Kaos was a beautiful sensitive English Mastiff, my dream dog and the only dog I bought as a puppy. I loved her so much and so was enthusiastic to do everything as best as I could for her. First we went to puppy classes at the vet where she mingled with lots of other puppies. I wonder what Kaos learnt from those experiences.

Then followed clicker training classes and the good citizen award scheme and I was careful to socialise her to everything and anything. Kaos became skittish and next started to be scared of dogs and people. Although we achieved our bronze and silver award, when we were out walking, when we met someone, especially with a dog she began to lunge and bark, which usually kept them away. Clever dog. I really wanted to understand her, to be able to help her overcome the fears she had and went in search of ways to do this. One large, well known place introduced us to a behaviourist who showed me how to pin Kaos down (who happened to weigh 11 stone OR 70KG) when she exhibited certain behaviours. WHAT? Thank goodness I felt a shiver through my head and body and knew this wasn’t for us. Just imagine!

Through a lovely one to one trainer who introduced me to Turid Rugaas, I found Sheila Harper and the courses she ran which were about understanding dogs through observation and doing practical things, with the dog at the centre of every thought. That’s exactly what Kaos needed and WOW!, how life changed for the better, for both of us. Learning how to read canine communication and get to know a dog on their terms, largely by observing them along with knowledge and guidance was the answer to finally help Kaos. She must have had a big sigh when she was able to watch life from a distance instead of being way too close.

Fortunately I was able to improve life for Kaos and aim to do the same for every dog that has come into my life since.