My parents were mad about animals when I was growing up and took in all kinds of pets. So we had horses, dogs, cats, turtles and budgies - our house was like a mini-zoo. Even though I loved being surrounded by all these animals, I must say I've an affinity for dogs. I decided to make a profession out of it. So I researched the world's leading dog trainers and finally decided to train with Hans Schlegel, known as the Swiss dog whisperer. I went for a three-day trip to his training centre in Switzerland to learn more and was amazed by his methodology, which involves working on the dog's basic behaviour, then asking owners to nurture it. I promptly applied for his training programme at his Wolfsprung Kennels in Switzerland. After six extremely intense months of training dogs round the clock, I specialised in dog behaviour analysis, family dog training, puppy development, motivational techniques, creative dog activities and training of dogs with unwanted hunting behaviour.
I call myself a ‘dogversationalist'. I am proud to be Abu Dhabi's first certified German dog behaviourist and trainer.
‘Dogversation' means talking our dog's language. When dealing with a dog, you must remember that we are not dealing with a child or a fellow human being but a domesticated predator who is born as a pack animal with his own social, hunting and territorial instincts.
Dogs that display unwanted behaviour such as stubbornness and nervousness are often misunderstood. The way to a balanced man-dog relationship is through observation and understanding of our pet's natural behaviour. To form a team with our four-legged friends, the relationship should be based on respect and trust.
I've been in the UAE for over six years. I arrived here as the Country Director of Oxford Business Group, a London-based market intelligence consultancy. I then teamed up with a group of British investors to establish a new UAE-based market research consultancy, Insight Discovery.
In 2007 I decided to have a career change because I wanted to do something I really enjoyed. In my previous job, I mainly dealt with employee satisfaction surveys; basically, I was the link between an employer and its employees. My current job role as a dog trainer is similar because I act as a translator between a dog and his owner.
What I learnt from Hans Schlegel is that a dog is a very reliable portrait of his owner's character, strengths and weaknesses. If a dog-owner approaches Hans because he has issues with his pet, Hans has the ability to identify the problem within just three minutes of ‘conversing' with the dog. For him, the only thing that matters is what the dog ‘tells' him.
Hans analyses the pet from different angles, observing its reactions and actions. He trains dogs - whose personalities range from aggressive, confident, outgoing, adaptable, insecure and independent - by employing positive reinforcements or rewards. This method enables him to establish if the dog has been handled with a choke collar, if he has lived on the streets, if he is self-confident or shy and if he would bite or just pretend to, among other things. During the time I spent with Hans, I learnt a lot about canines but even more about the human race and, last but not least, about myself. The lessons I learnt have helped me deal with the many different types of dogs that owners bring to me. For example, I managed to calm a stubborn and vicious Rottweiler called Jenn and potty-trained a four-month old golden retriever who was giving his owner a hard time.
My work here as a dog trainer is extremely rewarding. Dog training is a new field here and I feel very privileged to participate in its development and to have found great business partners.
Quick Questions
What is unique about training with Hans Schlegel?
Hans has a philosophy of moving owners and their dogs towards their highest levels of connection, which is led by the rules of nature. Essentially his clients are made to understand that they first have to change themselves before they can achieve any lasting relationship with their dogs.
Your philosophy in life?
Don't dream your life, but live your dreams. I plan to keep on doing so.
For more info visit www.dogversation.ae
