What is Puppy Socialization and checklist? Puppy socialization is a term used to describe the process of teaching a puppy to become comfortable and confident in a variety of situations and surroundings. This is a critical stage of development for puppies, and it is essential for them to learn how to interact with people and other animals in a positive and appropriate manner.

The process of ,socializing a puppy begins as soon as he or she is brought home from the breeder or shelter. This is when you introduce the puppy to his or her new environment, family, and friends. It is important to provide a safe and stimulating environment for the puppy to explore, as well as plenty of opportunities for play and socialization. It is also important to provide positive reinforcement when the puppy exhibits appropriate behaviors.

As the puppy grows and matures, it is important to provide him or her with new experiences and exposure to different people, animals, and environments. This will help the puppy become accustomed to different sights, sounds, and smells. It is also important to provide socialization opportunities with other puppies and adult dogs, as this will help the puppy learn how to interact and communicate with them.

Finally, it is important to remember that socialization is an ongoing process. Even after the puppy is fully grown, it is important to continue to provide him or her with new experiences and socialization opportunities.

To ensure that your puppy is properly socialized, there are a few things that you can do to help him or her develop the necessary social skills and behaviors. Here is a checklist of some of the most important steps:

• Provide your puppy with plenty of socialization opportunities with people and other dogs.

• Introduce your puppy to new environments, people, and other animals.

• Provide positive reinforcement when your puppy displays appropriate behaviors.

• Give your puppy plenty of time and space to explore and play.

• Ensure that you are providing your puppy with a safe and stimulating environment.

• Monitor your puppy’s behavior and look for signs of stress or anxiety.

• Seek professional help if needed.

Socializing a puppy is an important part of the process of raising a happy and healthy dog. With the proper care and training, your puppy can learn how to become a confident and well-adjusted adult dog. By following the above checklist and providing your puppy with plenty of socialization opportunities, you can ensure that your puppy will develop into a well-adjusted and happy member of your family.

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In this video podcast, I interview Matt Beisner of Dog: Impossible on Nat Geo. We talk about overall dog training and his unique approach to dog training and dog behaviour rehabilitation. Don’t miss this fascinating and educational interview with Matt Beisner from Nat Geo Wild’s Dog: Impossible. Enjoy.

In this video podcast, I talked to Dr. Isla Fishburn and we learn about the connection that humans and dogs have, and what we can we learn from wolves and also we get a chance to meditate with Isla and her drumming session. Enjoy.

Did you know that we need stray, street dogs in order to bring balance into our lives and our dogs’ lives as well? There are more stray dogs than pet dogs and we can learn so much from stray dogs. Join Marco Adda and me as we talk more about stray, street dogs.

Bad dog owners – we’ve all encountered them and have lived to tell the stories. Owning a dog is a great responsibility and one that should not be taken lightly. Dogs give us so much love and bring joy to our lives. Unfortunately, there are still many people out there who don’t understand this concept and end up being bad dog owners. Whether it’s due to ignorance, negligence, or simply lack of understanding, these types of bad dog owners can be detrimental to both their pets and society at large.

In this article, we will explore the five worst types of bad dog owners and why they are harmful for everyone involved. These include, but are not limited to: the dreaded know-it-all; owners living in denial; negligent owners who do not provide proper care or training; those who think their dog doesn’t need a lead; and those who don’t take responsibility for damages caused by their pet.

The Bad Dog Owners’ Not-So-Great Top 5 Offenders List

1. The Know-It-All Owner
2. The Owner in Denial of Their Pet’s Behaviour
3. Negligent Owners Who Do Not Provide Proper Care or Training
4. Owners Who Think Leads are Decorative Wall Art
5. Owners Who Do Not Take Responsibility for Damages Caused by Their Pet

The Know-It-All Owner

We’ve all encountered this type of dog owner. Their perceived knowledge knows no boundaries and they are always right — even when they are wrong. They are quick to tell you how to care for or train your dog, completely dismissive of the fact that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to pet care and training. This type of owner does not accept feedback and doesn’t listen or consider other people’s points of view, including professionals. They are the “Karen’s” of the dog world and asking to speak with the manager at the local pet store.

