Ross McCarthy M.A. FCFBA is a master trainer with the GODT – he became the latest winner of this national education award. The Petbc awards celebrate the extraordinary commitment, quality and innovation shown by canine education experts across the UK. Today was more special than ever when David Cavill presented Ross with his award for professional achievement and at the N.E.C Crufts . This marking the PETbc commitment to awarding exceptional teachers and who work
GODT at Crufts 2019
7-10 March 2019 NEC Birmingham Spring is just around the corner and it’s that time of year again which means the Guild of Dog Trainers will be hosting our own stand for the fifth year in succession, providing a prestigious platform to showcase the work of the organisation and its core values to an international audience. Each year, members give up their valuable free time to support the event; and will be available throughout the
What’s wrong with Fur-babies and fur-kids… by Ross McCarthy
Dogs have survived for centuries, just fine without wearing clothes, being carted around in some kind of case, being imposed on by people who believe that they should always behave like fluffy little people in polite society. I would like to see a return to us treating dogs like dogs. They deserve nothing less. All over the internet and social media sites, people are posting images of their fur-babies and fur-kids…and just what, you may
Why dog attacks happen…and how to prevent them
Well, at the moment that is the subject on the lips of many people. Over the past few weeks, I have been on the Radio discussing fatal dog attacks – as have many other dog specialists, MP’s, lawyers , concerned and interested parties. Since the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) came in to force after devastating dog attacks and subsequently failed to bring about the safety that this kneejerk legislation was supposed to…everyone has been wondering
RSPCA concern for pill-popping pets by Ross McCarthy
RSPCA Concern As A New Drug Is Launched For ‘Pill-Popping’ Pets. Society alerts pet owners that animals suffer and die in drug testing. The RSPCA is sounding the alarm as yet another drug – an antidepressant – is made available to our increasingly ‘pill-popping’ pets by pharmaceutical companies. The Society fears the pill could merely disguise behavioural problems rather than treat the cause. It’s also vital that pet owners realise that laboratory animals –
Prevent Bad Dog Behaviour by Ross McCarthy
The prevention of dog behaviour problems Behaviour problems in dog are incredibly common, due to the fact that most dog behaviour that we deem as a ‘problem’ are normal canine behaviour in an abnormal (for the dog) human world. The problems vary in seriousness, but they almost always affect the bond between dog and owner over a period of time. Problems with training and behaviour can cause a good deal of stress to dog owners
Dogs of Lebanon by Colin Tennant
A Travel Documentary Colin Tennant is the first Animal Behaviour Practitioner to visit Lebanon in the Middle East since the end of the recent civil war. He also visited Tyre, Sidon and Beirut during the more recent resurgence of fighting between Israel and Hisbollah. One of my reasons for visiting Lebanon was that I had received an invitation from a Lebanese friend whom I had previously helped with his animals. Whilst there I was able
2015 Was a Momentous Year for the Guild of Dog Trainers
The Guild of Dog Trainers Developments This year was a momentous year for the Guild of Dog Trainers. Due to the idiosyncratic nature of our organisation it was possible to embrace the fast moving evolutionary aspects of modern society in relation to our professional status. The Guild responded swiftly and appropriately to the new challenges. Legislation has emerged which places a greater emphasis on the role of dog owners and their level of responsibility. Dog
LANTRA – Government Standards for Dog Trainers
For many years it has been a major concern of dog trainers that general animal behaviourists have considered themselves experts in all matters concerning animals of all species. This is of course impossible due to the enormity of variations within the specific genre of mammals, let alone reptiles and avian, for example. Since 2008 the Government, under the auspices of LANTRA sought to introduce National Occupational Standards for dog behaviourists and trainers. Several leading authorities