Animal Manners

Raven is a 3 year old black lab, who is an ex guide dog. He had some bone problems which resulted in him being rejected by Guide Dogs and I was happy to keep him because he had such a perfect temperament.

 

Frustratingly he was attacked and badly bitten by an out of control dog when he was 18 months old, and it resulted in him showing fierce aggression towards all other dogs. He became a nightmare to walk, totally unsafe off the lead and incapable of meeting or being around new dogs. He also started to show fear towards things he previously had no problem with, like horses, big vehicles and fireworks. I went to a variety of sources and followed their methods faithfully. After a year of advice from other so called professionals he was nothing but worse, had bitten me twice and I was really worn out and upset, figuring I was incapable of fixing the problem.

 

I met Gill about 8 months ago when she was working at an animal shelter near me, and I really liked her approach and her gentle manner with dogs. This differed from the authoritarian methods employed by other people I had gone to for help. Gill's methods and her quiet consideration for my dog's feelings, changed the way I looked at dogs in general, and gave me a whole new load of techniques to try on Raven. She also made me feel less like a failure as a dog owner, and more confident about my ability to help my dog.

 

Even after a few months, the difference in Raven was amazing. I feel like he trusts me again. It has taken a long time, and a huge amount of effort but he is now safe off the lead, can be around strange dogs, and has even started making friends again. He isn't quite back to how he was before, but he will get there, and we will be a much better team than before. If you really understand your dog and are willing to put the effort in, there is nothing you can't fix. I couldn't have done this without Gill's advice and help. Thank you! :)

Abi

 

 

Raven