It is not every day that I write a testimonial for some body, but in my opinion Ross Allen is just not somebody, he is a mature and very much talented man. The early part of his life started amongst the service dog people of this world way back some 30 years ago at Williamstown Airbase in NSW, in those days Ross was a junior troop and I was a junior Corporal, we were two young men amongst 25 that provided security for the fighter aircraft at the airbase. In those days only three men bothered to train, exercise and work their police dogs the way the service required, most were happy to play cards and neglect their canine friends, the very asset that would possibly save their life one day. Ross, another Ross and I trained our police dogs day and night, in obedience, agility and field work, during the long hours of patrol work the greatest working relationships were born, boys became men and dogs became the life and sole of the dedicated few. Ross went on to become the Top Police dog Handler in the RAFF, the following year the Sergeant in charge was under so much pressure from the other troops he had Ross go on leave when the Top dog Team assessment came around so as Ross could not win it two years in a row, but that’s the way it was way back then, since that time Ross has become some what of a legend in his own time amongst the working dog people of Australia, loved and in the greatest demand by many, hated and feared by those that were jealous and could not expect or accept they were unable to match his expertise. Many people have learnt from Ross’s years of experience and his dedication to improving working dog within service and civilian life, he has become a much sought after dog trainer and consultant across southern Australia.

Since those adventurous days at Williamstown Airbase I went on to become the Chief Instructor for the RAAF, throughout that period I. assessed every police dog team in Australia and overseas including Singapore and Malaysia. During those heady years and to date I have not come across anyone to surpass Ross’s skill, dedication and expertis. Later I was to become the First Chief Instructor for the Australian Protective Service, later during 1988 I moved to Townville and became a Senior Inspector for the RSPCA, shortly after I became involved in Civilian obedience Clubs, becoming a senior judge at all levels of competition, during that time I trained three dogs of different breed to become Australian obedience and tracking Champions, I am currently the President of the Townville Obedience Club inc and recently had the pleasure of inviting Ross to conduct a seminar for the  instructor of my club, members were so taken with Ross’s knowledge and assistance to them he is currently receiving rave reports about the improvement in their skills and with their own dogs,.

I am available any time to discuss Ross and his training expertise, simply email me 
Mal Holland JP. President COCT Inc

 ‘Was it worth going all that way for a Dog Training seminar from Toowoomba to Townsville?’  Well, you would need your head read if you passed up the opportunity to attend a Workshop given by one of Australia’s best for just $10 for the whole weekend!  Normally workshops of this calibre can cost $280 plus per day.

I had heard and read about Ross Allan for years and I had seen the results of his training skills when several of his pupils just blitzed the trials down south with scores in the high 190’s in all Classes, not just falling across the qualifying line and one even gained the magic 200 in UD.  One of his pupils turned up at the 2000 German Shepherd National with his GSD and left the Novice ring shell-shocked with a score of 198 under Mick Heaney.  Tony Collins with ‘Beau’ then went into the Winner of Winners run-off for the Gold Medal against Warren Doyle and ‘Carson’, Rita Jaworski and ‘Sorrow’ and walked off with the coveted Gold Medal.  Blazoned across Tony’s back was ROSS ALLAN TRAINING SCHOOL.  At last year’s National four of his pupils won the Teams Trophy. They streaked it in: 765/800.

These dogs were what we call in the GSD world, ‘dancing, happy’ trialling dogs that were glued to the left knee and totally focused on their handlers.

The other thing that made me determined to meet Ross Allan was the fact that he was training up a GSD Baby Puppy Dog and had this puppy at 4 months doing a 2klm track on variable surface, scent discrimination, retrieve, speak on command, stays out of sight and heeling. I knew the bloodlines – purely show lines, not a single working line in 7 generations. So I came up to Townsville with my ears pinned back to learn at the feet of the Master and I was not disappointed.

