publications & products
books
Here is a selection of books that I have found incredibly useful in helping owners to understand their dogs and in improving behaviour.
This is method I use to show owners how to transform their dog's behaviour. In this book, Nigel Reed explains the philosophy and provides practical, step-by-step advice using simple, everyday language. Implementing this information will empower you to address any undesirable behaviour - including anxiety, nervousness, aggression, hyperactivity, lead pulling and jumping up - regardless of the dog's age, breed, gender or history. Highly recommended.
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Learn what your dog's body language is really telling you. Dogs use about 30 calming signals, perhaps more. Some of these signals are used by most dogs, while other dogs have an incredibly rich ´vocabulary´.
Turid Rugaas goes into detail about the language of dogs so that we can understand what our dogs are telling us and help us build a relationship based on trust and respect. |
A really outstanding book.
I see many behavioural problems caused by owners simply not understanding how dogs think. This book explains clearly why many common mistakes occur. This book should be required reading for anyone even thinking about owning a dog or puppy or acquiring a rescue dog - it would make life so much happier for both dog and owner. 
Brenda Aloff's book, with over 390 pages and the accompanying 90 minute DVD, brings new ways to train your dog and to improve your understanding of how your dog perceives the communications you give to him by providing you with a series of exercises based on positive reinforcement and a new set of protocols based on developing and improving any relationship. Use exercises shown in the accompanying DVD to build your skill and confidence as an owner.
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In Defence of Dogs author John Bradshaw, an anthropologist at Bristol University who has been at the centre of the latest research into how dogs operate, overturns the most common myths about dogs' emotions and behaviour. This book explains how we should really treat the real dog, who wants to be part of the family and enjoy life - mankind's closest friend. This is the real science that dog owners need to know.
Straightforward instructions that teach a kind and effective method for encouraging dogs to walk on the lead without pulling.
This is the method I use to show owners that the method can be applied to any dog no matter what size, breed or age. Dogs that encounter situations where they may lunge, bark or give aggressive displays can be helped to walk calmly and quietly on a loose lead. |
Jan Fennell presents a simple-to-follow yet detailed handbook for puppy owners.
Whether this is your first puppy or you are an experienced dog owner, the advice in this concise guide is valuable and well informed. This guide follows the life of your puppy from weaning to walking and covers every aspect of caring for your puppy – from introducing him to his new home to dealing with the behavioural problems that will almost certainly arise as your puppy develops. |
In this guide, Patsy Parry offers expert advice on basic puppy training. It covers house-training, handling and grooming, socialisation and habituation and confidence building.
It offers practical solutions for problems such as attention-seeking behaviour, chewing clothes, jumping up, barking and begging. Step-by-step instructions with photos clearly explain basic techniques and covers the most important commands. Focusing on making training easy and fun, this book will help you to achieve a 'bomb-proof' puppy, as well as improving your understanding of and why dogs do the things they do. |
harnesses
There are a whole plethora of products that claim to cure pulling on the lead, giving the impression that purchasing the item will instantly transform the way your dog behaves on the walk. It's how the owner responds to correct the dog pulling that is equally as important.
Some dogs walk better on a harness than on a collar and lead alone, my own dogs included, although any pulling still needs to be corrected.
The design of these two harnesses prevents any rubbing at the back of the dog's front legs, a drawback of most other harnesses.
Some dogs walk better on a harness than on a collar and lead alone, my own dogs included, although any pulling still needs to be corrected.
The design of these two harnesses prevents any rubbing at the back of the dog's front legs, a drawback of most other harnesses.
Walk r cise
Walk R Cise Harness
The Walk R Cise reflective harness is ideal to use in the darker winter months and at night throughtout the year. These durable harnesses are made from a reflective material and are fully adjustable to ensure a perfect, comfortable fit.
They are available in a variety of sizes and also in a selection of non-reflective colours.
They are available in a variety of sizes and also in a selection of non-reflective colours.
haqihana
Haqihana Harness
The Haqihana harness is individually hand-made and is available in a variety of sizes.
Note that the illustration shows the available colours. Apart from the multi option, the actual harness is one colour throughout.
Note that the illustration shows the available colours. Apart from the multi option, the actual harness is one colour throughout.
Articles
Click the image to go to the article
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This is an article that appeared in the Guardian about John Bradshaw's ground-breaking research into dog behaviour. It describes the background to the research that resulted in his In Defence of Dogs book, featured in Books, reviewed above.
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RADIO INTERVIEW
I was interviewed by Alun Newman on BBC Radio Solent on 14th January 2021. The interview was mostly about how I am now providing help in these Covid-19 times.
If you would like to hear the interview, click the link below:
Radio Solent Interview on 14 January 2021
Radio Solent Interview on 14 January 2021
contact me
If you would like some help or some more information, you can contact me in a number of ways:
Email me at ianmackay@the-dog-listener.co.uk
Alternatively, you can contact me on 07887 376125 or 01794 368587.
Your call will ALWAYS be returned promptly if you leave a message., or
Use the form on the Welcome page to tell me about the problems that are making life with your dog difficult.
Email me at ianmackay@the-dog-listener.co.uk
Alternatively, you can contact me on 07887 376125 or 01794 368587.
Your call will ALWAYS be returned promptly if you leave a message., or
Use the form on the Welcome page to tell me about the problems that are making life with your dog difficult.