Q: What is a “holistic” approach to dog training?
Holistic training encompasses every area of a dog’s life. It includes good manners and several skills that help keep your dog safe. Effective dog training starts with a dog that is calm, relaxed and focused on you. It could put her at risk if she only pays attention when it interests her.
For example, let’s say you train your dog to “sit” on command. She always complies when you are at home. But when you put her on a leash and take her for a walk, she’s more interested in the birds in the trees and sniffing the smells other dogs have left behind. She doesn’t even listen to or look in your direction, no matter what you say.
Now, say she takes off after one of those birds and breaks free from your grasp. She chases the bird onto the busy road and into traffic. What are your options?
If your dog is trained to pay attention the first time you speak to her and follow commands, you should never face a scenario like the one above. She isn’t going to break free from your hold, but if she did, a simple ‘sit’ command could stop her from going into the busy street.
Holistic dog training affects every aspect of the dog’s life. Not only does it make life better for you and your dog, but it also makes it safer.
Q: What’s different about your approach to dog training?
First, our team has a wealth of experience and training in all areas related to dog behaviour. We also use a custom approach that is right for the dog. We employ only positive techniques and place dogs in an atmosphere that is fun and relaxing. All of the techniques we use are evidence-based. They’ve proven to be the most effective methods of dog training today.
Q: Can any dog be trained?
All dogs are trainable once you get past the issues that cause them stress. Dogs aren’t born with bad behaviours. There is a cause. At Kalmpets, we use behaviour consulting to get to the root cause of the dog’s behaviour and change it. Once they become calm, they are more open to the fun and educational atmosphere we create to help them learn.
Q: How much do consults cost?
Please visit the page at THIS LINK and scroll halfway down for a comprehensive list of our current fees.
Q: Do I need a Veterinary Behaviourist or trainer?
Qualified trainers with relevant qualifications can manage many problem behaviours. Good trainers know animal behaviour, but not to the extent that is expected of a Veterinary Behaviourist.
For more complex behaviour problems such as anxiety, aggression, agitation, hyperactivity and repetitive behaviours, you need expert help. There are frequently medical conditions contributing to these behaviours that need to be identified and treated. A behaviour veterinarian has the skills to investigate, diagnose and treat behaviour problems.
Kalmpets Behaviour Vets have achieved board certification in the speciality area of behaviour medicine. These veterinarians work with pet owners and collaborate with other animal professionals to manage and resolve behaviour problems and improve overall well-being.
Behaviour problems can result from learned fearful associations, underlying medical conditions, or neurochemical imbalances. A Behaviour Vet is uniquely skilled in diagnosing medical conditions that can cause behaviour problems and treating conditions that are solely behavioural. With medical and behavioural knowledge, Kalmpet’s Behaviour Vets can evaluate behaviour cases to determine if there is an underlying medical condition. They can determine which medication (if any) would be appropriate for a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behaviour modification. Kalmpet’s Behaviour Vets can identify key information in medical and behaviour histories to help understand the behaviour problem and optimise treatment.