Being a person working in academic circles, I was very impressed with the breadth and depth of research that Ross Allan has done in his field of canine psychology and behavioural science. There was not one single statement that Ross made that was not backed up by scientific research and proven facts as well as his own personal experience based on being a top RAAF Police Dog handler in the days when the RAAF dogs were acknowledged as the best trained dogs in the world.

The first session dealt with the importance of activating the dendritic spine, synapsis and receptors in baby puppies.  In layman’s language- socialising your puppy and introducing it to as many positive experiences between the age of first week and 16 weeks that you can.  Socialisation just doesn’t mean meeting other dogs and animals- it also means being introduced to a variety of people, children including babies in prams and different environments such as children’s playgrounds, busy streets, busy shopping centres, beach, river, parks, seeing and hearing motor bikes, trucks, lawn mowers etc. After 16 weeks the lights upstairs go out and also those sections of the dendritic spine that have not been activated remain dormant forever.  Ross stressed the importance of this vital stage of a puppy’s development. By the time it reaches 16 weeks of age, the puppy has absorbed all that it will learn for the rest of its life. The building blocks are in place. Ross also emphasised that what happens to a puppy can affect its behaviour forever which is why it is very important during the imprinting period that nothing negative is left unresolved.

Subjecting newborn puppies to stress really caused the hackles to rise in some people especially one of the Breeders present.  The Breeder stood her ground and would not accept the data provided by Ross as being valid. Early neurological stimulation was not something she appreciated despite the fact the research has shown that baby puppies exposed to bio-sensor stimulation have greater resistance to disease, are more exploratory and much more active.  They are calmer puppies. Well, you can’t win ‘em all.

Signs of stress were discussed and amongst them were Hot Ears and Chewing feet [not licking].  I learned something new.  Liddy was frequently subjected to having her ears cleaned because I thought hot ears= yeast build-up.  Siena found herself raced off to the Vet because I could not find anything on her foot pad where she had been chewing furiously. Now, I know. Some causes of stress are lack of exercise, separation anxiety, being removed from the litter too young, insufficient socialising, being left in a backyard doing nothing all day, especially any of the so-called working/herding breeds. The use of Bach Flower remedies, Oil of Lavender [diluted] Bowen Therapy, Massage, Spinal Manipulation and Reiki were offered as some suggestions for dealing with stressed out dogs.

The second session dealt with Nutrition: Processed Foods vs. Natural Foods. The sparks really flew in the exchange of ideas and opinions. The BARF diet was given a guernsey as was also Vets All Natural Complete Mix. Some of the pros and cons discussed were skin problems, hyperactivity, short concentration span, irritability and the high incidence of HD in dogs fed a processed foods diet. It was the latter statement that nearly took the roof off.  Rather reluctantly I have to admit that at the University of Gottingen [Germany] research backs this up as a possible factor in HD, whereas those dogs on a raw natural diet as advocated by Dr Ian Billinghurst have fewer skin problems, fewer dental problems, bounding energy, a balanced personality with vim and vigour into old age. Ross is a great advocate of Fish Oil being added to a dog’s diet. It is a natural anti-inflammatory. Flax Seed Oil is another one that has a combination of Omega 3, 6 & 9 and is effective in preventing cancer, arthritis and skin problems as well as improving the coat.

Dawn Holland, the Chef Supreme, made delicious Ham & Salad Rolls for lunch; cool drinks were available as well as dessert. As soon as Lunch was finished it was back inside for the final session on Pack Order, Psychology and Dominant Dogs.

We watched a DVD showing Ross’ young baby puppy approaching the geese in Ross’s yard and doing some retrieve work and also heeling – all as play. There was no neat finish to each retrieve- the ball or toy was brought back to hand. This also caused comment and discussion as to why the puppy was not made to sit squarely in front. Then we saw this 4 mths old puppy tracking. It was mid-morning, on variable surfaces -commencing in a suburban street, bitumen plus sand and gravel, and then out in to parkland and then into bush.  I was impressed – it was in bright sunshine and this young dog was going flat out tracking Ross for over 2 klm. At the end of the track he did some play work on the sleeve. Just amazing stuff.

