Animal: Cocker Spaniel Puppy about 12 weeks

History: “Molly” never used to sleep in the day while her owner was present, that is, she was always noisily on the go and from one scrape to the next and Mrs Wardlin was in hot pursuit, getting nipped and scratched and definitely at her wits end. Animal Action were called for the Early Learning Puppy Foundation Session. During the session Molly’s carer was shown the body strokes and Molly was also given a small wrap to wear for a few minutes at a time. Molly went straight off to her bed and lay down to rest. Highly irregular. Among all the useful things Molly’s mum learned during that session, she said this was the best and most important for her and she reported that Molly was ‘helped’ in this way whenever she was a little over excited and hyperactive. But these episodes became less and less until very shortly Molly didn’t need this help. But Molly would still come and ask for these sessions, she loved it so much (as do nearly all animals) and Mrs Wardlin has these at her fingertips (literally) now for the rest of her life, whenever needed e.g. visitors, at the vet, in the park etc. 

Animal: Jack Russell terrier aged 1year 10 months

History: “Coco” was a rescue terrier, who was perfectly willing to give a sound bite, if required and was very ‘terrier excitable’. Coco lived in a, quite noisy atmosphere and tended to over react to activities going on around her. After an assessment of needs the family were given ideas of things to do with Coco to stimulate but satisfy, so she slept better particularly when there were exciteable things going on around her. They were also given behavioural strategies for the nipping and OTT excitability. Among these was the T Touch calming band which he was to wear when things became unbearable for her and when they did not feel crating was the answer. T Touch body moves were shown and she was taught a ground work exercise (to increase confidence and also build the relationship). Coco needed a couple of visits but is now a much more mature, calmer and reportedly a very pleasant natured dog. The family find the T Touch one of the best things they learned. They say they can all do it, children too, as it is simple and THEY enjoy doing it. Visitors are still difficult for Coco but the calming band is put on her and she calms down immediately. In fact, it is usually put on, before they arrive.

Animal: Rottweiler x Mastiff aged 2yrs 6months

History: Tyke had never been a very obedient dog indoors, although he did well in dog school. His owners had had many large dogs before but Tyke is a large male who definitely had lost the required respect for his owners, which would be necessary for such a large dog to remain in the house. He was also now getting aggressive with visitors and dogs outside. (He lived happily with a Yorkshire terrier). Tyke being such a large dog, was definitely demanding respect and the attempted, pulling and pushing by his owners, to get him to behave was a not helping, he was hard mouthing, refusing to move and was growing more menacing around the kitchen area (where fed). Tyke was suffering with both ‘location guarding’ and ‘resource guarding’ and as mentioned, aggression outdoors with dogs. There are a set of excercises to deal with both of the guarding type problems and these were, of necessity, started at a very ‘easy’ level and built upon. The dog – dog aggression proved to be fear based and took several visits and outdoor ground work, (TTouch) until they could be 4 yards from a dog. At this point the family were left on their own with continued telephone back up……….and the programme continues with growing confidence on both sides.

 

Client: Mr & Mrs Huelumo

Animal: Fino Male German Sheperd, aged 4 years

History: Brought back to health after being rescued and all vet treatment completed, “Fino” was unexplainably still limping …and anxious, and sometimes very bad tempered-refusing to co-operate yet lacking confidence. Behavioural tecniques were demonstrated and the best, for Fino were chosen, a personalised Bach Flower mixture bottle was made up containing: Chestnut Bud;Elm;Star Bethlehem;Willow; and Gorse. This was a 3 week course of Bach Floweres in one bottle and Fino quickly lost his (as it turned out to be,) lack confidence limp and was very much more co-operating and confident by the second week. When Mrs Huelumo forgot to give the remedy after two and a half weeks Fino didn’t need any more. This is often the way with the remedies, they are needed until forgotten. The behaviour changes imperceptably and suddenly it is realised that the remedy has not been given for a couple of days and is not now needed. Fino was such a case and had had quite a dramatic speedy change, considering he was in such a state emotionally when first seen.

Animal: Female Tabby cat, aged 8yrs

History: “Misty” we were told ‘hated’ and was aggressive to the new kitten. She was also soiling her mistresses’ duvet, lost the will to play or eat and was also getting increasingly aggressive and sulky towards her owner (attacking her legs and hands and chasing and sinking in teeth and claws, plus ignoring her when called and descibed as depressed). This had been going on for about 28 days when help was sought. Behavioural advise, included change of feed and toilet habits and locations and a personalised bottle of Bach Essences were mixed and posted off. A detailed case having been taken and the bottle contained, Willow;Holly;Mimulus;Gentian; and Sceleranthus. Peace soon returned to the home and new kitten was allowed to play with Misty after 5 days. (Cats generally respond dramatically and speedily to Bach due to their sensitive nature.)

The emphasis is on individual care and attention. Learning takes place in the home and in and about town, coping with distraction while keeping calm and learning sit/down/stay/a strong recall/loose leash walking. Individual needs can be discussed. Positive reinforcement which is at the end of the course - owners are invited in to observe first hand, learn and implement under supervision before taking their dog home. We keep you informed all the way on progress. You then have continued access to help for the lifetime of your dog. Dietary requirements will be held to and advised if a problem becomes apparent. Socialising will take place if appropriate. (Dogs can have a free assessment for suitability and can be picked up for an added fee.)

Animal Action will visit and give individual attention to any household small pets as well as horses, covering holidays or the occassional day out. Visits to the vet are also bookable. Vet medication can also be administered as required.