I have been really lucky to have had the experiences I have had and really enjoy my work, however, over the years I have seen some awful and very sad situations involving many animals.  The plight of dogs is something close to my heart, having worked in many shelters.  However, much of the suffering dogs endure is not through intended abuse, but through a lack of understanding of dog behaviour as well as not being able to communicate with their animals effectively.  Most of the issues I see as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist also have these issues at their core and they can easily lead to a break down in the bond between pet and owner, sometimes with serious consequences for both dog and owner.  Due to this, too many adolescent dogs are finding their way into shelters, which many dogs find hugely stressful.  This pains me to see, as I believe that if owners were equipped with the right information to truly understand their dogs, this miscommunication and breakdown of the relationship would be far less frequent. This is where I am passionate about wanting to make a difference and where the behind the idea for 'Puppy Essentials' came from. 

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The research is clear that a puppy's critical phase for socialisation, the period where the puppy learns all about the world it is expected to live in and accept, often tapers off from 12-14 weeks. Once this period ends, puppies naturally become more suspicious and fearful of new things, as this is a natural adaption to keep them safe in the wild.  While it varies slightly between breeds, the window for having these positive experiences is very short and often nearly finished by the time your puppy has even stepped a paw outside, which is why Behaviourists often see many problems in dogs which which can be traced back to this sensitive time.  Behaviours often develop because it makes the dog feel good or safe and they don't want to stop!  Think about how difficult it is for us humans to give up a bad habit and we usually do want to stop.  Rectifying these problems can take a lot of time, money and stress, so spending some extra attention while they are puppies can really be worth your time in the long run.

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While I believe 'well-run' puppy classes can be great way to introduce your puppy to the training basics and (hopefully) add to their socialisation journey, I know from running my own classes that it is almost impossible to get across the large amounts of information necessary to raise a well-rounded pet during a puppy class course.  'Socialisation' which is the popular overarching name used for this sensitive time in a dogs life, is often misinterpreted and owners think that their puppy is going to become a well-rounded pet just by attending their weekly class.  (It's important to note here that puppy's shouldn't get all their social contact with other puppies, as this is equivalent to toddlers teaching toddlers!  They also need the guidance of older dogs who can teach them appropriate social cues.)  While good classes can be a step in the right direction, it is not nearly enough to proof your puppy against future behaviour problems.  This crucial time needs to be managed very well, with a really good base of knowledge to ensure your puppy is not over or under exposed during this time.  It's a delicate balance and one which is sometimes neglected at poorly run classes.  It pays to do your research to get the right information and advice from the start, from a qualified expert (see qualifications) and use this time wisely to prevent problems before they become ingrained.

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My sole aim is to try and provide puppy owners with the information and support they really need to try and navigate those early stages of puppyhood, which are so vital and so easily overlooked. I strive to provide the most informative, clear and effective information to enable you to avoid the common pitfalls of rearing a puppy and, consequently, guiding you on the right track towards a long and loving friendship between you and your new furry best friend.

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