PDTE July Newsletter by Pet Dog Trainers of Europe

PDTE

NEWSLETTER July 2016

36 PAGES

IN DEPTH

UNDERSTANDING SLEEP IN DOGS

Inside this issue In our dogs shoes

Saying no to dogs

Verbal communication

A preparation called Silio 22 Picture postcards

What’s Inside...

Our Team

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We cannot let our human arrogance deprive animals of their emotions. We must learn to see them and respect them.

Letter from the President and Chairperson

- Turid Rugaas

Our Board

12 06

In our dogs shoes A unique way to understand the way animals feel by trying to emulate them

Saying no to dogs How often do we use the word “no”? What does it mean to them and should we be using it?

Understanding sleep in dogs

Sleep is a complex process of active internal restoration, recuperation and reconsolidation that is essential to our health and well-being

14. Compulsory courses in Switzerland 18. Country corner 26. Member corner

15. Reports

Are we talking our way out of problem solving? Examine the effectiveness of verbal communication and explore alternatives www.pdte.org

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Winkie Spiers

President

Chairperson

IDTE in United Kingdom Balance Weeknd in Netherlands

33. The conversation starts at PDTE 2016 Barcelona!

10 Overuse of verbal communication

Turid Rugaas

A new preparation called Silio

Picture postcards

Cover photo credit: Toni Martinez, Spain

Karen Webb

Sonja Hoegen

Secretary

Treasurer

Ellen Versteegen-Huijs

Hanne Truelsen Board Understudy

Hello! Hello from a very wet Bangalore. Our summer has concluded and it’s the monsoons. I am very excited to be brining you this issue of the newsletter. I believe that PDTE members are playing an important role in increasing our understanding of dogs. So it’s important for all of you to be heard. Darkness can only be vanquished with light and ignorance vanquished with knowledge. That’s why it’s so important to express and share. I sincerely hope that all of you will use this platform to voice your ideas. They matter and need to be heard. Sindhoor

Board Assistant

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Remember that our main common goal is to work for the dogs, being their advocates.

 Board members at the 2015 Pet Dog Trainers of Europe AGM held in Bad Wimpfen, Germany

Letter from your president

I will also welcome all the new members rolling in to our organization. We sure are growing fast. Because we are growing so fast and getting bigger we might also be able to be more influencial and powerful and be able to change things in the dog world that is still so sadly needing changes for

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the better. The drawback, of course, is that we will lose some of that “village” feeling of knowing everybody. That can not be helped, It means we have to depend on you, the members, being more active in many ways. Thanks to each and one of you who already are active. Remember that our main common goal is to work for the dogs, being their advocates. Fidgeting, complaining and fighting about silly details and

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Winkie Spiers with her dog Dennis at Hunter’s Inn walk down on the North Devon coast, UK

The participants at the 2015 Pet Dog Trainers of Europe AGM in Bad Wimpfen

Board continues to meet on the last Wednesday of every month to deal with administration, vote on new members, updates on what’s happening and generally keep the PDTE moving in a forwards direction.

ear members,

First of all I will wish a warm welcome to our new editor, Sindhoor, and looking forward to getting a newsletter in my hands again ! It has been missed.

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personal privileges should be stored away on the hat rack. Let us all pull together in the same direction and towards the same goal - and put emphasis on education and learning on the way. See you all in Barcelona, Spain this September ! Turid Your President

Chairwoman’s Hello

ello and welcome to the first edition of the PDTE Newsletter edited and produced by Sindhoor Pangal. An enormous thank you to Sindhoor for volunteering to take over this important role, a huge undertaking. Behind

the

scenes

the

PDTE

We are lucky to have Harriet Alexander, (Country Representatitve for UK) who designed and maintains our website (www.pdte.eu) and oversee’s the PDTE Organisation Facebook Page along with the PDTE UK Facebook Page and produces the monthly PDTE Bulletin. In addition there are our Country Representatives and other members who contribute articles and videos etc to help promote good practice and increase awareness of PDTE and what we do. It is heartening that we have more members being

involved and giving up their time to do some really great work. Thank you to everyone who gets involved. The New Year resolutions that many of you contributed to were very interesting, I hope that you have been successful in implementing your resolutions. I find that my changes have worked very well for my dogs and I. It was useful to look at what I could do to make life even better in 2016. Wishing you a fabulous summer and look forward to seeing you at the PDTE AGM in Barcelona. Winkie

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Ruminations: Walking in our dogs shoes Elise Montfort from Belgium discusses a unique way to understand the way animals feel and appreciate why something feels wrong to them while something we humans never do, can feel so enjoyable

fter years of living with and working side by side with animals, I’ve developed a strong interest for walking in their shoes, in getting close to feeling what they are feeling. It all started with my first dog, Joy, who I’d learned to mimic so well: the sound of her nails clicking on the floor, the way she used to vomit, the way she could play. But then I was only 12, and that could still be the kind of childish play I was allowed to play. Though I’m far older now, I still enjoy mimicking animals, no matter how ridiculous I can appear to some people. To me, it goes along with understanding the way animals feel, feeling the way they experience the world, understanding why something feels wrong, why going some direction is just impossible, or why something we humans never do, can feel so enjoyable to them. Sometimes, it’s just as simple as the sun’s reflection on a metal bar that makes it impossible for an animal to take a step further.

Photo Credit: Harriet Alexander, UK

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Of course, I will probably never get anywhere close to being 100% positive that what I get to experience,

when I try to put myself in an animal’s shoes, is actually what this very animal is experiencing. But for as long as I’ve been doing it, I’ve always been rewarded for it. Indeed, it is beneficial to try to figure out what an animal is feeling, to get another perspective on things. Sometimes, we need to leave behind every single thing we know in order to “get it”. Other times, we need thorough observation together with a good understanding of the animal’s ethogram and basic needs to appreciate and get to feel what’s going on. In the end, getting into the process of feeling and understanding what an animal is experiencing gives us accurate and efficient tools to get to know them better, get to live with them more respectfully and often also, change their lives and our lives for the better. Sometimes, all it takes is to get down on all fours to get their perspective. Some other times it’s a little more complicated. You may just get lucky and get it right away. In any case, it always turns out to be worth it. Recently I was reminded that my closed mind could be opened by simple things that would help my dogs. One of my dogs, Judy, had been having bouts of stiffness. Even though we made good use of our osteopath appointments and regular massages, tension would stay, reappear, build up, and she would be in pain again. There definitely was an urgent need to have a closer look at her daily routines and opt for healthier habits and activities. But at the time, I was feeling hopeless. There was nothing I could do to alleviate the burden Judy was carrying as she was refusing our regular massages. That’s when luck popped in! I got the opportunity to have a light touch session. I realised how tense I myself was and how relieving those light touches were. Moreover, I realised that if I had had a “real” massage session, I would

Photo Credit: Winkie Spiers, UK The world can look very different from a dog’s perspective. Getting an idea of their world view can tell us a lot about why our dogs behave the way they do

probably have felt uncomfortable. Immediately I thought of Judy: could it be as simple as that? Could light touches be the answer she needed at that particular moment? Just that? I couldn’t wait to give it a try… And yes Judy loved it! I also recall something my dogs, Judy and Kimba, taught me (our dogs tend to teach us quite a few things, don’t they?). At the time, there was quite a bit of tension and every day was a challenge for the three of us. Communicating properly and understanding each other was a big deal. But then, we had a few nights in a row, where everything went well. And every time it did, I noticed that they would lie down and give a big sigh before falling fast asleep. As soon as one of them would sigh, I could feel the tension in the room vanish immediately. I started dreaming that I could initiate the sigh, then I thought of first getting the feel for it (you’ve got it, I never used to sigh). By now, those of you who practice it on a daily basis may have raised an eyebrow, and the ones who think it’s silly as well. But guess what? I felt an immediate relief! After that experience, every time they would sigh, I would sigh in unison. After a few times, I would actually sigh by myself if I felt like we could “use” a bit of tension releasing. And they would usually sigh in unison with me. Now it’s part of our “healthy habits” We can never put ourselves enough in our animals’ shoes. So, next time you don’t “get” your dog, just give it a try, as ridiculous as it may make you feel, I can tell you, you will be as delighted as I always am by what you will discover!

