“I came into the course wanting two ’simple’ things: first to locate my dogs’ volume control and second to learn how to stop reactive behaviour. I learned instead:

1. My perception of other people had a huge influence over how I related to my dogs, and how I therefore behaved. I now accept that people are entitled to have a view of my dogs’ behaviour - but it’s not always a view that I need to factor into my or the dogs’ life.

2.  My dogs are individuals with likes, preferences and fears as unique as my own. ‘Reactivity’ is just the articulation of these as behaviour. It’s me who judges that behaviour as good or bad. It helps me to liken the world outside my dogs’ home to the equivalent of a human party - noisy, crowded, flashing lights and people shouting/dancing. I personally don’t enjoy parties, but I know I have one dog who would love them, two who would happily go but wouldn’t want to stay long and two who panic at the thought. All views are acceptable, they just require different approaches from me.

3. There is a science behind asking your dog to do something for you. Too often I have been sucked in by dog trainers offering a quick fix for something while not explaining how it works - leaving me high and dry when it doesn’t. Now I am getting to understand the rationale - eg, using treats to lure, or to reward, or to reinforce a behaviour or to counter-condition - I feel better able to make a more considered choice. 

4. Letting my dogs show the way. My dogs are still barking at the postman (it turns out they don’t have a volume button). But I can reduce the noise because I now see that Ruby is the catalyst and what she wants is reassurance from me. So I offer my lap and with some gentle stroking things often subside. And they are still reacting to people and dogs when we are out because ‘the party’ is too much for them. So we only go if they want and for as long as they want. This has been enough for Ruby to develop the confidence to walk with unknown dogs: because she knows if she wants to leave I will take her home.

There is much more to do and there will be ups and downs. But as I write this the house is peaceful, three dogs went to the party this morning while the other two played games at home. There is even a foster dog now in the mix who experienced ACE free work for the first time today and is now snoring in her basket. Heaven. ”

Deborah

“I started the course ... and if I am honest I had low expectations. I had never done an online course before and so half expected I would get bored and if I am honest I thought I might pick up a couple of tips as a maximum.

I had no idea this would literally change our lives. Janet, I cannot even begin to describe to you what a massive impact your course has made in our house. I have spent hundreds of pounds on behaviourists and training and this is the thing that has made the single biggest difference.”

Sarah