From Suzie
Fourteen years ago when I brought seven month old Joseph
home from the RSPCA, I was looking forward to a lifetime of
companionship and fun with my new best friend, taking him
everywhere and doing loads of wonderful things together.
However, it did not take long for me to realize he had
a few problems that would see my plans for our
future very challenging.
I thought that with education for both of us and time
dedicated to him I could overcome these problems.
I wanted to learn everything so I enrolled in a "dog
obedience course". Off we went every Saturday
morning. I was diligent, we did our homework and
never missed a class.
After about five weeks, the dog trainer announced that my
dog Joseph was the most difficult dog he had met in 20 years
of dog training and that in his opinion I am in for a nightmare of a
life with this dog and that I should give him back! I was horrified; that
was not an option for me. I believe buying a dog from the pound or a breeder
is a commitment one makes that should not be broken. So, I persisted for month
after month, which soon turned into years, and still the problems persisted.
I then tried private training, a behaviorist, then another trainer but nothing was successful. Most of the training so far had been based on fear and correction methods (I call it bullying!) which clearly was not working with Joseph. I did not like the methods and I thought there had to be another way.
I did not give up and looked for alternatives. I wanted to understand my dog and I could see that not only was he not improving but he was not enjoying this work and that broke my heart because although he was so terribly challenging, love is unconditional and I loved him dearly.
After much research I found Alison Bull.
Only two sessions later, improvement! I felt optimistic, my eyes were opened to this wonderful way of training animals. Joseph and I looked forward to our classes and he was always excited about being there. Finally - a place that understood his canine needs. We both progressed enormously and although nothing is a "quick fix" or easy, every hour spent was fun! I learnt more about dogs in general, my dog, and ways to manage and improve his problems than I had in the last seven years of traditional training.
Now, years later, Joseph is still fit and healthy, we have two more dog additions in our family, and we have not looked back.
My three dogs are all vastly different with different needs. They are all mixed breeds and I have no history or knowledge of blood lines, behaviours or strengths and weaknesses. Not the easiest way to go when training a dog I know! But very rewarding and a lesson like no other. They are all trained the way Alison trains, with positive reinforcement … and they love it.
I am so grateful that Alison came into our lives and opened my eyes to this wonderful way of communicating with our furry friends.
Dogs are individuals and need to be treated as individuals. Some are far more challenging than others. I now feel blessed that I picked an incredibly challenging dog because without Joseph I would not have experienced years of different methods of dog training, including this one. I have learnt more about dog behaviour with Joseph than I would have if I'd owned ten dogs. I continue to use this wonderful method and I absolutely believe in it.
All Alison's training is kind and based on rewards not punishment. Not only did we improve Joseph's behaviour issues, but we also learnt lots of fun things too.
I am delighted Alison has decided to write this book as you will now have the opportunity to enrich both yours and your dog's lives and spread the word of positive dog training that is enjoyable and it works!
So, as Alison says,
"relax and have fun!".
Suzie Wilks
(TV personality and presenter)
October 2006
