I want you to take a good look at Barney the black and white dog in the photo above. Looks calm and relaxed with all those dogs around him doesn't he?
Now move to the Hannibal Lecter picture he doesn't look so cool in this one does he? Barney was in fact the most dangerous dog I ever handled who put his owner in hospital on more than one occasion.
Barney feared other dogs and would attack in an instant. He didn't like people too much either. That's the reason for the two leads, grab harness and muzzle. You could never trust him.
With the commitment of his new owners Malcolm and Julie plus some heavy-duty canine therapy from Murphy and my Pack things slowly began to change. We redirected Barney's aggression into playing with a ball and he became really good at it.
Gradually Barney learned to tolerate other dogs at a distance, which we reduced week by week until he became part of the Pack.
With great care and commitment Barney changed from a highly dangerous dog into the fun-loving companion dog he is today. It wasn't an easy journey and my reward is to see Barney run 200 yards to greet me whenever we meet on a walk.
This is NOT a task anyone should attempt without professional guidance. Thankfully not all dogs have such serious issues but if you have a dog that needs help to become the fun-loving companion you always wanted bring him/her along to my Behaviour Clinic at Teggs Nose Country Park Macclesfield on Sunday Sept 25 from 10 am.
For a £10 donation to Animal Support Volunteers I will work one-on-one with your dog to resolve any issues.
You can text me on 07590-560012 for a fixed appointment or just turn up on the day and I will see you ASAP.
Remember every journey starts with a single step.
