Erfahrungsberichte
Meuri`s mental Dog Art
Review for Meuri's Mental Dog Art
It's going to be a bit long, but it's worth reading:
Introductory session:
And our dog was already much calmer that evening. Hard to believe!
10 school hours:
And it's finally a real joy to go for walks with her in the city, in the countryside, and in the woods. She's lost her nervousness – and so have we!!
We've even dared to let our dog run free again occasionally (despite her extreme hunting instinct). She always puts a smile on our faces when she comes back as soon as we stop. Simply wonderful! She hasn't run away since.
It was never like this before. She did very well in dog training classes because we demanded it of her: basic obedience, games, scent work, agility, mantrailing (supposedly as a substitute for hunting – instead, the instinct was encouraged and made worse!). We were told that this dog needed mental and physical stimulation. But our Teslin became increasingly nervous. And then, at a crucial moment outdoors, she was gone. We spent hours searching for a scent, but she never came back (pure horror) – none of what she had supposedly learned so well in dog training classes worked in the wild. We were baffled and inconsolable. Of course, it's our fault, (almost) every dog trainer would say with conviction.
Note: We're not newcomers. This is our third Belgian Shepherd. With our previous dogs, we didn't attend dog training classes, didn't use positive reinforcement, and fed them kilos of treats. Our dogs simply followed us around, were affectionate and friendly with people and all animals, always well-behaved, and off-leash; a true joy to have such a companion by your side!
We now regret having let ourselves be influenced by various people. But now we are overjoyed to have finally met Meuri's Mental Dog Art. They quickly helped us out of our helpless predicament. We have finally reached a point where we can calmly connect with our family member on an equal footing. Our dog shows her contentment through her calmness, closeness, and gentle caresses.
We want to learn so much more from Meuris. Teslin can do it if our posture is correct, but above all, if our trust in her is 100% restored. Teslin is our mirror image!
Dear Beat, dear Renate, Cindy and Michaela, although we are still dog-tired, we are grateful, happy and satisfied that we were able to participate in your first 3-day dog seminar after the pandemic in the Black Forest.
Beat, you are not only a gifted dog handler, but also a gifted dog whisperer. You lovingly showed us how dogs can be guided confidently through all situations without any pressure or force, thus building and fostering trust with the animals. Thankfully, your daughters Cindy and Michaela are following in your footsteps in this unique leadership training.
Dear Renate, as the breeder of your setter pack, you entrusted us, a retired couple in our seventies, with a setter puppy two years ago. We are so happy that, despite our age, we were able to adopt Cayenne, who has excellent social skills, from you. We can already take her with us as a therapy dog on visits to nursing homes, and she enjoys all the affection and petting. Many thanks also for keeping a watchful eye on the smooth running of the highly successful seminar as its organizer.
Instead of 5, we would give the full number, i.e., 7 stars!!!
With kind regards
Ruth and Walter Baltisberger with Cayenne
liebe meuris.
You accompanied us for almost a year. Without your help, the calm atmosphere, and the constant trust, Kira and I wouldn't have found each other. Without you, I would have taken Kira back to the children's home, feeling like I had failed, simply because I felt completely overwhelmed. I enjoyed every Thursday and will miss you and the group. Warmest regards, Barbara
I wanted to thank you so much for the wonderful introductory session this morning. It was just as described on your website; it's hard to imagine, but I was so pleased with how everything worked. For some time now, I've known I was doing something wrong with my dog, and the way you explained it to me, I finally understood. Hopefully, this will help me avoid repeating my mistakes in the future. We've already practiced, and it went really well. 😀 In all my years at various dog training schools, I've never learned anything so great. Thank you so much for everything, and I look forward to seeing you in a course soon.
