Dog trainer Lettie Challans shares her canine passion
Lettie Challans from Lettie’s Clever Canines chats to Sarah Cates about her love for dogs, dog ownership and the importance of training.
Have you always loved animals?
Yes. I am from Doubtless Bay in the Far North. I lived in the wop wops, and my road was notorious for people dumping unwanted animals. My mum and I would pick them up, care for them and re-home them. I worked with various animal welfare organisations which led me to study vet nursing. It wasn’t my cup of tea. But I still wanted to work with animals. I decided to study canine behaviour and training.
What did the course involve?
It was an overall course that covered all the dog fields. There are many different fields. Everything from search and rescue dogs, guide dogs, stroke dogs, medicine dogs, kennel club, obedience, working dogs and so on. The field is huge.
Lettie studied animal management in canine behaviour and training at Unitec Institute of Technology in Auckland.
You decided to work with owners who have dogs with behavioural issues. Why?
I thought it was a good starting point. Working with people, basic obedience. Helping people and communities with dog culture. I feel I can build on my existing knowledge, keep learning. Eventually I would like to work in research, I am particularly drawn to the field of assistant dogs.
What are assistant dogs?
Dogs that are specially trained to help people with medical conditions.
Have you always owned a dog?
Yeah. I had lots of animals around me as a child. Dogs, cats, pigs, and things like that. My dog is called Bailey. She did the training with me. It is an intense course for the dogs, not all them make it through. Sometimes it can become to much for them and they stop training. But Bailey made it through.
Lettie’s pride and joy, Bailey.
What are the most important factors people should consider before they get a dog?
There are two main things. Firstly, New Zealand has an Animal Welfare Act that is based on the 'five freedoms'. The potential owner needs to honestly ask themselves if they can uphold these freedoms:
- Proper and sufficient food and water. Can you afford to feed your dog?
- Adequate shelter – freedom from discomfort. If your dog sleeps or is kept outside it needs to have shelter from all weather conditions.
- The opportunity for the dog to display normal patterns of behaviour – allowing the dog to do natural things like digging, barking, playing, running and being social.
- Free from pain or distress. This includes setting up your dog so it’s not anxious or fearful or exposing them to situations that may create this.
- Protection from, and rapid diagnosis of, any significant injury or disease. This includes keeping your dog flee free, vaccinated, microchipping and so on.
If you can’t meet these, tick them off, you shouldn’t get a dog.
The second thing, that is very personal to me, is making sure you match the right dog with the right owner. For example, an active dog like a collie, needs an active owner who can run or walk long distances with it.
Working on heel and building confidence with a very special dog called Cassie from Napier SPCA. She has been successfully adopted.
You work at the SPCA in Napier and have observed the ‘wrong’ match, will you describe this?
A lot of the dogs that come into the SPCA are puppies that have been given as presents, everyone is initially blown away by the cuteness factor. In reality the puppy needs a great deal of attention. The parents are both at work, the kids are in school. The dog ends up being tied up in the back yard and gets bored. The dog’s needs are not being met. This is when the behavioural issues start. Poor match of dog to family circumstances.
How could potential new owners avoid this?
Ask yourself, "can I meet the five freedoms”? If you say no to any of these, do not get a dog! Research dog breed traits and ensure they match your lifestyle. Your dog will change your lifestyle!
What is the biggest thing owners need to give?
TIME! You need to give your time. Dogs can’t talk! Puppies need very large amounts of time. They really shouldn’t be left on their own. The early months are very informative. They gain lots of confidence and learn how to socialise with other dogs. They need lots of play, naps, quiet time, and playdates with other dogs.
Does the same apply for older dogs?
If you adopt an older dog you don’t need to give as much time as they are all ready settled. But with an older dog you may not know its ‘back story’. You might adopt an older dog and in a week in you may find out the dog is afraid of men or doesn’t like being left at home alone. You have no idea why the dog displays these behaviours. With these types of difficulties, I really recommend you seek help.
Lettie's most recent dog training session with Nicola and her handsome boy Murphy.
What are the most common behavioural issues you come across?
Lead pulling, barking, fear, anxiety, and difficulty with re-call.
At what point should an owner seek help?
Well, trainers would really like to see a cultural shift in this. Rather than us being the last resort, training should be seen as something that builds your relationship with your dog and where you both gain confidence. But to answer your question, if the dog has become dangerous to people or other dogs and you feel like you’re not in control, you must seek help.
Can you teach an old dog new tricks?
Yes! You can always teach dogs at any age. Dogs are always willing to learn. The hardest part is teaching the humans!
What type of trainer are you?
I am a "positive reinforcement trainer”. I use encouragement. I don’t force the dog. I reward when the dog does what I have asked. This can be with a pat, or food, or a game. In this way the dog starts associate the command with good things. I always set achievable goals for the dog and its person.
What advice would you give people who are looking for a dog trainer?
It’s very important you find a trainer that suits you and your dog. There is nothing worse then being with a trainer you don’t feel comfortable with. It’s a lot about training techniques.
What is the best thing about your work?
The relationship people build with their dogs. The confidence that the owner gains, and the increased love - both the owner and dog - have for each other. Its very satisfying!
Lettie, a passionate dog trainer with a desire to encourage dog owners unleash their dog’s full potential through training.
"The most rewarding part of my job is seeing dog owners grow in confidence and seeing their lives change as the problems diminish through training.”
"The most rewarding part of my job is seeing dog owners grow in confidence and seeing their lives change as the problems diminish through training.”
To arrange an appointment, find Lettie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lettiesclevercanines/
or Instagram: Lettiesclevercanines
or call: 022 386 3965