Pack Order – establishing and maintaining the correct pack order: a vital component for happy well-adjusted dogs.  The issue of aggressive behaviour was discussed. Ross pointed out that many owners make the mistake of ignoring the sudden surge of aggressive behaviour ,not knowing how to deal with it and by verbally correcting the dog while at the same time patting it to calm and relax the dog which as he pointed out is actually rewarding the dog and therefore encouraging its behaviour.  Owners often come up with the lame excuse that other dogs or people are invading the dog’s space. According to Ross this is sheer nonsense – the dog is taking over control! Dogs need exercise, discipline, guidelines and leadership and someone they can respect, admire and love. This led to the intriguing, mind-boggling concept of urination as a means of defining the Pack leader-YOUR urine not the dogs.  This was based on research carried out by Dr Klinghammer at the Wolf Park in Indiana, USA. Don Morris, a foremost authority on genetics, puppy development and dog behaviour suggested this method to Ross as a natural means of controlling dominant dogs.   The urine is sprayed around the yard at a higher level than the dog can. As strange as it may seem, it does pull a dominant dog into line.  The other method advocated by Ross is that of elevation – standing at a higher level than your dog and striking an arrogant pose as you look straight at your dog. Elevation is a means of domination. The top dog will always seek the higher ground.

On Saturday evening there was a BBQ where people could informally chat with Ross and ask questions.  Doug Greenwood did the cooking and Judy Forbes-Faulkner provided the salads.  There were also sweets. It was a great night and everyone relaxed.

Sunday morning 6.30a.m start. Dogs and handlers were put through their paces in a training session that lasted for well over an hour. The heeling patterns were interesting, quick and kept you on your toes. There were elevation exercises as well as stays out of sight. After this each person was given a 30-40 mins one-on-one session with Ross to deal with any exercises or problems they may be having with their dogs.  It was excellent and all too soon this wonderful and very informative Seminar came to an end.

Ross Allan is a very quiet unassuming man who does not believe that he has all the answers to every dog problem. He is a great listener and what impressed me was the respect he accorded to each person’s opinion, no matter how ratty it was!

Those of you who missed out on this great opportunity – buy his books, read them over and over again, underline passages and follow the suggestions.  They are commonsense and very practical. The two books are:

Dog Obedience Training, A Complete Authoritative Guide –Ross Allan [Try www.excellentdogtraining.com] Solving Dog Obedience Training Problems- Training Notes -Ross Allan [Try www.excellentdogtraining.com]

Was it worth coming all that way? You bet.  I am looking forward to the next session. Of course, there will be a follow-up, won’t there, Mal? JEANNIE JOHNSTON, Queensland (National Dog Magazine)

FOOD TRAIN FOR TRIALING  and TEACHING.  OR NOT..

For some years now training a dog with food to perform has been rearing its ugly head.  It has stemmed from the training that is given to most mammals (i.e. Dolphins, Sea Lions etc).  Yes you do train these creatures with food.  You really can't train them on a piece of equipment, but, you don't take them home to live with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week often within the confines of the home and family.  A dog you do.    He /She is a part of your family, but you should never forget that it is a Canine with all the instincts, Heritage of a Wolf.  It is loyal to its family, understands its place in the pack, and will abide by the position it has gained within that pack.  It doesn't need to be rewarded every time it does something for the pack.  It does what is required because (1)  It needs to to maintain its position (2) It copies what every other member of the pack is doing (3) It wants to please its other pack members. (4) It has RESPECT for the leader of the Pack.  These are but a few of the reasons.

A trainer called Ross Allan has the understanding and the knowledge that allow him to be one of the best trainers around.  Does he use Food.  No.  Why? He doesn't need to.

