Weds 11th Oct: Training mistakes have sad consequences

Can this sweet boy really be bad?

There seems to be a plan to make everything happen on the days that I'm supposed to be off and there were a few emergencies today that meant I couldn't relax, but it's inevitable with so many dogs.

The same sweet puppy

Best friends Lara and Nancy were both adopted as babies and returned, though not for any behaviour problems

One of the cases we're currently having to deal with is a situation that has unfortunately cropped up too many times in the past, and it involves a young dog that was adopted as a puppy and was subjected to inappropriate "correction" training which resulted in apparent behaviour issues.  This puppy was such a sweet boy when he was with us it seems hard to believe he could change into something else, but he was even sent away to boarding kennels for his training.  There is no trainer or kennels in Hong Kong that uses positive or force-free training methods, and we are all horrified at the thought of any puppy being subjected to leash jerking and other such "corrections".  There is simply no need for it, and the results speak for themselves - a returnee.

Cactus (top) and Alice Lau demonstrate force-free training and happy dogs

One of the things that we are very proud of at HKDR is that we have an excellent trainer in Cactus, and she is very experienced in dealing with every age of dog, from young puppy to senior.  Everyone who adopts from us is offered free training support from Cactus, and if a home trainer is requested we are happy to recommend those that we know will use the correct methods.  It's not only frustrating and disappointing to hear some months, or even years, later that there is a problem and the adopter wants to return the dog, but it's also incredibly upsetting.   Minor issues that are so easy to deal with are left to become more serious, or as in most cases there is actually not a behaviour problem at all just a miscommunication and lack of understanding on the human side.   If Cactus is given the opportunity to explain and help right at the start, then it makes the difference between a home for life or an unhappy dog that is no longer wanted.