
25/08/2025
Meet Ollie 😍 It's a long post, for a special boy.
Ollie is a long term Chase Canines member who's nearly three now. We met Ollie at just 9 months old, after he had a really negative experience at another local trainers group class. Unfortunately, Ollie's parents were told that he was "untrainable", that he was not "smart" enough to be able to learn and even compared him to the other ten plus pooches in the session. This left them feeling deflated to say the least.
We came on board to do some 1-2-1 sessions, and quickly realised how intelligent Ollie really is- so much so, he outsmarts us mere mortals on a daily basis 😆He was a cheeky, playful puppy who was just easily entertained by the world as it's all so new and exciting! Plus, those pesky hormones are at play.
He pulled erratically on the lead, wanted to play with every dog but became frustrated, would resource guard, nip and so much more. His pawrents put so much work in, and honestly he's an absolute dream to walk now😍 and no more guarding or mouthing. Oh and lovesss dogs, without shouting at them.
Perfect! We walk Ollie several times a week and as we do with all dogs, we continually monitor their body language, changes in behaviour and more. Around a year or so ago, some new behaviours started to creep in such as dislike to mobility scooters, cars, buses, the guarding started to creep back in, and a few other eccentric things.
Now, from an owners perspective we may just think that our dog is just being naughty, but from an ethical qualified trainers perspective - our first thoughts is always pain. After a few vet checks and discussions medication was trialled and worked, that is the end of the story. With pain managed, Ollie went back to living life to the fullest, although the hatred for mobility scooters still remains as a working progress. (sorry to those with disabilities, he's just prejudice 😆)
Pain is a huge contributing factor to almost all behaviour changes that involve reactivity, guarding, aggression or sudden separation anxiety. It's so important that we investigate thoroughly before putting training programmes in place.
It's why it's also so important to have someone with knowledge and understanding in your corner, not to just help your dog, but to also help you so you can have a success story like Ollie and his pawrents 💖