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guilty, he must know what he has done”. Actually, our dog is simply responding to our “threatening” body language and communicating in the only way he knows how to.

Hard hitting: Saying NO to dogs How often do we use the word “no” to our dogs? What does it mean to them and should we be using it? Marina Gates Flemming from Belgium asks us some tough questions about getting tough on dogs.

Photo Credit: Toni Martinez, Spain

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A healthy puppy certainly, will be curious and will want to investigate the world, mostly with his mouth. By saying NO or stopping the puppy, we are interrupting this natural behaviour and not allowing the puppy to develop at his own pace, into a healthy adult.

uring the summer, I heard someone say NO to her dog in the garden next door. I could not see anything but I could hear it and it was obvious, as they were repeating themselves, that it was not working. We humans talk too much and one of the things that most people say all too often to their dogs is NO. It probably starts as soon as the puppy arrives home: “NO, stop biting”; “NO, don’t jump on me”; “NO, leave that alone”; “NO, not there”; “NO, that’s my shoe, stop chewing it”. And so on. However, saying “NO” to our dogs does not help nurture a relationship based on love, trust and mutual respect. A healthy puppy certainly, will be curious and will want to investigate the world, mostly with his mouth. This is how he discovers what the world around him has to offer. By saying NO or stopping the puppy, we are interrupting this natural behaviour and not allowing the puppy to develop at his own pace, into a healthy adult. We need to remember that a curious dog is a healthy dog. A dog who is unable to interact with his environment is not coping and is either in shutdown (depression) or just too stressed to relax into discovering what is around him. This can ultimately lead to chronic stress. Dogs have no idea what NO means. Dogs communicate primarily through body language. So if we use the word NO our dog is not responding to the word, but to our body language. He will pick up that we are upset and that something is wrong but he has no way of knowing what it is. To that you may answer: “But my dog looks

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Dogs are dogs and they do dog stuff: chewing, digging, peeing, barking, nipping, etc. This is all normal behaviour for dogs, but unfortunately for them we have a tendency to dislike these behaviours. So we start saying NO without even realizing it. At first, because to him, these behaviours are normal, our dog becomes confused; then frustration sets in on both sides. This can lead to stress further damaging the desired relationship.

when we say NO. If the dog is doing something we do not wish him to do, instead of shouting NO, let’s offer him an alternative: If our dog is jumping up on us, let’s keep turning away from him, without speaking to him or making eye contact, whilst giving the hand signal thereby giving him a clear message that now is not the time for any interaction. If our dog has run off with our toddler’s shoe, let’s invite him to back to us, offer him a reward for coming and giving us the shoe back and then offer him something he is allowed to play with. Remember it is our fault not his that he has the shoe in the first place. If our dog is barking at the fence/front door, let’s thank him for letting us know, then show him that there is nothing to worry about and take over the responsibility, allowing him to take himself off without a care in the world.

We probably say NO in many different situations and the dog has no idea which action the NO applies to. How can our dog understand that NO means stop jumping up in one instance, stop nipping in another and don’t chase the neighbour’s cat in yet another. NO is said so very many times that dogs simply do not even hear it any more*. This apart, we could also be giving our dog attention and therefore reinforcing that behaviour because attention, even if negative, as in a NO, is still attention and can therefore be reinforcing to the dog especially if that is what he was seeking. Worse still, we may not realise this, but by saying NO, we are actually punishing our dog and this can be very disruptive to our dog’s wellbeing. Indeed, our dog needs to feel safe when with us, so in addition to being ineffective in changing the “unwanted behaviour”, it disrupts the bond between us. The inconstancy caused by the NO will result in our dog to feeling a lack of safety with us, instead of feeling happy and confident in our relationship. We are not teaching our dog anything

Photo Credit: Winkie Spiers, UK

Saying NO is a bad habit, which is best not acquired. If acquired it’s wise to work hard at losing it as quickly as possible as it will not benefit our relationship with our four legged friend.

* In psychology, this is called “Learned Irrelevance”, the dog is not able to link a consequence to the sound and therefore decides it has no relevance to him and systematically learns to ignore it (this happens all too often with “recall” as well).

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for quite some time now, and our relationship has deepened further, as we both communicate purely with body language. He loves to explore, so he will go into the trees, seeking out squirrels, but will check in with me frequently. Not using my voice, has made me look at myself, and how I interact with Rufus, and I spend all my time observing his body language, to guage how he is feeling in his environment. When it’s time to return to the van, I simply stand still, with my body turned to the side, not engaging in any eye contact. Rufus will then approach me, and sit, ready to have the lead put back onto his harness.

Commands: Verbal communication

Photo Credit: Laura Evans, Spain

Are we talking our way out of problem solving? Je-an Shields from UK examines the effectiveness of verbal communicaiton with dogs and offers alternatives.

was walking in the park some months ago, and I must have heard the name “Bailey” called over a hundred times during the course of half an hour! If the poor dog went more than ten feet away from it’s owner, he was repeatedly called, and would eventually go back to his human. But what was actually in it for him? Understandably, he went off to do his own thing, and would only respond when he was called four or five times in succession. Not long after this, I attended a seminar with Turid Rugaas, and she said, if you instruct your dog more than three times, you’re talking too much. In summary, “SHUTUP”!! This got me thinking about just how much I, and other dog owners talk to their dogs, particularly on their walk. I’ve spent a lot of time

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observing this, and I’m amazed at just how many words we do use (a vast majority of them unnecessary and meaningless).

I’ve been doing silent walks with him

Dogs do not need words to build friendships and communicate. Should we not reconsider our use of words as well?

I do silent walks with all my client’s dogs now, and with my own dogs, and have recommended it to lots of people too. Some people look at me like I’m crazy, but I guess this is a lack of confidence in themselves and their dogs, to believe it’s possible to achieve a much more enriching time. Those who have tried this technique have said it’s made such a positive difference to the experience.

At the seminar, Winkie Spears spoke about doing silent walks, so I thought I would give this a go, and I have to say, I’ve not looked back. I walk a client’s dog twice a week, and have spent a lot of time building up a relationship with him, as he isn’t without his issues. The one thing I became aware of, is how he shuts down from verbal communication. Even if I used a limited dog-vocabulary with him, he appeared to struggle with it, and there were times that I couldn’t get him on the lead to go home. This resorted in my having to call his owner’s dad, who does his infamous whistle, that Rufus responds to.

Absolutely no verbal exchange is made, from the time I collect him, to the time I take him home, and the quality of our walks has changed so much. I have a better understanding of his needs now, and “listen” to him. He is very clear on occassions, that a walk is not for him, so we do treat searches in his garden (in total silence). We have an equally lovely time in each other’s company.

Photo Credit: Winkie Spiers, UK

Photo Credit: Je-an Shields, UK

Rufus, the dog that taught Je-an all about silent walks

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Sleep is a complex process of active internal restoration, recuperation and reconsolidation that is essential to our health and well-being. It is the same for our dogs. Sleep is essential to our well being. When we do not sleep we do not function as well, we feel tired and irritable, we make mistakes and if taken to extremes we die. It is the same with our dogs and their sleep patterns are similar to ours.

In depth: Understanding sleep

Photo Credit: Kirsten Merkel, Netherlands

Sleep is a complex process of active internal restoration, recuperation and reconsolidation that is essential to our health and well-being. Marina Gates Flemming from Belgium lays out all the details

ogs need more sleep than we do. Adult dogs need about sixteen hours of sleep a day. Puppies need about twenty hours of sleep each day. Safety is essential for dogs to sleep well (beware of slippery floors) and we should not disturb our sleeping dogs. Dogs are polyphasic sleepers; they will choose somewhere to sleep for a while before getting up and moving somewhere else. This is normal and instinctive behaviour. Dogs are also social animals. They normally like to sleep with company, day and night; In multi-dog households though, they may occasionally need to have the opportunity to sleep alone and in peace, away from others. Sleep is a time for them to get some peace and quiet - our lives can sometimes be too noisy and active for them.

