Hi folks, I am happy (and relieved) to be in one piece after my first ever skiing lesson, a birthday present from Jan Fennell (Mother).
It is also going to be interesting to discover muscles I never knew I had in the morning when they seize up.
The day served as a reminder that I may have been practicing Dog Listening for a long time now, but I must always be aware that for some people, it may be completely new to them, and they may need time to get the hang of it.
As I wobbled down the slopes, my instructor James showed admirable patience throughout the day, and I'm sure he finally let me onto the big slope because he was confident in my ability.
In fact he filmed me as I slowly made my way down the very steep slope.
It took time to make my way down, while little kids inevitably whizzed past me. But it didn't put me off too much.
James told me what I needed to do to be happy and in control was practice... where have I heard that before?
Anyway, I think I will get back on the Piste again soon, and I have a renewed sense of patience and respect for people who may be making small steps in doing the Amichien Bonding process.
A good and patient teacher makes the experience enjoyable and gives confidence to carry on. Lesson learnt... check out the clip below for my next lesson - apparently.
Cheers for now, Tony Knight
PS Now I come to think about it, as I flew past James I thought I heard him mention You've Been Framed...
Amichien Bonding works brilliantly with dogs, but is combining it with troubled teenagers asking too much?
I often say to people that we need to realise the strong connection we have with dogs is down to our similarities, but that often humans misread the signals. So often people think the dog is showing human characteristics, yet in reality it is Man who shows dog traits.
A good example of this is when working with children. Both children and dogs are attention seekers, and if either get it for bad behaviour they will go down this path (negative attention is still attention). By giving attention for good behaviour we can turn around both. I often used to say (when Channel 4 were running the two shows in succession) that if you wanted to learn some good lessons about dog behaviour from either Supernanny or It's Me Or The Dog, then watch Supernanny!
Somebody I have recently tutored on the courses we run is Nigel Reed, who has been working with challenging teenagers by introducing them to Amichien TM Bonding and inviting them to help dog owners. A fascinating TV programme was made showing this process and you can watch it on the link below. I warn you now that there is a little bad language in it just in case you are easily offended or currently surrounded by fragile souls.
The subject of obsessive behaviour occurs again and again - and we're often asked if the Amichien Bonding process can help. I've been told about dogs doing things from the sublime to the ridiculous. From tail-chasing to wall-licking, or as I once recall on a consultation, staring at a tree waiting for leaves to fall (true, I saw it with my own eyes).
We can speculate until the cows come home as to why the dog has chosen whatever quirk it has, but as usual it is what the owner does about it that is key.
Firstly, ask yourself - does this behaviour get my attention? This is the most common reason for a dog's 'obsession'.
I remember visiting one family and being told in hushed tones "You wait until the blue hedgehog makes an appearance". Initially I was afraid of being confronted by a monstrous version of Sonic or something, but as it turned out the hedgehog in question was a favourite toy that the dog, after failing to get our attention with other behaviours, placed in the middle of us all and watched with it's nose pressed against the toy for 45 minutes. Finally it gave up. Usually it would have worked for the dog.
Secondly, obsessive behaviour can be used by the dog as a stress relief from a responsibility it cannot cope with i.e. leader of it's pack in a world it doesn't understand.
The answer to this is to remove the stress by becoming the leader using Dog Listener techniques founded on the Amichien Bonding process. In either case, the good news is to follow the process and the dog will calm down.
By the way, if anyone has a dog (or knows one) that has a more bizarre behaviour trait than the leaf watcher then why not share it with us? Click on the Add Comments below and tell us about it. Tony
I've been mulling over the best way to get results with Amichien Bonding lately. I believe things happen for a reason, so today was no exception.
This morning I re-visited a client close to my home after a few weeks of implementing the Dog Listener techniques (Amichien Bonding). Her dog used to pull her over regularly whenever it saw another dog or person, and she lives in a very popular tourist spot.