The Owner in Denial of Their Pet’s Behaviour

Those in denial about their pet’s behaviour are the bad dog owners who refuse to acknowledge when their dog is exhibiting problematic behaviours. Denial can manifest itself in various ways, such as owners trying to justify their pet’s actions by ignoring the behaviour or blaming other dogs or their owners.  This type of owner makes every excuse in the book to justify their precious little Fluffy’s numerous transgressions. Fluffy does not suffer from hearing loss, she’s the devil incarnate creating a path of destruction in her wake. Fluffy just needs to understand boundaries and be encouraged for good behaviour.

This type of denial prevents owners from recognizing the need for training or corrective measures which could help the dog learn better conduct. Ignoring bad behaviour also fails to provide an opportunity for the owner to bond with their pet and build a strong relationship based on trust and understanding. This can also lead to tense situations with other owners, especially if their dog’s bad behaviour in public negatively impacts others or creates a safety issue.

Negligent Owners Who Do Not Provide Proper Care or Training

Negligent owners are those who do not take the time to provide proper care and training for their pets. This can include not providing necessary vaccinations or vet visits, proper grooming, lack of mental and physical stimulation, or failing to provide basic needs like food and water. Neglectful owners are not only putting their pet’s health at risk, but also adversely impacting the dog’s mental well-being. Proper care and training would allow for better communication between the owner and dog, creating a more enjoyable experience for both.

Owners Who Think Leads Are Decorative Wall Art

If you’ve ever taken your dog to a public space, you’ve almost certainly encountered this type of dog owner. Their dog runs amuck in public, approaching other dogs uninvited and creating tense interactions. This type of owner fails to understand that certain situations require their dog to be on a lead. Dogs who display aggression or reactivity are best to be kept on lead in public, reducing the chances of a potentially harmful interaction. Dogs who lack obedience, including a reliable recall, are best kept on lead to help ensure that other people and animals are not disturbed or a safety incident arises by a dog accidentally wandering in the street.

Owners Who Don’t Take Responsibility for Damages Caused by Their Pet

Finally, those who do not take responsibility for any damage their pet causes are also bad dog owners. This can include not paying for damages to a neighbor’s property or failing to clean up after their dog in a public space. Taking responsibility for your pet’s actions is an important part of being a responsible owner and showing respect to others who may be affected by your pet’s behavior.

Thoughts on Bad Dog Owners and What To Do

Bad dog owners can cause serious damage, not only to the well-being of their dog but also those around them. It is important to be aware of what constitutes bad ownership and make sure that we are all responsible owners who provide our pets with an enriching environment, training, proper care, and respect for other people’s property. By doing so, we will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience both in public spaces as well as at home.

Bad dog owners – if you need help understanding how best to take responsibility for your pet or advice on where to start, there is plenty of assistance available. When it comes to providing our best friends with adequate care and training, speak with a professional today! Professionals can offer guidance on how best to manage any potential issues before they arise while helping create stronger bonds between you and your furry companion.

Off Leash K9 Training London has been helping new and seasoned dog owners create the optimal bond and environment for their dog. We deliver proven results in obedience and behavioural training as well as educational content to owners on topics covering care, safety, and overall integration of your pet into your lifestyle.

To see what is possible for your dog, watch our before and after videos. Have questions about the best training for your dog? Our contact information is listed below or you can click this link to schedule a complimentary 30 minute phone consultation with a dog training professional.

Off Leash K9 Training London | 020 3890 3400 | customerservice@olk9.co.uk

The post Bad Dog Owners – 5 Types You Should Avoid and Why appeared first on Off Leash K9 Training of London.

Well I know you are partially impressed by this breed, but to make you fall in love with them, here are 8 facts about Newfoundland dogs and puppies you shouldn’t miss out on!!

8 Facts About Newfoundland Dogs You Should Know!!

Newfoundlands are Giant Dogs 

According to the American Kennel Club, Newfoundland dogs are considered to be the most giant dog breed, having a thick coat and a strong bulky body. Males in this species usually stand 28 inches i.e, 71 cm tall while females stand 26 inches i.e, 66 cm tall. This is more than an average human’s size!! 

A medium-sized dog is somewhere between 20 inches tall, so you can make your calculations about how big a Newfoundland dogs are. As they are really big, they also need more space, said Bill Lambert a member of  The Kennel Club. 

As they are huge, they are quite strong and weigh somewhere between 100-150 pounds on average! If so you’re planning to home this breed, you surely need a huge space and dedicated dog rooms to give them comfort!!

Newfoundland dogs are Gentle Giants

Newfoundland dogs are mostly quite gentle, sensitive, and emotionally available than what their physique conveys. Usually, when we see such a huge dog we often get terrified and consider them harmful. But with this breed, they are quite the opposite of what they portray. 

