Taryn Blyth
Animal behaviorist, dog trainer

 

Tip of the month

    Collar Safety

     
    For training and walking most dogs, half check collars (material collar joined by a small piece of chain which the lead is attached to) are ideal.
     
    The collar works in the following way:
    The material part of the collar is adjusted to the circumference of the dog’s neck so that when the lead pulls on the chain [...]


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Consultations

Consultations are for specific problem behaviours that cannot be dealt with through basic training. Some common problems that require consultations are:

Urine-marking in the home
Destructive behaviour (chewing & digging)
Separation Anxiety (howling, barking, destructive behaviour, self-mutilation or house-soiling in the owner’s absence)
Aggression
Hyperactivity
Phobias
Compulsive behaviours

Generally uncontrollable behaviour

 

Consultations may also be helpful in preventing problems from arising and so can be arranged for the following:

General advice on raising a puppy

Choosing a new dog

Helping a rescued dog to settle in

 

Consultations take place in your home, so that I can observe the dog in its usual environment and chat to as many family members as possible. During this time I take a full history of the problem behaviour and acquire as much knowledge as possible about the dog’s daily routine. I will then briefly discuss my observations and advice with you. After the consultation, I will send you a detailed report, which explains clearly how to go about resolving the problem in a step by step manner.

It must be remembered that a consultation is usually just the first step in resolving problem behaviour and that it is up to the clients to follow the advice they receive. There are no magic solutions! Behaviour modification can be hard work and requires commitment and patience!

 

Consultation Fees:

Far South (Noordhoek - Scarborough): R400

Tokai - Constantia: R500

illustration by Justin Caris