I live in Lincolnshire with my Wife and business partner Samantha, and our wonderful 10-year-old dog, Spud, a Golden Retriever. We both retired from the Police Service and started Wells Behaved Dogs as a new and exciting adventure which embraces our love of dogs. As well informed dog owners, we know that practical experience is absolutely essential when looking for a trainer or behaviourist, but s
o too is formal accreditation. Wells Behaved Dogs may be a relatively new company, but that does not mean we lack experience or qualifications. Experience:
I have 11 years’ experience as a professionally trained police dog handler, working and training various dog breeds, ages and abilities.... not to mention temperaments! I have handled and trained General Purpose & Firearm Support Dogs, Explosive, Narcotic, Firearm Recovery and Cash Detection dogs. Whilst I consider myself highly experienced with larger breeds, particularly German Shepherd Dogs, I have experience in working and training many other breeds such as Malinois, Rottweilers, Springer Spaniels, Cocker and Sprocker Spaniels, as well as Labrador and Golden Retrievers. Whatever your dogs breed, even if you're not sure it has a specific breed (or is even 100% dog!) I am confident I can help you both. People often ask "What is your approach to dog training?" This is a little like asking "How do you fly a plane?" as there are so many different variables to consider at any given time. The same is true when working with owners and their dogs. However, the best description would be that I use a balanced approach. Let me explain.
Learning can be divided into four basic quadrants, each of which has a purpose and effect. They can be described as positive and negative reinforcement and positive and negative correction. In these descriptions positive and negative are not connected with "good" and "bad" but rather adding something, or taking something away. So positive reinforcement is reinforcement training where something is added, such as a treat or other reward for displaying the desired behaviour or action. I have wide experience of various training methods and will establish which combination of techniques and styles will work best, it is rare for one particular style to fit all occasions. However, I prefer to use techniques such as BAT (Behaviour Adjustment Training) and positive reinforcement wherever possible. These styles promote enthusiasm in your dog - they learn quickly, they enjoy the learning process and they want to do it again. BAT and Positive reinforcement both encourage the future repetition of desirable behaviour, through reward. I am very happy to discuss these techniques in greater detail with you.
In certain circumstances it would be unwise, if not dangerous to adhere to a "ignore the bad and reward the good" type of policy - biting for instance. In such circumstances professional correction is utilised to deter or minimise any future repetition of the unwanted behaviour. Correction is never used in isolation, it should always be accompanied by some form of reward based reinforcement as soon as the unwanted behaviour ceases. By using a mixture of positive reinforcement and well timed (minimal) correction, dogs learn quickly through what is known as balanced training.
Properly trained and qualified behaviourist practitioners have a very clear understanding of what a "correction" is. Please rest assured, I DO NOT use strong aversive techniques such as rattle-cans, water sprays, rolled up newspapers, e-collars or any other such ineffective, outdated and old-fashioned techniques. Our website contains a regularly updated FAQ section, please feel free to browse. Should your query not be included, or you want to discuss things further please do not hesitate to contact us. (www.wellsbehaveddogs.com)
Qualifications:
City and Guilds qualification in Canine Management (with Merit), including canine first aid. Accredited Advanced Canine Behaviour Diploma (with Distinction) through the British College of Canine Studies (www.britishcollegeofcaninestudies.com). Ethos:
My life, whether it be work or at home, has always been centred around dogs. Working with a dog and owner to create a perfect partnership that leaves both sides happy and satisfied is more than just a job for me. I achieve this through positive training and behaviour modification. My training is completed with care, patience and empathy. The best interests of your dog are at the heart of everything I do. I am honest, reliable and trustworthy.... and actually, I'm quite nice too! Dogs are a passion that drive me to excel in the work that I do and I believe in my motto that "every home deserves a Wells Behaved Dog & every dog needs a Wells Behaved owner". Having been a shift worker for 30 years I fully appreciate how difficult it is to plan appointments or to attend scheduled classes. I am flexible and will try to cater for your work life. I will visit your home or other suitable location and do not charge extra for evenings, weekends or Bank Holidays. If you're willing to give them up to help your dog, so am I! I work to an ethical Code of Conduct and have a transparent terms and conditions, both of which will be sent to you at the start of our working relationship. I have Public Liability and Indemnity insurance. Pricing:
My pricing structure is fair, clear and readily available, with no unexpected or hidden costs. Please contact us for more details or visit our website for a price guide www.wellsbehaveddogs.com
Thank you for clicking on Wells Behaved Dogs and, whether you get in touch or not, I wish you luck with whatever brought you here in the first place. If you're still reading, you may like to know more about arranging a consultation or how to proceed. Please feel free to contact me or visit our website for more information about me, our company and an FAQ which will guide you through what happens next. Kind regards
Eric
"Every home deserves a Wells Behaved Dog and every dog needs a Wells Behaved owner"
I proudly volunteer for and support German Shepherd Rescue Elite (gsrelite.co.uk) a very well-known breed-specific dog rescue and re-homing charity.
