Peter-John combines continuing academic studies in animal behavioural with more than two decades worth of experience as a trainer.
Many of the recommendations following behavioural assessment will involve recommendations for both formal and informal training.
Training with somebody who has experience in an understanding of both disciplines helps substantially in addressing behavioural problems, especially when the training can be targeted towards addressing the specific problem.
WhyzDog behavioural counselling has operated largely on the recommendation from the vets at Vorna Valley Animal Hospital and referrals from previous dog school clients or behavioural counselling clients.
Prospective behavioural clients usually make contact via phone or e-mail. After getting a basic idea of the nature of the problem, a questionnaire is sent for completion prior to the counselling session. Questionnaires differ depending on whether the problem is related to dog-on-dog (or other pets) aggression, aggression towards humans or other non-aggression related behavioural problems such as noise phobia or separation anxiety.
The questionnaire provides background information and the starting point for the behavioural assessment session.
It is essential that the assessment session is done in the environment in which the problem occurs. Ideally, the session should replicate the environment and circumstances where and when the problem behaviour is most likely to be exhibited, or which causes the problem behaviour. If the behavioural consultation session takes place in a different venue or environment, the dog might not demonstrate the “problem” behaviour”.
As much as the dog’s humans try to explain the problem, often it needs a trained and experienced person to identify the behavioural triggers. Sometimes the triggers are not the dog or the environment, but rather the dog’s usual human companions, or even other people and animals in the dog’s life.
Based on the initial questionnaire as well as what is identified during the assessment session, some initial recommendations are made to address the problem. These are then followed up with an assessment report. The report assesses the problem behaviour according to a number of criteria and then expands more formally on the recommendations.
Sometimes during the initial request for behavioural input, it is identified that a full assessment and report is not necessary. It might be identified that one or two private training sessions are needed, or it is recommended that formal obedience training is required. Occasionally, a dog is not in need of obedience training per se, but rather needs greater stimulation and exercise in the form of agility training/sport.
A fundamental aspect of WhyzDog behavioural assessments is an understanding that even though your pet may have a behavioural problem, the resolution is not focused solely on your pet. The resolution/rehabilitation depends on the understanding, commitment, application and persistence by the pet’s human companions.
There are no guarantees with respect to resolution of behavioural problems. Anyone who suggests or offers a guaranteed resolution, is lying. As with human phobias, a behavioural problem and associated reaction can be, and often is irrational. Also, as with human psychology, resolution can be complex and complicated.
It should also be borne in mind that some problems may have developed over an extended period of time, which might mean time is needed for the resolution/rehabilitation.
Sometimes the history or cause of behavioural problem cannot be established accurately, because the dog has been rescued or adopted from a shelter. This does not mean the dog cannot be helped, it just might mean the resolution could be more challenging.
Please contact Peter-John to determine your needs, for more specific input or information and pricing.
