Policy Statement
Waggy Tails Policy Statement on ‘dominance’ regarding domestic dogs is as follows;
It is our belief that the use of any outdated approach of ‘dominance’ and the ‘pack’ theory is not beneficial and the use of this approach can be detrimental to the dog; the results can at times be devastating causing a dogs behaviour to deteriorate further and become increasingly unmanageable for the owners, particularly in the case of fear reactions and canine aggression. Behaviour modification that attempts to change the dogs perception of status or rank involving force, pain, stress and fear cause unnecessary suffering to a dog; Waggy Tails Dog Training & Behaviour wishes to publicly distance itself from any such approach to canine behaviour.
Our work in the field of canine behaviour is based upon much current, up to date scientific research and a modern approach to canine behaviour and dog training using humane methods where we believe that behaviour modification and training can be successfully achieved through adopting the approach of observation and methods of positive reinforcement based upon modern science which is widely acknowledged by responsible and qualified practitioners.
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How we work with you
At Waggy Tails we believe in inclusion for all; working with and supporting both owners and dogs with behavioural; emotional and social difficulties. We are forward-thinking, qualified professionals who work with a passion for dog training and canine behaviour, striving to make dog training inclusive and exciting; we adopt a flexible approach with dogs and an empathetic approach with owners.
The Law
We work within the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which introduced a duty of care on those responsible for animals to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the needs of an animal are met, including protection from pain and suffering. Training or behaviour modification which breaches this can give rise to an offence irrespective of whether or not the dog is considered to have suffered. Training techniques and behaviour modification which cause pain and fear may compromise welfare; methods like these are unnecessary. It is possible for training and behaviour modification to be achieved through the use of reward based methods.
Our Aim
At Waggy Tails our aim is to inspire clients; encouraging them to communicate with their dog effectively we encourage owners to build a strong positive relationship with their dogs. Through education; observation; interaction and understanding we educate people about inherent breed characteristics; to learn how to observe and read their dog’s body language as well as understanding the differing ages and stages of a dog’s life whilst learning about effective communication between the human and canine species. We do not encourage people to try to mimic canine communication, after all people are of the human species not the canine species; but rather to learn about how to interpret canine behaviour effectively.
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So what goes on at Waggy Tails?
Like many training organisations we offer clients the opportunity to participate in the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme which is widely recognised in today’s society. Many new puppy owners are keen to teach their puppies good manners and basic training exercises, the Kennel Club Puppy Foundation Scheme provides a good basis for this as well as rewarding a puppy and family with a recognised certificate for their achievements. At Waggy Tails this is the only set course we offer which runs for a period of six weeks. Puppy’s that enrol on our course will also enjoy the benefits of using a wide range of training equipment both indoors and outdoors where they will learn through experiences about balance and coordination; spatial awareness; how to socialise from an early age; attentiveness to their owners and good manners whilst in the company of other dogs and people as they begin on a journey of learning together with their family. We take a maximum of six puppies in a class at any one time, ensuring our classes are small enough to allow the instructors to become familiar with every puppy and their family, the puppy course is adapted according to their particular needs.
For owners we provide support in increasing your understanding of your puppy and its inherent breed traits; motivation in how to shape your puppy’s behaviour and learning; acceptance in overcoming typical difficulties during puppy stages such as mouthing and house training problems; information and education about responsible dog ownership.
Free Play – this is a controversial area; it has been found in this country that during ‘free play’ sessions some puppies were actually learning to fight during ‘play’ sessions as some puppies began to use aggression as part of their game due to the fact that they played so roughly, these games can quickly get out of hand. These types of dogs become frustrated when their expectations of rough play are not met by other puppies which can result in aggression in later life. In addition some puppies can be overwhelmed by boisterous puppies and as a consequence learns that aggression is the best form of defence. It is our belief that ‘free play’ sessions are inappropriate and offer no value in puppy classes, therefore are not part of Waggy Tails puppy courses. Owners that take their puppies out and about in society on walks will mostly meet and interact with other dogs of differing breeds and ages where they will be learning fluency in canine communication and etiquette.
Off Lead – We actively encourage off-lead training in a controlled environment where puppies are working with their owners, this can be extremely beneficial particularly when using rewards and motivation for practical exercises like ‘coming when called’ away from distractions.
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Training Classes
Classes are run weekly on a continual basis where clients can work towards the remaining levels of ‘The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme’ Bronze, Silver and Gold awards as well as the ‘Waggy Tails Interactive Skills for Life Scheme’ Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. Our training classes are small enough to allow the trainer to become familiar with each dog and family where the class and what is being taught will be adapted according to their individual needs. We take a maximum of four dogs in each class and when appropriate may recommend a dog works in a smaller class if that is more suitable for its behavioural needs.
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One-to-One Training
Our dedicated one-to-one service offers clients the opportunity to spend a little more time working at a slower pace with their dog; this can be beneficial for owners who find difficulty in keeping up with a faster moving class environment or perhaps their dog needs a quieter environment to learn in. By working on one-to-one basis we are able to address individual needs for clients and their dog whilst still working towards achievable goals.
