Bark-2-Talk Dog Behaviourist

03/12/2022

24/10/2022

I am currently only providing free rescue back-up calls for a couple of rescues (Amicii and Pawprints to Freedom). Force-free trainers can be found at: https://www.theiscp.com/find-a-local-practitioner or https://www.intodogs.net/find-a-practitioner https://abtc.org.uk/practitioners or https://www.imdt.uk.com/find-a-qualified-imdt-trainer Note that the behaviourist industry is unregulated and there are many unqualified, or out of date behaviourists, teaching methods which will long term do more harm than good. Seek behaviourists with current training who teach positive and force-free methods. I would be happy to give my views on a behaviourist you are thinking of using.

07/10/2022

06/08/2022

Pleased to say this is getting lots of likes (almost 1700 likes, 4300 views and 40 shares giving greater reach, if just one changes their views thats great). Only a few negative comments, audience includes U.S. where they are perhaps behind the U.K. in adopting

02/07/2022

Spreading the word 🙂

28/06/2022

On the list of supporting professionals of the position paper for the 'Initiative for force-free dog training'.

25/06/2022

Sniffing provides mental enrichment which dogs need as much as physical exercise. Great for relieving stress.

24/06/2022

Practising loose lead walking with Luna who can be a 'determined' walker. No choke collar, no pulling at her or yanking lead, just treats.

15/06/2022

An old post - updated.

The internet is full of people quoting 'Alpha dominance' dog training concepts, suggesting the dog needs to know 'who is boss', they will incorrectly attribute behaviours to the idea that the dog is asserting its dominance and trying to be an Alpha when actually these behaviours are usually fear bas...

13/06/2022

An older blog from my website, shared to a new audience. Pleased to say Nutmeg has been pretty close to perfect this year: https://www.petdirectoryservices.co.uk/whenyourdogbites

Pet Directory Services takes the hard work out of finding the perfect pet care company for your needs. Only companies that fit a strict criteria can advertise on the Pet Directory Services.

07/06/2022

Thankfully, obedience is a term not used that much anymore in regards to children. And it is slowly but steadily being used less and less in dog training.

We continue to try to do better by our children. It’s only natural that as we learn more and more about our dogs, their brains, their emotions, and their needs, we begin to do better by them as well. 🐕

05/06/2022

Insurance:

28/05/2022

always.

27/05/2022

Sadly my review page is a little broken, the beauty of Nellies picture appears to have overwhelmed it ! I have reported it to FB but dont expect an answer. Thankyou to the people who have tried to add a review and couldn't who let me know, seems some people can add them. There is another review which did get added but only I can see it, thankyou for the kind words. Its all quite confusing. Reviews can be added to Google if you have an account with them: https://g.page/r/CY2YP2i6VLMpEAg/review

Post a review to our profile on Google

26/05/2022

Decompression walks, a game changer in managing Nutmegs reactivity and general anxiety. https://youtu.be/1aMyXOtKuHI

A typical walk with Nutmeg away from anything she may be reactive to, allowing her to choose paths, sniff a lot and follow rabbit scents using her natural hu...

20/05/2022

As it is National Rescue Dog Day here are some points on settling a new dog, the blog on stress will also help. This is a picture of 'Pepper' who was abandoned on the streets of Romania to fend for herself, available (but probably not long before she is adopted) from Amicii. If you are taking on a n...

19/05/2022

This week's 'Continued Personal Development', an excellent book (great price for ebook through kobo) for owners of high drive dogs like my Nutmeg. Looking forward to IMDTB one day review of real case studies with very experienced behaviourist on Sunday.

18/05/2022

I have 10 core principles which will form the foundation of any engagement.

​CARE:

Force-free always, positive reward based training, ethical and kind. I would not work with anyone who could not embrace this. No judgement on past training methods, we just look to how to move forwards positively.

Collaborative with the carers, we need to work together to achieve a great outcome for the dog. Carers should recognise that the hard work lies with them, just engaging a behaviourist changes nothing, they will need to put in the effort, and potentially make changes in their approach and lifestyle which we would need to agree on together.