They have a calmer personality compared to any other breed and are family-oriented dogs. They are children friendly and act up protective if they sense any danger!! Even if you need a loving family dog, do consider their size before taking any serious situation!!

Newfoundland Dogs are Canadian 

The Newfoundland dog breed considers Canada as its hometown. They belonged to the Newfoundland area, an island off-coast of Canada. Most of the characteristics displayed to them evolved due to the environment in which they grew up. As they were constantly surrounded by icy water they become exceptional swimmers. 

They were widely bred from the 17th century to help Canadian fishermen in their businesses. Even the credits for the thick water-resistant coat of Newfoundland dogs can be given to Canada because of its weather. 

Great Rescue Dogs

As they were born in Newfoundland an island, they had swimming in their genes. They became the most used dogs in water rescue operations. As they possessed a water-resistant double coat, they could swim for longer hours without getting tired. This was possible because of the oily hair type these dogs had. They even come in grey, black, or brown and white water-resistant coats. They also had webbed feet that make it easier for them to swim through water.

These dogs were primarily bred to help out fishermen during cold weather. Today they are widely used for water rescue operations, retrieval of lost equipment, and fishing. Apart from being excellent swimmers, they are quite obedient and agile which makes them the best choice for rescuing people. They are quick learners and quite gentle when it comes to dealing with children and people. 

Most Intelligent Of Their Pack 

Other than Huskies, there isn’t any specific breed as intelligent as Newfoundlands. They are a definition of beauty with brains. They take their responsibility seriously and are easily trainable. They also show excellent flexibility and conformity which makes them an ideal dog breed when it comes to public service.

We just read how good Newfoundlands are with swimming but apart from that they are also great emotional support dogs. Due to their gentle and emphatic nature, they are also used as therapy dogs. They are trained to show affection, emotional support, and comfort to people in need!!

Most Traveled Dog in Human History

Newfoundland is an adventurous breed and has been a great companion during long-distance travels. It was the first breed to be the most traveled dog in human history. They lived for 3 years on a ship with two travelers. Newfoundlands were called Seaman during those days, as they were excellent swimmers. 

They were chosen as travel companions due to their gentle nature, brave personality, and excellent swimming skills. As a dog breed, they had everything a human would need. They were capable of giving comfort during hard times, protecting during dangers, and could save people from drowning. 

Newfoundlands Love to Eat

As Newfoundlands are giant and active, they need a lot of food to carry out their daily activities. A Newfoundland puppy can gain 100 lbs of weight during its first year. So just imagine the type and quantity of food they might need throughout their lifetime. If you are planning to add a Newfie dog to your family then be aware of their diet requirements beforehand. 

Newfoundlands are Exercise Freak

As a Newfie parent, you should know that they love to exercise. Even though they are calm and relaxed all the time, they need enough exercise and walks throughout the day to drain their excess energy and stay fit. As they are quite fond of eating, they would surely get overweight if proper exercise breaks aren’t followed. 

Newfoundlands are great house dogs but for play and exercise, they need a bigger space. If you have a small backyard, you can also take your Newfie on long walks and occasional swimming sessions to keep them fit and healthy. 

Newfoundlands- The famous breed of them all

For ages, Newfoundlands have been the most loved breed. They were favorites of famous travelers like Lewis and Clark, to known poets like Lord Byron, and Emily Dickinson. Even literary works like J.M. Barrie’s, and Peter Pan movies like Beethoven and Turner and Hooch made Newfie the ideal dog type to have!! 

Well if you were looking for the right reasons to get yourself a Newfie then I think you have found yours. After all, there’s nothing you can hate about these gentle creatures!! 

If you have just brought a Newfie home or are planning to get one our dog and puppy guide blogs can surely help you out as a newbie dog parent!! You can go check them out now!!

To enroll, you will need to go to the PetPartners.org website and go through your account to your registrations. You will be able to search for evaluations in Mahopac, NY.

There are four spaces available, so enroll early.

If you have questions, contact PetPartners directly.

If you would like to be a volunteer for the evaluations (humans only), it is a great way to get a sense of what is involved in the process. Contact me to be a volunteer.

The post Pet Partners Evaluations appeared first on Three Dogs Training.

