Coxhill Behaviour Services

22/06/2024

Why do good behaviourists and trainers methods always adapt?

This industry is fast paced with new research always being carried out and new papers produced. Hence why CPD is so important for behaviourist and trainers. Courses, forums, talks and Facebook groups are just some.of the ways which help keep myself and others up to date.

When I went to Uni, the industry was all over the Dominace Theory, which was shortly disproved by its own researcher! Nowadays trainers which still use this theory are very outdated and ones to avoid. Words which might indicate they are still in this mindset include pack leader and dominant.

When I left Uni one of the great "tools' to be created was the Gentle Leader- like a halti. Nowadays, we try to move all dogs away from these towards a well fitted harness. Due to research on welfare implications. Harnesses should be Y shaped so that they do not restrict moved of the shoulders.

Fast forward a number of years and trainers methods are adapting to meet the needs of lock down dogs and those from abroad who bring a total different challenge often fueled by trauma.

We now have the rise of the "tiktok" and social media "stars" many of which use adverise tools which help to get results fast but at an expense to the dogs welfare and future behaviour.

Every talk I listen to, course I attend or paper that I read makes me question my practice and what I do- How can I adapt this?, How does this suit dogs with trauma? How does this relate to what I do? Is there anything I do which I can adapt?

CPD is so important in an ever changing world.

Alexandra Cooper, CAB, Coxhill Behaviour Services 2024.

16/06/2024

I saw a comment on a post yesterday which struck a nerve...look at the trainer/behaviourists dog, if they can not fix their dogs behaviour they sure won't fix yours.

Such an untrue statement. I would never judge a trainer/behaviourist by their dog or dogs.

Why?

We often have the dogs which others have given up on, that have complex problems or have issues others would have not dealt with.

Let's look at Herbie. Herbie is extremely fear reactive and guarding- he had a traumatic start in life, couldn't cope at his first foster and also has some very protective sheperds in him.

Have I clicked my fingers and fixed him...no I haven't. Have other trainers (yes we do talk and use each other's skills!) clicked their fingers and fixed him...no. Would an E collar or punishment fix him...no.

We are in this for the long haul, reactive behaviour isn't a quick fix...some will never be 100% "fixed". Fear reactivity and past trauma is real...it has a real effect on the behaviour modification used as well as the time it's going to take to work on the behaviours presented.
Not to mention the set back of those who do not listen and try to approach or let their dogs, this can set you back weeks.

In the 18 months of having Herbie, what have we achieved:

Herbie can now relax and wait for people to pass, as long as there is around a 2m distance. This is current threshold but again, this is a working progress and over time with consistent training this should decrease.

Herbie takes part in Canicross, well we walk mainly so Canitrek! He has been to Wales twice to take part in races and he will now comfortably relax near the start line when asked. Everyone there knows Herbie and to keep their distance, all of which is increasing is confidence and trust in humans.

I can stand 2m away from someone with Herbie and have a conversation while he is relaxed.

And his biggest one...the vets! This time last year, the horrific experience of trying to give him his booster and KC vaccine. Even I have to admit I didn't want to take him this year. But this boy and our training did us proud. We had a few little barks at the vet, but he did not growl or bark when the vet examined him, gave him his booster and KC and also a blood test!

So rather than looking at a trainer/behaviourist and thinking oh they can't sort their dogs behaviour...maybe look at the journey and what that dog has achieved. I know 100% that if I didn't have Herbie, he would not be around now, he would have bitten and been PTS.

Everyone who has trained or trains with me knows about the dogs I have, I am not "ashamed" or "worried" that I haven't "fixed" my dogs behaviour. I will openly talk about my experience which each and everyone of them.

Alexandra Cooper CAB Coxhill Behaviour Services 2024.

02/06/2024

Couple more courses under my belt this week!

01/06/2024

🐕 Recall Workshop🐕

29th June 2pm at St John's Secure Field.

Strictly 4 places only. 45 min session with 2 trainers.

£25

31/05/2024

We are so proud to be sponsoring Milo and to be part of his journey.

Words from Milo-

"My name is Milo Clarke, I am part of The Fair Earth foundation, a global charity looking to make a difference world wide!