UNDERSTAND:

I will focus on rescue dogs where I have experience.

I am a qualified Canine Behaviourist, diploma from a leading, science-backed, up-to-date provider of behaviourist training. Education is however ongoing and I will seek to keep up to date with new research.

You won't get any Alpha Dog nonsense, dogs do not try to be the Alpha Dog in our homes, this can be explained.​

TEACH:

Understanding the emotions behind the behaviours and addressing root causes not just symptoms. Most behaviours are normal, just not what the carer would like, by exploring the dog's emotions and reasons for doing the behaviour the situation can be helped.

No false promises: some issues take time and effort to work on but there will always be actions we can take immediately to start the process of change.

We would look at specific training to help the dog but also how we lead by example and care for the dog day to day. Promoting a great life for the dog, allowing it to fit in with the carers lifestyle while still being a happy and fulfilled dog.

Understand not every dog is the same and what works for one may not for another so a number of strategies will be explored to find the right answer for 'this dog'.

A holistic approach, everything in the dogs life can be of influence. Where possible we would look at natural approaches although medical assistance could be an answer. All dogs should be vet checked to rule out or understand pain related issues.

The vision is 'to care about you and your dog, understand the issues and teach you and your dog how to live a better life together'.

16/05/2022

Luna can pull off on walks and Nutmeg can be reactive and hyper-vigilent looking for someone/something to bark at as soon as we leave the house. A few minutes of calm engagement games before heading up the road (1-2-3, look at me and touch on this occasion) helps, not getting them over aroused. Luna is engaged and wont pull and Nutmeg is calm, she has taken in the environment, remains in control of her emotions and is ready to go. (Harness is put on before leaving)

12/05/2022

https://www.bark2talk.com/stress-in-dogs - a PDF that can be downloaded. A virtual call can be done to further discuss any aspect of this and offer more advice on management of stress, in return for a donation to a dog rescue charity (LCR or Amicii suggested). Best viewed on laptop not mobile !

12/05/2022

Daily joy seeing these pictures and all for charity

New commission finished!!

This little sausage slug belongs to the wonderfully lovely Kirstie Ireland.

I don’t know what she’s called, but I’ve named her Beyoncé Strolls.

Beyoncé likes impressing guests with a well-timed offer of a Choc Ice, not being one of the 99 problems, and complaining about the quality of the inflatable pillows under her airplane seat.

I’ve drawn this one in my ultra-realistic style, so usual reminder that my picture is the image on the right.

Review from the customer:

‘Oh no no, no no no, no no no no, no no no
I don’t like it and I shoulda put a bin on it….’

06/05/2022

Understanding a dog requires nature and nurture to be considered.

29/04/2022

Loose lead walks, lots of sniffing, Luna does some grazing and watching ducks.

29/04/2022

Careful you don't accidentally fall foul of the law, particularly if you allow your dog off-lead and recall not 100% even when faced with other dogs, squirrels, sheep etc
https://www.bark2talk.com/post/important-laws-dog-owners-need-to-be-aware-of

Picture from: https://www.istockphoto.com/photos These laws apply to people living in England, some of them could easily and accidentally become an issue for carers, particularly with a dog which has some behaviour issues. Accurate April 2022. Collar and Tag law – Control of Dogs Order 1992 When i...

28/04/2022

https://fb.watch/cGNBtoKTZP/

28/04/2022

Luna and Nutmeg, my rescue dogs. From Last Chance Romania Rescue and Amicii Romania and UK rescue.

28/04/2022

Great point .. https://fb.watch/cGLqHygxmj/

28/04/2022

New FB page for website: bark2talk.com.

Train And Lead with Kindness - force free training and guidance for rescue dogs with behaviour issues. Backed by current, science based education. Holistic approach. Rescue dogs: settling issues, separation issues, resource guarding, reactivity, other pets, minor aggression. bark2talk.com