My inspiration for being better.
My inspiration for biting the bullet and doing the Dynamic Dogs Practitioner course comes in the name of a little Beastie we all know and love called Ted.
Now, his pawrent doesn’t know I’m writing this, but I’m certain she won’t mind. He has become an advocate for reactive dogs, and an ambassador for showing how much pain can dramatically influence behaviour. It needs to be said how proud I am of them both, its been a long frustrating journey, and there are still residual things to address but he is a long way off his former title "The Beast!" This is down to the huge efforts of Kim and her family and the community supporting her - as a team we were all able to get Ted where he is today - but in the most part - this is all his mum!
Ted has had a bit of a turbulent past with his health which influenced his perspective of the world. He’s faced parvo, being attacked by dogs and had conformation issues which made him incredibly sensitive towards those he didn’t know or trust.
I first met ted a few years ago and he was a little firecracker. We worked on his explosive nature and his mum did make huge strides, but both of us felt there was more going on.
Despite multiple requests unfortunately the possibility of pain being a big influence or even a cause of his behaviour was repeatedly dismissed. Kim was even told he “was sitting with sass.” Kim never gave up hope of having that happy dachshund she'd dreamed of, but was resigned to accepting Ted for who he was. We had moments where I did indeed tell her to put on her big girl pants, and moments of frustration where we just seemed to hit a brick wall, but jeez this is a mum to be proud of, even if she never acknowledges just how hard she worked for her little man. I've never met a pawrent so committed and dedicated to advocating for their dogs. She should be immensely proud of all she has achieved.
Several years on from when I first read her desperate plea for help, lots of foot stamping, several holidays with me, a big surgery on his fore leg and injections for hip dysplasia and Ted is conquering all those beastie moments and turning into a real life Prince.
The change in his expression alone blows me away, and the determination and commitment of his mum is inspiring. See for yourselves:
Look at those big wide eyes now, no longer frowning or squinting, wide and bright and alert! Its amazing isn't it?!
Prince Ted is making huge strides in his reactivity. He isn't shouting at every dog and person he see's and even lets people say hello. He isn't slowing down on walks now and is just loving life. The next challenge is visitors, but I'm certain this will be overcome too.
But could I have done more?
I can't lie and say I don't feel guilty. If I had known more about describing and assessing movement and gait I could have supported Kim and Ted more to get the right help sooner. Yes, of course we tried, but what if.....right?
I am never a person that sits back and says "I did my best" and doesn't think more of it. I am a ""I did my best with the knowledge I had, but how do I get more knowledge to make more of a difference" type of person. And I like to think this is what sets me apart from the rest - I am always seeking to learn more so my best, really is THE best! For the dogs...and for you!
Not knowing the correct explanations of how to describe the movements I could see, and not knowing the best way to explain this to other professionals was infuriating. I knew what I could see, but I couldn’t articulate that professionally. This was also impacting other cases where I would raise concerns over gait but couldn’t be specific and often these concerns were dismissed. I needed training in this area as it was becoming an issue!
The Dynamic Dog Assessment
As I embarked on the course I used what I was learning as I went along, and saw more and more dogs I was working with where I suspected underlying discomfort as a contributor to their behaviour taken more seriously and investigations taking place. With these things happening alongside implementing the behavioural advice we saw DRAMATIC improvements, beyond what I expected.
Whilst I would never wish for any dog to be in pain, the reality is that many are. They do their best to fit in with us, they will run after a ball despite the pain, they will play with the kids despite the pain….but when you move them on the sofa, or they see a dog they turn into little screaming banshee’s taking you by surprise….but they couldn’t possibly be in pain…..as you would know? I thought the same, but the more I learn, the more I realise how broad their communication is, and we are just touching the tip of the iceberg.
I would always recommend a thorough vet check specifically for the issue you may be struggling with, but often in a vet consultation they tense up and being stoic little warriors won’t blink an eye…..or will refuse to be handled. This is where the assessment comes into it’s own. Its hands off, its all observation based and it looks at far more than their movement.
We play dachshund detective to try to understand what is going on, together – you, me, your dachshunds and provide all our evidence to your vets for them to make an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan alongside behavioural modification.
I will be implementing these consultations fully in the new year, but whilst I do I have added a discount for those of you booking before the new year begins:
INTRODUCTORY OFFER EXPIRES 31/12/24
If you book a full Dynamic Dog Assessment before 31/12/24 get £25 off using DDINTRO2024.
A dynamic dog assessment combines a behavioural consultation alongside a full and comprehensive assessment of your dog’s day to day life, an in-depth assessment of their posture and movement with a full and indepth report after reviewing everything.
This is suitable for all dogs, especially those who:
May be reluctant to go for walks – running away and hiding when you produce the harness;
Reactive on walks or at home
Grumpy towards you or others
Don’t like to be held or stroked
Guarding items or people
Unpredictable in their behaviour towards you or others
Sudden changes in their behaviour
With the full picture and appropriate professional support those who benefitted from the assessments already are seeing dramatic improvements in their dogs behaviour and are back to loving life together with their humans.
Here's to Ted, who will be seeing 2025 in with a new and happier hat, and happier family. Thanks to Ted for driving me to expand my learning, and for helping me help so many more.
For the full story of Ted and all his adventures, please read this blog: The impact on behaviour when medical issues are managed!
Happy Christmas to King Ted, and to all his peasants. I hope 2025 see's you conquer the world!
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