Daria and Kimi
Dear Meuri Team, since we first met on January 23, 2023, and since our weekly Wednesday school visits, Teslin has changed dramatically for the better. We are so grateful that you share your knowledge with us. Even though things aren't perfect yet, and we still have a lot to learn and implement, it's now a real joy to go for walks with Teslin again. She learns very quickly (unlike us). So we're already looking forward to next Wednesday in Winterthur! We wish you a wonderful weekend and send our warmest greetings from Staufen, Rosmarie and Martin
Dear Meuris Sidy and Andrea, I visited you in Itaslen two days ago. They've really figured out how to go for walks! I hardly pull on the leash anymore, and even when I see a cat, I can stay calmer. They really enjoy going out with me, and I follow them everywhere! Our neighbor asked if they'd exchanged me; how cheeky! Who would have thought they'd get it under control so quickly…
Why didn't anyone explain this to them properly before? Anyway, I'll let them practice a little more and then I'll come back so they can learn the rest. After all, I'd like to be off-leash as often as possible! Warm greetings from beautiful Stein am Rhein (unfortunately rainy today). BalooPS from Andrea and Sidy: It's truly amazing how much has changed in just two days. Thank you so much!
It all started six years ago. We met tiny Boon. We fell in love with him, and at the beginning of December 2003, we brought him home. At first, I bravely took him on exploratory walks off-leash. Soon, however, he learned to use a leash. A year later, the now-grown Boon started charging at everything that moved: joggers, skaters, bicycles, cars, trucks, and so on. The battle on the leash was in full swing. I tried to avoid everything, but that wasn't always possible. My pleas for help to various dog training schools went unanswered, or rather, my problem remained unresolved. On the contrary, it only got worse. Today, I can laugh when I think about how I used to hide behind trees to avoid confrontations with frightened people. With our heads held high, we manage to walk past people, fast and slow, vehicles, and other moving objects. I feel joy every time I call Boon to me in an open field, and he trots over and continues walking beside me.
Kind regards, Claudia, Cremona, Aargau
The time we spent with our little speedster is still vivid in our memories! Countless socks, bras, underwear, and much more disappeared—whoosh!—into the garden. Although we were already "experienced" dog owners, I attended your seminar in Oftringen. And, lo and behold, our little wonder dog could suddenly walk on a leash like a pro. For me, this was a completely new experience; we never reached this level of leash-walking skill with our first dog. Even in his old age and with a tumor in his lower leg, he pulled on the leash like a draft horse. Well, as a mother of three children (who are no longer children), sometimes there just isn't enough time to build on what we've learned. That's why we suffered quite a few setbacks, both big and small. So I decided to attend your dog training course or a weekend course in Germany with Mojra once a year. Time well spent, as it turns out. I love going to the city (to Zurich) with Mojra most when the streets and alleys are incredibly crowded. Sometimes, I feel a little proud when Mojra lies completely calm and relaxed on the floor in the middle of a shop, waiting until I've finished my shopping. Or when the cute little puppies bark from a Louis Vuitton bag and Mojra doesn't even glance at them, or when we walk through the crowds on a loose leash, or when Mojra doesn't even look at the treats offered, or when small children play with Mojra's long ears and large, inviting nostrils without their parents stopping them, or when the vet is amazed that Mojra lies down when I lower the leash a little without her yelling for long, or when... well, then you all come to mind again and again. At this point, I want to thank you all so much for your support. We have never regretted 1. taking Mojra into our home and 2. attending your courses and seminars. I'm already looking forward to the seminar in the spring. After all, we always had a great time alongside the course! We wish you, dear Meuris, all the best and the necessary perseverance for a continued successful future! Sincerely, Sabina Hügli & Co., Adliswil
Eloni and I – what does training mean? Eloni is a miniature poodle from my own litter. I can't say that anything happened during the breeding process (bred by someone else) that was kept from me. I trained to be a puppy group leader, and I'm not exactly an inexperienced dog owner. Eloni's mother and half-sister also live with us. A wonderful, uncomplicated trio. Until one day, the following happened: After our walk, I loaded all the dogs into their crates in the car. I got in myself, too. After a short break, I took each dog individually and started some light training. A ritual that proved successful. Last, I took Eloni out of the car. At the time, she was just about a year old. She wasn't on a leash. We started playing with a toy. In the distance, I saw the municipal vehicle emptying the dog waste bins. I took Eloni to me and held her by her harness so the vehicle could drive past us. Eloni watched the "monster" go