We purchased our first black miniature poodle (Molly) in Brisbane about five years ago. Molly and I completed our puppy and basic training, with some puppy agility thrown in for good fun. My wife Ruth and I decided that Brisbane wasn't for us and we moved back home to Melbourne. This is where the trouble began...

After being home for six months and both of us working, Molly was left at home all day with no company. We came home one day to find a polite message from one of our neighbours informing us that our dog was "crying" most of the day and was there anything we could do for our lonely dog?

After consulting with our Vet, who suggested we get another dog, we acquired Max from a little Greek lady who was returning to her homeland. Max (original name Slash) who was 12 months old at the time, got along instantly with Molly. We thought we were in safe waters as Molly had stopped her howling.

A number of years passed, Ruth and I eventually had a beautiful baby girl (Clare) to add to the Fox clan. When Clare was six months old, Max growled at Clare - nothing spectacular, more or less telling her to go away....it was a growl nonetheless. At this point, we decided that some training and discipline were needed for these dogs.

Ruth had seen an advertisement in the local paper about a dog training centre called Four Paws K9 Training. I called one Saturday morning and spoke to Trish Harris about our situation. I have never met such an enthusiastic and understanding individual. Trish listened intently, gave me some suggestions, offered some friendly advice and gave me some information about the school. So after hearng all the information (hour long phone call!), what did I do about it........nothing!

Six months go by, Max once again growled at Clare, this time with a little more meaning behind it. This time it was Ruth who made the call to Trish and organised to go to an information session.

Information day:
Ben: "Hi Trish, do you remember me? I spoke to you six months ago on the phone about our poodles?"
Trish: "Yeah, sure I remember you. You took your time getting down here didn't you!?" (Trish was grinning away!)

After the information session, we decided to sign up. Everything just felt right. One of the things that really stood out for us with Four Paws (we'd checked other dog training centres around the area as well) was their Leadership Program. The Leadership Program is truly amazing! We owned dogs that jumpd up and down, went berserk at the doorbell, problems with dominance with Max to Clare. We'd tried many techniques, you name it, we tried it. It was clear after learning about the program that Ruth and I were not being good leaders to our dogs at all. The simplicity of the Leadership Program was astounding. Put is simply, do you want a dog that knows his/her place in the family? Ask Trish and she'll tell you all about it. I don't want to steal her thunder!

We started taking Molly and Max to training on Saturday mornings. Initially Molly was in the Basic level, but within a couple of weeks, it was apparent that the Intermediate level was more appropriate for him. At the same time, Ruth was training (or should I say "was being trained") in the Basic level with Max. The dogs begun to excel. Ruth and I clicked in regards to the way we should treat our dogs!

One simple phrase worked well for us..."If your dog wants something from you, then he/she must learn to earn it". Sounds so simple, but the change in our dog's behaviour by following this simple philosophy has been dramatic. This is one of the secrets of the Four Paws K9 Training centre, actually it's no secret, they drum it into us every week at training! Today, our dogs respect us as the true pack leaders. There is no confusion! Please don't get me wrong, our dogs are not ruled by fear and intimidation, exactly the opposite! Our dogs love us to bits. Molly and Max want to please us all the time, however this time there is a respect which is evident. When we say "On your mat" or "Heel", "Sit" etc, they know we are serious. Sure, they're not perfect dogs...no dog is. Dogs are not human beings.

Max and Clare get on fine now. We still watch and supervise of course and Clare is a little older now. Clare loves Molly and Max to bits.

I've always loved animals, dogs in particular. It wasn't just the dog training I was enjoying, it was also the atmosphere, comaraderie of Four Paws. The people that came to train their dogs all seemed happy as did their dogs. One of the interesting obversations made by myself was the staff. I couldn't belileve these people, they were so keen and eager, excited, helpful, willing etc... There are no ego's, no "you are wrong", just simple and plain easy to understand advice on how you and your dog can enjoy each other's company and with some simple obedience lessons, you'll make a great team.

Five months ago, the "Dog Training" bug bit Ben. I remember the conversation with Trish, I'd been thinking in the back of my mind that I needed a hobby and that dog training could be an outlet for me. I asked Trish what the process was. She informed me that all her staff are professional, qualified trainers who had completed their studies with the National Dog Trainers Federation. The course ran for eight months. What???? Eight months to become a dog trainer? Wow, that is a long time, no wonder these people know so much.

I started the course on the 9th October 2004. I'll be qualified in May 2005. Wish me luck!

I've tried a few training schools over my time and there is nothing quite like Four Paws K9 Training. They will totally go out of their way to help you. I thought I was looking for a place to train my dogs, what I really found were some true friends.

Thanks heaps to Trish, Stuart, Judi, Sean Hilary, Brad, Jim and Anna.
Ben Fox, November 2004