The dogs trained by Ross, in the methods used many years ago, without the embellishments of today's society of Food Food and more Food, are the dogs which have in the past, and will continue in the future,  to win the Obedience Trials at all levels.  The dogs are consistent, happy to work, and understand their place within their pack.

These dogs an be taken anywhere, and are reliable in all circumstances.  From a Judges point of view, the relationship between Ross and his students and their dog's whilst trialling under me, is a joy to behold .  They move in unison.  As one.  The dog understands what is required of it.  The hand signals and commands from the owner are precise and sure.  The footwork (body language) displayed by the handler is well understood by the dog, so there is no room for error.

Yes of course the handler is taught by Ross to praise for work well executed.  The voice and sound of 'GOOD DOG" and the occasional pat is more than enough for this well trained dog.  The happiness it expresses in its body movement is most times a joy to behold.  No.    No  food is used.  This dog has learnt to work for any reward it is given.  That is what happens in the wild, so even though this dog is a domesticated pet, it knows its boundaries.

Sometimes the owners find the idea of always remaining FIRM is too hard for them to do.  Remember, we as humans have to totally change our way of thinking if we are to get the best from our canine friend.  We can love them to death, but they must have respect for us as their leader.  Without that we have nothing, and that is what Ross, like the rest of us, sometimes finds it hard to get across to the owner.  But if you want the results, then listen to what he is saying.

Food trained dogs can look good for about 100 meters.  After that they lose interest.  There is no food forthcoming, why should  the dog work.  How many people want to walk around all day with food in their hand.  I don't.  Do you?

We are very quick in the dog world to bag someone who dares to be different.  Who dares to try to understand what makes the dog tick, and why it does the things it does.  To still feel that while there is a place for new methods in some instances, there is nothing wrong with the methods that have been used for often hundreds of years.  To THINK DOG, and work things out from its point of view and not ours.

Ross Allan is one of these trainers, and I have no hesitation in saying so here.  Some of the things I have seen Ross achieve over the years have been nothing short of amazing.  The work he is doing at this very moment with a very young German Shepherd in the Tracking Field is nothing short of incredible, and I am not really easy to impress.  I have heared people say, "you CAN'T DO THAT WITH A DOG SO YOUNG"?  I have to say yes you can, Ross has done it.

He has placed a dog of his which had done extremely well in the Obedience World into the Police Dog Squad.  This dog only had 2 legs to go to get his O.C. BUT Ross decided the dog was too good just to remain a family pet, and so he put it to work.  Dog is very happy, Police Force are saying this is one of the best dogs they have had for many years.  Was it trained with food?  No way.  It was trained to enjoy, be consistent, be reliable, think for itself when required, and to love and have respect for its owner/handler.

This is a testimonial for Ross Allan.  It is also a testimonial for the old ways which is often abused in todays society.

Like everything, any piece of equipment or method used is only as good as the person using it or teaching it.  This is where Ross excels.

Does PACK STRUCTURE still exist? Some will tell you today  NO. IT DOESN'T.  Can the packs of dogs been so wrong for so long, or have we as humans taken the easy, non intrusive way to train our dogs.  PRAISE,but NO CORRECTION.  .Could  this way of thinking be the reason why we have so much aggression in dogs today.

I wish Ross the best always, and trust he will continue to teach the owners how to have the respect of their dogs, and thereby continue to be so successful in his training of our canine friends.  Val Bonney (Canine Behaviorist/International Trainer.)  Bonnie's Dog Obedience & Care Centre, 34 Romea Street, The Gap. 4061 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. P: +61 7 3300 2959 F: +61 7 3300 9787 info@bonnies.com.au: www.bonnies.com.au
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Ross Allan's Book, "Dog Obedience Training" and his "Training Notes" were essential in assisting me to gain more achievements than I could have ever dreamed. Tony Collins, Caloundra, Queensland

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Inspector Ross Davidson, National Training Development Officer, Australian Protective Services.

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