WhyzDog Behavioural Consulting and Training

I found Whyzdog training online. I had been searching for a trainer who could help me and my highly strung German Shepherd, Milah, who struggled with separation anxiety. Milah also didn’t used to eat regularly and was totally indifferent to treats and been attacked by unruly dogs at Emmarentia Dam when she was younger, making her preemptively aggressive to other dogs. Over time, we went from being the victim to being the problem at the dog park. I had also gotten into many fights with other irresponsible dog owners about it.

This was a big issue for me as I have always had dogs and I grew up walking our dogs at Emmarentia every day. I live close by, and I really wanted to walk Milah there but every walk was stressful and ended in disaster. I stopped going for years.

Other trainers I had worked with previously were unable to assist because their methods were entirely dependent on the dog being food motivated. Others still insisted that they will train and walk the dog without you there- which made little sense to me- what about the rest of the time???

Out of desperation one day I was deep in my online search and had got to the point of considering sending Milah on a “dog training bootcamp” which in my heart I knew was not the right decision but I felt I had no other options.

Just before I gave up the search, I found bark.com and a box that said “describe your dogs issue and we’ll match you with a trainer.” Out of desperation I poured my heart out in a long message, clicked “send” and forgot all about it.

A few days later I got a call from this man called “Peter-John” saying that he can help with my dog. I needed reminding about who this person was and how he knew so much about Milah. After the reminder I relaxed and spoke to Peter-John for over an hour about Milah’s complicated background as a rescue dog, the fact that she attacks other dogs, that she doesn’t eat while I’m away, and her high stress levels in general. He explained to me about thresholds and that one of the reasons that she doesn’t take treats is because she feels stressed in the environment/ by something around her. He also spent a long time understanding me and how I am around her and explained that a lot of the time, dog issues are linked to owner behaviours.

The reason I started working with him was because he didn’t see the fact that Milah wasn’t food motivated as an issue. His methods are based on training dogs using commands, voice tone, body language, and praise in ways that dogs understand. He also works with the owner to better understand their behaviour and how this might be triggering the dog.

We put in the work. I arranged 1:1 lessons with Milah and Peter-John at home and at the dog park where after just two sessions, we were both much more relaxed with other dogs. I could see that Milah was constantly looking for guidance in stressful situations and i wasn’t helping because I didn’t notice and was also stressed.

By helping me know when and how to provide reassurance and praise, and how to correct unwanted behaviour, Peter-John got us to the point where Milah and I can enjoy daily morning and evening walks in the park. I can also take her to restaurants, markets, on hikes, to the beach, and to the vet confidently, without worrying whether other dogs will be around, and knowing that whatever we encounter, we can manage it safely. Of course, there can always be the odd issue- but we can handle those better now too! She is also eating more regularly and doesn’t fall to pieces if I have to travel for work and leave her with the house sitter.

I have also since joined group dog training classes with Peter-John on a Saturday morning and, over the last two years, my bond with Milah is stronger than ever. She has made friends with other dogs in the class, she is happier, more obedient, and spending time with her is so rewarding. I am far less stressed too, and more confident. I find myself looking forward to dog training at 7:30am on a Saturday just as much as she does- if you can believe it. Milah is 9 years old and proof that, with the right help and guidance, you can 100% teach old dogs new tricks!

Thank you to Peter-John, Kevin, Susan, Xandor, Zara, Molly, and, of course, Darry-Dog (Milah’s crush) for all you’ve done to help us find eachother again 💪🏽 This has truly been a special experience. More...

My GSD Zeek was 9 months old when we joined Whyzdog. At the time I was so anxious taking Zeek to training that I was taking rescue remedy. Peter-John did a behavioural assessment of Zeek which was our first ever assessment. Our training sessions are about teaching me how to teach Zeek what is acceptable and what isn’t. I am very grateful for all the knowledge shared with me each week. I am off rescue remedy and I’m much more confident in my ability to be Zeek’s teacher and leader. This is a very dedicated and knowledgeable father and son team. I can’t thank you enough. I’m excited to see our progress. More...

My GSD Zeek was 9 months old when we joined Whyzdog. At the time I was so anxious taking Zeek to training that I was taking rescue remedy as he is reactive. Peter-John did a behavioural assessment of Zeek which was our first ever assessment. Our training sessions are about teaching me how to teach Zeek what is acceptable and what isn’t. I am very grateful for all the knowledge shared with me each week. I am off rescue remedy and I’m much more confident in my ability to be Zeek’s teacher and leader. This is a very dedicated and knowledgeable father and son team. I can’t thank you enough. I’m excited to see our progress. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Very impressed about the assessment - I am looking forward to the rest of the training. Good and quick response - honest dog training. I am very impressed.

Great advice, generous with his time, prompt communication