I am currently on a mission to raise funds for local dog shelters in Tenerife that I have been working with. They are in great need of funds to create a better living environment for hundreds of stray dogs that all deserve a second chance at life.
As part of our Global 7 Peak challenge I have climbed Mount Teide in Tenerife where I managed to raise £400! However it doesn't stop there, I am on to Phase 2 of my fundraiser, where I will be Climbing Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka this June."

As many of you know here at Coxhill Behaviour Services we have a very special place in our hearts for rescues from Abroad and have worked very hard to understand thier needs, genetics and behaviour as well as adapting our training techniques- my dream is to write a book about our journey.

If you would like to sponsor Milo please see below.

Help MILO Clarke raise money to support Fair Earth Foundation

27/05/2024

Great Lifeskills and Structured reactive interaction.

Unusually we still have places left for Sunday so grab them while you can!

22/05/2024

Refund Policy

Please see below our policy for refunds.

1. Structured Reactive Interaction- if 48 hours notice is given, the money for the session will be credited on your account for you to use for future sessions. For no shows or under 48 hours notice no credit will be given.

2. Lifeskills Class- payment is for the whole course, refunds will not be given for sessions which are missed or for no shows for the entire course apart from in very special circumstances, this will be at our discretion.

3. 1-2-1 sessions- 48 hours notice is required and payment will be credited to your account. If less than this, this will be considered on an individual bases.

4. Behaviour Consultations- payment is taken upfront for all 3 sessions- we no longer accept payment per session. If you feel you do not want one of the sessions, a refund is given on an individual bases. If you have not put the ground work in with the rebalance plan, then you are likely to see results slower. Again, many results take time, there is no quick fix.

If a refund is offered this can take up to 14 days to process- please do not keep messaging about this. Rudeness will not be tolerated in any form.

A deposit or full payment will be taken when booking any service.

13/05/2024

This weekend we ventured to Wales for the Cani Trail Mountain Challenge...a weekend of different length walks which were then modified due to the heat.

If you are interested into getting into this either running or walking do let us know.

06/05/2024

Reactive Dogs having Fun. And what a beautiful day it was too!

Great session today, based around positive experiences. Everything can and is modified depending on the dog and the distance they are happy to work at. No dog or guardian is asked to do something they are not comfortable with- the dogs always have a choice which is a massive thing I promote.

Dogs should have choice and agency which is always the first session I do with all behaviour consults- this is what I call the Rebalance.

Sadly, many go for the quick fix- a tug on a slip lead, a tug on a choke collar, a tug on a prong collar or using e collars. Yes, you see results but at what cost, not just the welfare of the dog but also the fear and discomfort you have caused them which they then associate with other dogs. These are short term "fixes".

Why are we different? Our sessions give the dogs choice and build confidence with various equipment to have fun with and also by little tricks. The dogs are so focused on the fun they are having they do not notice the other dogs it is a positive experience for them. Making positive associations with other dogs and people.

I specialise in reactive dogs and rescues and always happy to show you proof of my qualifications and CPD.

04/05/2024

It's time to talk about the use of muzzles and to normalise their use.

This looks at pant room and how important it is.

13/04/2024

Fun in the sun last Sunday.

Why do we run reactive dog sessions? As all dogs deserve to have fun!

We work on engagement and focus with the owner while the dogs are having fun.

08/04/2024

We are very excited that Bluebell Pet Care and First Aid are running this where we train!

17/03/2024

As most of you know my Herbie wears a muzzle. I was struggling to find one with enough pant room for the Ultra. Then I discovered The Muzzle Movement. I love his muzzle so much I have joined them as an affiliate.

This means all my lovely customers can benefit from 10% off when using the following link and my discount code:-

https://www.themuzzlemovement.com/?ref=1WHgfs3-dxzEaZ

COXHILLBEHAVIOURSERVICES

These are great for all those XLs out there too!

Muzzles should fit & feel good - ours look good too (but that’s only half the story) Designed & manufactured by leading dog behaviourist for optimum welfare.

10/03/2024

Reactive Dogs having Fun.

Great session today, based around positive experiences. Everything can and is modified depending on the dog and the distance they are happy to work at. No dog or guardian is asked to do something they are not comfortable with- the dogs always have a choice which is a massive thing I promote.

