Variable weather, a new vehicle and positive developments in the behaviour side of the business.
2022 has seen a significant increase in the behaviour and training side of the business. I was delighted to be invited into my old school KEVICC to run an ‘introduction to working with therapy dogs’ session, for the teaching and support staff. A very enjoyable session, with positive feedback and a nice return to the classroom after 12 months.
Case studies – The 3 B’s; a Neapolitan Mastiff, a St Bernard and a Greek Shepherd respectively. Two giant and one very large breed dogs. A mix of needs; an over excited and boisterous dog that made her owners life challenging in the home, reactivity on the lead and an overprotective response to other dogs and humans on walks, a rescue with unacceptable behaviour, towards one of the family that had adopted him.
All started their behaviour and training sessions in January, following an initial e-enquiry and or a phone call, followed by a visit and detailed discussion of the dog and clients needs, they are then provided with a written initial assessment and carefully considered guidance. After further discussion with the client, an agreed program of behaviour and training supporters has then been put in place, to include observing and walking the dogs, in order to better understand their individual personalities and behaviour.
Through combining an approach that recognises both the individual dogs experiences and the inherited traits associated with the breed. I aim to help the client better understand their dogs, in order to more effectively achieve the results they are looking for, reducing or extinguishing unwanted behaviour and developing the desired patterns of behaviour through appropriate control and management techniques and positive reinforcement. As a result I am pleased to say that all three are making positive progress.
2022 seems to have packed in most of the different weather we can expect in Devon, from torrential downpours, mist and fog, glorious sunshine and frosty mornings. As a result every day so far this month has been a different experience, whether it has been trudging through ankle deep mud or wading new streams caused by rivers breaking their banks. But the dogs love it, regardless – well not quite all of them, Benson a feisty miniature pinscher does not enjoy the rain or the mud and has point blank refused to walk in some areas or in the pouring rain. Fortunately he is small enough to carry over the worst of the mud! As for the rest, I think they enjoy it even more than normal, knowing that they will get a good rub down afterwards with a fresh towel!
One of the disappointments of late 2021 was having to retire our classic Mercedes E class estate, a great car that had served us well, but one unseen deep ditch too many, meant it was necessary to replace it with something a little more suited to the needs of our own Mastiffs (more head room!) and the ability to carry a range of clients dogs in safety (never more than 3 mind!) After much research and deliberation we opted for a JDM import Nissan Elgrand, which we have converted to run on LPG as it is both cheaper and cleaner than petrol. Diesel not being an option moving forward. With some magnetic signs outlining the services offered by D4Dog – walking training and behaviour support it feels very professional.
Not of course forgetting the successful completion of the Canine First Aid course in mid December!
D4Dog Walking, Training and Behaviour Support -Newton Abbot & TQ12 