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Dogs should have lots of choices when it comes to sleeping surfaces. Sofas, beanbags, baskets, cushions, fluffy rugs, sheepskins, raised beds, blankets etc make for wonderful sleeping surfaces. The sleeping surfaces should vary in type and size. Provide them at different locations in the house (and in the garden when the weather is right). The sleeping surfaces should have

enough space to lie flat, or curled up or on top or under things I would now like to go into a little more detail on the role sleep plays in helping our body and brain to rebalance. Indeed, we might be tempted to think that sleep is a passive state of unconsciousness, this is however far from the truth.

Photo Credit: Marina Gates Flemming, Belgium

The slow wave phase is followed by the rapid eye movement phase (REM). Interestingly, there is more electrical activity in the brain when in REM sleep than when awake. This is true of dogs and humans. The dog may seem more agitated during this type of sleep. You may notice his eyes rolling and the dog may even whine, bark or move his limbs. The increased electrical activity in the brain is attributed to dreams, according to one theory1. Puppies will spend more time in the REM phase. During REM sleep, there is also increased activity of a specific part of the brain, which has an effect on GABA2. The increased electrical activity also results in paralysis of the core muscles so they cannot get up but will twitch, wag their tails, whimper etc... this is why dogs must be able to lie flat out. A short video of a dog in REM sleep can be seen on the PDTE Belgium page.

Slow Wave Sleep (Non REM Sleep) takes up about 70% of our dog’s sleeping time. This is the time the brain sleeps. It has 3 stages: Stage 1: the stage between wakefulness and sleep. It is difficult to pinpoint the actual point of falling asleep as brain wave activity gradually slows down with breathing becoming more regular and the heart rate slowing down. Stage 2: the first real stage of sleep during which muscle activity decreases further and conscious awareness of the outside world begins to fade completely. Brain waves are mainly in the theta wave range (as in stage 1 sleep), but in addition the dog experiences short bursts of brain activity (spindles) and K-complexes. Together, these help to protect sleep by suppressing response to outside stimuli, as well as aiding in sleepbased memory consolidation and information processing. Stage 3: is also known as deep, delta or slow-wave sleep (SWS). During this period the dog will be even less responsive to the outside world and pretty much unaware of any sounds or other stimuli. Both brain activity and physical indicators such as breathing rate, heart rate and blood pressure are all at their lowest levels. Information processing and memory consolidation continues to occur during this period.

Photo Credit: Winkie Spiers, UK

SWS and REM sleep promote different types of learning and REM sleep appears to promote brain development. Sleep is important for the following: • Recreating homeostasis • Rebalancing serotonin levels • Regulating brain electricity • Consolidating memory • Reducing cortisol levels • Boosting the immune system • Enhancing tissue repair in the brain (and the body) • Safe experiencing of potential outcomes prepare the brain for future possibilities So let’s make sure that both we and our dogs get the safe, good quality and comfortable sleep we need on a regular basis. Studies have indicated that dogs have the same blood flow to the visual areas of their brain that we do, so it is very likely that they are seeing images.

2 GABA is the most inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and it appears to have a widespread distribution in both the brain and spinal cord. Its natural function is to reduce the activity of the neurons. Some researchers believe that one of the purposes that GABA serves is to control the fear or anxiety experienced when neurons are overexcited

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Policy: Compulsory Courses in Switzerland Susi Roger, Switzerland

n 2008, a new animal protection legislation is in Switzerland came into force. With the introduction of this legislation, a mandatory Sachkundenachweis course (SKN) for dog owners was introduced throughout Switzerland . This course is used for prevention of accidents . Since September 1st, 2008 first time dog owners have needed to attend a theory course lasting a minimum of 4 hours, before buying the dog. In addition, every dog owner has to attend a minimum of 4 hours of the practical course, within a year of acquiring each additional dog. Around 80% of dog owners have attended these compulsory SKN courses . The surveyed dog owners have rated the courses in terms of design , usefulness , quality and impact. Many of the dog owners opted to attend more hours of the SKN courses with their dogs because they have realized, that the four-hour

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practical course is just a basis for a good relationship between holder and dog, but it is not sufficient for a comprehensive education of the dog.

Criticism of the courses 20 % of dog owners do not attend compulsory courses . The quality assurance of the courses are not considered optimal . The practical course must be attended with every additional dog even if the dog has previously attended the course with another owner. The Federal Office of Food Safety and Veterinary Services is unable to prove the effectiveness of the courses regarding prevention of accidents .

What next? We need political attempts at national level to achieve the abolition of the

courses. The argument given is that the courses are pure chores and only aiding to drive the business of dog schools . It is requested that the courses be abolished as they are useless . The other side maintains that not only should the courses be held, but that more compulsory lessons are required. Apart from the SKN courses , which are valid throughout Switzerland, we have 26 different cantonal dog laws in Switzerland and in addition all the laws in the individual municipalities . Every dog owner needs to know where the cantonal boundaries extend and what laws are valid (e.g. breeds etc.).

A nationwide dog law is requested from many dog owners. It would make it a lot easier for the dog owners and perhaps also for the communities. So we are curious, what’s next..

Report: Balance weekend in Netherlands

Photo Credit: Agnes Degen, Netherlands

Agnes Degen, Netherlands

ast March, I organised a weekend retreat for dog owners with their dogs in the Netherlands. I did this with Hilda Jager (she is not a PDTE-member but an old student of Turid’s.) Ten dogs and their female owners attended the weekend. So it was a lovely women’s weekend out. We had a great location in the north of the Netherlands. Everyone had their own room with bathroom. And there was a large cosy room we used when being together. Outdoors there was a beautiful forest, fields and a private area we used. Breakfast, lunch and dinner was taken care of by the venue-owners. So no worries about that. We had a program with practical workshops and lectures spread out over two days and a part of the

evenings. The weekend was called Balance Weekend. Our aim was to let people see how we work and live with dogs in balance - building good habits, doing different activities with their dogs etc. It was so nice to see people totally shift to our vison during the weekend. The commands and

collars were replaced by a nice hand signal and harness. Everything went so smoothly, there were some reactive dogs in the group. But with the peace and harmony in the group we had no problem handling these situations. Next year we will be back there for a new weekend to organize.

Photo Credit: Agnes Degen, Netherlands

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After a lot of badgering from Karen, an opportunity presented itself, in the guise of a cancellation, and I jumped at the chance!! The first unit covered some of what was discussed in the seminar, and put it freshly back in my mind. I have also learnt a lot of new stuff, and have already been putting it into practise, not just as part of my homework, but with clients as well. The results speak for themselves.

Report: First unit of IDTE, UK

Turid talked about creating an enriched environment, and we had a practical demonstration with some of the student’s dogs. It was fascinating to see how differently the dogs interacted with the objects. One dog didn’t go near them, and it helps to provide a bigger picture of what is actually going on in the emotions of the dog.

Je-an Shields, United Kingdom

I’ve done this with a couple of dogs,

Photo Credit: Karen Webb, UK

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Turid’s no nonsense approach really appeals to me. She can wade through the waffle, with just one aim – allowing a dog to be a dog, and seeing it’s true potential. This isn’t done in a fluffy, airy fairy way, but it’s simplicity is priceless.

consider myself very lucky to be an associate member of the PDTE, and am working towards full membership. The ethics are ones I value dearly, and it’s great to read the blogs and get lots of tips from fellow members. It’s really important to have the support of like-minded people. As if that’s not good enough, I am absolutely elated to be doing the

IDTE (International Dog Trainer Education) with Turid!!

as part of my homework, and I’ve learnt so much more about them, which helps to give you a clearer direction of where to go next, with their rehabilitation/training. Turid’s no nonsense approach really appeals to me. In her decades of experience, I’m sure she’s seen it all, and can wade through the waffle, with just one aim – allowing a dog to be a dog, and seeing it’s true potential. This isn’t done in a fluffy, airy fairy way, but it’s simplicity is priceless. As humans, we seem to be obsessed with the idea that we have to do as much as possible to make a change, but her methods blow this blind philosophy out of the water!! I am so excited about the journey I’ve begun, it’s very thought provoking, it makes you put yourself under the microscope, and question what you do, why you do it, if it’s actually necessary, and does it really work.

