|  Gary
Roe (picture at right) of Surrey Dog Obedience Training Club has been instructing
people and their dogs in obedience and tracking for many years. Throughout this
time, he and his wife have helped over 5500 animals in their struggle to become
social acceptable pets. In March of 1999, The Province newspaper wrote an article
about Mr. Roe's style of training, in which he was proclaimed as the "dog
whisperer". The following article briefly reviews his approach to dog behavioral
situations.
Imagine sitting alone in the kitchen, sipping a cup of tea,
and reading the daily paper. Suddenly, you hear the playful growls of your Irish
Wolfhound in the living room. You jump up and run into the room, only to find
your dog chewing on your expensive leather couch. Becoming very angry, you immediately
scold the animal and lock him up where he can't do any damage. Later that
day, you grant your dog freedom once more, but find that he is now frightened
to even come near you. Not knowing what to do, you call your vet and explain the
situation. The veterinarian's office recommends a couple of dog behavioralists
that you can try. After speaking for a few hours with the different dog
trainers, you call up a man named Gary Roe. After discussing the problem with
him for a while, you decide that he would be the best person to help you with
your dog. Remembering that you read about him once in the Province newspaper,
you promptly set a time when he can visit you and help resolve the problems that
you and your dog are having. A few days later, your doorbell rings and Mr.
Gary Roe is standing at your front door, ready to help you and your Irish Wolfhound
patch up the friendship. You go and show Mr. Roe the dog (who still won't come
near you). He begins by kneeling down to the dog's level and patting it. He then
starts to whisper and talk softly to the dog, while continuing to massage the
dog's neck and back. After a couple of minutes, the dog has calmed down
considerably. He is even allowing you to come near him. Impressed, you then ask
Mr. Roe how you should solve the chewing problem. He tells you to go find a choke
chain collar and a leash. So off you go to the couch. Now, the dog, having
regained his old happy-hyper attitude, immediately goes after the couch and begins
to chew. Instantly, Mr. Roe gives a quick correction and says, "No!".
He waits a couple moments and then praises the dog. After the correction, Mr.
Roe waits and see if the dog will go after the couch. Amazingly, it doesn't. It
seems that the problem has been solved. Mr. Roe then shows you exactly what to
do if the Wolfhound tries it again. After helping with a few more minor
troubles, you thank your dog behavioralist and send him on his way. You now know
that whatever might happen, Gary Roe of Surrey Dog Obedience Training Club will
be there to aid you. -------------------------------------------------
// ------------------------------------------------ About
The Author
Gary Roe has been training dogs in obedience and tracking
since 1978. You may contact him through his web site at http://www.gentlepaws.com/surreydogobedience/
for more information about his style of training. | 
