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Based in North Dorset, Helen Taylor Dog Training & Behaviour
offers home visits throughout Dorset, South Somerset and South Wiltshire
and runs classes in North Dorset. Helen is a fully-qualified behaviourist
and dog trainer. She helps dog owners to train their dogs and solve
dog behaviour problems using positive methods of dog training and
behaviour modification.
Our aim is to help owners to achieve a well-behaved, well-mannered
and obedient dog using kind, effective, safe methods. Reward-based
methods have been shown by scientific studies to be more effective
and less likely to give rise to aggressive behaviour than harsher
methods or use of so-called "dominance-theory". Using
intimidation, fear or even pain to train your dog is surprisingly
ineffective and can be highly dangerous. Some dogs will back down
if challenged aggressively, but a great many (as would a great many
people) become fearful and, with it, more aggressive in an attempt
to defend themselves from the perceived threat. Although some popular
TV programs still use these methods today, but there is also a mounting
pile of evidence that reward-based methods are more effective, more
humane and much safer. No properly qualified and accredited behaviourists
will ever use harsh, punitive methods or "dominance-theory"
to train dogs or solve behaviour problems, preferring instead to
use scientifically proven reward-based methods. Almost all charitable
and professional agencies from veterinary associations, through
animal charities to dog training and behaviour associations now
entirely support reward-based training. For more information, see
Why punishment doesn't work.
A dog that jumps up, pulls on the lead, runs away on walks, doesn't
come back when called or has no manners with people or other dogs
is hard work, can be an embarrassment and is no fun to own! While
having a well-mannered, happy and obedient dog that can accompany
you almost everywhere can be one of life's great pleasures!
Training classes offer good, all-round introduction to reward-based
training and are ideal for clients wanting a class environment,
and for those wishing to learn a variety of different commands and
to improve their dog's general training and obedience. For clients
wanting more focused help on one or two problem areas, or wanting
a "start-right" visit to help get into a routine with
a new puppy, a private one-to-one training session is sometimes
more appropriate. For dogs with behavioural problems, such as aggression
towards other dogs or people, separation anxiety or phobias, a behavioural
consultation is be required. For more information on all these services
offered, see the links on puppy classes,
classes for older dogs and private
sessions.
Behaviourists are highly trained - to degree level at least - and
are the only professionals qualified to treat behavioural problems
in dogs and other companion animals. Dog trainers are not qualified
to treat behavioural problems unless they are also behaviourists.
A few veterinary surgeons are also fully-qualified behaviourists
in their own right.
Helen Taylor is also available to carry out behavioural assessments
and act as an Expert Witness in dog-related court cases, including
allegations under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. She also conducts
fostering and adoption assessments under the APBC scheme, and works
with animal charities on alleged welfare and cruelty cases.
Helen Taylor Dog Training & Behaviour operates throughout Dorset,
South Somerset, North Hampshire and West Wiltshire. Training classes
are currently held in Shillingstone, which is easily accessible
from the following towns: Blandford Forum, Gillingham, Shaftesbury,
Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, and Wimborne. Other services are
available throughout the region, including the following
areas: Blandford Forum, Bournemouth, Castle Cary, Dorchester, Ferndown,
Frome, Gillingham, Martock, Mere, Poole, Ringwood, Salisbury, Shaftesbury,
Shepton Mallet, Sherborne, Sturminster Newton, Verwood, Warminster,
Wilton, Wimborne,
Don't put up with a disobedient or bad-mannered dog, contact us
today! Good dog behaviour is achievable for all! Good dog behaviour
can be achieved using reward-based methods and has actually been
shown in scientific studies to be more effective and much safer
than punishment-based methods. Punishment and harsh, forceful methods
can cause a whole host of behavioural problems - often much more
serious than the original problem -and can and very often do damage
the bond between dog and owner.
Helen Taylor is a full member of both the Association of Pet Behaviour
Counsellors (www.apbc.org.uk) and
the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (881) (www.apdt.co.uk),
and is the only fully-qualified and professionally-trained behaviourist
in North Dorset. For more information, see about
us.
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