17/11/2025
This is a message that I received from one of my amazing clients last night 🙂
Holly is a Bully breed who had been displaying aggression towards humans and dogs for quite some time
Life had become very isolated for both Holly and her owners - late night walking, restrictions around visitors to the home, enclosed secure field for exercise etc
Fortunately, Holly has responsible owners who have been desperate to help her work through this behaviour and commit to a training journey!
Unfortunately, they spent some time previously working with a behaviourist who hadn’t given advice which would help. If anything, the undesirable behaviour was further reinforced
The previous behaviourist stood behind a wall (and a car) throwing cheese at Holly. The owners were also advised to reward their dog (with cheese) at every third lamp post, play the one, two, three game etc. Unsurprisingly, this didn’t provide any benefit or progress for Holly and training came to an end (thank goodness!)
I would like to share some information (see below) that I pulled off that behaviourists website - just to highlight the fact that degrees, masters degrees, PhD, accreditations and so on, don’t necessarily equate to successful dog training or behaviour modification
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“I hold a Master's degree (MSC) in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare, and I am a fully qualified Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) —a designation that ensures I work to the highest standards in the UK.
In 2016, l also graduated from the Karen Pryor Academy's Dog Training Professional programme, one of the leading courses in positive reinforcement dog training. I continue to stay up to date with the latest research and methods by completing over 100 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) every year”
“While I still love teaching puppy training classes, my main focus is on helping owners better understand their dogs and resolve behavioural challenges-such as anxiety, aggression, or reactivity-using kind, evidence-based approaches.
My approach is rooted in positive reinforcement.
That means we focus on encouraging the behaviours we want using things your dog finds rewarding-like food, play, affection, and the environment itself. I will never ask you to use punishment-based methods, or equipment designed to scare or harm your dog. Your dog's emotional wellbeing is at the heart of everything I do”
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The method of training that has helped Holly to understand and has provided much needed clarity surrounding boundaries and communication is VERY publicly bashed by this particular behaviourist. Yet, the method and advice that she provided, failed miserably
Holly needed clear instructions. A clear ‘yes’ and a clear ‘no’ She is a beautiful dog and we are all excited to see what the future holds for her, now that she understands the world much more clearly 🩷🐾🩷
