Bertie Dog Training Club Established 1990

There is very little written on this subject yet the occurrence of passive dominant

This is a term commonly used by Bertie Trainers to describe both puppy and adult dogs that have a tendency to refuse to behave in a particular way . Over the past 11 years our trainers have become expert in not only identifying such dogs but in treating them. In extreme cases passive dominant dogs can exhibit aggressive and threatening behaviour if not managed appropriately. In mild cases the behaviour can be totally eradicated and in the worst case scenarios we educate the owners to avoid the aggression. Common passive dominance traits are:

The majority of mistakes are made when you first obtain a puppy so if in the first few weeks, you find that your puppy follows a pattern of "refusal" you should seek help.

In some cases aggression and stronger tendencies toward refusal can occur in older dogs also. Differences have also been observed when bitches are in season or periods close to their season. There is a desire for guarding food or being highly motivated by food based on the the primitive need to ensure survival.

Quite simply 11 years ago I purchased a puppy that was very badly bred. She demonstrated all of the above characteristics and more, so the process of her educating me started. She produced three litters with some 20 puppies and passive dominance was prevalent in all from relatively minor to severe cases. All the owners were pre-warned and only one has been re-homed for refusing to compete in agility. He now works sheep on a farm with my friend Gwyn.

When a puppy or adult dog at our club has exhibited passive dominant traits they have been relatively easy to diagnose. Even experienced handlers and behaviour practitioners have struggled to come to terms with this type of behaviour. Yet in many cases these dogs have made the most tremendous pets and working animals, winning in competitions in a variety of disciplines, when fully understood.

In order to avoid problems or to minimise them, greater emphasis should be placed on puppy selection. An informed approach is much better that the "how cute" method. We can show you how to use the Pfaffenberger test, as used in the selection of guide dogs and police dogs. (Subscription Only) see below

We can provide a complete puppy package incorporating all of the above, as well as a comprehensive puppy information pack, which covers everything from the first day, trauma, diet, feeding times, worming, breeding, obedience training, toilet training, dominance and socialisation. (Subscription Only)

Enrol your puppy before they are 12 weeks old and you will receive a £5 discount. Give them a head start

A Puppy that has been made to feel happy and secure, rarely becomes unstable. Kindness and understanding are essential to allow a puppy to adjust to it's new environment and surroundings. It is important to provide the correct degree of discipline, for the puppy's happiness and safety. It is essential to socialise the puppy for a whole variety of situations.

The critical period in a puppy's development is between 4 and 12 week of age. Some dogs have adult brain activity as young as 7 weeks old, therefore it is critical to socialise early. Bad habits learned during this formative period, can be very difficult to correct. We can provide advice on the best methods to use.

Remember that puppies need social contact and experience in as wide a range of situations as possible, this will lead to well adjusted and stable adult dog, with strength, personality and character.

Socialisation is offered to all members enrolling on the beginners courses, free of charge, on Friday nights, at the Oadby United Reform Church Hall, Rosemead Drive, Oadby, LE2 5SF Click for map between 8.00p.m. -8.30p.m.

The above test is one which has brought me a great deal of success in terms of choosing the right kind of puppy for training to work and compete in sheepdog trials. The test was adopted by the Guide Dogs for the Blind and used with great success, and more recently the Metropolitan Police have also used a version of the test to select puppies for Police dog training.

My personal preference for a puppy is one which is bold, intelligent, slightly independent and not prone to sulking, or over sensitive. The Pffafenberger Test enables potential owners to choose and match a puppy to their particular preference and style of handling, also to some extent to the level of experience with dogs.

The benefits of this test are that because the dog suits your handling style you will have ease of training, the dog will match your personality and therefore you will be more tolerant of any mishaps. Also you will not try to mould the dog into something it cannot ever be. E.g. how often do couples try to mould and change their partners into something that they are not, or do not wish to be. Such a process of change can lead to resentment , both in dogs and humans.

Currently I have two Border Collie puppies, Spot and Skerry which I bred and both were chosen at 7 weeks old following the test which was carried out by a neutral person, unknown to the puppies. Both are living up to expectation as are all the litter mates.

A downside to carrying out such a test is that potential owners are not always in a position to carry out the tests, or even have first choice of the litter. However an understanding of the concepts and the main features can be of great benefit.

Of the six dogs I own three were selected using the test and they are by far my favourite dogs in the house. Furthermore they are the only three dogs in the house that will listen to my children and this is the most crucial of factors when selecting a family pet.

Ultimately using such a test to select a puppy has to be more methodical and practical than the "cute eyes method"

Endorsements

Hi Nij and Jo

I just needed to say thanks to both of you for taking on the training of my owners - who don't appear to have any experience with any kind of a dog, let alone a wilful Chocolate lab like myself. Nij, I was so glad to see you when you visited me at home. My owners thought they were doing a good job with me but little did they know that I was in fact training them very well to meet my every whim and fancy - including getting them up very early in the morning when I wanted some company and getting to sit on their knee whenever I fancied. Poor Mike and Julie didn't have time for anything.

Well since your home visit some weeks ago and having started the beginners course my owners are behaving much more like they should and I am beginning to know my place (Mike, Julie, Rosie the Cat, Fudge & Smudge the Rabbits and then Me - Lily the Pup) and feel very comfortable with it although I will still try my luck with them - especially when I come to class.

So once again thanks for your help and continued support in training Mike and Julie to behave like the responsible pack leaders that they should be.

Woof Woof - Lily