I have been advised to see Val Strong who is a canine behaviourist and runs clinics in Sheffield. She actually trains support dogs here in Sheffield, but also runs a clinic.

Basically, I am having to resort to paying someone to come and tell my dad what I am telling him every day in the hope that he will listen to her as she is qualified.

So does anyone know how much she charges or what she's like - I have a phone number but would like to know if anyone has any experience with her first.

Thanks :D

Gosh, what do you want to tell your dad? I'll tell him for £20, I can be Ms Strong if you want me to!

lmao - he won't listen to me when I tell him how to deal with Takara. Such as, put your hands out of view when she mouthes, rather than encouraging it, don't tell her off when she comes out from under the table because she will stop coming out, don't tell her off for growling, otherwise she'll give no warning in future, and just bite. Don't shout at her when she barks, ignore her, otherwise she sees you as joining in.

There is loads but he just won't listen to me because he trained his dogs a different way...

Aah...I see, I have a similar problem with Mr Scoop and the Chocadors pulling problem. Because he doesn't find it a problem to hold him back as he's so strong (phwoar) he just lets him do what he likes and little old me is left to do the heel training by myself!

Oh no! Poor you:hihi:

Aren't parents terrible?! Mine eat off their laps in front of the tv. I'm a throwback to my grandparents generation and eat in the kitchen (in front of the tv!). However, in my house, my dog doesn't notice when I'm eating. Even if I happen to have relaxed the rules a little and am eating a bowl of ice cream or biscuit in the lounge.

In their house (they look after her when i'm at work), she sits with her nose practically on their plates.

I wonder why...:huh:

I haven't heard of Val Strong, I'm afraid. I was quite surprised you were looking for a behaviourist until I read your full post, though! Have you sat him down in front of the tv when It's Me Or the Dog is on??

It all seems very unfair...

Does he like to read? The Culture Clash would sort him out!

I used Katie Patmore a few years ago. It was a one-off payment of £70 for an hour's consultation and then a followup consultation 2 weeks later, and unlimited phonecalls to her for advice if I needed it. You can PM me for more details if you like.

She'd definitely tell him off!!

Sometimes you're fighting a losing battle though...

Hi Elsa,

He's seen all that stuff but he doesn't see what he himself is doing...

I've thought about filming him and playing it back to him lol

I have emailed Val Strong, mum didn't think Dad would react well to her but I've emailed her anyway to see if she can offer any more ideas about training Takara to be my support dog. T's doing very well already and I know how to train most things, but there are some things I just haven't thought of or could use a professional opinion on.

I don't think he'll react well, either!

But it's a good idea to get her in for "another" reason and let her speak her mind!! I'm sure you'll benefit from it, too. Even if she only confirms that you're going the right way. Dogs are very good at making you doubt yourself!

:shocked:

How much is this exercise going to cost you Lotti? :(

Can you not convince him that training an assistance dog is nothing like owning a pet?

You need somewhere to stay for a couple of days to pretend you've been to a training camp with her :hihi:

:shocked:

How much is this exercise going to cost you Lotti? :(

Can you not convince him that training an assistance dog is nothing like owning a pet?

You need somewhere to stay for a couple of days to pretend you've been to a training camp with her :hihi:

Good plan, lotti can stay at mine, mr scoop and I will go away for a weekend, when I get back I expect the Chocador to be trained to perfection and scoop jr to be squeeky clean and respectful of his parents!

Lotti!!! Lotti!!!

What are your rates for a full weekend of dog training and childminding? :D

Lotti!!! Lotti!!!

What are your rates for a full weekend of dog training and childminding? :D

Oh no :wow:! I'd be letting her stay as a favour :D

Im no dog behavioural expert, but have a pack of 7, who are impeccably behaved (most of the time anyway), so must be doing something right.

Bluesandtwos, I too am no expert, but my dogs are more or less perfectly behaved when my dad is not around.

But he turns the place into a circus when he's around because he just ruins them. Takara has taken to barking at other dogs when she's not allowed to play with them - not nastily, but because she wants to play. It's embarassing and it's down to my dad.

I can't have her come and talk to my father, because he would probably kick me out. I have also ditched the idea of blowing a whistle everytime he does something that impacts negatively on the dogs, as that too would get me kicked out...

I have still asked her about seeing us for ideas about assistance dog training because if I can get dad to pay for it, then he won't want his money going to waste and might try a bit harder... hehehe

I have still asked her about seeing us for ideas about assistance dog training because if I can get dad to pay for it, then he won't want his money going to waste and might try a bit harder... heheheYou do actually have the answer to everything don't you? :D
:hihi:

I can only speak on a personal level as I have met her a few times and she seemed spot on, however that was some years ago! I have never used her for training.