Jax’s Method
Working on the Morley reserve, owner and founder of WildFree, Jax, spent time feeding and supporting rescues with spaying, neutering, etc. the stray animals as well as potentially rescuing, fostering or rehabilitating the feral dogs. It was there that she noticed something interesting: all the dogs are balanced. No dogs are excessively barking, reacting to loud noises, chasing shadows or acting aggressively towards humans.
With this observation came the realization that there is nothing inherently wrong with dogs, it is the human influence that makes the dogs unstable… We remove them from their natural habitat and make them live in unnatural environments with species that they would never be found with in the wild. Additionally, humans don’t provide boundaries or leadership as required by pack animals, who need hierarchy, routine and rules to bond as a balanced group.
Out of this understanding comes WildFree Canine’s mission: to achieve balance between human and dog and to create the most natural environment for canines living in the human world.
“It’s not about being dominant over your dog so that they respect you, but rather to create trust between you and your dog so that the two of you can work together as partners.”
‘I always start with teaching each pup my unique “Follow” exercise that I created 6 years ago.
I created this specially formulated exercise for several reasons: To bond human and canine, to teach canines to respect the human’s personal space, to gain your pup’s respect and trust along with confidence, to give them a job (to watch you instead of reacting to distractions around them), and to give them a sense of fulfillment.
I teach this exercise is in a way so that you and your pup eventually no longer have to rely on equipment such as: leash, collar, and other training tools. They will follow behind you with or without equipment with only mutual respect and understanding. The leash never has tension on it except when gently guiding them. The end result is a shadow effect; a pup who follows your every step; patiently, attentively, and relaxed accepting and avoiding distractions.’
The approach Jax takes in her training sets her apart from traditional puppy classes or obedience classes, as she hones in on the specific problem areas where dogs exhibit undesirable behaviours. If a dog is showing dominance issues at their home, she believes the best place to address and practice a calm state of mind is within that environment ie. the home. Similarly, for aggression or insecurity problems at the park or during walks, anxiety in the car, or overexcitement and obsessive barking when people visit the home, Jax tailors her training to address these situations directly.
Unlike some trainers who rely on preventative training methods, such as using physical barriers, Jax prefers to work with the dog's energy, redirecting their focus and interrupting inappropriate states of mind. Her teaching methodology revolves around understanding how dogs perceive and respond to body language and energy cues. Jax emphasizes the importance of clarity in communication with the dog, highlighting that without clear instructions, expecting obedience becomes unrealistic.
Through consistent repetitions and structured scenarios, Jax guides both dogs and their owners in achieving a calm state of mind. Employing natural methods of correction and leadership, Jax empowers owners to effectively guide their dogs to accept, avoid, and remain attentive in various situations. Her ultimate goal is to foster a harmonious relationship between the dog and their owners, built on understanding, trust, and mutual respect.