Life with a dog!
Many of us share our lives, our house and our spare time with a dog but how much do we really know about our four legged friend? There has been a recent increase in the number of TV programs and magazine articles featuring advice on dog behaviour but do we know what is scientifically accurate?

How do we study dogs?
There is no wild "domestic" dog. Through the domestication process the dog which sleeps by your fire each evening has not lost his motivation to perform certain normal canine behaviours. To get an idea of what these normal behaviours are we have to look to other members of the dog family. Contrary to popular belief the dog has not been domesticated soley from the grey wolf. There is evidence to say that different founding populations have influenced the domestic dog as you and I know him today.

So by looking at a number of wild dogs (or canids) such as the african wild dog (pictured left) different wolf species and even the red fox (which visits your garden each night) - we get an idea of what your dog really needs.

How does this affect my dog?
By understanding what he really needs, we approach behaviour modification in a way which fixes the underlying causes. Did you know that the dog is a social species? By asking a dog to live in isolation we affect most of his behaviours. If he has to be on guard because he is on his own, he may not sleep as well, if he doesnt sleep well he won't learn as well during training - we all know how hard it is to concentrate without a good nights sleep!

A unique approach to behaviour modification
By combining these natural behaviours and positive reinforcement training, we can provide long lasting resolutions to the behaviour problems from which your dog is suffering.

To discuss your individual dog's problem contact Jo