Dogs should have choice and agency which is always the first session I do with all behaviour consults- this is what I call the Rebalance.

There has been lots of controversy this weekend with aversive trainers and a very well known lick matt company attending crufts. Sadly, many go for the quick fix- a tug on a slip lead, a tug on a choke collar, a tug on a prong collar or using e collars. Yes, you see results but at what cost, not just the welfare of the dog but also the fear and discomfort you have caused them which they then associate with other dogs. These are short term "fixes".

Why are we different? Our sessions give the dogs choice and build confidence with various equipment to have fun with and also by little tricks. The dogs are so focused on the fun they are having they do not notice the other dogs it is a positive experience for them. Making positive associations with other dogs and people.

05/03/2024

Wonderful Friends...as you know in less than 20 days I am taking part in an Ultra Marathon to raise funds for The Young Farmers.

I am looking to hold a raffle/online auction to help raise funds...if you have a business and have anything you could donate it would be so appreciated 💜🩷

25/02/2024

So proud of this boy!

Many of you know Herbie aka Hairy Gerbil is fear reactive to a few things.

Yesterday on one of our Ultra training walks we pasted so so so many cards and Herbie did nit react at all- just sat down and waited!

If anyone wants to sponsor me I will be very grateful.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/NSYFUltra?utm_term=mNGWBvPbx

14/02/2024

It's only right on Valentines Day the Love Bug himself makes an appearance!

First day to today...think he is a bit big to pick up now!

13/02/2024

Let's Talk Muzzles!

I see so many posts saying how the XL Bullies can not do the same things now they are muzzled and they are so unhappy. Many people saying the dogs do not want to go for a walk or won't take treats when wearing it.

Or the owners worrying about what people say or how they look at them as the dog is muzzled

If your dog is muzzle trained correctly, wearing a muzzle is not an issue. Your dog can still do everything it used to. I have 2 that wear a muzzle and are always on the lead unless in a dog park.

Yesterday, Herbie went on a 10 mile walk, with his muzzle on- he has a lighter weight one coming for marathon. He could sing is happy tune, drink out of dirty puddles and eat as he went along. Herbie is fully comfortable in his muzzle- any dog can be but it takes time.

And as for people looking and judging him- who cares I am doing what I can to protect my fear reactive dog!

11/02/2024

Another amazing Structured Reactive Interaction Session this morning...these classes are all about the dogs having fun around other dogs. All dogs and thier guardiains were excellent and lots of progress made.

Showing nervous, anxious or fearful dogs they can have fun in thier own space with other dogs working at a distance they can cope with. And that they will not been forced to do anything they don't want to or feel anything aversive. All trigger stacking is avoided.

The dogs started working closer as the session progressed and for the most the only barks we heard were those of excitement.

All these dogs were either focused on the task they were doing or having fun with some of the equipment. Today's fun included going through hoops, paws up, scent work, jumps as well as a mat just to sit and chill on.

Guardians also got thier dogs to weave through thier legs and go through and sit at thier feet- a great skill to have just incase needed in a situation.

We also found out that most of them would do anything for a Black Pudding Treat!

08/02/2024

Anyone wanting to book in for the Structured Reactive Sessions...Sunday is full and March is already half full so please book in ASAP!

04/02/2024

02/02/2024

This is the first time I have run the two brindle boys together, it was the first time i dare take Zibi and Zeno out together as I know Zibi can be grumpy towards other dogs while out on a run or walk and i didn't want him to teach the new boy any bad habbits. Zibi was well behaved towards the only other dog we met so it couldnt have gone any better.

01/02/2024

Structured Reactive Interaction is back and at Lydden Village Hall Field.
These are avaliable to book on the following dates 10-10.45am

10th March
7th April
5th May
19th May
2nd June
16th June

We also have our popular Life Skill Class starting on the 5th May at 9-9.45 am. These are suitable for all stages of life, puppy to senior, rescue to adolescent. £50 for 4 weeks.

28/01/2024

Great to be back with the reactive classes...these are all about having fun around other dogs.

15/01/2024

This weekend was all about XL Bullies.

I am still offering training for these gorgeous dogs. This weekend has been focused on lead walking, muzzle training, reactions with the public and recall when they are in a private secure field.