“Dogs and humans may share a special bond, but that doesn’t mean we always understand what our pets are thinking and feeling” Zazie Todd
The dogs we welcome into our homes share 99.9% of their DNA with their wolf ancestors, yet live in a limbo world due to domestication by humans. This pack animal, now frequently lives alone in a household environment without any other family member of the same species.
Brian works with families to build a better connection between people and their dogs in order to understand canine behaviours.
Brian has always had dogs in his family, whether that be his parents’ miniature poodle or his sister’s ex-breeding rescue German shepherd and from an early age developed a fondness for guarding breeds. He said, when he was in a position to do so he would have a Doberman. This ambition was realised with his first puppy Kiai. Shortly after followed rescue German shepherd Jazz who was instrumental in starting Brian’s journey. Due to the traumas she experienced in her puppy stage, Jazz required managing and so Brian’s learning in dog training and behaviour began in order to support Jazz. In the twenty odd years that followed, he rehomed several Doberman and worked with a London based Doberman rescue charity. More recently, he has taken a different direction with the addition of Gorgi, a working springer spaniel to the family. Brian loves training dogs, watching them learn and develop and enjoys working with them as a team. This team has proved very successful earning a variety of awards including a certificate of merit, novice handler and finally first place in a novice AV Spaniel working test.
Brian currently shares his home with two rescue Doberman, two working springers raised from puppies and a malinois. He worked at the Wolf and Dog Development centre as a licensed instructor with Shaun Ellis and Kim Ellis. Their work rehabilitating and training dogs continues to extend and develop his skills using current theory and techniques based on scientific principles.
Do contact Brian to discuss how his knowledge and understanding can help you and your dog.