Good dog bad owner?

I bet you have heard there are no bad dogs just bad owners?  Well, I would like to say that I don’t agree with this.  I don’t mean that dog are ‘bad’ it’s just that puts so much pressure on pet parents that if their dog is ‘misbehaving’ then it must be their fault! 

I meet so many wonderful dog owners who tell me how much time and effort they have spent training and caring for their dog, but it’s just not going to plan.  Their dog is running off or barking at people or growling at them when they try to take something off them to name a few.  They tell me how they love their dog, but they just find it so overwhelming and there is so much conflicting advice online they don’t know where to start. 

These owners who are struggling with their dog’s behaviour are not ‘bad’ people, they are often struggling themselves. 

When you have a dog that isn’t behaving as you wish, then your whole life can be impacted.  Where you can walk your dog, can you take them with you or is it easier to leave them at home, or is leaving them actually an issue.  The fear of meeting another dog owner when their dog isn’t under control totally ruin your day.  All the emotions come to the surface: fear, anger, frustration, embarrassment and guilt and this is all caused by your beloved best friend. 

How can this dog that you love and be committed to giving him the best life be causing you so much stress? 

I totally understand people wanting a quick fix.  They turn to TV programmes or the internet and come across people using methods that looks like they work within hours.  Why would that not be tempting; if professionals are doing it, it must be ok? 

To change your dog’s behaviour without causing fear, intimidation and damaging your relationship you must step away from punishment-based training – those quick fixes.  Lead jerks, verbal corrections, poking, using choke chains or prong collars (look them up if you don’t know what they are, and yes they are legal!!!) shock collars, aerosols cans, citronella collars etc etc. 
I know you love your dog and want the best for them, so please take the time and patience to work with them to get to the end goal behaviour that you want.   

To put it in context, have you ever tried to change your behaviour?  To cut out chocolate?  Stop smoking?  Go to the gym every day?  If you have, then you know how hard it can be to change any behaviour.  Would you prefer to have a support team to help and guide you along the way or have someone ‘correcting’ you when you get it wrong?  Find a trainer that is going to help and support you all the way and you will be so happy with your results. 

For a list of recommended trainers see website https://abtc.org.uk/

Jo x
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PS I have a blog on my website if you want more Paws4thoughts!