One certainty of dog behaviour is that it never stays the same – problems only ever get worse, no matter how well trained your dog is. And they are much easier to deal with if you catch them early.
Why checking bank statements are so important
I was checking my bank transactions today and found an odd payment – 0.01p from a payee I do not recognise and have certainly never authorised. I was tempted to ignore it and hope it would go away, but I knew I had to take action.
I used the bank app to ask for help, but there was clearly just one algorithm which sent me round in circles. So I had to ring the bank and query it.
I strongly suspected fraudulent activity. Rang my bank but they could not do anything as it was a pending transaction. So they put me through to the scams team, who couldn’t help, so put me through to the fraud team. Their only suggestion was to cancel the card.
Which means I have to go through having to change my card number for the people who take regular payments off the card and all sorts of other rubbish. So annoying. Several other friends have had the same thing and we suspect a breach at a US company we had all used.
I do my best to keep my card details safe. I use one of those wallets that protects the card details being read by a scanner, I always cover my hands when entering my pin anywhere and I always check any internet site payment is using https.
Just shows that even when you do your best things can go wrong.
No matter how well trained your dog is, things can go wrong
It’s the same with dogs. Even when you have chosen your pup carefully from a reputable breeder, done the most thorough socialisation programme you can, and trained your dog as best you can to be a polite, well-mannered member of society, things can go wrong.
Problems such as reactivity may be caused by a scary encounter or experience, or separation problems may arise from a mix of breed predilection and lockdown lack of practice.
The important thing is to seek help as soon as you notice anything awry. One certainty of dog behaviour is that it never stays the same – problems only ever get worse. And they are much easier to deal with if you catch them early. I can cope with the loss of 1p but I couldn’t afford to lose £1,000.
Our courses are here to help with reactivity and anxiety
Our Serene Separation course starts next week. It’s a three session live online course with an accompanying workbook, access to replays and unlimited support from me as you work to help your dog be comfortable being left alone. Most dogs with separation problems can be completely cured and the rest can be helped substantially.
Here’s what one client said:
“Great course. Benefits, practical, accessible, supportive. Plus, a calmer relationship with my dog, more personal space and peace of mind. Dog much less stressed and quite happy when I leave her or go out. “
And our next live online four week Reactive Rover bootcamp starts on 23rd June, with its workbooks, three sessions a week support, replay access, group support and unlimited individual support from me.
Here’s what one current course attendee said,
”We came to your course after two years of confusion, embarrassment and at times despair as our little girl Pepper reacted to numerous triggers but mainly other dogs when out walking. Neighbours and visitors also provoked major outbursts. Training classes were disasters as other dogs set off reactions. So we sought advice from friends and were recommended to enrol in one of your learning groups. It is the best decision we have made. We have been reassured, enlightened and given suggestions in how to help Pepper and her sister Darcey. It has calmed both ourselves and the dogs and is helping us to give Pepper a less stressful life.”
Don’t be tempted to ignore a problem and hope it will go away. It won’t. Take action.
Keep training and stay safe,
Carol
