| I am a Canine Behaviour Consultant with my own business "Canine Angels". Over the years I have gained valuable experience within the canine world, worked for animal charities and have qualified as a Canine Psychologist. Dogs need to be trained, guided and influenced and when introduced correctly you will have a well-balanced and happy dog. I choose to take on dogs with behavioural problems and I know the risks. However, I would not recommend this approach to the inexperienced dog owner, or those that have not got the hours to spend rehabilitating. Occasionally, as with Elsie, all the corrective training and socializing is in vain, and when inherited as in Elsie's case, little can be achieved and the dog will not learn, so therefore the behaviour will not improve, but only get worse. Over the years I have however, eradicated and modified the behaviour of many dogs, mainly Border Collies and rarely have I come across a dog with severe hereditary genes like Elsie's.
However, I do recommend that you consider taking on a rescue dog. These can make wonderful loyal pets and many are in rescue homes through no fault of their own. Just consider which breed is more suitable for you and your lifestyle. It's no good taking on a Border Collie if you are out at work all day and want a dog to lie on your lap in the evening. Equally a Great Dane is not recommended for those living in high rise apartments. Remember, that a rescue dog will need time to settle into its new environment and be prepared to accept that your dog may not be perfect and that training and socializing will need to be implemented. Be understanding, as your rescue will have a past history, some of it you may know, but a lot will not be known. Your dog may have been cruelly treated, neglected, a stray or simply in kennels from family circumstances etc.
My present 4 Border Collies all rescues from unpleasant pasts, have all had behavioural problems, including aggression, which have now been eradicated and they are now happy, well-balanced and well-trained dogs. Respect works both ways. How you treat and handle your dog will show in how your dog behaves. Dogs learn by repetition, reward, praise, time and patience. There is no need to bully your dog into behaving as you would like it too. Just remember "Aggressive Training - encourages Aggressive Behaviour." I only ever use positive training methods, using reward and praise. In my eyes, there is no room for negative forms of training, which are seen as punishment and are unneccessary.
If you dog has a behavioural problem, or you seek advice on general or training issues, then please contact my via the "Contact Me" link at CANINE ANGELS - http://www.canine-angels.co.uk
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