Behaviour and Teaching
In 2005 I completed an 18month course studying canine communication, behaviour and training, including how stress affects our dogs.
This course, plus over 50 years of experience working with and teaching different breeds of dog and listening to and attending courses with many different behaviourists and trainers, has helped me to understand more clearly how dogs think and why they offer us behaviours that we would rather they didn’t!
I prefer to use the word teaching rather than training as this is a better explaination of what I do. In 2018 I volunteered at a nature reserve in Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa. For two weeks I went out daily to help monitor the endangered species in that area. I have a detailed account of this trip on my Facebook page.
The main animals monitored are African Wild Dogs (also known as Painted Wolves), Lion, Cheetah, Vultures, Elephant, Leopard and Rhino.
Observing the behaviour of the Painted Wolves was an amazing experience. They have a very close family bond and will not abandon one of their pack in difficulty.
They share their food without arguing over it and pups eat first. They work together as a family unit and are very efficient hunters!
Watching them approach each day with such a joy for living has left a deep and lasting impression on me that I am incorporating into my teaching and daily practise.
One To One
I offer a one to one teaching and behavioural service. I do not run classes as I prefer to work with you and your dog in real life situations and address your individual concerns, while keeping stress to a minimum.
I can help you with basic teaching (training) or more complicated behaviour problems, working with you and your dog at home or out on walks. I work in a holistic, heart centred way, looking at all the things which may affect the way your dog behaves.
Teaching Puppies
This is so much fun! From preparing for your new puppy’s first day, to toilet training and teaching basic life skills. Depending on the age of your puppy these sessions would be fairly short as they should be little and often. Initially I would probably spend more time explaining “how” to you, with a short time working with your puppy.
Behaviour
The first consultation usually takes about 2 hours which involves taking a full history of your dog and the problems you are facing. We will then put together a programme of ways to help improve and enhance your relationship and confidence together at home and in the community.
I will then arrange a follow up visit of 30 – 60 minutes to see your progress and advise on any changes, if needed. I am also available for phone or email support should you need it.
Please contact me for assistance and to discuss your individual requirements.
Seminars / Talks
*****
“Wow wow wow… So I attended a workshop today held by Ann and actually cried at results achieved by the methods used. I feel such a privalidge to bare witness to such a powerful demonstration of phenomenal respect and observations made throughout the workshop of the demo dog that was used to do so. Tavi, the dog that took part, taught us so much and Ann created that safe space for Tavi to process what she was involved in. Magnificent. Thank you so so much for a powerful workshop that has opened up my eyes to do much. It inspired me and educated my in so many ways. Wonderful. I would highly recommend Top to Tail to anyone wanting to create a holistic, choice focused world for their dogs, where we learn to listen to a whole other form of communication.”
*****
I am available to present talks and seminars for clubs or groups of people who are interested in learning more about dogs. These are based on any dog related topic from applied zoopharmacognosy to understanding canine calming signals.
I love to talk about dogs!