I’ve already made changes to the relationship I have with my own dogs, and with the dogs I work with. It’s deepened our connection, and I feel that we are all a lot happier and relaxed. After all, it’s it’s about the dogs, as it should be. It’s been a few years since I’ve been in education, and I feel very fortunate to be under the tutelage of the incomparable Turid Rugaas, and such a lovely group of students. The venue is great, the dog pods are a stroke of genius, and the food provided is totally scrummy!! None of this would be possible without Karen and Alan Webb, who have worked tirelessly to put this together. Last but not least, a huge thank you to Winkie Spears for overseeing things too. I’ve really learnt a lot from your input. Here’s to the next seventeen months! They’re going to be incredible!!

I first met Turid at a seminar in Staffordshire last September, where Karen Webb briefly popped in to talk about the up and coming education. After the first day of the seminar, I knew it was something I really wanted to do, but at the time, I wasn’t sure if it was achievable.

Photo Credit: Karen Webb, UK Dog pods to help the dogs relax during the theory sessions at IDTE, United Kingdom

Photo Credit: Je-an Shields, UK

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Country Corner v For the first time Turid

he Kennel club of the Netherlands sent out news that the faculty of Dierengeneeskunde of the University of Utrecht has developed DNA tests that enable owners of the Dutch breeds: the Kooiker and the Friese Stabij, to test if their dog is a bearer of a divergent gene. Breeders can take the DNA test as a precaution.

 On the October 4th, the Dutch Day of the Animal, seven members will each organise a theme day “Stimulate the senses”

Rugaas’ International Dog Trainer Education is being hosted in the UK.

 Belgium has unique form of a federal state with segregated political power into three levels the federal government, regional and linguistic

he BBC released a harrowing documentary v in May called ‘Britain’s Puppy Dealers

Exposed’. While distressing to view, it generated discussion and outrage among the public about the brutal conditions these dogs and puppies are kept in, as well as an investigation into the illegal puppy dealers featured.

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ince mid 2014, Welfare for animals has been devolved to the 3 regions. They have all inherited the Animal Welfare Act which was written in 1986. Each region will be looking to update this and have each appointed an Animal Welfare Minister

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Country Corner Reports from country representatives of member countries

United Kingdom Harriet Jane Alexander

he dog world is bustling in the UK this year, both nationally and within PDTE. We’ve welcomed some new associate members to our midst, and for the first time Turid Rugaas’ International Dog Trainer Education (IDTE) is being hosted in the UK. PDTE Secretary Karen Webb and her husband have done an extraordinary job putting the course together, and the response from students has been very encouraging. We can’t wait to hear more about it! The UK is often a contradictory place when it comes to dog welfare. There are an estimated eight and a half million pet dogs in the UK, and interest in dogs is reflected in the many products, training classes,

Netherlands Rachaël Draaisma

ast year we welcomed several new members to PDTE, a few of them are Dutch and living in the Netherlands. Some have been working as dog trainers. Others are starting up their dog schools, and are busy making websites, facebook pages, etc. We have two dates a year

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television programs and research projects that exist. Unfortunately, dogs are still facing the same issues – the prevalence of outdated and cruel training methods, puppy farming and a surplus of unwanted and abandoned pets that ended up in over-crowed rescue centres. Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, reported last year that 47,596 dogs were given up by their owners, and 5,142 were put to sleep (around 14 dogs per day). The BBC released a harrowing documentary in May called ‘Britain’s Puppy Dealers Exposed’. While distressing to view, it generated discussion and outrage among the public about the brutal conditions these dogs and puppies are kept in, as well as an investigation into the illegal puppy dealers featured. For those of us working in the training and behaviour world, it highlights how important it is to educate people not only about respecting and valuing their canine

were we offer opportunities to meet each other and these get-togathers are visited by an average of eleven people. A lot of members are busy organising lectures and seminars, both for customers, and for a broader audience. At the horse fair PDTE member Helga, organised enriched environments for people visiting the horse fair,

companions, but also where they should get them from in the first place. Supply and demand is the key issue – if people know how and where to get a healthy and cared for puppy, these unscrupulous ‘breeders’ will struggle to keep their horrific businesses operating. Compulsory micro-chipping of dogs in the UK came into place in April 2016, which ideally will make it easier for missing dogs to be reunited with their owners. There have been criticisms surrounding who will monitor and police this change in the law (and who will bother to comply with it), and only time will tell if it has an impact on the stray dog population. There’s been quite a bit of discussion among UK members about the PDTE AGM – we are looking forward to catching up with our fellow members across the channel !

but wanted to do an activity with their dog. Calming Signs visited the Woof stock fair for the first time and showed visitors their products. On the October 4th, the Dutch Day of the Animal, seven members will each organise a theme day “Stimulate the senses”. A collective press release on the theme will be written and sent to the press.

Some other dog related news from the Netherlands. The dog is still a very beloved family companion. Number of dogs in the Netherlands is being considered steady by the government. The estimation is that every one out of five families in the Netherlands owns a dog. Eighty percent of these families have children. This is about one and a half million dogs in this country. Mind you these are the registered dogs. The number could well be higher. Great news is the decision of the Dutch government to ban the shock devices sold at stores. However the huge disappointment is the fact that the government does make an exception

for dog specialists, who use these devises to prevent danger for others.

Belgium

Belgium is a federal constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of governance and the territory is divided into three Regions: Flanders, (the Flemish Region), Wallonia (the French speaking Region) and the Brussels Capital Region (where you will hear many a language spoken). Belgium has compulsory voting and thus maintains one of the highest rates of voter turnout in the world.

Belgium covers an area of just over 30,000 square km and has a population of about 11.5 million people. The capital, Brussels, is also the capital of the EU and of Flanders.

Based on the four language areas defined in 1962–63 (the Dutch, bilingual, French and German language areas), consecutive revisions of the country’s constitution established a unique form of a federal state with segregated political power into three levels:

Marina Gates Flemming elgium is a sovereign state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts several of the EU’s official seats and as well as the headquarters of many major international organizations such as NATO.

Belgium is home to 3 linguistic groups: the Dutch-speaking, Flemish community, which constitutes about 59% of the population, the French-speaking, mostly Walloon population, which comprises 41% of the population and a small group of German-speakers who are officially recognized.

A growing number of dog lovers question the use of vaccinations and are requesting information regarding tittering their dog. More places are offering titter tests for dogs. The Kennel club of the Netherlands sent out news that the faculty of Dierengeneeskunde of the University of Utrecht has developed DNA tests that enable owners of the Dutch breeds: the Kooiker and the Friese Stabij, to test if their dog is a bearer of a divergent gene. In the Friese

1. The Federal government based in Brussels. 2. The three language communities 3. The three regions The Federal Government authority includes justice, defense, federal police, social security, nuclear energy,

Stabij the divergent gene causes an error in a protein that normally ensures the reabsorption of a neuro transmitter after a neuron is activated. The defective protein reabsorption leads to continuous stimulus. This results in compulsive behaviour in pups like walking in circles. Pups that are diagnosed with this disease are being euthanized. The DNA test is developed to be used by breeders before they start breeding. In the Kookier dog the defect gene that can be tested upon is causing paralysing of the hind legs. A cure has not been found. Breeders can take the DNA test as a precaution.

monetary policy and public debt, and other aspects of public finances. It controls substantial parts of public health, home affairs and foreign affairs. Regions have authority in fields that can be broadly associated with their territory. These include economy, employment, agriculture, water policy, housing, public works, energy, transport, the environment, town and country planning and nature. Since mid 2014, Welfare for animals has been devolved to the 3 regions. They have all inherited the Animal Welfare Act which was written in 1986. Each region will be looking to update this and have each appointed an Animal Welfare Minister (Flanders: Ben Weyts; Wallonia: Carlo Di Antonio and Brussels Capital: Bianca Debaets); this being just one of their responsibilities. I propose to comment on the progress made by the respective animal welfare ministers in the next newsletter.

