MUTTS WITH MANNERS is owned and operated by Debbie Chitty, a DELTA accredited behavioural trainer with extensive experience training a variety of different species, including exotic animals. Debbie is also a qualified Veterinary Nurse with over 13 years experience, specialising in surgicial and medical nursing and is on the commitee for the DELTA Professional Dog Training Association. At present she is studying a Diploma of Animal Behaviour Science and Technology (Dip.ABST) through the Companion Animal Science Institute.
For the past 6 years MUTTS WITH MANNERS has been successfully running 'Whole of Life' programs for pet dog owners, developing enrichment strategies for shelter / welfare dogs and delivering Dog Safe programs aimed at primary school children and parenting groups. This program is aimed at helping to reduce the incidence of dog bites in children.
We specialise in: - Animal behavioural training and management
- Puppy Pre-school
- Adult training programs
- 'Whole of life' programs
- Public education seminars
- Environmental enrichment
Our aim is to help develop relationships based on mutal trust, understanding and respect, with well informed owners and happy, well mannered companions. 'Good citizens on both ends of the leash!'
We also prepare and deliver education seminars to the general public aimed at increasing owner awareness of training, behavioural and socialisation issues.
Understanding reinforcement is the key to understanding how learning takes place. From a behaviorist’s perspective, each day is made up of a series of behaviours that are either reinforced or not reinforced. This is true for both animals and humans. Our dogs are constantly trying different behaviours in order to work out what works and what doesn’t. In the training we offer with your dog, we utilizing positive reinforcement and operant conditioning.
Our goal is to give owners the tools to identify and solve, not only the cause of undesirable behaviour, but it's solution.
The most successful and long lasting results are not those carried out blindly by the owner on the instructions of the trainer, but those the owner can understand and modify, extend and implement themselves.
I have been blessed to have the opportunity to meet some remarkable, inspirational people / trainers and I sincerely thank all of the people who continue to build the human / canine bond and help dogs become a valued, accepted part of todays society.
Training is about effective communication. Your dog will be a reflection of your relationship, training and consistency.
I have also been privileged enough to experience the joy that comes from having dogs share my life.
One of the most important lessons I've ever learnt came from a shelter dog named 'Roy'. A 2yr old Border Collie, at the pound again, after 4 different homes. He taught me more about unconditional love, honesty, co-operation and mutal understanding and respect than all the text books I've read, letures I've attended and studing I've pursued.
I remember attending a Suzanne Clothier seminar and listening to talk about training with ego, carefully listening to an animal as you would a human friend and listening for the music. Although inspired by her words, I had yet to discover what they truly meant.
Roy showed me thejoy of the dance. A connection. A relationship and bond based on comfort, love, acceptance, honesty, peace and joy, understanding and respect.
Although he has now passed, the lessons he taught me and the bond we shared will remain forever.
To say I loved him is simply not enough.
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."
