Three crucial techniques could transform your pet’s behaviour, according to Will Atherton
A canine behaviourist has revealed three essential steps dog owners must take if they want their pet to be a ‘dream’ to live with. Will Atherton, a dog training expert from Derbyshire, has years of experience working with dogs displaying various behavioural problems, including aggression and biting issues.
In a recent TikTok video, he shared vital guidance for anyone struggling with a badly behaved dog at home. From destroying treasured belongings to leaping at visitors, three crucial techniques could transform your pet’s behaviour.
According to the Mirror, he said: “If you want to have a dog that is perfect in your home, that isn’t destroying all your hard-earned items, isn’t a nightmare to live with, isn’t embarrassing to invite people over to your home, these are the three things that you need to make sure you are doing with your dog.”
First on the list, Will highlighted crate training – a ‘mandatory’ technique for every dog he works with. This method teaches dogs to view a crate or kennel as their safe space, where they can rest or unwind whenever they need some quiet time.
Whilst some owners might think it’s ‘cruel’ to place a dog in a crate, Will explained it’s actually an effective way for pets to learn boundaries whilst developing independence. “It prevents and resolves 99% of problems within the home,” Will continued.
“Second is then place training. That’s an evolution on, for me, for crate training where we can start having a similar level of control and boundary, but we place it on something where the dog can be with us more.
“So, we can have guests over but the dog knows they have to stay on the place board so they are not jumping up them or being obnoxious and annoying. And, last but not least, I’m then working on my sit, stay, break drill.
“[This] helps the dog understand that if they want anything good in life, to get it, they have to sit calmly, relaxed with good manners, looking up to me for guidance and direction and to wait. Those few things combined mean that your dog will just be a dream within the home.”
Beyond this, it’s also important to recognise that certain dogs are more prone to particular behavioural challenges. In another video, Will noted that whilst all dogs can be properly managed and kept safe, some breeds are particularly susceptible to severe behavioural difficulties.
He said: “As a clinical canine behaviourist, I see the breeds that come through here to my centre that are riddled with extreme behaviour problems, and the reality is that for the vast majority of dog owners, they just shouldn’t bother having that kind of dog.”
Interestingly, the Border Collie was among the dogs that topped his list. His views echo those of other experts, including Niki French at PupTalk, who previously told the Mirror that their inherent sheep herding skills may carry over into the home environment.
“Genetics plays a huge role in how a dog will behave in any home in the future,” she said previously. “If both of a puppy’s parents are calm and relaxed around children, there is a much greater likelihood, in a lovely home, that the puppy will grow up to be the same.
“People need to be aware of certain breeds’ traits, like a Working Collie may want to try and herd and nip at the heels of people in the home. This may be harder to manage with an excitable toddler compared to when your nan comes over to visit.”
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