Hello!
First, I should probably explain my peculiar language/culture misch-mix: I grew up in Ireland to German parents.
What’s up with 42? Ähh, it’s a reference to a book, in which 42 is the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything. It also looks like the letters AZ- hence H42EL. Humour me, I wanted a short domain name.
The obligatory childhood dog photo
So this is part where I say I always loved animals and have some enigmatic intuition or charm with them? I hope not. It bothers me when people try to make something seem mysterious so that they can sell themselves as the only answer. I was merely lucky to be surrounded by dogs as well as cats, horses, cattle, sheep and chickens.
The truth is… I’m a geek. From the moment I cracked a book on dog training, I was hooked. It turned out, there was a system to this thing. And it works on all animals. My test subjects at the time were the family dog, neighbours dogs and also… cats.
I studied Visual Communication (that’s fancy speak for Design), moved from Ireland to Berlin after graduating and started working. Not to sound too cheesy, but, you know, something was missing.
That changed when I brought Rika home. Every dog brings new lessons, and Rika taught me about overcoming fears. I decided I didn’t want to sit at a desk. Carpe diem and all that. So I did the IHK/BHV dog trainer and behaviour consultant course and I’ve never looked back.
We now know that many of the methods of the past- the prodding, shoving, scolding, choking- they belong in the past.
Wait a just a second.. that’s not a dog!
Positive motivation instead of force
Instead you can build a relationship based on mutual trust. We know this from ourselves- if we try to do something unpleasant with pure willpower, we generally wont last long. But things we enjoy, those are much easier to keep up. Therein lies the key to success.
Going from “my dog doesn’t listen” to “my dog is so smart!” does more than give you a responsive dog. It gives you a better understanding of what your dog is going through and how you can help them understand what you want.
That’s something I want every dog owner to achieve, so you can enjoy your life with your dog.
BHV/IHK Hundeerzieher/in und Verhaltensberater/in zert (dog trainer and behaviour consultant cert) and BHV member.
Continuing Education:
Success with Sensitive Dogs
Helene Lawler
22/8/19Really Real Relaxation
Suzanne Clothier
23/4/20FDSA WP450: Happy Crating
Sarah Stremming
2/20Choice and Control is not a Single Word!
Dr. Susan Friedman
15/4/20Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Malena DeMartini-Price
8/7/20Chill out - incorporating conditioned relaxation techniques into behavioral therapy
Dr. Christopher Pachel
14/4/21“Look At That” Game: Changing the Conversation
Leslie McDevitt
6/21BAT Empowerment Series 1-6: Talk With Me, Walk With Me, Problem Prevention, Survival Skills for Dog Reactivity, BAT Set-Ups for Dog Reactivity and BAT for Geeks
Grisha Stewart
14/9/21Resource Guarding Webinar: for Dogs who growl and bite to keep their stuff
Diane Garrod (via GrishaStewart.com)
14/9/21BHV-Frühjahrsweiterbildung 26.27. Feb 2022 - “Emotion und Bindung”
Dr. Chiari Mariti, Dr. Stefanie Riemer, Mag. Dr. Iris Schöberl
27/2/22Sighthounds are Special! Behaviour, Training & Welfare
Susan McKeon (via GrishaStewart.com)
28/4/22Rückruftraining für jagdlich ambitionierte Hunde
Sonja Schmitt
13/6/22Gefährlichkeit von Hunden einschätzen: was für die Beurteilung wichtig ist und welchen Nutzen "Wesenstests“ haben.
Dr. Barbara Schöning
20/10/22Don’t Eat That! – Force free food-avoidance training for “Hoover Dogs”
Simone Mueller
22/06/23Loose-Leash Walking for High-Energy Dogs
Simone Mueller
22/06/24Intro To Behavior Medications: What Are They, And How Can They Help?
Jennifer Summerfield, DVM
22/06/24Behavior Medications, Part 2: Beyond The Basics
Jennifer Summerfield, DVM
22/06/24BHV Webinarreihe WELPEN
Sonja Schmitt
29.08. - 21.11.2024
