A dog is a pack animal descended from wolves whilst retaining a strong pack instinct. A dog instinctively understands that a pack has to have a leader. If your dog perceives that you are not up the job of ‘leader of the pack’ it will take on the role itself but in a world that it doesn’t understand and this is when problems arise.

A Dog Listener will help you to become the leader of your domestic pack by showing you how to communicate with your dog in a way that it understands. Your dog may develop behaviours that humans view as unacceptable as a consequence of the dog trying to be leader and protect its pack.

Some of these behaviours may include:

• Pulling on the lead
• Causing damage when left alone
• Refusing to come when called
• Barking/jumping up at visitors
• Fussy with food
• Fear of loud noises/traffic

What happens?

The consultation will take place in your own home where both you and your dog(s) will feel more relaxed. It will last for 2-3 hours but more time will be given if needed. The most important thing to be aware of is that I can’t wave a magic wand and all will be well (I wish!). The method requires some behaviour changes (both human and canine) and rather than ‘training’ the dog(s) I work with you so that you understand why the dog is behaving in a particular way and what you can do to change that behaviour.

You will learn the four elements of the method:
• Feeding
• Separation and reuniting / establishing status
• Dealing with (perceived) danger
• Going for a walk

I will help you to learn how to communicate and work with your dog(s) so that you are able to establish yourself as leader of your domestic pack. This will result in a stress free, relaxed and well behaved dog because it will want to do things with you of its own free will. Before I leave, I will recap the action you need to take and I will help you to note this in a way that works for you – your personal ‘Action Plan’. If further explanations are needed at this point I will take you through it again until you are happy and confident that you are able to implement the method yourself.

What will it cost?

The consultation fee is £180 plus mileage at 45p per mile and covers:
• The initial consultation
• A follow up phone call approximately 2 weeks after the consultation to review your progress
• A free back-up service by phone or email for life for any further problems or issues that you may encounter

This is particularly important as it will take time for both you and your dog to learn. There is no time limit – I will be there to support and guide you for as long as you need me to do so. Back up visits are not usually necessary but if you would like one there would be an additional cost of £30 per hour plus mileage at 45p per mile.

I am a retired Chartered Physiotherapist and had no intention of becoming a Dog Listener when I first attended Jan’s Foundation Course in January 2011. However, the course was so inspiring that it wasn’t enough for me and I wanted to learn more! I continued to study and completed the Advanced and Graduate Courses to gain the required qualification to become a ‘Jan Fennell Associate Dog Listener’.

As well as advising dog owners privately and giving talks to small groups, I am one of a team of Dog Listeners at the ‘Mayflower Sanctuary’ in Bawtry near Doncaster. We give talks to prospective dog adopters about the language of the dog and how to best settle their new dogs into their new homes. This makes the transition between kennels and the new home easier for both the dog and the new owner and hopefully help minimise any problems they may encounter. We are also available to give advice if and when needed once the dog is re-homed.