ROTTWEILERS REHABILITATE PROBLEM DOGS

 

I would like to share with all visitors to this site, my pride in my Rotts Callum, Tara and Robynne in the major role they play in rehabilitating clients problem dogs.

 

Virtually all dogs which have aggression issues get to meet one or more of my dogs as part of their rehabilitation. My dogs show them how a balanced dog behaves and teach them how to socialize and play.

 

By the very nature of their problem, these dogs are rarely socialized. At some stage the owner has become aware of their aggression issues, leading to them either never exercising them in the vicinity of other dogs, or keeping them on a lead at all times. This literally becomes a vicious circle and the dog becomes more overtly aggressive each time it sees another dog, sometimes commencing its aggression at 25 metres distance and over.

 

I have clients who have been pulled over by their dogs in their frantic attempts to get to other dogs, but not one of these dogs has ever failed when introduced to my Rotts as part of their rehabilitation. When carried out sympathetically, with professionalism and care, it is as if a great relief comes over the dog as it starts to realise that all dogs do not represent a threat to its very existence.

 

Each of my dogs has a different role to play. Tara is a very placid, calm-passive dog - ideal where the clients dog is extremely fearful of other dogs. Callum is a calm-assertive, quite dominant dog who treats all other dogs and their extremes of behaviour as if they don't exist!

Robynne is a high play-drive dog who uses all the classics of canine body language to encourage even the most reluctant of dogs to learn to play.

 

Sometimes, the clients dog is introduced to just one of my dogs, chosen for its relevant qualities. However, eventually the clients dog usually ends up running around with all three of my Rotts as part of its rehabilitation.

 

Obviously, I have to take great care with my dogs in this line of work. Continued exposure to unbalanced dogs could have a detrimental effect on them. So I have to ensure that my dogs also socialize with other well-balanced dogs, otherwise my own dogs could start to think that all other dogs represent a threat!!

 

At a time when Rottweilers remain the subject of often unfavourable press-coverage, I feel very proud not only of my dogs, but of the breed in general when I see on a daily basis the positive work they are doing in the rehabilitation of problem dogs. My dogs are the subject of much favourable comment from members of the public who witness them in their training role and I feel that whilst they are probably not unique in their role, not every trainer utilises their own dogs in this way.

 

In the light of the recent detrimental BBC documentary on pedigree dogs and show dogs in particular, it makes us very proud to own three show-dogs who also play a very significant role in helping other dogs - many of whom may not have been around for much longer if their owners hadn't sought professional help.
 
The year 2008/9 has been a challenging and rewarding one for me in rehabilitating clients dogs. I have travelled far and wide in response to clients calls for assistance with their wayward pets. By far the most common problem has been canine (dog on dog) aggression. I have also dealt with several cases of aggression towards people, along with cases of separation anxiety and incessant barking.
 
Breeds assisted with dog aggression issues include German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Dobermann, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Italian Spinnone, Labradoodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Greyhound, Boxer, Briard, Weimeraner and others. It is so apparent that many owners often endure seriously bad behavioural problems with their dogs for some time before seeking help. Most owners when they do so, fully accept that they have been 'getting it wrong' and have contributed to their dog's problems.
 
Whilst I am based in the Exeter area of Devon, I have travelled as far afield as Birmingham, Oxford, Bournemouth, Swindon, Bristol, Worcester, Gloucester, Plymouth and Cornwall in dealing with dog aggression cases. Some of the cases I have dealt with have been fairly straight forward to deal with, others have been more complex and challenging. What has been consistent is the absolute job satisfaction I get when I see a happy client whose relationship with their dog has been changed for the better.
 
Travelling with me on most cases has been my team of Rottweilers, Callum, Robynne and Tara who have had to put up with some fairly provocative behaviour from some unstable dogs, always doing so with the great character so typical of most Rottweilers.
 
R.I.P CALLUM
Here I need to say a special word for Callum whose picture adorns the home page of this website. This wonderful dog died suddenly at the end of March 2009 with no warning of any problem. He was very unwell one Sunday morning, so much so that I took him straight to the local vet. By the time I had arrived at the surgery he had collapsed in the back of my car and I had to carry him inside. Within five minutes he had died on the vets treatment table, struggling for breath in a devestatingly upsetting way.
The vet was unable to do anything for him and it subsequently transpired that he had a tumour on his spleen, which had ruptured causing massive shock and blood loss into his stomach. To lose a dog like this at any time is very upsetting, but Callum was only just 4 years old - a tragically early death.
 
In a lifetime of dog ownership, this dog was quite simply at the top of the tree. He had a wonderful character and although not the biggest of male Rottweilers, he had the heart of a lion as demonstrated by his failing to show any discomfort or pain in the days leading up to his death when he must clearly have been suffering. He gave me some great results in the show ring but his performance in helping to rehabilitate other people's dogs gave me a far greater sense of pride than any red rosette. Calm, aloof and unflappable he showed seriously unbalanced dogs how to behave and socialize and was a true credit to his breed.
 
Thankyou to those kind hearted people who contacted me to say how sorry they were at his death - he will be extremely difficult to replace. However, Robynne his younger team mate has stepped up to the mark and is showing all the same qualities as Callum - courage, fearlessness, tenacity and above all forgiveness when dealing with problem dogs. On the receiving end of determined aggression one minute, she will always assert herself in showing a problem dog how to socialize properly and within minutes will play with the same dog as if nothing had ever happened!!
 
If you have a problem dog then you can feel confident that if anyone can help you, I can. I have success where others have failed and owners have been about to give up. By using a combination of psychology and many years practical expertise, you will be giving your dog the best chance of rehabilitation if you contact me now!

                   Contact Peter
    on 01392 221130  or 07921 833632 
      and make a change in your dogs
                  behaviour soon.