Eric Wells - 07732 323784
FAQs
Are you fully insured?
Yes! Wells Behaved Dogs has full public liability and indemnity insurance for all of the activities it undertakes.
Do you train dogs for guarding or personal protection work?
The simple answer is no. Whilst I have the knowledge and practical skills to teach such activities it is not something I wish to support. In my experience many dogs that have been obtained for such roles are completely unsuitable and end up being re-sold or abandoned having been taught to attack.
If a person feels they have a genuine need for such a dog they should make contact with a reputable organisation such as the National Association of Specialist Dog Users (NASDU) who will be able to guide them to suitably qualified and experienced trainers.
Is my pet too old to be trained?
Have you ever heard the expression "You can't teach an old dog new tricks"? Well you can, it may just take a little while longer.
As dogs get older the messages moving around their brain become slower, so it may take a little while longer for them to absorb what they are being taught. However, the good news is that keeping the brain active can slow down deterioration in the cells and support better mental health as your dog ages.
My dog is deaf, can you help?
Yes! Working with a deaf dog can be extremely rewarding for both owner and dog. Establishing a way to communicate with each other is essential and will undoubtedly strengthen the bond you already have together. The techniques are fundamentally the same as training a dog that has full hearing with only minor adaptations.
What is your approach to pet training?
This is a little like asking "How do you fly a plane?" as there are so many different variables to consider at any given time. The same is true when working with owners and their dogs. However, the best description would be that I use a balanced approach. Let me explain.
Learning can be divided into four basic quadrants, each of which has a purpose and effect. They can be described as positive and negative reinforcement and positive and negative correction. In these descriptions positive and negative are not connected with "good" and "bad" but rather adding something, or taking something away. So positive reinforcement is reinforcement training where something is added such as a treat or other reward for displaying the desired behaviour or action.
I have wide experience of various training methods but prefer to use techniques such as BAT (Behaviour Adjustment Training) and positive reinforcement wherever possible. These styles promote enthusiasm in your dog - they learn quickly, they enjoy the learning process and they want to do it again. BAT and Positive reinforcement both encourage the future repetition of desirable behaviour, through reward. I am very happy to discuss these techniques in greater detail with you.
In certain circumstances it would be unwise, if not dangerous to adhere to a "ignore the bad and reward the good" policy - biting for instance. In such circumstances professional correction is utilised to deter or minimise any future repetition of the unwanted behaviour. Correction is never used in isolation, it should always be accompanied by some form of reward based reinforcement as soon as the unwanted behaviour ceases. By using a mixture of positive reinforcement and well timed (minimal) correction, dogs learn quickly through what is known as balanced training.
Properly trained and qualified behaviourist practitioners have a very clear understanding of what a "correction" is. Please rest assured, I do not use strong aversive techniques such as rattle-cans, water sprays, rolled up newspapers, e-collars or any other such ineffective, outdated and old-fashioned techniques.
Which of your services is right for me?
Most issues will fall within one of the "Services" categories I have listed, in some form or another. However, whilst I have provided a broad outline of the services offered by Wells Behaved Dogs it would be impossible to address every situation.
If you feel you may need the services of an experienced trainer or accredited behaviour practitioner, give me a call or send me a message to discuss your situation. There is no charge or pressure to book.
How do I book a consultation?
Please contact us by email, telephone, text message, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or carrier pigeon - whichever method suits you best!
We will discuss your concerns to ensure it is something we can assist with and then take some personal details, including an email address.
We will send you our terms and conditions, our code of conduct and an individual price quotation. If you live outside our normal catchment area there may be a small fuel surcharge which will be fully discussed before you commit to anything.
Do you offer group classes?
Our training is normally provided on a one-to-one basis to ensure you receive our full attention.
However, if you are booking a basic obedience class it can be more fun if you share it with a couple of friends or family.
The group will still be very small ensuring everyone obtains the maximum benefit but some people have more fun if they don't feel they are under the spotlight.
If you are interested in this option please contact us for more information and to discuss your needs.
Where do I find your terms and conditions?
Wells Behaved Dogs believe in transparency and honesty. We have nothing to hide, no hidden fees or loopholes.
We will send any prospective client a copy of the T&Cs as part of the initial information pack as well as a copy of our code of conduct. There is also a link at the top of the page which will take you to them.
Our pricing follows a very simple structure and all clients will know exactly what they are paying before any consultations are booked.
How long are the consultations or training sessions?
This very much depends on what type of service you are booking and what your individual needs may be.
As a general guide for behavioural analysis and modification the initial consultation will last up to three hours with follow-up consultations lasting approximately 60-90 minutes each.
General obedience and training sessions are calculated at an hourly rate. The most important consideration here is to avoid overloading your dog.
Puppy sessions are also calculated at an hourly rate.
Do you offer video/online consultations?
Yes we do! Recent events have shown us that many of the traditional face-to-face services we are used to can also be successfully delivered via online tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or WhatsApp.
Utilising these systems allows us to support dog owners nationally and internationally. Many issues, particularly those requiring general advice and guidance, can be very successfully addressed via online or remote sessions.
If you believe an online or remote session would suit you, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Do I have to sign up for a set number of consultations or training sessions?
Wells Behaved Dogs is founded on the principle of honesty and transparency.
There is no set number of sessions as who knows how many will be required.
The truth is that any form of behavioural adjustment will require several sessions, but it is impossible to know how many until progress levels are established.
If you are looking for some assistance with general obedience, a couple of sessions may set you on a path you are happy to explore with your new found knowledge and skills, or you may prefer to have our on-going support until you reach your goal.
I am embarrassed asking for help. Will you laugh when I tell you what's been happening?
Never! Well... only if you're laughing... unless it's instead of crying!
At Wells Behaved Dogs we know that many owners will have exhausted all readily available sources of advice (including the man at the pub that has a nice dog) before they seek professional advice. We also realise this means any issue has been going on for some time and may have you at the end of your tether.
We will always offer advice in a helpful, unbiased, non-judgemental and supportive manner. We are completely professional, discreet and very experienced in dealing with people as much as dogs.
Whatever the issue, the first step is admitting you need help. The second step is making contact. You will feel much better once you do.