How are the behavioural aspects of human-animal relationships addressed by tracking at Dogtaggs?
All clients working with Dogtaggs receive individual appraisal within very small group classes.
It is, to be fair, not a traditional model (you already gathered that!) and behavioural reports are not written anymore.
The process takes place over 6 days which gives us time to hear all of the story rather than one which can only fit into a two hour meeting.
This also gives us time to put in place practical changes which can be assessed as you go along.
Experience also tells me that since (at least) two of you are involved in the relationship, which underpins and defines pretty much everything else that goes on. Even where there are more than one family members in a household, it is usually beneficial for one stable pair (one owner and dog) to be supported by external assistance so that that pair can coach other relationships from within the home.
Dogtaggs approach has evolved to address human and animal behaviour in equal measure.
To that end, meeting outside the home can sometimes help to avoid focusing on the dog alone.
It is also easier to encourage behaviour change in humans from outside of home. Especially with help from a small group of other participants, whilst engaged in a distracting activity (like tracking) and with the help of a trusted coach/peer group.
But why choose tracking as the vehicle for behaviour change?
The way that tracking is coached at Dogtaggs is very different to dog training. Based on 25 years of behavioural experience, the Dogtaggs approach is a two species behaviour programme, designed to give dogs an opportunity to control themselves by directing their behaviour toward tracks. This provides respite from control by humans and allows them to behave openly since they have full licence to be an agent in their own lives during those moments. This gives a very revealing behaviour assessment, possibly more so than focusing on dogs that are constrained, and informs the degree, shape and revision of their needs in other settings.
This approach is only recommended when we are sure that pain, illness or fear toward a specific event are absent. A vet report will always be required to rule out pain and illness. The presence of specific fears are identified and addressed as part of the process.
The emerging result is always a new understanding of the relationship between human and dog. And now can begin the paving of the way for soothing other emotional pain.
There is currently one space remaining on the foundation tracking course Get Cracking with Tracking which begins at the end of May. For more information please go to www.dogtaggs.co.uk or email hello@dogtaggs.co.uk
Registered clinical behaviour professionals: we are pleased to help where we can. For onward referral to us as an adjunct to your first opinion report please email hello@dogtaggs.co.uk
Picture: dog behind a gate. Caption: behaviour is not a barrier.
