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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Training Methods FAQs
What training methods does Helen Taylor Dog Training & Behaviour
use?
We use exclusively reward-based, or positive dog training methods.
Unlike old-fashioned dog-training methods, which rely on the use
of pain, fear and force to achieve results, reward-based training
rewards the right behaviour and ensures the wrong behaviour is made
non-rewarding (rather than punishing the wrong behaviour). Punishment
- whether physical or verbal - is not necessary, tends to inhibit
desirable as well as undesirable behaviours and is therefore not
reliably effective. All methods that use pain or fear can damage
the bond between dog and owner, and can even lead to aggression
and other serious behavioural problems. See also Why
punishment and negative methods don't work.
What's wrong with choke chains?
Choke chains can cause serious neck injuries and significant pain.
Anything which causes pain or discomfort can damage the bond between
dog and owner and can cause other problems, such as negative associations
with whatever the dog is looking at or thinking and the pain of
the jerk to the neck. Moreover, choke chains often do not even stop
a dog from pulling!
What's wrong with telling my dog off when he does the wrong
thing - isn't that how he will learn what I want him to do?
See Why punishment doesn't work for
a full answer to this question!
Should I attend classes or have individual training?
Training classes are the often a good place to start if owners
want all-round training, or need help with several training issues
such as getting their dog to come back (recall), general obedience
commands (Sit, Down, Stay, Leave It) or if their dog would benefit
from the additional socialisation that a class provides. Sometimes
a very nervous or aggressive dog does better in class if their problems
have been tackled in an individual session prior to the class start
date. Some clients opt to have one-to-one sessions if they are unable
to attend class for any reason, or while they are waiting for their
class to start. One-to-one sessions may be more applicable if owners
want help with one or two specific problems such as jumping up or
recall, attention-seeking behaviour, chewing, while the rest of
the dog's obedience training is good. Individual sessions may also
be more appropriate if the bad behaviour is only seen in certain
situations - eg barking at the postman, anti-social behaviour around
other dogs,
What is the difference between a one-to-one and a behavioural
consultation?
One-to-one training sessions are for training problems, while behavioural
consultations are for behavioural problems. Examples of training
problems that can be tackled with a straightforward individual session
would include jumping up, running off on walks, poor recall, dogs
that won't come back when playing with other dogs, barking, rough
or inappropriate play with other dogs, walking to heel, learning
to walk on the lead without pulling, mild aggression towards other
dogs (eg bark or growling at other dogs without any other aggression
being shown). Examples of behavioural problems that require a behavioural
consultation would include aggression towards people, most cases
of aggression towards other dogs
Classes FAQ
Where and when are your classes held?
Currently casses are held in the Portman Hall in Shillingstone.
Monday evenings are the regular training night, with occasional
Monday afternoon classes scheduled - usually in the summer.
What happens at a class?
Classes are a composed of a mixture of stand-up teaching while
the class listens, practical exercises to put into practice what
has just been discussed and, in puppy classes only, controlled free
play sessions.
Do I have to book?
Yes! classes are prebooking only with strict limits on numbers
to ensure a qualilty class is delivered. Classes are delivered in
blocks of six week courses.
Can I bring my children to class?
Well-behaved children of any age are warmly welcomed, can add to
the fun and are a valuable addition to puppy classes. Children under
16 cannot legally be held responsible for a dog so must always be
accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. If any of your
children are under 6 please bring a second adult so that one can
manage the children while the other works with the dog. All attending
children must be capable of sitting quietly for periods of up to
10 minutes at a time (interspersed with practical sessions that
they can join in with) and must not cause a disruption to teaching
or a nuisance to other attendees at any time. During the practical
sessions children are free to join in with the training of their
own dog, but must stay with their own family at all times. Children
that are too young to or do not wish to join in may play quietly
(for instance colouring or playing portable computer games with
the sound turned off). Parents of children MUST at all times ensure
that their children follow standard good practice around unfamiliar
dogs - children must under no circumstances run, scream or lie
on the floor, and must never approach an unfamiliar dog without
the dog owner's permission.
My dog is not good with other dogs/strangers, can he still attend?
That depends. As a qualified behaviourist, we have plenty of experience
of dealing with aggressive dogs. However, please contact us before
booking so that we are aware of your dog's problems and can advise
whether a class is suitable or appropriate and whether any precautions
need to be taken. In many cases a one-to-one session or behavioural
consultation may be required prior to attending the class. This
ensures a safe environment for all, and also ensure that you, your
dog and the other attendees all get the maximum benefit from attending
the class.
How much are classes
Prices start at £70 for the six week course.
Do I have to use a clicker?
Of course not! If you have never used a clicker, I always encourage
people to give it a go. Clickers can be an amazing tool and many
people become converts - admitely sometimes after an awkward couple
of weeks! A clicker is basically a tool to help get your timing
more accurate so that your dog knows more precisely which behaviour
is being rewarded. Also, some research has suggested that the sound
is processed by the part of the brain that deals with instinctive
behaviour, rather than "thinking". Things processed through
this part of the brain are often associated with particularly rapid
learning.
Individual Training FAQ
I have an appointment, is there anything special I need to do
in advance, or on the day?
The attached preconsultation guidelines
explain what to expect and how to get the most out of your session.
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