Behavioral Work

Hercules and Thor have been regular guests at the Durban Dog Hotel since they were mere puppies of 7/8 months old (they're now 3.5 years old). Of course lockdown happened and perhaps because I was suddenly spending all of my time with them coupled with the fact that they weren't getting the physical and mental stimulation they were used to receiving by being regular guests of the DDH, but upon taking them for their first walk once lockdown regulations eased, I noticed a few behavioural traits that concerned me. Firstly, they had no leash etiquette (and to be honest, they hadn't ever had proper leash etiquette, which is my fault🙋‍♀️) and it was extremely stressful to take them both for a walk on my own (it became a case of them taking ME for a walk rather than the other way around🤦‍♀️). In just this one session of practicing the cues Sonserai taught me to correct their behaviour, I noticed an improvement in both of them🙌 I shall continue practicing the techniques Sonserai showed me and I hope to one day soon be the envy of all the other dog parents in the park when I stroll leisurely around with my two perfectly behaved boys walking calmly and sedately next to me 😁 The other big problem was Thor's separation anxiety which seemed to have grown exponentially during lockdown to the point where it was almost a disability for him😒 Sonserai pointed out (ever so tactfully 🤣) how it was my own behaviour of constantly allowing him to retreat from any situation that made him nervous - indeed, I was almost positively reinforcing such unhealthy behaviour🤦‍♀️ In that short space of time we spent with Sonserai she managed to get Thor to relax enough to the point where he allowed us to glimpse the confident, happy and well adjusted dog he has the potential of becoming if only I can provide the right circumstances or environment for that to happen. I love the fact that Sonserai provided me with a "toolkit" of ways that I can start implementing immediately at home and on my own in order to build Thor's confidence and coax out that regal, yet fun loving personality we saw brief glimpses of today. Needless to say I'm eagerly awaiting the day my boy can walk next to me without cowering in fear if approached by a stranger....or a skateboarder 😏 Sonserai also provided me with some useful tips on how to facilitate getting both my boys to start living lives independently of each other which will assist both of them with their separation anxiety - a bad habit which I allowed because frankly I didn't know any better until Sonserai explained how it was affecting them. Money well spent as I could see immediate results. Definitely recommend 110%!