By BEV LEWIS
Vice President
Akita Alumni Dog Club
Cheryl Smith is a well respected dog behaviorist from Canada. Dr. Ian Dunbar has declared her one of the best. Ms. Smith is taking giant steps into the world of aggressive dogs and her seminars are both thought provoking and exciting.
Learning by Seeing
This year’s seminar demonstrated once again the evolution of dog training by way of the ever-gentle, yet commanding Smith style. Meeting violent dogs with respect and understanding is key to her message. We had quite an array of personality types in our “demonstration dogs”, along with owners of different ages and diverse backgrounds. These helped to orchestrate a sampling to different degrees of dog-to-dog aggression. Aggression in these dogs came about as a result of very different causes, and manifested itself various ways. Each dog – when giving the freedom to do so – expressed themselves in their own way, leaving many owners quite pleased to know that their dog, by and large, really was trying to avoid confrontation.
Important Tips
We learned to read our dogs; understand their mental age; state of health; breed characteristics; tune in to body language; and most importantly disarm the aggression before it is allowed to escalate into violent behaviors.
There was lengthy discussion of the “whole” dog in terms of proper nutrition, health, training and general upbringing of our canine friends, as well as how these factors are potent influences on our dog’s behavior. First hand, we watched as Dr. Susan Simmons demonstrated the calming effects of Tellington Touch on one particularly agitated dog. Effects of herbal remedies, massage, exercise, good nutrition were topics of the many questions put forward by the keenly attentive audience.
The Process of Understanding Takes Over
Slowly over the two days, we came to better accept that some dogs were more inclined towards what we might term “aggressive behavior”, but with the right consistent techniques, calm analysis of each incident, consideration of each dog as an individual, and determination to refocus our dog’s attention back to us, we can defuse aggressive behavior. We can live a happy, comfortable existence with these dogs, utilizing simple, easy-to-follow methods.
We no longer need to suffer the isolation that an aggressive dog can force upon our lives. We can take control of our own existence and re-educate our dogs to become civilized acceptable companions. For many dogs this literally means saving their life.
Results that Work
Dog bites are much in the news today and the negative, expensive and heartbreaking ramifications of these incidents is filtering into the entire dog owning community. We must be proactive and make every effort not to be part of the statistics. Cheryl Smith behavioural modification methods prove that there is hope in education.
Cheryl’s booklet, a mere sampling of her philosophy and techniques, is a “must have” for every dog owner. Word has it that she is preparing a complete book, but for now we can find very good advice in her booklet to help us begin to deal with aggressive dogs and to forestall any aggression if we are not already facing it.
I can only humbly thank Cheryl for once again gracing us with her emotional and educational weekend here in Toronto. It was an honor and pleasure to organize this incredible event. As always it was enlightening, encouraging and most satisfying to be part of this body of work. And one becomes very aware of witnessing a “body of work” watching Cheryl Smith, whose stamina is outstanding, logging in two solid days on this emotionally strenuous topic. If the attendees were (delightedly) exhausted, it is truly impressive how this speaker maintained the energy, the excitement, the candor and complete attention of her audience. These are not “layback” lectures. Smith seminars are hands-on action and activity on a volatile and sensitive subject.
Let the Revolution Take Hold
Cheryl Smith’s message is not revolutionary, but it is clear, concise, well thought out, carefully presented, invaluable and important for every dog owner. Her method of portraying that message is entirely unique. What’s revolutionary is what happens during her seminars - a revolution that we can only hope will continue to gather momentum. You just have to be there once to feel the impact for the rest of your life. Lives were again changed, Smith-style, with expert advice, understanding and compassion!