Maybe it’s too hot or too cold. Anything over 20c and even fit and healthy dogs will show signs of dehydration and overheating. Dogs can cope better in the cold, but anything less than 0c and care should also be taken.

Or, maybe they are post surgery, arthritic, or too young for lots of walks. Getting outside for a walk has far more benefits than simply tiring a dog though, such as socialisation and exploration, but in the short term here’s some fun ideas to keep you going!

1. A New Trick

Learning a new trick requires plenty of brain power. So why not get the treats out and start working on something new, or make a well known trick harder.

If you are teaching them something new, try to break down the trick into simple steps before putting them all together. Or you could make a well known trick harder by teaching them to hold it for longer, switch to hand signals, or by putting a series of tricks together into a routine.

2. Scent Training

Encouraging your dog to use their nose to find things can be exhausting, especially if they aren’t used to it.

Start simple and place some stinky treats on the ground for him to find. As he gets good at finding them, make it harder by either moving them further apart, or by hiding them better. You could also get him a snuffle mat or a sand pit to explore.

Why not download a scent training guide, or join a local club, for more ways to learn how to find things!

3. Puzzle Toys

There are loads of choices available to buy online, or you could make your own. Different toys test different skills so pick one that suits your dog. Or you could just start by hiding a treat in the folds of some balled up socks or a box full of sand.

If you are buying a new toy, there are various difficulty levels available. So make sure to choose one that suits your dogs problem solving skill level. 

4. Go for a swim!

If it’s warm enough, why not take your dog to the beach or a dog friendly swimming pool. Dogs love to swim, and it’s a great way to get them some extra exercise. It might also suit an older dog or one with restricted movement – just be sure to check with your vet first.

Always keep an eye on your dog when they are in the water. It’s surprising how exhausting swimming is for a dog, so if your dog isn’t used to it, don’t let them get too tired. Also make sure its safe if swimming in open water or rivers etc.

5. Play Games

Tug, fetch, or hide and seek are classic games that dogs love, and they can get your dog running and jumping. Just be sure to supervise your dog while playing, and don’t let him get too rough.

Be careful though, hide and seek is not suitable for dogs with separation anxiety. And repetitive fetch games might not suit all dogs, so please check with your vet first.

Back to walks!

These are just a few ideas for exercising your dog without taking him for a walk. With a little creativity, you can find plenty of ways to tire your dog out and keep him happy and healthy. But, don’t forget to go back to daily walks as soon as you can!

Outdoor exercise that includes exploration and socialisation can be really beneficial for your dogs mental health. It can relieve mild depression, boost mental energy levels, relieve lethargy, and reduce overall anxiety.

Did you also know, that is can also help you cope better in moments of crisis? According to Dr Sten Ekberg, physical movement activates the frontal lobe of the brain which turns off reactive, stress, anxiety and impulse.

Dogs are no different! This means that when things go wrong they’ll be much better able to cope with it because they’ll be relying on the reasoning part of the brain, rather than making snappy decisions.

How do you get by when you can’t get out?

Are you struggling with your dogs behaviour?

Private Dog Behaviour Consultations are currently available in the Dundee area and beyond, or via zoom. If you are looking for help solving your dogs behaviour and training problems, then please get in touch!

The post When you can’t walk your dog! appeared first on Gooddoggie.

10 Fascinating Reasons People Like Dogs

Humans have a long association with dogs. They just fit into our lives like no other animal ever has. A new puppy or an older rescue soon becomes one of the family. We can’t imagine life without them.

What is it about dogs that makes us love them so much? Here are 10 reasons why people like dogs.

1. Dogs Are Great Company

You are never really alone when you have a dog. They live beside us and enrich our lives in so many ways. A dog will lay quietly beside you while you read or work. It will follow you as you do household chores and work in the yard. It will even follow you to the bathroom!

Road trip? Your dog will be right there, in the seat beside you. There’s nothing that a dog likes better than to be a part of everything you do.

2. A Dog Will Keep Your Secrets

You can tell a dog anything. They will commiserate with you over your bad boss, your flat tire, and your broken heart. They don’t judge, and they won’t tell.

 

They will kiss your tears away and stay by your side for as long as you need them to. There’s no limit to the number of secrets your dog will keep.

3. A Dog Helps You Meet People

Walking a dog makes you more approachable! There’s nothing like a well-trained and friendly dog to attract attention. No matter if you are hoping to meet new friends or a potential romantic partner, your dog can help make the introductions easier.

