Owners learn to speak dog at canine workshop
PET owners were encouraged to ‘Learn How to Speak Dog’ at a special workshop hosted by canine expert Rachel Meadows.
Held at Good Dog Training & Daycare in the Kerlogue Business Park this innovative training programme focused on observing dogs as they explored their environs, identifying stress triggers and understanding their body language.
Rachel, who has worked with dogs for over 20 years, explained the methodology involved.
‘It’s training both for humans and dogs,’ she said. ‘It’s about identifying stress triggers in dogs, understanding their body language; slowing down the process of watching the dog and starting to see the way they move their body, their gait.’
By doing this Rachel says you can learn about a dog’s physchological and physiological states.
‘It’s all interconnected. Unruly dogs are often misdiagnosed, they can have an underlying condition which is misunderstood or miscommunicated to the owner.’
One of those attending the workshop was Theresa McGuinness who brought Bear, a foster husky, to be assessed.
‘I’ve had Bear two months and I don’t really understand him,’ said Theresa who fosters both dogs and horses. ‘It’s really important for me when I take a dog that I do due diligence and take my time to find the right home for them. With Bear the best way to do that is to understand the dog.’
During the course of the class Rachel made some observations on Bear’s behaviour which Theresa admitted were hard to hear.
‘I was quite upset when they talked about how Bear was acting in a threatening manner, I knew there was something wrong, It suggests to me he was abused a lot more than I would have initially thought.’
However, Theresa said she was ‘ blown away’ by Rachel’s approach and believes it will help her better understand Bear.
‘ This kind of free environment, free play is better for them, more enriching, than any walk on a lead. And if I can get Bear a new home I’ll be thinking about him there with a smile on my face.’
Also being put under the microscope was Bailey, a oneyear-old Beagle. He had been brought to the workshop by owner Jodie Ashcroft Dempsey.
‘ There’s a few little behavioural things been going on, a little growling,’ said Jodie. ‘So it’s good to get some information, see what other people’s dogs are doing, the way they react, and put together all the jigsaw pieces. I found it all very beneficial.’
Although not based in Wexford, Rachel said she has already planning her next workshop in the county and will be returning soon. Meanwhile, Manager of the Daycare Centre Philip Davis said they have recently launched a service which will allow four-legged friends to take part in their owners’ weddings.
‘We’ve just launched our wedding service. People who want to include their dogs in their wedding can come to us and we’ll groom them and train them to take part in the service.’