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BSAVA Small Formulary

animal

Causes diuresis by supressing ADH secretion, a transient increase in blood glucose by decreasing endogenous insulin secretion, mydriasisand decreased intraocular pressure. Vomiting could be caused after i.m. application. Due to effect on blood glucose, use in diabetic animals is not recommended. Spontaneous arousal from deep sedation following

A new preparation called Silio

stimulation can occur with this preparation. Aggressive animals must be sedated with caution. Moreover it is not working in stressed animals with high adrenalin - this medicine binds the same receptors as adrenalin. When they are busy this medicine does not work. That is why it is not possible aroused animals fall alseep with this preparation.

I am strongly against sedatives beeing used by owners without veterninary supervision. It could be life threatening. I have the antidote for this at my practice but owners at home do not. If the animal develop cardiac arrest at home they are not able to do anything. I think it is my duty to warn dog people before using this at home. It is not safe.

Dr. Martina Nčeradská from Czech Republic explains the workings and side effects of Silio and advices against it’s unsupervised usage

ne of my clients asked me about a new preparation Sileo. I decided to write about this to inform dog people who love their dogs and do not want to harm them. This new preparation is meant to “protect” dogs from fireworks and sound. European Medicines Agency recommends this preparation for medical use. Sileo contains dexmedetomidine hydrochlorid, which is selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist (alpha-2 agonist) that works by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, making the dog calm or sleepy. I use this preparation in my practice as a part of anaesthesia. It is good sedative, but in my opinion it has to be used under the supervision of a veterinary doctor in case of complications and the animal should

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be carefully monitored. It is not a preparation which could be allowed for unsupervised use at home.

risk balance for Sileo and therefore recommends the granting of the marketing authorisation.“

The letter from European Medicines Agency states: “The benefits of Sileo are its efficacy in the alleviation of acute anxiety and fear associated with noise in dogs. The most common side effects are transient paleness of mucous membranes at the application site, sedation, emesis and urinary incontinence. Detailed conditions for the use of this product will be described in the summary of product characteristics (SPC) which will be published in the European Public Assessment Report (EPAR) and will be available in all official European Union languages after the marketing authorisation has been granted by the European Commission. The CVMP, on the basis of quality, safety and efficacy data submitted, considers that there is a favourable benefit to

I like dexmedetomidin for use in my practice, but I am really scared of what could this do in the hands of owners not knowing how it works this medication is contraindicated in many animals - vets should know that, but owners do not.

Contraindications in BSAVA Small animal Formulary

Do not use in animals with cardiovascularor other systemic disease. Use of dexmedetomidine in geriatric patients is not advisable. It shuld not be used in pregnant animals, nor in animals requiring or receiving sympathomimetic amines.

Adverse

reactions

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Picture Postcards 01

Relaxing a little between sessions at International Dog Trainer Educaion (IDTE), United Kingdom. Photo by Winkie Spiers, United Kingdom

Enriched environment at International Dog Trainer Educaion (IDTE), United Kingdom. Photo by Karen Webb, United Kingdom

Yanko relaxing at the Pelutopias centre in May during International Dog Trainer Education, as photographed by Laura Evans from Spain Galaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first time at the beach. Photo by Angeles Martinez from Spain

04 03

Puppy socializing group - so important for the puppiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; development ! Playing a little with same age group, and meeting adult nice role models, the best you can do with your puppy ! In Scandinavia the winter has just said goodbye for now, and puppy groups and classes pop up everywhere now the weather and temperature is more puppy-friendly. A sure sign of spring !

02 24

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Zoom while tracking with friends Sabadell, Spain. Photo by Julia Guiu.

Photo by Turid Rugaas, Norway

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Members Corner PDTE is happy to welcome twenty two new associate members.

Nicole Grygar

Julia Robertson United Kingdom

have always worked with animals and from the age of ten decided that would be my vocation.

After working as a veterinary nurse, I started training and working in agricultural and animal husbandry. I partnered the management of a large dairy herd that we establish from one heifer to 250 dairy cows. But the pivotal moment arrived when

our six month old Labrador ‘Huffo’ suffered a massive trauma and we were recommended PTS. But as it transpired, it was a soft tissue problem! I managed him with gentle exercises, as he could not lift his head from the floor; eventually he made a recovery and then lived until he was 17 years old! That was the time when I realised how muscular pain perception in dogs was so misunderstood and that many dogs could be suffering extreme muscle pain.

in dogs both from a preventative and management perspective. The therapy uses a multidimensional assessment programme, to evaluate areas of muscle dysfunction and pain, followed by hands-on, totally specific massage techniques to treat and manage degenerative musculoskeletal change. Examples of this change could be osteoarthritis, general pre or post rest stiffness, post injury or accident and all forms of specific or non-specific lameness.

In 2002 I established the Galen Therapy Centre, where I began treating dogs with degenerative musculoskeletal change that were referred from local veterinary practices. I still run and work in busy consultancy where I treat dogs as well as run extensive accredited training programmes and modules. I have now developed a variety of courses aimed at enhancing mobility

I have authored and co-authored three books published through CRC Press (Taylor Francis) and Hubble and Hattie. I have produced two DVD’s on the subject of Myotherapy. ‘Tongue to Tail, the integrated movement of the dog’ won the 2012 Dog Writers Association of America, Maxwell Award. I have been a regular columnist for Dog World magazine for last three years.

have lived in Spain for almost 20 years now. I have two daughters and two dogs. I am a cat & dog behaviorist and trainer (as well as industrial engineer, but that’s another story). I graduated with a Masters degree in clinic ethology and have had special training for behavior modification, both from the University of Barcelona. I am lucky to have always lived with dogs and cats. Because of my love of pets, I decided to professionally dedicate myself to improving the

Alexa Martinez Spain

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bond between humans and their pets and helping them solve problems of coexistence. In my opinion, the wellbeing of pets and owners is the key to a good and lasting relationship, which will result in fewer abandoned animals. I truly believe that respect, trust, empathy and knowledge will help achieve this goal. I am very interested in pet well-being, behavior modification techniques and stress management.

Germany

y name is Nicole Grygar and I live with my husband in a small village near Nuremberg in Germany. We live together with our two dogs – Beyla a 9 year old Rhodesian Ridgeback and Jule a 4 year old Whippet,

y name is Kirsten Merkel, I´m 48 years old and my daughter is 20 years old. I live in the south of Germany, in Reutlingen. Since childhood, dogs have always been with me. Three years ago, I decided to get a dog trainer education. And since

Because I didn´t know how to handle Beyla in some situations I started attending seminars and workshops and now I´m so thankful for that trouble Beyla gave me. In 2011 I attended a seminar with Turid Rugaas in Bad Wimpfen. There I met Sonja Hoegen. I accompanied her one day during dog training and I really liked the way she worked with the dogs and also with the clients. So I decided to apply for the next dog trainer education at dogcom which I finished last year in October. I´ve completed a dog-nutritionist education with Silvia Weber this year. During the dog trainer education I got an idea about the importance of good food for dogs and I wanted to learn more about it.

y name is Lizz I live in Dutchess County NY. I have my CPTD-KA and have completed Turid Rugaas International Dog Education Course in Asheville NC. I do Private lessons, and want to continue until I get certified in Behavior. I want to bring

In my other life I´m a social worker. I support mentally ill people that they can live an independent live. I realised that there are so many similarities in dog training and the work I do with my clients. I just started my own dog school. My aim is to support dog owners living together with their dogs in a respectful way.

July 2014 I have my own dog school “Hundetraining Land & Stadt“.

Kirsten Merkel Germany

could afford it , I realized my dream . Our first dog was a Labrador Groenendael cross. That is how my love for the Belgian Shepherd started . Over the years several Tervuren and Groenendael shepherds have come and gone. Then we decided to breed a litter. have always loved animals. When I was a kid I dreamed of having a dog and a horse. As soon as I

At the moment I am attending the nosework dog trainer education with Anne Lill Kvam, because my dogs and I love doing nosework and I also want to do it with clients. It´s a nice way of doing something together. It´s really good for the dog-client relationship and it´s fun!

I also wanted to know more and more about dogs, how they feel, think and

communicate. How could I make them happy whilst respecting them as dogs? Ultimately I would like to teach people how they can make their dogs happy.

Diane Buytaert Belgium

Turid’s method to the US. That is currently how I work with dogs. I have also volunteered at a shelter.

