IntegranDog They are Izaskun Ibáñez, canine educator and technician in animal-assisted interventions, and Marta Arroyo, ethologist specialized in canine behavior. It was born in mid-2017, after ten years in the world of dog training, out of the desire “to do things in a slightly different way, to go one step further, facilitating the integration of dogs into their families and into the world.” rest of society.”
What is your dog training method based on?
So that dogs and families can enjoy together and in the society in which we live, it is important that families understand their four-legged companions well and can help them in those situations that cost them the most. In addition, we work with the dogs so that they are able to relate appropriately within the environment in which they live, for example, being able to walk without pulling on the leash or being able to go to a terrace to have a drink while the dog remains calm. our side. All of this always working with respect for the animal's well-being and favoring the bond between it and its family.
What are the main problems you deal with?
Due to the culture in which we live, in which we run all day and work long hours, the main problems we help solve are getting walks where everyone enjoys: people and dogs. They also call us a lot to help solve the different problems of dogs when they are left alone at home. Likewise, another reason for consultations is fear, especially in dogs that come with a history of previous abandonment.
The causes of abandoned dogs (and cats) are multiple, but in many cases it is due to the arrival at home of a baby. What is your proposal to prevent the animal from being left over and achieve a harmonious home?
Having a child live with animals is a gift, in fact, there are multiple studies that talk about the advantages of it. That said, certain issues must be taken into account. We must be aware that dogs are not stuffed animals, but living beings that have their own needs, so children must be taught to interact appropriately with dogs.
It is also very important that the dog has an appropriate rest area, so that when it is there it knows that no one is going to disturb it. This way, if at any time he feels uncomfortable, he can go to that rest area to relax.
And above all, it is best to anticipate, prepare for changes and learn the appropriate guidelines. In the event that a baby is going to be born, for our part, we offer personalized workshops to prepare for her arrival as best as possible and, thus, ensure that things will go well. We go to the home and explain how the introduction between the baby and the dog should be done, the first days, the walks, the games that they can share as the baby grows, etc.
We have proven with our own experience that these efforts are worth it. One of us is a mother and a beautiful relationship has been created between the dogs and the girls.
What is the main cause of a dog training process not being successful?
Of course the involvement of the family is essential. At IntegranDog we have worked with very complicated cases, where the involvement of the family has been total and with perseverance and patience great results have been achieved.
The environment is something that can sometimes also limit the results obtained. For example, a dog with a phobia of firecrackers will have a much more difficult time in an area where there are many firecrackers at parties and celebrations than living in a quiet area, where they do not usually hear. Another important reason is false expectations. It is important to accept our dog as he is, and from there, work to get the best out of the human-dog team.
Do you use essential oils, vegetables, Bach flowers, Tellington Touch... in many cases, what importance do you give to the Natural therapies And on what occasions are they most useful?
Although for us the most important thing is behavioral therapy, as it generates a change not only in the dog, but also in the family's relationship with it, being able to have extra tools that do not have unwanted effects is a very important support.
There are dogs with very high stress levels and until we can lower them, they will not be really receptive to work. If we complement it with natural therapies we make the process much faster and that is vital. For example, in the case of fear of firecrackers, being able to help the dog with a nutritional complex so that you can cope better with the extra days firecrackers, like New Year's Eve, will help the work that was already being done not go backwards. Thus, we will be ensuring the well-being of the animal with all possible means, which in the end is the priority.
