Tim Pratt, an ex-correctional officer with 13 years of dog training expertise, shares his insights on canine behavior and training methods. He discusses transitioning from the intense environment of corrections to founding Diverse Dogs, focusing on the emotional bonds between dogs and their owners. Tim dives into the power of breathwork and mindfulness for managing anxiety, both in dogs and humans. He emphasizes innovative training techniques that enhance connection through play and urges pet owners to embrace mindfulness for deeper relationships with their furry companions.
Tim Pratt transitioned from a correctional officer to dog training, emphasizing the importance of structured training for purpose-selected dogs.
The presence of dogs in high-stress environments offers therapeutic benefits, improving the emotional state of both staff and prisoners.
Through his company Diverse Dogs, Tim highlights the need for a holistic training approach that strengthens the owner-dog relationship and promotes emotional understanding.
Tim advocates for mindfulness and breathwork techniques to help dog owners manage their anxieties, positively influencing their dogs' behavior and training outcomes.
Deep dives
Pioneering Dog Training Career
The guest transitioned into dog training after starting as a dog handler at Queensland Corrective Services in 2008. He first worked in a high-security prison before joining the dog squad around 2012, where he handled general-purpose and drug detection dogs. The rigorous selection process for working with these dogs requires candidates to demonstrate competence as correctional officers first, showcasing the seriousness of the job. The dogs performed various functions including searching for illegal items and crowd control, highlighting the vital role they played in maintaining security in a challenging environment.
Impact of Working with Dogs in Prisons
Working in a correctional facility presents inherent stress, but interaction with dogs can have a calming effect on staff. The presence of dogs in such environments contributed positively by breaking routines and lightening the mood among officers. Dogs also served as therapeutic companions for both staff and select prisoners who participated in assistance dog training programs. Overall, this relationship underscores the multifaceted benefits of dogs, even in high-stakes, stressful settings.
The Transition to Dog Training for Owners
After 15 years in corrections, the guest experienced increasing anxiety and ultimately left the field due to cumulative PTSD. His love for working with dogs drove him to continue focusing on canine relationships, but this time with pet owners rather than in a correctional setting. He discovered that dog training for the general public was not only fulfilling but also essential for improving the lives of both the dogs and their owners. The audience learns how the same principles of training can be applied outside of a prison context to foster positive human-animal relationships.
Understanding Dog Behavior Through a Holistic Approach
The guest now utilizes a holistic approach when working with pet dogs, focusing on understanding their behavioral needs and emotions. He believes in helping owners recognize that dogs require training not just in commands but also in building a strong relationship. A priority is on teaching owners to effectively communicate with their dogs, ensuring that training methods are clear and simple. This comprehensive strategy emphasizes the importance of emotional connections, showing that the well-being of both the dog and the owner is crucial for effective training.
The Intersection of Anxiety and Dog Training
A significant part of the current training involves addressing the owners' anxieties, as these can heavily influence a dog's behavior. The guest observes that when owners exhibit anxiety, their dogs often mirror this stress, leading to further behavioral issues. By teaching breathwork and mindfulness techniques, he enables owners to manage their emotional states, which, in turn, benefits their dogs. This reciprocal relationship enhances understanding and the ability to foster a calmer atmosphere for training.
The Importance of Presence and Mindfulness
The emphasis on being present during dog training is an essential aspect that fosters a deeper bond between dogs and their owners. Responding effectively to a dog's needs requires full attention, which can often be lost in the distractions of daily life. The guest encourages dog owners to practice mindfulness and engage fully with their dogs, analyzing their behaviors and reactions actively. This practice transforms not only the training experience but also builds a more substantial, trusting relationship between the person and their dog.
Community Involvement and Future Aspirations
The guest is engaged with organizations like WillowTree Sanctuary, focusing on helping dogs that need training attention to improve their chances of adoption. He finds great fulfillment in volunteering his time and expertise to train dogs in long-term care. This initiative highlights the importance of addressing behavioral issues in rescue dogs, ultimately paving the way for better futures for these animals. His ongoing mission is to blend professional dog training with community service, creating a positive impact on the lives of dogs in need.
Tim is an ex-correctional officer, who worked in the canine unit for 13 years working and training dogs for specific tasks from the tactical unit to scent dogs.
From dealing with issues that came from the nature of the job and the intense environment, Tim has been on a journey of self development which propelled him to start his own company, Diverse Dogs.
Tim joined Panos for a great conversation ranging from technical training, purpose selected dogs, to help fix behavioural issues for everyday dog owners.
We also went on a deep dive on breath work and how that has positively impacted Tim's life and furthermore how he implements it into some of his sessions with clients struggling with anxiety and tunnel vision (when dealing with problem behaviours).
Panos and Tim resonated on many levels and was an inspiring conversation. We hope you find it enjoying!