Elizabeth McKeon USA

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Robert Llorente Spain

am Robert Llorente, a dog trainer from Tortosa, Catalonia. I have been training dogs since 2006 and teaching new trainers since 2010, as well as organizing dog training courses and events. This year I graduated with Masters of Veterinary Clinical Ethology at the UAB (Universitat Autonoma Barcelona). These days I live with my five dogs (four staffies and one mix), all of whom have their own personality and abilities, which complement each other, making a diverse and complete team for a variety of different cases.

Blue is good for using to work with dogs suffering from fear, as she respects the space of the other dogs and reassures them from a distance. Lisa is better with active dogs or puppies as she uses play to calm down the situation or the other dog. Homer is used with small dogs for a variety of problems as he is very self-confident and ignores all bad behaviours from other dogs. Maggie is the first dog I introduce to an aggressive dog I am working with because she remains still and lets the other dog interact with her. They are the most important part of the team, because without them, I would never finish the special classes with other dogs. Another activity I’ve been doing with dogs, is taking them to children’s schools. Some schools also come to my center. We educate the children on how to treat and care for dogs, show them respect and interspecific communication. I’m trying to raise awareness amongst people that this breed, can be wonderful. I don’t like the law here

with dog breeders, as a veterinary assistant and spent years taking care of dogs in shelter.

Tilly Mrofcynski Netherlands

y name is Tilly Mrofcynski. From the moment I got my first dog on my twelfth birthday, my life has been about dogs, both my own dogs and other’s dogs. I’ve done all kinds of jobs with dogs. I worked as a groomer,

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Despite following several studies and courses on animal-behaviour and care I hadn’t found satisfying answers for many questions. I found out that a lot of solutions for dog-behaviourrelated problems were not long-term solutions and they often didn’t feel right to me. I kept the feeling that something was missing. In 2007 I started teaching groups of dog owners at a dog school. It was at that time that someone gave me Turid Rugaas’ book about calming signals. I immediately loved this book. By respecting the natural behaviour of dogs so much more seemed to be

in Spain regarding dangerous dogs. I believe that we need some laws regarding dangerous dogs, but not the existing ones. For example if you own a breed of dog considered to be dangerous you must put a muzzle on the dog in public places, you cannot use a lead longer than one meter and if you own more than one “dangerous dog” you are only allowed to walk one dog at a time. I have a business partner and we teach together. We have a social club that meets every week. The owners and their dogs can come to our center and spend time interacting. We also have other activities: walking through the city or the forest, games with teams, activities to find something (food, people), socialize some reactive dogs in groups (when the dogs are ready to be there). I’m very interested in dog communication: among themselves and with humans. I emphasize on this in my classes, because if you don’t understand how they communicate you can’t communicate with them.

being I share my home with all three species. Having been mainly a horse trainer for many years, I became more dedicated to dog training 15 years ago. I then realized there is so much I need to learn and I haven’t stopped learning since.

Reidun Johansen Sweden

orn in Norway, and raised in Sweden, I have lived in the Spanish Pyrenees for the last 19 years. I now live in Sweden. My love for nature and the mountains comes with my Scandinavian genes. My passion for animals is a gift from my father. I have always had a fourlegged companion in my life, be it a dog, a cat or a horse. For the time

(mostly working in finance controlling) I gained exposure to American, German, French, Japanese, Swedish and Austrian corporate cultures. I am a traveler with interest in learning foreign languages, exploring different cultures and traditions. It was a great pleasure for me to visit Japan and Canada. I spent one year living in the US and a year and a half in Sweden.

possible when working and living with dogs. Finally I got answers I had been looking. After meeting Turid in person during one of her seminars I decided to sign up for her International Dog Training Education in 2012. Nowadays I run my own company “Dog’s Turn” where I work as an IDTE dog trainer and behaviourist. I work together with another dog school, where I am one of the dog trainers and the chairman of the board. It has been my project for three years to change this school from a regular dog school to a more dog-friendly dog school. I’m happy to say that today all instructors work according to the vision of IDTE and three of us have successfully completed IDTE.

When Gloria came into my life learning became a way to be able to cope with everyday life. Gloria is a highly reactive Malinois, that I found abandoned on the highway and she came into our home to stay. The journey with Gloria, set me off on a challenging path. Since this is the first time I have crossed paths with a dog with serious fear and reactivity issues, our road together has been a rollercoaster. I will, however, be forever grateful for all she has taught me. To make a long story short – living with Gloria, has opened my eyes for all the dogs that need special attention

Miluse Kapounova Czech Republic

currently share my home with a dog, cats, turtles and parrots. I am an enthusiastic defender of animal rights, an admirer of the nature´s beauty and an engineer of economy. I studied at University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Faculty of Economics. During my career in corporations

All kind of animals have become an integral part of my life since my childhood. There have been three dogs in my life (Argo - a male Welsh Terrier, Sid – a male Alaskan Malamute and Lumpik – a male wirehaired Dachshund). They all have contributed to my strong relationship with other creatures. The more I learn about dogs the more I am impressed by them. In 2012 after a major life event, I decided to change my profession and move from the economic field to the animal field. I started to look

to adjust to our society and our lives, and working with reactivity and fear issues is one of my passions. I live in a very rural area, and I think I am one of very few trainers here that uses non-aversive and positive training methods – but I am proud to say that the ripples have started to spread. I see reactions of people change around me as they observe the results of the training. I am not originally a clicker trainer but I find the clicker useful for certain behaviours. I teach nose work and obedience classes. I have also been involved in shelter work and I have done private rescue and adoptions for many years. My dream is to learn more about manual and hands-on therapies and canine movements and to include this knowledge in my dog-related work.

for a suitable work with dogs. In 2013 I suddenly appeared at Turid´s seminar in Prague. Because I’ve been convinced about who my future teacher would be, since 2014, I have started Turid Rugaas´s International Dog Trainer Education in Germany. I am a person who thinks that to have a dog means to have him as a member of my family, to accept him as a dog and to respect his needs and feelings, to communicate with him properly and to provide him love, safety, good care, good food, enough mental stimulation, proper activities and other necessary conditions to keep his body, soul and brain healthy, to give him a lifelong learning and experiences that will make the dog self-confident and polite to people and other dogs. I would like to spread this true way of thinking about dogs and to educate people that there are better ways of dealing with dogs.

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Veronica Taborga France

entered our lives. A dalmatian mix, full of joy and happiness. Then, KitKat, a Norwegian forest cat. He was definitely waiting for us. He is the zen of our four legged family.

iracles happen in people’s lives all the time. My miracle is Eli, a long hair dachshund, a shorty clown with a huge personality and character. He pushed me to learn dog language, to understand why dogs do the things they do. Eli, by being very patient, taught me about patience. Then, Patch

I guess like almost all dog teachers, I started working and getting interested in Animal Behaviour because I found the need to work on my dogs. As I progressed, my curiosity took over and I started educating myself, attending seminars, and conferences, reading books and sharing experiences. That brings me to one of my special interest

y name is Mieke van den Boogaard. Since childhood I’ve liked dogs a lot. In our family, we’ve always had at least one dog. I went to puppy class with my current dog. In my opinion the teaching style of one of the instructors was very interesting. Her way of dealing with dogs was in line with my way of thinking about dogs. I started an internship at that dogs chool. My interest in dogs grew. I like to observe what dogs do

Dogue de Bordeaux since 2002. The combination of their soft nature and their robust appearance made me fall in love with them.

Petra Tobben

Netherlands

i! my name is Petra Tobben. I am 33 years old. I was educated as a veterinary assistant and I have been totally crazy about dogs since I was a little kid. I’ve been in love with the

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I live with my boyfriend Ludy just outside a small town called Montfort. We live just across the woods where we love to spend time with our dogs. At this moment we have seven Dogue de Bordeaux - Two boys, Mex and Boes and five girls, Jopie, Qadira, Kaatje, Dink and Juulke. We also have a cat, some rabbits and two parrots. I’ve worked for ten years as a veterinary assistant till my boss retired and the practise closed.

- neuroscience. The more I learn the more I come to realize that I just know the tip of the iceberg.

their interactions and behaviour. Read a lot about the species. This is the only way you will learn to respect them.”

