This is not achieved by the use of commands and telling him what to do or not to do, but by understanding his language and as a result his needs. Your dog does not have to have issues to attend this course! The idea is that we give you the tools to be able to make a start on practical help for managing and handling dogs with problems.
Whether your dog needs help with other dogs, with humans or specific situations, learn how to:
· observe the needs of your dog and evaluate any issues he may have.
· give valuable support
· understand the consequences of under- or over-stimulation and avoid this
· give your dog the stimulation he needs
· offer your dog a gradual introduction to appropriate situations
· practise good socialisation in order to rehabilitate his social skills
· improve your handling skills
· learn first-hand techniques for problem solving between dogs / dogs and people
Any kind of socialisation will be at distance initially allowing each dog to communicate appropriately. Contact will only be made if it is deemed to be in the best interest of any individual. Expect plenty of discussion and analysis!
This workshop could be a follow-up to the one day theoretical seminars What Is He Trying To Tell Me? on April 30th in Crowborough or Talking Dogs – an Insight into Canine Communication, Body Language and Calming Signals on April 23rd. It could be a “stand-alone” for those who are very familiar with Sheila’s approach to dogs, and could also complement our course on lead aggression (June 5 – 7th). Although anyone may attend, students will benefit the most if they are already familiar with our philosophy: those who have already attended the IDBTS, Sheila’s longer courses, or who attend our classes on a regular basis.
The aim of this course is not to change behaviour within a few days, but it is hoped that we would be able to see significant changes in some of the dogs attending, and that this might be another step in the process towards resolving issues. However, if your dog would be better in a one to one situation with individual help this can be arranged separately.