My job is to keep up to date with current research and to be knowledgeable about dogs and their interactions with the environment so that we can effectively manage, modify & change your dog’s behaviour.
Before we embark on any behavioural change program or training sessions all dogs will need a face to face assessment.
Methods
I believe in utilising a systems-based approach to behavioural issues incorporating a holistic problem-solving framework where problem behaviour is viewed as a set of interconnected, interdependent elements.
I recognise that a change in one part of the dog’s life will have an impact on other parts and so I will endeavour to focus on the entire system instead of simply looking at a specific behaviour in isolation.
The aim is to understand the relationship that the dog has with its environment including people & other animals that he/she come into contact with.
Together we’ll try to uncover your dog’s instincts and intrinsic needs (emotional, social, physical & breed specific) and in doing so we can look forward to creating an environment & lifestyle for your dog that facilitates a fulfilled & empowered dog.
By introducing techniques known as ‘shaping’ you can, with consistency, create more desirable habits & patterns of behaviour that actually encourage behavioural wellbeing and resilience in your dog, leading to confidence in the environment and better problem-solving skills.
The methods I use incorporate the protocols based around Desensitisation & Counter Conditioning which aim to address problematic behaviour while keeping you & your dog under the threshold of emotional arousal in a stress-free environment as we move towards resolution.
I will not use anything that tightens around your dog’s neck such as choke chains or prong collars.
There will be no threats, intimidation or physical punishment to your dog.
During training sesions I continually strive to keep the dog under the threshold of emotional arousal in order to learn new behaviour & overcome fears & anxieties.
The main themes of my training sessions revolve around how to respond to events & situations in daily life, calmly & together, instead of over-reacting to them.
Separation Anxiety
I tend to work predominantly with dogs that have over reactive behaviour but oftentimes the same dogs also suffer from separation anxiety. In these cases, I refer out SA training to my colleague Vanessa Bsirsky.
Vanessa is an expert in Separation Anxiety and is a Certified Separation Anxiety Behaviour Consultant through the internationally renowned Separation Anxiety expert Julie Naismith. Helping clients and their dogs to work through this heartbreaking condition.
As such Vanessa is in high demand and likely to have a waiting list so its essential to book this in asap.
“I have yet to see a dog or human suffer by improving the relationship between the two”
Training courses & qualifications
I have successfully completed the PDTI Practical Instructors Course (July 2022) at Harper Adams University and achieved the standard set for the:
DOG TRAINING INSTRUCTING SKILLS AWARD
(WITH EXCELLENCE)
I have successfully completed the following courses which are fully accredited by the Open College Network and written and tutored by Sarah Whitehead (MSc) at The Clever Dog Company.
Think Dog! Certificate A foundation course in the subject of behaviour and training.
Think Dog! Intermediate An intermediate award in canine behaviour and training.
Think Dog! Advanced An advanced award in canine behaviour and training.
Think Dog! Practical A practical handling and training course.
Think Dog! Dog-Dog Aggression An advanced award in canine behaviour and training.
I have also completed ‘Theory of Dog Training’ with The Cambridge Institute of Dog Behaviour & Training.
“After a life-long love of dogs I started training in 2010 in Cumbria and assisted at local puppy classes.
I also enjoyed the opportunity (& invaluable experience) to observe and learn about working sheep dogs with local farmers.
Currently I live in East London working with clients & dogs on a one-to-one basis but I am extremely fortunate in that I get to split my time between London & The Yorkshire Dales where I get to work in very different environment.
This gives me a wide bandwidth of experience working in both city dogs and all the issues that daily life throws up (chicken bones & skateboards) and also dogs in a rural setting with those particular issues (sheep & tractors).
Since 2018 I have been a volunteer at the Finsbury Park open-air dog school which offers group/class training for puppies, adolescents and adult dogs in addition to promoting the Kennel Club Good Citizen scheme. The school also offers one day sessions in clicker training, agility & dancing to music (I don’t do that bit!).
All this happens alongside & under instruction of the extremely experienced and wonderfully knowledgeable Sue Evans”
Reactivity – Fear – Recall – Fighting – Guarding – Separation Anxiety – Lead Pulling – Aggression – Stress – Anxiety – Biting – Frustration…
dannydecourtelle@rocketmail.com