We went out for a brief walk (due to the heat) and I noticed the huge improvement in both dog and owner. She knew what to do when her dog reacted in a certain way, and we even met another dog and the whole incident (a few woofs) lasted 20 seconds maximum. I was very pleased with her progress.
She did mention to me that she felt that sometimes she was taking backward steps in the whole procedure, and I reassured her that this was to be expected.
On returning home and checking my emails, I found one from a guy in America who I believe is a great authority in his field, and has helped me in a completely different area in my life. I opened the email and this is what I found (I must say here that I have altered some details in order to make it relevant to this site!). It says it all.
One of the biggest lies ever told is that you make real progress in life in a straight line, with bit by bit measurable results, step by step, according to a calendar or schedule.
This "do your schoolwork and get your grade" approach is one of the single biggest pieces of brainwashing conditioning driving society, and is, outside of the academic world… A Huge Load Of C**p That Can Keep You Stuck When It Comes To Progress And Success In The Real World.. In Real Life.. Including Working With Your Dog!
Listen: in the real world, progress does not occur in a straight line, linear fashion.
Your progress with Amichien Bonding will probably NOT come in a straight line either.
Progress happens in spurts: after a period of steady practice you experience a sudden grasping of principles, sudden proper execution meeting the right opportunity.
Translation: you did it right, with the dog in the right, receptive mind and… Suddenly You Are Getting Massive Success!
How's that for a scientific analysis?
Listen: In the real world, progress happens not only somewhat unpredictably it also goes hand in hand with the occasional set-backs, slide-backs and down right… Tripping Over Yourself And Sometimes Your Dog Too!
Now, what in the world does this have to do with getting a really good relationship with your dog?
Simply this: While progress may not be linear, or predictable, PRACTICE SHOULD BE. I'll say that again: Your PRACTICE; what you actually immerse your self in studying and DOING, day by day, absolutely should be constant and steady.
But don't expect your daily PRACTICE to always lead to daily measurable PROGRESS for one simple reason: Sometimes, even the best executed methods and moves just don't pan out.
This happens to my best students. It happens to me sometimes.
You can do everything - and I mean EVERYTHING - right with a dog. Do all the 4 elements correctly. But sometimes things just happen.
Someone gets sick. Someone dies. Something you could never have imagined happens, and the dog reacts to it, maybe even in a panic.
What I am basically saying here is: don't let the events (or your mood) of the day determine whether you are going to do your daily PRACTICE. Always practice. Even if it is just a few minutes that you can put it, do it.
Keep focused on the vision of where you want to go and let THAT take charge of your feelings of the moment or the events of the day and NOT the other way around.
Do that, and I promise that the progress will come.
Does that reflect your experience of dog training? We'd like to know. Click on the Add New Message below and tell me what you think. Tony Knight.
To see Amichien Bonding used so well in extreme circumstances is always heartening. I'm currently on the Dutch stage of my road trip back to France with my beloved open top (no working roof) Beetle Sasha, named after our black German Shepherd from years ago. The only time I got rained on was as I left England - a reminder why I am taking the car down to France lol.
Yesterday I met up with Myrthe, a friend who has for several years suffered with cancer in various parts of her body, all of which has left her struggling to look after herself. The pain she feels constantly does not diminish her spirit and she is an inspiration to us all.
To aid her in everyday tasks that we take for granted, Myrthe has an assistance dog called Fenna, a beautiful long haired German Shepherd. From the beginning to the end of the day, Fenna will help Myrthe get out of bed, get dressed, open and close the curtains and doors, turn lights on and off, get the shopping, (this requires a lot of self-control for Fenna, especially when picking up sausages!) even take off her shoes.
Fenna was trained with positive reinforcement and patience, and is capable of learning new skills when needed, yet she is no robot. She is still a dog and acts like one, still playful, occasionally distracted by new things, but Myrthe's patience with her comes from a deep understanding of Amichien Bonding so she does not get angry or impatient. She knows Fenna will get there.
