An Accomplished Professional
Ray McSoley began helping dogs with people problems in 1974. A pioneer in the field of animal behavior therapy, his creative and innovative techniques have both influenced, and been modeled by, professional trainers throughout the country. His first book, Dog Tales, received national acclaim, and was a Literary Guild selection. A former guest lecturer on dog behavior and problem solving at both Tufts’ and Cornell’s schools of veterinary medicine, he also founded the animal behavior department at Boston’s famed Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in the early eighties.
He is the behavior consultant at the Buddy Dog Humane Society in Sudbury, MA and, by invitation, has both consulted and brought his training expertise to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT. He advises several other animal shelters throughout New England.
Ray McSoley is also a well-known lecturer and media commentator on canines. Articles and stories have been written about him in Yankee Magazine, The New York Times, the Boston Globe, the MSPCA’S Animals magazine and other major newspapers both in the United States and Europe. He has also appeared on both national and local television and radio programs.
A Personal Note
Resolving issues with our dogs, like dancing, shouldn’t be that hard, yet most of us aren’t very adept at either one. See, God has yet to create the perfect dog; they all have a kink or two that need a bit of straightening.
So, for over three decades, I’ve dedicated myself to promoting harmony between dogs and their owners. This is best accomplished in your home, that’s where the issues are. As a result, I travel a lot. I’m comfortable working with you, your kids, your parents and neighbors. Whatever is necessary to help you and your pup get patched up and on with life.
A dog with a problem can be a nightmare. A good dog is a marvelous friend, brimming with patience, trust, forgiveness and unconditional love, qualities you and I are still trying to master. They are creatures endowed with great dignity and purpose, deserving the best we can give them. I would be honored to work with yours.
Philosophy
“Only when the Dog Spirit invades your heart can you begin to think as one”
Ray McSoley
I believe that the relationship we share with our dog(s) should be based, fundamentally, on mutual trust and respect; and that trust and respect should be acquired through a process I call quiet firmness.
A dog’s mind has no concept of the word equality. Why? Simply because he’s a dog and, therefore, every interaction the dog has with either a human or another dog, is looked upon by the dog from the simple perspective – how does this action relate to my position in the hierarchy.
Working with a dog is a lot like dancing. They both require harmony and balance, acquired through knowledge of each other, skill, dedication, and practice.
Solving Behavior and Training Issues Through 4 Unique Steps
1. Step Onto a New Path of learning
2. Gaining Respect and Trust – Through Quiet Firmness
3. Learning to Learn – Through Natural Communication
4. Balancing Energy
I combine my proven techniques for learning with sound principles of conditioning to solve behavioral issues. Using my Natural Communication Method (NCM) helps a client’s dog to finally learn how to learn and to focus on the client without the usual yelling, yanking, and frustration. Combining NCM with what I call Quiet Firmness (QF) results in the client achieving a positive, solid leader role with their animal, effectively ending (sometimes years) of conflict and confrontation. Finally, learning how to balance your energy, what the Chinese call Chi, with your dog’s own energy, through my relaxation exercises, results in a deeper and much more loving relationship with your pet.
Being in balance with your dog is as important as when riding a horse.
