Now much as we love Alfie the Chihuahua he can be spirited. No. Let’s be honest. He’s quite naughty. And that’s despite attending puppy classes when he was little, a daily run with professional dog walkers and a past brush with a not very effective dog trainer.
It was a few months ago when I finally decided we needed to take serious action. We were walking along the river and Alfie just barked and barked at every other dog he saw. He was in a real state. Even though he is the size of a handbag and most of the dogs he was shouting at were at least six times his size. Then he hid under the bed and refused to go out with his walkers.
In despair I asked my vet what I could do and she suggested I speak to Jennifer Dobson who is based in Mitcham, Surrey. The vet explained that she was extremely well qualified and experienced behaviourist and trainer. So we called Jennifer, confirmed that our vet had ruled out any medical basis for Alfie’s behaviour, and explained the problem. Well, the various problems. Then we waited patiently for the Saturday when she would come and help us.
So in early March Jennifer came out to spend three hours with us. Alfie barked furiously when she arrived. She talked to us a lot and explained all about how dogs think. She explained that many of the things that we were doing made Alfie think that he was responsible for everything and the boss – and his “bad” behaviour was really his anxiety from being thrust into the leadership role.
We went out for a trial walk. We were told to go first and to keep Alfie at our sides rather than pulling along in front. Easier said than done but we persevered. Then we tried some work with his crate (although we abandoned this later as the cats took a liking to it). We spent a lot of time with him on a trailing lead – ensuring that he really did come back when we called him. And all the while Alfie got a small treat when he did as he was told. But by the end of the session he was desperately trying to get her attention and approval. Ha!
We received a detailed report from Jennifer a few days after the consultation. And we spent a lot of time practising what we had been taught. And stopped some of the bad habits we had gotten into with him (like games where he play bites our hands).
So when Jennifer returned at the weekend to check on our progress she was jolly impressed with our new dog! He comes when we call him. He sits and waits at the door rather than charging out. He engages much more with us when outside. He will leave a biscuit on the floor when he tell him to. And he (mostly) walks at our side when we are out. A miracle! And Alfie is so much calmer and happier now that he knows where he fits in his place. OK, he still barks at other dogs occasionally – but he is so much better than before.
Of course, while Jennifer is a highly qualified animal behaviour consultant the animals who did the most learning were us, Alfie’s owners. We have the confidence to know what to do in most situations now. Alfie is eternally grateful that he now has owners who know just what a small dog needs.
www.animalbehaviourist.co.uk
