13 October 2011

(Background - 2 dogs fighting aggressively. A Vizsla (Archie) and Pointer (Dalton). The owners were considering finding a new home for one of the dogs. I helped the dogs owners understand why their dogs were fighting, and how to change their (the owners) relationship with the dogs to help remove these aggressive challenges, and have a more balanced pack. The main reason for this aggressive response by the dogs was due to the relationship the owners unknowingly had with their dogs. I spent time showing how to get the more assertive of the 2 dogs (the Pointer, Dalton), into a more calm and submissive state of mind, by setting rules and bounderies, and understanding the Pointers body language. My overall reading of this dog, was not one that is genetically dominant, but had become overally assertive and controlling, especially to the young Vizsla. The Vizsla's growling was a defensive response, due to the Pointer projecting overally assertive and aggressive body language and energy towards the Vizsla. The dogs owners had mistakenly believed the Vizsla's growling was the reason for the aggressive fights the dogs were having, and therefore correcting the Vizsla, which was then making the Vizsla even more nervous and insecure within the pack. I spent time showing them blocking techniques and other strategies, such as feeding correctly, owning space, etc, and how to keep the Pointer in a more calm balanced state of mind, and how to be more natural calm assertive leaders for their dogs.  It is early days, but already they are seeing positive changes in their dogs behaviour)

Hi Mark,

We just wanted to let you know how things are progressing since you came and saw us last Sunday. Firstly, we have noticed a significant change in Archie’s behaviour now Dalton is back in the yard. He seems far more relaxed and whilst there have been some instances where Archie has growled, there have been no fights and Dalton is certainly not demonstrating as much aggressive body language.

We have also been practicing the blocking when opening the back door which they are slowly learning, and it often only takes 3 goes before the back away from the door and allow us out without becoming frenzied with excitement. We had our family over for dinner last night and laid down the rules with them before they greeted the dogs, and they even commented at how much calmer both dogs were from the last time they saw them which was several weeks ago.

What is really astonishing is the rate at which Dalton is eating his food. Before, he would have eaten his food in less than a minute however now things are much slower and Archie finishes before him.

We both can’t thank you (enough) for your wonderful insights into the dog psyche and are especially grateful to have had you (out) before we made the decision to get rid of one of the dogs.

Many thanks,

Derek