Not a silly owner at all, in fact a very, very sensible one. You recognised a potential problem arising from a massively disturbing incident that again was no fault of yours and found help. I'm really sorry if you feel in any way 'under attack' by any of the comments, I'm sure that isn't the intention of anyone posting here.

In my honest opinion, if TV programmes are going to show dog training, it should stick at that, simple basics. The biggest problem with showing 'solutions' to behavioural problems is that people watch and try them out at home, very often with undesired effects.

You'll find that those most critical of this type of programme are the trainers because we can see the potential pitfalls of where things can (and do) go wrong when either the training shown has been used with the wrong dog, or is applied incorrectly (as often happens). So far, I've had one owner bitten and two whose dogs have had serious sound sensitivity made much worse and this doesn't take into account the many who've just found that it hasn't worked the same for them as was shown on TV.

I'm all for raising training awareness, but not at any cost.

And Faye, I still can't remember if I've actually seen the programme you were on, but I'll certainly keep my eyes open to see if it's to be repeated so that I can put a face to a name. Continuing good luck with Taz - I'm so pleased that he's been able to put the horrific incident behind him and get on with enjoying life with you and your family

Chris

Thanks Chris, I was starting to wish I had never bothered posting... I only wanted to say thanks for the kind comments about my dog.

Taz and I had a fantastic week at DB, we bonded massively and I learnt so much more about him and his capabilities. Taz came to no harm in either the kennels or training sessions with the famous Mic Martin; I have made new friends and had an experience I’ll never forget.

The issues rose about the fast food - not really that bothered as the night the programme was on TV I was surrounded by all my friends and family who all laughed so much we cried. That was such a good feeling and worth every minute to see so many people happy...and Taz was the star of the show in my eyes. I'm so proud of him.

Yes it is TV programme... it does need to be enjoyable and if people are having problems with a dog and want to cut corners by copying training techniques off the TV instead of finding a local trainer for personal help then who's fault is that. Not Dog Borstal's.

Working in Child Protection like I have for the last several years I am also very concerned about the impact a lot of programmes have on children i.e. horror films and porn etc but they keep showing it. What can we do? (Apart from discuss it in forums).

Btw Taz and I got one of the highest scores on DB, I felt we really achieved something that weekend, the DVD is def gonna be something for the grand kids

Faye - well done hun, you deserve all the best with Taz - please can you post more pictures of him cos i am in lurrvvvee with him and want him to live with me!!

jodie x

thanks Jodie, just spoke to my Mom (dog sitter whilst i'm at work) she said Taz is running round with her walking boot in his mouth... he won't put it down so is now dribbling out either side of his mouth. God i wish i was there and not sat behind this computer writing reports. I will endevour to put more pictures on but still trying to work out how. xxx

Hi Faye

Thats what i'm doing - writing reports! boring!! Have my screen minimised so my boss cant see i'm on dog forums!! lol

http://www.dogsey.com/showthread.php?t=10395 use this thread about how to post pictures!!

Was going to ask you a question actually. You said that DB made you realise that diet was important for Taz's behaviour etc. What food do you feed him on as i'm looking for a new good food for Otis.

jodie x

No, it isn't - sorry if you feel you were under attack .
I'm amongst those who feel very strongly about some things and will always post what I truly feel about DB (and other things!) as you can probably see from reading this thread


Dog trainers fall into various camps but overall there have been many dog trainers and behaviourists who have shown concern over this programme. It isn't because we are envious or spiteful, it's because we are genuinely concerned and in some cases upset over what we see (eg the GSD and the little girl I mentioned).

I'd actually be quite happy to never post on a DB thread again, but it won't happen because my views are too strong

Wys
x

Apologies but a bit late to this party!

A few questions.

I may have missed it, but where did they say they put chocolate drops in the packets? It seems to be fact now, but just wanted to double check.

Also, I thought on Tazs programme there was the bit where you got 'busted' by Mic, for not giving the full details about the Tazs diet. I think this was then when they showed the mcdonald wrapper etc. I can only assume that the mcdonalds thing was added by the crew for a bit of shock factor.

One thing you must remember is the trainers DO NOT do the home visits, either before or after. So it is 100% right to say that NONE of the trainers have faked anything. Unfortunately, they have very little (maybe none, im not too sure) control over what goes in the final edited version. Hence, the mcdonalds section being added after. They have no control over what angle the crew decides to take in post production.

Please remember the entertainment element that the crew provide, and the education element provided by the trainers. They dont always match!

Faye - for the avoidance of doubt, im not having a go at you for the mcdonalds, merely using that to highlight to the crew/trainer element. I just re-read my post and was worried it felt a bit confrontational to you!

Hi AJL, yes the mcdonalds was done by the crew after... i think you have summed it up very well, thanks... i'm so glad that Taz and i weren't on My dog is as fat as me or whatever that latest programme was or we would have definatly been ripped apart in these forums.
I loved your episode too.

I've just had word from Rob:

I've no more idea what's in it than anyone else has.