I know that some people do get confused about the difference between a Dog Listener, a dog whisperer and a dog trainer. So here it is in a nutshell…

Dogs communicate all the time, both among themselves and to us. Most of the time, we are told that the dog must do as we say, without taking the time to think from the dog’s point of view. Even those who do, still insist that they must tow the line, or else they get pinned down, jabbed in the neck, jerked around, smacked or worse.

Perhaps the easiest way to distinguish between our approaches to training is this

Dog Listener - is based on understanding a dogs behaviour and uses positive, safe and easy to understand training methods to give your dog the right messages.

Dog Whisperer - is also based on understanding a dog, but on TV uses training techniques we are repeatedly told 'not to use at home' because while Cesar can use them effectively, they are considered too dangerous for the average dog owner to use. 

Dog Trainer - may use a wide variety of dog training methods (so always make sure you're happy with their approach before using one). 

A Dog Listener knows how to read what a dog is trying to say, and more importantly how to give the right answers. A dog needs to know there is a leader, and we all know from experience that the best kind of leaders doesn’t need to use force (of course Hitler, Stalin, Saddam Hussein etc. got some success using force, but I think we all agree it’s not the best way).

Instead, think of a Dog Listener as being the kind of leader you would trust. Some would say Nelson Mandela (or Mahatma Gandhi, as I was dubbed in a recent interview I did for another TV show) would be the right kind of role model.

A dog will ask who the leader is in its language, so it is very useful to know that language, and “listen” to the conversation your dog is trying to have with you. If your dog jumps up when you come in, pulls on the lead, won’t come back when you call, barks non-stop when it sees something (and so many other everyday problems), it is trying to tell you something. When you know what it is, and more importantly you can show your dog that it can trust you, then it will relax and give up the bad behaviour that is spoiling your relationship.

A dog will ask you questions is 4 vital areas – 

1. Food.
2. Going for a walk (on and off the lead).
3. Potential dangers (barking). 
4. Everyday status (especially when re-uniting).  

If you can answer these questions in a way your dog understands, you will have a dog that trusts you and will do what you say, and be with you when you want, and you can have the relationship that you both deserve.

So, in short, Dog Listening is about understanding and successfully letting your dog know how you want it to behave IN A WAY IT ACTUALLY UNDERSTANDS. The best news of all is that it is simple, needs no force or gadgets, needs very little time and fits right into your normal day. Properly used, Dog Listening will change your life for the better – and that of your dog too of course.

Can We Help You?

Or visit www.janfennellthedoglistener.com for info on courses, and other dog training programmes. Tell her that her son suggested you did…