Frequently asked questions
Why has my dog changed?
Many behavioural problems develop when moving house, a new baby or an additional pet arrives. Stressful situations such as redundancy, death or divorce can affect your dog too. Finding out the cause of unwanted behaviour allows you to solve the problem from your pet’s point of view, rather than trying to treat the symptoms with unkind or inappropriate methods.
When you start training your dog his behaviour and activity levels will change he should be quieter, more relaxed, and calmer. Remember you cannot change a dog's personality only its behaviour, pattern and habits.
Is my dog too old or too young to learn?
No. Best Buddies Home Dog Training methods are suitable for any age or breed of dog. The ideal age for a pup to leave its mother is between 8 and 9 weeks old. This is the time to lay the foundations for a well adjusted obedient dog for life. Through many years of experience training techniques are tailored for your individual dog.
Why a one to one home visit and not dog classes?
Classes are great for basic obedience, socialisation & some minor behavioural issues but if your dog is showing signs of behavioural issues such as Aggression, separation Anxiety, Barking, Toileting, destruction etc. then majority of the time these issues are best addressed starting from their own environment.
Some behaviour can be changed by simple repetition and conditioning. But the underlying causes for more serious issues need to be addressed before a resolution can be effective.
The programme Best Buddies advises produces changes very quickly, but it will take time, effort and commitment to maintain and build on the improved behaviour.
What training techniques do Best Buddies use?
You are taught to communicate with your dog using voice control and body language, a natural and holistic approach without fear or confrontation. Dogs are highly intelligent animals so recognised psychological techniques for training i.e. Operant and Classical Conditioning methods are incorporated into training sessions.
Best Buddies Home Dog Training DO NOT ADVOCATE THE USE OF traditional harsh physical methods i.e. smacking, scruffing, electric, spray or spiked collars, choke chains.
Why does the training work?
You will no doubt have seen or heard of dog whisperer or dog listener techniques; Best Buddies training methods are also taught in this way. Traditional dog training usually forces your dog’s behaviour to change, but without your dog ever understanding why. This is why it can sometimes fail. Best Buddies' methods teach you how and why; making dog training effective.
We teach you to teach your dog, every dog is different but by assessing your dogs behaviour and personality we can tailor the training to their individual needs and with your consistency you will have a much happier dog.
How long will it take to train my dog?
Majority of behavioural issues can be solved with one visit however it is important to be consistent for a while in the training you have been shown.
Telephone advice is always free after a home visit. Remember there is no quick fix, yes you will see results straight away but with consistency and perseverance you will be rewarded by having a happier calmer & healthier relationship with what should be your best buddy.
Puppies start learning as soon as they arrive in their new home. The ideal age for a pup to leave its mother is between 8 and 9 weeks old. This is the time to lay the foundations for a well adjusted, obedient dog for life. Puppies need to be educated with their owner, to understand what they should do and what is expected of them. You can’t assume a pup will ‘grow out’ of behaviour we don’t like unless we teach it to behave in the way we do want.
Rescue and adult dogs - your dog’s current habits may have developed over a long period of time. It therefore may take longer to undo this unwanted behaviour.
Why train my dog?
All dogs should have some form of training; Dogs are born with a pack instinct to survive. They must either lead or be lead. Unless an owner is displaying leadership qualities clearly, they will take on the role themselves and sometimes the results of this action is what we perceive to be bad behaviour.
DOGS are expert people trainers!
With Best Buddies you will learn why your dog behaves as it does and how you can correct your dog’s behaviour through your own calm behaviour, body language and appropriate timing.