by (now I know I shouldn't have just let my dog watch without helping her). Then she made contact again, and I wanted to continue playing. Eloni ran after the municipal vehicle. I started calling her. Eloni didn't respond. Then, when the vehicle stopped, she turned around—past me—back the way the vehicle had come. And that was quite a distance. Luckily, we were on country lanes, so it wasn't dangerous. I wasn't prepared for this. I quickly grabbed a handful of Frolic from the vehicle, crushed the kibble a little in my hands, and scattered it on the ground. Eloni turned around just before reaching the woods and ran back to me. She approached rather tentatively. Then I showed her the kibble on the ground. I was then able to calmly pick her up. I put her in her crate, sat down in the vehicle as if paralyzed, and had to catch my breath. About two days earlier, a yellow sports car roared past Eloni and accelerated from a standstill to far too fast… Eloni was startled. Eloni could no longer walk on a loose leash. She stretched her head out to bark at every passing car. I stopped going where the municipal vehicle used to pass us, and I also stopped walking along that street. But I couldn't undo what had happened. Eloni went for a walk with me alone. I felt awkward. Eloni was pulling me around. I didn't recognize her anymore. Did she need a new command? New treats? What should I reward her for? Which command—and for what? I had never felt so helpless when it came to dog training. Soon I listened to colleagues who had gone through something similar. I tried everything they recommended. Then I reflected on it. Suddenly I realized I might be being unfair to Eloni. I absolutely didn't want that. A colleague gave me the Meuri family's address. So I dialed the number and Cindy answered my call. I explained who I was and what I did. I also explained that I had completed companion dog training levels 1, 2, and 3 with Nero (my first poodle—he died at 14 in February 2018). Now I wanted to know how the Meuri family worked. I wanted to reach my goal without pain or pressure—in other words, without force. Force begins where knowledge ends. When does force begin, and what constitutes pressure? Cindy explained that they work without talking to the dog and without using food. This method was very unfamiliar to me, but it piqued my curiosity. So I got my first appointment for January 4, 2018. Beat Meuri looked at us and began to explain. Since everything was so incredibly new to me, I remembered almost nothing when I got home. The crucial factor for attending further lessons was this: Eloni was guided gently, and Beat was able to demonstrate everything he explained. Soon, another individual lesson followed. We met in Münchwilen and walked along the Murg River. Beat walked to my left. In my left hand, I held Eloni on a long leash. Eloni walked far ahead, sniffing around like crazy, her nose to the ground. Beat explained that this behavior would disappear as soon as I could help her by being confident. He calmly explained the method to me (which amazed and pleased me at the same time). Then he told me not to be alarmed when he soon placed his right hand on my left. We continued walking, chatting about humane and friendly dog training. Suddenly, he placed his hand on mine. Eloni turned around and came between us. I probably don't need to explain how amazed I was. Thus began the wonderful time at the Beat Meuri and Family dog training school. Eloni learned to look to me for guidance. Initially, of course, cars were still a concern. But I gradually learned how the young dog changed and how I became more central to her. I repeatedly practiced positioning the dog sideways in front of me. Everything slowed down. Then we continued walking. I could feel tiny steps forward. There were setbacks too, mostly when my mind wandered. Beat constantly corrected me in the city group. It was my first time in the group. Then he explained to me that Eloni was a "dovey dog." I should let her "dove out" a bit. "Tough talk," I thought. What would people think? But he was right. I didn't need to be told twice. Because Beat was right, I immediately started working on it and went to the town of Frauenfeld. I walked Eloni on the sidewalk and practiced walking on a loose leash. We also did some U-turns. On the other sidewalk, two women were walking with a stroller and a small, leashed dog. Eloni persevered: she started to "dove out." She croaked like a raven, stood on her hind legs, and wanted to go to the dog. I stood very still and tried to position myself sideways to Eloni. When she calmed down a bit after about five minutes, I turned around and walked a little further. Then we went to the car and drove home. The situation was anything but funny. But it had to be done. The barking subsided, and we both learned something from it. Once, I was walking Eloni between fields when a woman approached us with an old horse on a lead rope and a dog running loose. Eloni barked at the horse. The woman said, however, that her horse got along well with dogs. We ignored Eloni and let her bark. The horse was grazing on lush grass at the edge of the path. It was free to move around and wasn't bothered by Eloni. Soon she calmed down and was quiet. She followed the horse and watched it. We managed that too. The "dovey phases" subsided. This behavior obviously no longer pays off for Eloni. I'm extremely glad that Beat taught us not to talk to the dog. This allows me to concentrate on the essentials. Not having to search for commands anymore makes things much easier. Rewarding with food—that's completely eliminated. This relaxes me on walks. Eloni doesn't ask for food either. I occasionally give her a treat along the way if it's not important. But not every day. When I'm asked how this method can be applied, this is my answer: It's like tying your shoes. You can't explain it—you can only demonstrate it. If the shoe isn't tied properly, it comes undone and has to be tied again. If it's tied properly, then you can walk. That's exactly how the method of non-violent training works. It was perfectly clear to me that a dog shouldn't experience violence. But I was never really aware that the dog puts itself under pressure to get food or toys. Dogs that, for example, get treats for walking on a loose leash, only do it for the food. Otherwise, it's not worth their while. So the dog puts pressure on itself… I was always happy when I could work with Nero for the companion dog tests. But today I know that everything a dog learns in sports consists of tricks. And that's a lot of pressure. As soon as commands are used, praise is also necessary. The dog works under pressure. I worked carefully with Nero and always gave him plenty of rest. He, too, worked under a certain amount of pressure. That's why I gave him enough breaks and relaxed walks. If you've intended your dog for a sport, then I urge all dog owners not to forget the dog, because it's not uncommon for dog owners to unconsciously put their own interests before the dog's. Only when a dog is trained and truly united with its owner—only then can dog sports be considered (if at all). Looking back to the time when I almost despaired, I can now count myself among the lucky dog owners. Happy because I can already apply and implement so much of what I learned at Meuri Dog School, and happy because Eloni and I have found each other again. Last but not least: Luckily, you can't forget something you couldn't do in the first place…
Hi everyone! So, I had actually sworn off dog training schools. I'd already been to several and could mostly only shake my head. The big promises like "we'll help you with all your problems" and "all breeds are welcome" just didn't convince me anymore. In short, I was one of those people for whom the word "dog training school" only triggered suspicion. Luckily, Meuris' website never completely left my mind, and when my dog's leash aggression became increasingly severe, I thankfully took the plunge! After just the first five minutes, I knew I'd finally landed in the right place. My idea of how it should work was correct, but I couldn't implement it everywhere. The whole circus surrounding the pack leader and all that had also unsettled me. There's no need to reinvent the wheel! Humans and dogs have lived together naturally for thousands of years and have always benefited from each other. I grew up on a farm with dogs. The dogs always integrated wonderfully. We respected them and treated them with love, and they did the same for us. My first dog always accompanied me during my first two years of school when I still had to walk to school, and then walked the nearly two kilometers home alone or waited on the school steps. Unthinkable today; what a shame! And yet, even after more than 30 years had passed and I finally had the time and space for my own dog again, I fell for all the dog training hysteria. My skin wasn't thick enough to handle it when people yelled at me from afar, "Put your mutt on a leash!" (even though he was barely 12 weeks old and absolutely adorable). Then the first jogger—"Ooh, great!" my little rascal thought, and jumped after him… "I'll report you, you irresponsible person!" the jogger yelled at me… And then, sorry, the worst of all, the other dog owners. "Cool," my little rascal thinks, "a buddy to play with." He forgets himself and me and runs off... No problem, I think, he has a dog too, he'll understand... Wrong. After a massive dressing-down about not being able to control my dog and because of people like me, we have all these problems, it dawns on me that times have changed. Encounters with other people, with and without four-legged friends, are becoming stressful... And my dog is supposed to stay calm or even learn to walk past everything calmly when his owner is tense and insecure. At the latest when he grows up, he'll stand up for his owner and show everyone who comes along who's boss. So, help from a specialist! Every dog school helps you immediately with every problem... Maybe... but unfortunately not for me... "Your dog is far too dominant" (I can't stand that word anymore)... "You can't train livestock guardian dogs..." Up until the point where I was told that with these dogs you can't achieve anything without using electric shocks... I've had enough, thank you for your help... After all these experiences, the hour with Beat was a godsend. Beat's calm, friendly, and understanding manner encouraged me to turn things around completely and return to my original idea of a human-dog partnership. He showed me that it all comes down to me becoming calm and relaxed again, thus signaling to my dog that he, too, can relax. Of course, this reprogramming wasn't possible overnight. In the group course, which his daughter Michaela leads with the same calm, composure, and friendliness as her father, I was then able to practice remaining calm in all situations and thereby signaling relaxation to my dog. I'm not quite through the tunnel yet, but I see the light on the other side. I thank you both from the bottom of my heart for showing me the way. Yvonne