Eli and Patch helped me discover my passion. I am so happy and grateful to them. Now, it’s time for me to start working, to start giving back, to align with my passion. That is why I receive the gift of Doggily - my company where I love teaching my human and non-human students.

So I did! I observed ants, squirrels, deers and birds in the forest along with domesticated animals with people. I took the village dogs for walks, which ended up with me letting them offleash so they could sniff around in a safe area. We always found interesting things. They opened my eyes to small things we normally don´t recognize. After that, they were happy and tired, the dog owners always thought we are running long distances. Oh no, just sniffing around! This was much more fun!

I am here because understanding animal behaviour is my “why”.

and the way they communicate with each other. The instructor told me about the Turid Rugaas International Dog trainer Education. I started this education in May 2014. When I finish the education I want to help other people with their dogs.

Mieke van den Boogaard Netherlands

We occasionally breed our Dogues. It’s our goal to try and breed healthy, mentally stable dogs. We spend a lot of time finding good ‘foster-parents’ for our little furbabies. We try to inform and coach them as much as we can. Last year, I attended the IDTE education at Calming signs. I really enjoyed all the things we learned about the behaviour of dogs. Apart from behaviour, I am also interested in nutrition, genetics, homeopathy and veterinary medicine. Outside the dog world I like photography, cooking and baking.

Liz Ott

Lanzarote, Spain

am originally Swiss, from the nice mountain area of St.Moritz. A body therapist and nutritionist by profession, I’ve been living with my daughter and animals for almost 20 years on the magic volcano island Lanzarote. I have always been surrounded by animals. As a child, I spent time after school with the donkeys, horses, cows, pigs, cats, dogs on my grandparent’s or neighbours farms. I spent my holidays in my uncle’s zoo, feeding the small lions, bears, chimpanzees or other animal babies with the bottle when their mother couldn’t do it. Uncle Walter was my first animal teacher and to date I hear him saying: “If you really want to know the animal needs, just sit down, keep quiet and observe

Then I got my first German Shepherd from friends who could not handle him, because of his aggression. In 1976 the only possibility was to train “Mandy” in the GS-Club, where they used the aversive methods. I saw awful things, poor dogs and some helpless owners. Nice puppies turned into reactive youngsters. But most of the owners seemed to be proud about their reactive dogs. I suffered enough and Mandy was more reactive than before. So finally I quit the training, even as the trainer scared me with bad prognosis for this dog. But I had

worked for the RSPCA in the 90’s as a kennel assistant, and then worked in a dog shelter in Spain, which was a very different experience to that in the UK.

Je-an Shields

United Kingdom

y name is Je-an Shields, and I’ve had a lifelong passion for dogs. I

I was lucky enough to have my first dog at the age of 30, and have lived with several dogs since then. I would be the first to admit that I made lots of mistakes with her, and she developed social issues with other dogs. This led me to take her to an aggression specialist, who used teaching dogs to teach appropriate canine communication. I was so intrigued by this method, that I asked to learn more about it, and did an internship for three

to find my own way. I found out that he is only aggressive because of fear, and not because he was a bad and dangerous dog. So I followed my heart and after a few month we became a strong couple. Friends then started to bring their dogs to me to change the “bad manners”. With each dog I learned more about respecting them as individuals. During my last 35 years of work with all kinds of shelter dogs which were aggressive, traumatized or mistreated, I progressed in my knowledge of training and resocialization. And then Turid came out with her CALMING SIGNALS. Wow, great! That answered so many observations I did over the years. It was a big step further in my work to help fearful creatures becoming nice socialized dogs! Thanks Turid, you changed the life of so many dogs all over the world by explaining their body language, signs of stress and avoidance and of course...feeling happy! After so many years and knowing several training methods and philosophies, I still keep my positive reinforcement and respectful training, based on principles of Ethics in the best interest of our lovely furry friends

years, where I learnt a great deal about dogs, and how they communicate with each other. During that time, I acquired a couple of rescue dogs, offered a dog boarding service, became a professional dog walker, assisted in training classes, and then set up my own business to become a trainer myself. I have been a trainer and behaviourist for over ten years now, and have loved every minute of it. Each dog teaches you something different and I never stop learning from them

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together to the first dog trainer course here on the island. To work with her was (and still is) very interesting - to see how she started to gain confidence in herself, asking for new things every day. She is such a grateful dog.

Christina Steinhart Gran Canaria, Spain

am Christina. I live with my two Belgian Shepherd ladies on the Gran Canaria Island. The two Groenendaels, Molly and Meg, are 7 years and 11 month old. I adopted Molly when she was nearly 4 years old and it that was the best thing I did in my life. When I first got Molly she was very afraid of loud sounds, especially strong voices of men. But we put all our trust in each other and she gained more and more self confidence. We went

I attended a few weekend O.C.I. seminars with Fernando Silva who said something I will never forget, “she imght not bring the apport to you in her life. But she would give her life for you.” I also attended the G.B.M.A Maintrailing Seminar and “Do as I do” to see what could be the right thing for Molly and me. We also passed the CAP1 and CAP2 together. As it was clear that Molly never would have any fun working with an approt or playing with any converntional dog toys, we decided to go on learning little tricks and in 2013 we started to train agility (here you are not allowed to walk your dog without a leash, so the agility gave her plenty of possibility to run a little bit). She had a lot of fun with both. We even participate in the little

me went against my deepest intuitions of what was right. Everything from choke-collars to Teletact was offered. At the time, I said to myself: ‘If these things are necessary to educate my dog, I will only walk with her at night... But this is something I will not do with my dog!’

Katrin Brenn Hillmann Germany

have lived with dogs since my childhood and got my first dog in 1997. Rosa was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier bitch and I only know now that I did everything wrong. I was quickly overwhelmed by her problems and I looked for a dog school to help me. Wherever I went, the training methods that were recommended to

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So I decided to take the problem into my own hands and I came to the conclusion that the best way was to become a dog trainer. In 1998 I opened my dog school in order to show another way to dog owners. To date, I have completed two training courses for dog trainers. I did a study of animal psychology with a specialization in dogs and many seminars on all kind of topics. My real teachers are always the dogs; my own dogs who have accompanied me

club competions of agility, but always in the “starters” group (without the slalom and the seesaw). There was just one thing about Molly, which made me a little bit sad. She had no friend, because in the beginning she was quite unfriendly with the dogs around our house. Now there was no one who really wanted to play with her. So I started to think about a second dog. I always had Turid Rugaas’ words in my mind: “every dog needs a friend”. So, when Molly´s sister had puppies, we adopted Meg. Now Molly not only has a good friend, but a family member in the house. She really seems to enjoy it and appears to be younger each day. Meg is a very happy and clinging puppy. I visited a nosework seminar with Meg. I’ve also attended Tellington Touch Seminar, a seminar of physical conditioning of a sports dog and seminars on therapy dogs. I’ve organized a Seminar with Turid Rugaas here on Gran Canaria.

until today and that of my clients and friends, but also those who I simply happen to meet in everyday life.

daughter was born in 1990. After I finished my schooling, I started my education as a brick layer. However I switched to a chemical company in 1985 and worked there as a chemical worker. After two years I decide to gain education to be a chemical laboratory worker. I am still employed at this chemical company and am involved in research work.

Oswin Klotz Germany

ello, my name is Oswin Klotz. I was born in Aschaffenburg in 1962, but I grew up in Westerngrund and I still live in this small town with my family. I married my wife Elke in 1985 and my

We visited different dog schools (obedience school) with the first three dogs and these experiences got me interested in working with dogs. Since 2008 I have been attending several workshops and courses. Since I was not convinced about the methods used, I further looked around during the years 2011 and 2012. I finally met Sonja Hoegen and Turid Rugass. I started the professional dog trainer education in March 2013 and finished it in 2014. In 2010 I founded my own dog school called “Hund und Familie”.

The conversation starts at PDTE 2016 Barcelona Join experts and enthusiasts alike from September 23rd for a weekend of exclusive insight into the future of dog training.

