Last weekend I did a dog listener consultation for a couple with a highly intelligent dog who had a list of phobias as long as your arm - literally (so my arm really).

The wife had written down all things that freaked this dog out, and as I scanned the multitude of problems, one jumped out at me. You see, I am used to seeing "phone", "laughing", "thunder" etc, and although the list contained some more interesting articles, such as "Salad spinner", or "cutting bread", my eyes stopped at the name "Andrew Marr".

Now, for those who are unaware of this man, he is a political reporter for the BBC, and I am sure he's a very nice man. However, the mere sound of this man's voice on radio or TV would send this dog into a fit of panicked barking. Basically, we simplified the whole list by condensing it down to one word "ANYTHING".

A dog is in a world it does not understand, so don't be surprised if something that seems to you completely harmless is seen as a threat to the very existence of the dogs and its pack. The benefit of Dog Listener Training is that it takes a consistent approach to all threats which allows the dog to calm down.

The key of course if to get the dog to realise that you are the decision maker of the pack, not him (or her).  You can also create the environment for the dog to learn by (without making a fuss) using the salad spinner, ringing the phone.... or even inviting Mr. Marr round for dinner?   Tony Knight