 

Before taking your pup out in public, both you and your dog will benefit from the services of a professional dog trainer. If you are looking for dog training in Florida, Ruffgers Dog University has facilities in Naples, Bonita Springs, and Stuart.

4. Dogs Are Reliable Judges of Character

Sometimes your dog just won’t take to someone. It might be because that person just isn’t fond of dogs. But it could be that your dog picks up on some character flaw that you don’t want to introduce into your life.

 

It pays to be cautious around someone that your dog doesn’t like. New acquaintances need to pass the “dog test” before being invited into your circle.

5. Dogs Keep You Safe

Have you ever been startled by a loud noise or by a stranger lurking around your neighborhood? Dogs are always alert to danger. They will alert you, too.

 

Just knowing that you have a dog will discourage a lot of mischief-makers. Even those who do mean harm are hesitant to face a protective dog. It doesn’t even have to be a big dog. Small dogs can be ferocious when their people are threatened.

6. A Dog Is The Perfect Fashion Accessory

OK, this might be facetious, but when you love a dog, you are going to have dog hair all over your clothes and furniture. It’s a fact of life, so you may as well get used to it early on.

 

You might choose your wardrobe to match your dog’s hair. Or you could go with something complementary. Either way, be prepared for seasonal shedding and keep the broom handy.

7. A Dog Is The Best Excercise Partner

Not only do dogs need to be walked regularly, they also offer the opportunity to take up more active sports. If walking is fun for you, hiking or trail running might be the thing to try.

 

Other dog-friendly activities that will get your heart rate up are ball fetching, frisbee catching, livestock handling, hunting, and obedience trials. Your dog may be of a breed that excels at one or more of these things. Or you might choose something unexpected. Dogs often do the unexpected and will love any activity that they can do with you.

8. Dogs Help You Stay Healthy

It’s not just your physical health that will improve when you have a dog. It’s good for your mental health, too. It’s hard to be down or depressed when you have a dog. They understand your mood and will do their best to cheer you up.

 

Just getting outside to walk your dog will give you a healthy dose of nature. Fresh air, exercise, and sunshine are all mood-enhancing benefits of owning a dog.

9. Dogs Teach You to Take Responsibility

As a dog owner, you will be responsible for the care and feeding of your pet. Training, exercise, and veterinary care – it’s all on you. Do it right, and your pet will be with you for many years.

 

Being a responsible pet owner gives you experience and skills that will come in handy in all areas of your life. Employers and love interests all want someone who can accept responsibility and deliver the goods. A healthy and happy dog is proof that you are reliable.

10. Dogs Choose To Love Us Back

Probably the best reason that people like dogs is that dogs like us back!

Dogs could get along without us, but they choose to love us and stay with us. Even when we don’t deserve them, dogs choose us.

 

As with dog training mentioned above, you can find dog daycare and dog boarding at a Ruffgers Dog University location near you in Naples, Bonita Springs, or Stuart. Here’s the link. https://ruffgers.com/

The post 10 Fascinating Reasons People Like Dogs appeared first on Ruffgers Dog University Dog Training & Dog Boarding.

What do we mean by ‘data’?

Data in a separation anxiety protocol refers to any variable that could potentially an individual dog’s ability to cope with absences. This will vary from dog to dog and can change over time.

Examples of data to track include:

• Time of day
• Who is doing the session that day
• Day of week
• Daycare / dog walker
• Exercise, and time of day of exercise
• Eating as normal
• Medications and time of day given
• Anything stressful that could have happened that day

This is a general list but there are always extra variables to track for individual dogs, and over time it may be that there is another component that shows itself to affect your dog, so that can be added to the tracker.

Why bother tracking all this data?

Collecting and tracking data enables us to monitor the trajectory of the dog’s progress, and also identify if there are any variables in that dog’s life or environment that is affecting their ability to progress.

If you find you’ve successfully got to the stage where you can leave your dog for 5 minutes, and then one day you find your dog is unable to cope with more than 20 seconds. What then?

Now yes, off days are normal. Ups and downs are SO normal. And yes it could be one of those. But what about if the day after your dog is back up to where they were before, and you feel reassured, and are able to comfortably build up to 10 minutes over time. Then all of a sudden your dog falls apart after 1 minute. What then? Do you push harder? Do you give up?

If you are not tracking data, we may find that this is the pattern that you go through, because you simply will not know if there truly IS a reason why that dog fell apart on those days.

Information (data) is power!

