|
 After
a lifetime of owning a variety of pets - animals and
birds - and enjoying activities with dogs and horses
in particular, the opportunity to establish a
professional service assisting people to create
better relationships with their dogs and resolve
their dog's problems, has allowed me to connect my
work, my passion and my belief systems.
In 2006
I went to England and trained with
Jan Fennell and her
son, Tony Knight. Jan is known world-wide as the Dog
Listener and is the author of many best-selling
books on the relationship between dogs and people.
Having successfully completed two courses with Jan
in the UK, I qualified as a Dog Listener, and hold
an Advanced Certificate in Canine Communication.
My past
experience with dogs involved conventional obedience
training in three Australian States, including
running classes. I bred my current red and white
Border Collies in the 1990s and plan to breed again.
Over the years, I've experienced and witnessed many
dog behavioural problems. Some problems I was able
to resolve, however, it was the need to curb the
persistent barking of one of my current dogs that
led me to
Jan Fennell and
Amichien Bonding - within
a short time my dog was a happy, relaxed and
reformed character. I was thrilled with the power of
this practical but kind methodology, based on
natural processes. See
Case Studies.
A few
years ago I specifically chose to live in southern
Tasmania having grown up and worked in the
Australian mainland states most of my life. Tasmania
offers a wonderful clean and stress-free
environment, second to none. It particularly has
wonderful environs to own, raise and exercise dogs
and I have found Tassie dog-owners to be some of the
most dedicated I have met in the world. See
Love this Place for
photos and more information about living in Tassie.
I
started working as a Dog Listener in 2006 and have
now been consulted by owners and carers with a wide
variety of dogs with many different issues needing
resolution. My background from other work roles,
particularly as a trainer in human resources, has
assisted me with being able to explain
Dog Listening and
Amichien Bonding
easily and effectively to a wide range of clients.
See client
Feedback.
I
receive referrals from Vets, breeders, dog clubs,
shelters and past and current clients. I regularly
run
Puppy Classes in
conjunction with a local Vet practice, and I give
talks to interested groups such as Vet practices,
dog clubs, shelters and other pet businesses. See
Help.
|
Ted is one of my 12 year old red and white border
collies. Up until two years ago, despite being well
trained and obedient, he was very ‘overprotective’
of me – regularly barking, growling or snapping at
some passers-by and other dogs. I never felt
completely relaxed, walking him at our local dog
beach or at strangers, especially with children,
approached us when we were sitting at an outdoor
café...
I was
amazed at how our 2 dogs responded to Merry - so
different to any other visitor - so much better.
Through this method we have seen improvements with
our dogs' behaviour which has had such a
positive/calming impact on the whole family. I would
strongly recommend to any dog owner to learn and
understand your approach...