Training and behaviour

You may be unsure whether you need a dog trainer or a dog behaviourist. There can be some crossover but in the main, dog trainers will help train your dog to respond to various cues, such as for recall, or help your dog to perform certain behaviours, such as walking on a loose lead. Dog trainers often run dog training or puppy training classes and deal with the mechanics of teaching behaviours.

Dog behaviourists will look at the causes of the unwanted behaviour, the emotions behind the unwanted behaviour, and create a plan to change this unwanted behaviour. Most behaviourists will work with an owner’s Vet.

A behaviourist has a responsibility to work with the owner to identify the dog’s unwanted behaviour, and to explore the owner’s options in respect of changing that behaviour. You should be provided with a plan that is tailored to you and your dog. If you are not comfortable with any of the suggestions within the behaviour/training plan, ask questions.

Be wary of statements such as the number of years’ experience working with dogs. This does not necessarily mean the person has up to date knowledge, or indeed any knowledge at all. Most professionals will belong to a membership organisation and their membership will be monitored to ensure they keep up to date with their knowledge and carry out a specified number of hours of professional development.

There is no place for using aversive or punishment type training when working with dogs. We know that dogs are sentient beings and that the relationship with their owner is the most important foundation. Using punishment can cause a breakdown in the relationship and may even increase any behaviour problems exhibited. This can be true of dog walking, dog home boarders and day-care as well as trainers and behaviourists.

Many research studies have looked at some of the confrontational methods applied by owners before their dogs were presented for a behaviour consultation. They also found that dogs presenting for aggression to familiar people were more likely to respond aggressively to confrontational or aversive techniques. It is essential for owners to understand the risks associated with such training methods and to seek a reward-based trainer/behaviourist who can advise resources for safe management and change of unwanted behaviour. One study found that using aversive t raining methods (e.g., positive punishment and negative reinforcement) can jeopardise both the physical and mental health of dogs.

A number of well-known and respected dog rescue organisations including RSPCA, Blue Cross, NAWT and Dogs Trust only promote positive reinforcement, force free methods as the way to train dogs.

If you are at the stage of considering trying to rehome your German Shepherd or are seeking help with your dogs unwanted behaviour, Dog Behaviour Clinic offers a discounted Zoom consultation (£50) for German Shepherd owners who are struggling with their dogs unwanted behaviour. You can contact Dog Behaviour Clinic by emailing contactdogbehaviourclinic@gmail.com and quoting GSDWF50 for the discounted Zoom session.

We believe in trying to keep up to date with scientific research and current thinking in respect of dog training and behaviour. Many of our volunteers and kennel staff have completed courses with Without Worry Canine Education.

We ask potential adopters to complete their Adopting A Rescue Dog mini course. The education provider also offers comprehensive courses for dog owners that can help you work with your dogs unwanted behaviour.

You can view their courses here https://www.withoutworrycanineeducation.co.uk/ under the tab For You And Your Dog.

We are very specific about the way dogs are trained and believe in a holistic approach. dedicated to providing fear-free, ethical dog training and behaviour modification. GSDWF believe in relationship-centred training and only promote the use of fear-free methods.

Do you have questions about your own dogs behaviour? Would you like to be able to ask questions about changing it in a safe, non-judgmental place with like-minded people?

Recent research has shown that dog guardians who experience behavioural issues may indicate not only poor dog welfare but also poor dog guardian well-being (Barcelos et al, . Dog owner mental health is associated with dog behavioural problems, dog care and dog-facilitated social interaction: a prospective cohort study. Sci Rep 13, 21734 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-48731-z.

With this in mind, we have created a private Facebook group called Canine Behaviour and Welfare Zone. If you would like to join this exclusive group where you can upload videos, ask questions, discuss your own dogs unwanted behaviour, learn new information and techniques, drop us an email to gsdwelfarefund@gmail.com to set up a standing order of £3 per month.

If you are already a Friends member, monthly subscription is £1 and if you are already a member of Murphy’s Paw it is £2 per month. For anyone else, you can gain access for only £3 per month.

We have private exclusive zoom discussions on various topics of dog behaviour and training which you can access free of charge. These zoom discussions will only be open to members of the Canine behaviour and welfare zone members. Our goal is to empower dog guardians with effective management and skills, ensuring a positive and rewarding experience for both the dog and the guardian.