I saw Fenna demonstrate some of her skills and even filmed them with a view to putting them onto the site for everyone to see. It is a truly wonderful thing that dogs are capable of helping those who cannot help themselves, and equally wonderful when an owner understands that despite all the marvels it can perform, the dog is still a dog.
Myrthe talked about mutual respect, and I can't think of a better way to describe it. Even recently, when Myrthe had a particularly bad episode and was in a great deal of pain, that respect was evident. Fenna left her alone except when needed, sensing that it was best to give her the space. We are aware that dogs can smell cancer, and they can feel our emotional state, and the change in the dog's behaviour was evidence of that.
So if you have had a bad day or are feeling unwell, don't be surprised if your dog's behaviour changes. The good news is that with this process you know there is something you can do about it. Tony
Now when it comes to understanding dogs, I know a thing or two. However, when it comes to trimming them, I am still very much the amateur.
Yesterday I decided to tidy up my two - nothing too complicated, just the feet and ears - and after over an hour of clippering, cutting and combing, Pru and Kez were rewarded for their patience with a hairdo that I am sure somewhere would be called "avant-garde". All the while I was toiling over them I kept thinking, "I wonder if there is a good groomer somewhere..."
The advice I give owners who are searching for a good dog professional - groomer, walker or vet for example - is to go and see how they operate, and whether they spend more time talking to the owners or the dogs. If it is the former then all well and good. A dog that already finds itself in a strange environment full of weird sights, sounds and smells does not need an over-the-top human in their face as well. This is why some dogs react badly to these excursions, and if misread can be seen as aggression, rather than fear.
In my time teaching people the Amichien Bonding method, I have had various professionals attend, and the piece of advice I give for those who only spend a limited time with a dog is to be as matter-of-fact as possible. This way the dog sees there is no threat and that everything is calm. This can dramatically reduce the risk of being bitten.
The ONLY problem is they will sometimes have to explain to owners unaware of what they are doing is that of course they think their dog is adorable, they are simply putting it at ease (some owners worry that there may be something unlovable about their pride and joy - bless).
Let me ask you a question. As temperatures soar this summer, can you imagine going barefoot on hot concrete wearing a fur coat? No? Then perhaps you should think twice before making your dog do it!
This week has so far seen a heatwave in England, and I have forgotten to bring my shorts! I'm here in the UK to teach the latest group of people wishing to become Dog Listeners. Humidity is high and energy is low - a perfect time for those dog owners who are enlightened - and have taken on board Amichien Bonding Methods - to be thankful that they do not have to take their dogs out for a walk in this heat.
For me, it's not only the sight of poor dog owners (and their dogs) out in rain, hail and thunderstorms with the mistaken belief that they must walk their dogs. If anything it is worse when the temperature is so high. As I have said before, if we humans find ourselves sweating profusely, imagine if we had to go barefoot on the concrete while wearing a fur coat!
A late evening stroll, being happy and in control, can be very enjoyable. But most owners out there don't consider walking the dog a joy, rather a chore that can cause anxiety, fear and misery. Yet they still go out there because they think they have to.
I remember seeing an old lady in France, zimmer frame grasped firmly in hand, slowly making her way down the road in scorching conditions, followed by her three-legged dog. As anyone who has ever had a personal trainer will testify, there is a fine line between exercise and torture......
So if you are feeling the heat right now, think of your four-legged friend too and find some shade. Maybe grab an iced tea while you're at it and don't forget to fill the dog's water bowl.... enjoy the British summer while it lasts!
PS For those of you in the Southern Hemisphere, I will post this blog again in 6 months!
P.P.S After hearing about the tragic story about the two police dogs that died from heat in the back of their handlers car, I just wanted to add this warning that was made by The Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, "the charity would like to remind dog owners that leaving your dog locked in a car can prove fatal, particularly during a heatwave. It can take just 20 minutes for a dog to die and temperatures reach over 40 degrees in some vehicles. Stay Cool - Tony Knight
morning when they seize up.
