I love and have grown up with dogs all my life. I am always the one who's paying more attention to dogs than humans.
In 2021, we decided to get our own little companion, and we found Cosmo, the most beautiful blue Merle Border collie. He has taught me more about dogs than any dog before. I knew dogs were clever, but I underestimated how clever they are.
When we brought him home, I was so excited to train him, socialise him, and have this amazing little companion to join us on our hikes. I thought socialising him as a puppy meant letting him greet every single person and dog on walks, letting him off lead as early as possible to allow him to do whatever he pleased, and giving him free reign of the house. I quickly realised this is not, in fact, socialising a dog; this is a recipe for disaster.
Don't get me wrong, he knew every cool trick in the book by the time he was 6 or 7 months old, his recall was good, he never chewed or had accidents in the house, and he was a confident young dog, but Cosmo soon realised that there was no structure, which dogs thrive off!
Unfortunately, a couple of months later, Cosmo was attacked by an off-lead dog, which changed him completely. Like any dog owner, I was absolutely gutted, and I knew I had let Cosmo down. He became reactive to other dogs; he was nervous on walks and jumped out of his skin if a dog barked or suddenly appeared. I knew from this point on that I needed to do something to help Cosmo. This is where all the official behavioural dog training started. I completed hours and hours of training, watched endless dog training videos, and even gained two distinctions in the Canine Behaviour Training Diploma. Everything I had learned I put into place with Cosmo; the difference was amazing! This new bond I had with Cosmo through training was so special, I felt like we became even closer. I no longer played on my phone while he was off-lead, doing as he pleased. I no longer allowed him to greet every single passing dog, and I suddenly became his centre of attention! I practiced obedience work with him; I bonded with him, and we had so much fun! Don't get me wrong, we had some really big challenges and sometimes still do, as no dog or no one is perfect, but the improvement is MASSIVE. He is now this handsome, smiley, and sociable (not how you may think) young dog.
Friends and family would comment on how well he had improved, and they would often ask for advice and/or training, which I would happily give. I rapidly realised I wanted to carry on helping other dogs and owners!
Since all of the above, we have a new family member ourselves, Nova, the Golden Retriever, and have been honoured to help train and advise multiple different dogs, breeds, and behaviours all around Cumbria!! Behaviours can range from lead pulling all the way to reactivity or aggression! Please don't hesitate to help your pup; they need you!
I truly believe dogs are a man's or woman's best friend, and they should live a happy, stress-free life.