It's already been over two months since we attended your dog training seminar in the Black Forest. Ares is doing very well, and if something doesn't work, it's always the other end of the leash's fault... This was and is the most important lesson we learned from those exciting and informative hours. Your training (I mean, we had to go to school, not Ares!) is having a very positive impact on our daily lives. I hope you'll soon find another hotel for these three-day seminars. This intensive time spent together is truly beneficial for both humans and dogs. We learned to communicate with our friend in a more dog-friendly way, and since this seminar, I've become aware of just how diverse canine communication is. We'll definitely attend another seminar to refresh our skills, as we want to continue living a relaxed and happy life with our sweet boy. We've attached some photos; perhaps you can use a few. Warmest regards and a big woof, Ursula & Roland with Ares, Basel
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the valuable tips I received during each food delivery. They significantly improved the way our dog Thierry lives with us as his family, and we were able to successfully defuse difficult situations. "The dog copies the person," (quote B. Meuri); this realization helped us understand that the problem often lay with us and not with our wonderful four-legged friend! For years now, we have lived together harmoniously, and it's reassuring to know that any potential issues could be addressed again during the next food delivery! Thank you so much for this comprehensive support!
With kind regards from the Bernese Oberland, Barbara and the Zimmerli family.
Attending the Sunday courses was very beneficial for us. We received a lot of important information, and being with our dog has become much more relaxed. Now we have the tools and can continue to refine our skills and stay consistent. Walking with Kathy is relaxing for everyone, and my son can now enjoy walking with her again. Thank you so much! We've already recommended you to others. It has been incredibly helpful for us! Warm regards, Susanne and Jan Ismael
Now I'm starting my third attempt, as it's not so easy to find the right words and get to the point. In short, in February 2009 you told me, "If you pay attention to what I've shown you and keep going, and stay calm, then you'll have a fantastic dog by 13 months." You were right, and Lucy is a unique, wonderful dog for Lars and me, who brings us so much joy—and not just us. It's funny, but when I'm faced with a problem with Lucy, I think to myself, "What would you say?" and then I try to act. The phrase "Raise your dog in a way that works for you" has also stayed with me. Laika, our first dog, will always have a place in our hearts; she was unique and loyal to the very end. Through her and your support, we learned how a dog can enrich our lives. Best regards, Sonja, Germany
I stumbled upon your website quite by chance in the fall of 2008 with my medium-sized Spitz, Joya. Joya was about two and a half years old when I fell in love with her in August 2008 while out on an alpine pasture, and I was actually allowed to take her home. Of course, she had no idea about walking on a leash, following commands, etc. She was a precious treasure to me. But now it was time for both of us to go to school... and that's when I discovered you online, which was perfect timing. Joya and I gladly made the long journey to participate in your courses because we benefited enormously. Teaching a dog leash manners, etc., without a lot of talk or treats was completely new to me. I was all the more surprised that it worked so well and that Joya gradually learned to walk nicely on a leash, to learn the basics of obedience, etc., and especially not to constantly bark at other dogs. I highly recommend the dog training seminar I attended with you in the Black Forest. I had a very informative and enjoyable time there, which I will remember fondly. Beat, I wish you, your family, and your four-legged friends a wonderful winter. Marlies with Joya
I would like to thank you again for the helpful tips you gave me. Fiffi hardly barks anymore. It's a shame I didn't meet her sooner; she could have saved me a lot of trouble.
Kind regards from D-Schlittler
The dog training course was a lot of fun; I would have loved to stay longer. The many tips and tricks, including those about nutrition, illnesses, etc., were very helpful. I was amazed at how quickly everything worked and I think it's great that I can now take Aris to a restaurant without any worries. Since Aris has (or perhaps had?) a severe food allergy, I would love to try your food, the chicken and lamb varieties. I hope you've found a suitable new hotel and send my warmest regards to the whole team. Doris and Aris from Basel