Since 2004 I have been working as an expert for my Country State Dangerous Dog regulation. Here we analyze so-called ‘listed’ dogs and dogs with problems. It has become my passion to help these dogs. My goal has always been to make the world a better place for dogs. In December 2015, I successfully completed my third Dog Trainer Education by Turid Rugaas and I can honestly say that it was the best thing I’ve done so far. This experience, the colleagues that I have met, the friendly, warm-hearted, respectful treatment of dogs and people will stay in my memory all of my life.

I got my first dog, a cocker spaniel, at twelve. Unfortunately he died due to a tragic accident at the age of two. In summer of 1998 a dalmatian female called Eppi moved in our household. She was an amazing sixteen and a half year old. One dog was not enough and therefore in 2002 the dalmatian male dog Homer von Lucky arrived, but sadly, he died at the age of nine. Our little family grew with the cavalier

king charles spaniel named Ginnes in 2004 and my boxer called Amadeus in 2009. Thereby, for a short time, we had a multi-dog household with four dogs.

PDTE cordially invites you to the wonderful city of Barcelona for our Annual General Meeting of Dog Trainers at the Atenea Port Hotel. We have curated an exemplary selection of the continent’s finest trainers to talk on a wide variety of topics covering the cutting edge in dog training techniques.

We’re delighted to welcome back familiar faces such as Turid Rugaas, Anne Lill Kvam, Winkie Spiers and Karen Webb who are ready to bring their unique ideas back to Barcelona once more. It is also our great pleasure to introduce Julia Robertson and others who are joining our ranks this summer, as well as special guest speakers Jesús Rosales Ruiz and Monique de Röeck. Find out more about our speakers and register on our website. (www.pdte2016.com) When you’re not attending one of our seminars, why not make even more of your trip with our selection of extra curricular activities? Join

us at La Barca de Salamanca for an archetypical spanish dinner by the beach, find your feet with Yaimi and Capote at Salsa and Bacheta class and test your palette with an extensive spanish wine tasting. We are always adding new events and you can stay up to date with the schedule on our website. Finally we want to thank you for taking the time to find out more about PDTE 2016. You can find more information and register by visiting our website. We look forward to hosting you here in beautiful Barcelona! Please contact Nuria_janeiro@ hotmail.com with any queries.

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Carme Vivancos Spain

y name is Carme Vivancos and I was born in Mallorca 47 years

ago. I am passionate about the canine world. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a passion for animals, but specially for dogs. I rescued dogs and reported animal abuse for years. Then I started working as a volunteer in the dog shelter in my home town and after two years there I realised that we were only moving them to another place (from Mallorca to Germany). As a result of this, I began my training and tried to prevent dogs from coming to the dog shelter. Helping them before arriving there became my goal.

Elise Montfort

Belgium

Toni Martínez Alcaraz Spain

My name is Toni Martínez Alcaraz and I am from Terrassa Spain. I am 29 and I work both

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I have been training dog trainers for two years, one course per year for six people. My personal interest is to raise awareness (to the general public and especially to dog owners) of what a dog’s life is like and how it would be if they could choose and make decisions.

y name is Elise and I live in Belgium, near Namur. I share my life with two beautiful girls: Judy and Kimba. Both of them went into dog’s club and socialising sessions at an early age. Yet, Judy started to show a clear change in behaviour when she turned one and Kimba never enjoyed “traditional” training. Thanks to Judy’s change in behaviour, I looked for more appropriate ways of fulfilling their needs. It took me a few months to meet THE person who would

definitely change our lives. Thanks to that person (she’s called Marina and is a wonderful person and dog counsellor) I became acquainted with Turid Rugaas’ philosophy of living with dogs. One session was enough to utterly get me into this philosophy: every single thing was finally making sense to me! From then on, I’ve been deepening my knowledge of dogs and doing my best to fulfil their needs. Judy, Kimba and I still have a long way to go, but that’s actually a nice thing: because we’re heading there together.

on social integration and as a dog trainer. Currently I am studying for two University degrees, one in Social Education and the second in Psychology.

the welfare of urban dogs. I also have my own website www.educanfel.com where I publish original articles and reflections about gentle dog training as well as with regard to cat behavior. I live together with two female dogs, Luna a Labrador who is almost 4 years old, and Linda, a Beagle who is now a year and a half. We all share a flat with a big balcony. Of course my flat mates can move freely around the place, just as the family members they are.

I discovered my interest and love for animals during my early childhood. I was raised and educated among human and nonhuman animals, including birds, fishes, rodents, cats and dogs. In particular, I feel a true passion and admiration for the latter two species, cats and dogs. I am a member of UDOLS, a nonprofit organization devoted to enhancing

Kati Ernits

Estonia

Nowadays I have a school for dogs that I founded in 2010. It’s name

is “Nassos”, which means “noses” in Majorcan. The school has two locations: Palma and Manacor. Both establishments are schools, grooming salons and shops.

My favorite dog activities are those connected to nosework. I am passionate about scent!

ello everybody, I am Kirsten van Gaalen-Jeelof and I’m very happy to join PDTE.

work as a full time dog trainer. I offer group and individual training in addition to problem behaviour consultations. I have been training dogs since 2008. I am a certified obedience trainer of Estonian Kennel Union and certified therapy dog handler since 2014. I have two Samoyeds. Both are working in children’s programs. I have been testing new dog teams with the Estonian Therapy Dogs Association. I have also been doing puppy character tests since 2009. To date I have tested over 150 puppies. In 2015-2016 I

attended the course of diabetic alert dogs training program in Finland. In 2016 we started a training program for diabetic alert dogs in Estonia. I attended International Dog Trainers School with Lisbeth Borg de Waard during 2015-2016. I also educated myself in human behaviour and psychology, because I believe dog owner is the one who finally chooses to train a dog and decides how to train the dog. I have a basic education in human psychology (BA) and I am a certified international NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) Practitioner

I’ve been into dogs my whole life but sometimes I did not understand them. My dog Civic changed that because he let me know when he was not happy. Due to the several medical problems Civic faced, I realized that some things in dog training needed to change. We needed to not only look at behaviour but also at the feelings of the dog and why the dog is feeling so bad. We need to try to make life better for the dog and not only for the owner. We need

to try to make life better for both of them. Civic is a great dog to learn from. Be There for your dog.

Kirsten van Gaalen-Jeelof Netherlands

Full Members PDTE is happy to offer full membership to the following members

Julie Stephenson

Sindhoor Pangal

United Kingdom

India PDTE Newsletter

Send in your articles, event listing, advertisements and to the editor at contact@bangalorehundeskole.com

20 Natural agility for city dogs Helsinki, Finland Aug Contact: raili@doi.fi / +358 50 504 2109

23 PDTE AGM 2016 Barcelona, Spain Sep Contact: www.pdte2016.com

Natural agility helps dogs develop better body awareness, good co-ordination and increased confidence. Dogs who live in cities face unique challenges that can be an used as an advantage. This workshop Winkie Spiers explores options availalble to pet owners in cities.

The PDTE AGM is the highlight of our calendar each year. The event features a number of international speakers, with plenty of opportunity for questions and discussions. It truly is an event not to be missed. We look forward to seeing you in Barcelona this year!

10 Life skills over commands Germany Sep Contact: info@animal-team.de

11 Neuropsychology in dogs Germany Sep Contact: info@animal-team.de

This seminar teaches trainers and owners how to coach their dogs to cope with everyday life. It encourages participants to challenge old beliefs by exploring a number of key questions.

Neurology and psychology are discussed a lot in dog training, but it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always need to be complicated. This entertaining and accessible seminar aims to leave every participant with a better understanding of their own brain, feelings and behaviour, as well as their dogs!

30 Dogs in motion Koningslust, Netherlands Oct Ellen@Calmingsigns.nl / +31 6 82 93 56 24

12 Applied Zoopharmacognosy Germany Nov www.dogcom.de

With the largest global study ever on the locomotion of dogs, Martin Fischerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team has studied how breeding policy affects the movement of various breeds. In this seminar Dr. Fischer will extensively cover the basics of the locomotion of dogs, supported by videos made with the latest X-ray equipment.

Applied Zoopharmacognosy is about giving animals choices and the opportunity to heal themselves. In this workshop Karen Webb will explain how it all works and show the technique on four dogs during the weekend.