If you are tracking data for all sessions then you are more likely to be able to identify if there is a specific variable that affected your dog on those days, and therefore enables you to adjust criteria of the training plan accordingly!

If we find that, for example, that the time of day that people do their daily separation anxiety desensitisation exercises has a bearing on how well the dog copes, or the dog struggles more when all the family is involved in the exercises versus when just one person does them, we can address it and provide different criteria for each situation.

For example, I have a client at the moment who’s dog finds it harder when both of the humans do the exercises versus when just one of them is home and does them, and this drills down even further where the dog finds it even harder still if, when both people are doing the exercises, they start from the living room. If one of them is upstairs and one is downstairs, and they start in separate room, he finds it slightly less worrying.

I also have several clients whos dogs find certain times of day much harder to cope with absences than other times of the day – for example morning sessions are easier for the dog than evening sessions, or vice versa. I have one client whos dog found it harder when absences were done in the middle of the day, but evening and morning ones he found less worrying.

Similarly, I have a couple of clients who’s dogs find absences much easier to cope with when they have had a good amount of exercise beforehand. If the exercises are done before the dog’s walk, or with no exercise or mental stimulation, the dogs find it much harder, follow much more during the steps and do not remain as relaxed for as long as when they have had an hour or more walk beforehand.

However, I will add that ensuring these dogs have sufficient exercise prior to doing their desensitisation work does not mean that they are then completely fine being left at home alone for as long as is needed! It simply is the case that they find it even harder to cope when they have had no exercise or mental stimulation.

If you are not tracking data, it is easy to not realise there is a reason for the inconsistency in your dogs performance, whereas when you know there are variables that make it harder for the dog to cope with alone time, it can be addressed.

Setting dogs up to succeed

Setting your dog up for success is SO important. Once you have identified that, for example, your dog finds it easier if you do your separation anxiety training sessions in the morning, there are a couple of ways this can be addressed:

• Set a different criteria for morning sessions (and specify which time range this includes) versus afternoon and evening sessions. When a morning sessions is done, the final duration can be longer, and with afternoon and evening sessions it should be shorter (always according to what your individual dog can cope with comfortably).
• You could just do morning sessions for the time being, and once a good foundation has been established at a time of day your dog finds more comfortable, then you can slowly start moving the time you do your sessions later in the day.

With the examples given above, it meant I was able to adjust my plan and provide different criteria for my clients to follow depending on when they did their daily desensitisation exercises. For the dog who finds it easier if one person does the session versus both, I write two different training plans for each day. One for if only one of them did the ssession that day, and one for if they were both involved. The criteria (i.e length/criteria of warm up steps and length of final absence)  for the latter is less than the criteria for the former where the dog will find it easier.

With the dogs who find it easier to cope when they have had exercise beforehand, we still want to work on desensitising them to absences prior to a walk, but its important to lower criteria so we still end the absence when they are comfortable. Therefore once again, I provide these clients with 2 options each day – one if the dog has been for a walk prior to the exercises, and one for if they are done before exercise, and the criteria for the ‘post-walk’ exercises are higher than the criteria for the ‘pre-walk’ exercises.

Your dog’s needs must be met

We HAVE to ensure our dog’s needs are met before we work on helping him through separation anxiety, because we are not teaching him a new trick or behaviour. We are working on changing emotions and feelings surrounding being home alone. We are aiming to change the wiring of the dog’s brain (metaphorically!) to help him feel comfortable home alone, and the dog has to feel their needs are met in other areas for him to learn this.

Ups and downs are normal

Learning never happens in a linear fashion, and there will be ups and downs in your separation anxiety journey, but we want the overall trend of your dog’s progress to be upward, over time (we all know this can be a long journey). Below are a few graphs of just a few of my clients to show a typical graph, and why it is important to track data and progress. Graphs are a really good way of immediately showing the journey, ups and downs and the general progress.

If you would like any help with your dog and their separation anxiety please complete the form on the page below and I will be in touch to arrange a quick phone chat: Remote Online Separation Anxiety Dog Training (politepawsdogtraining.co.uk)

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What really matters to you? Can you find a career that lets you follow a passion for something? Are you willing to go to school for years and take on student debt in order to earn the necessary degree to work in your chosen field?  Are you willing to move to where the jobs are in your field? Does prestige matter? Is it more important to follow a meaningful passion or to make a lot of money?

Zookeeper Assistants Enjoy the Most Meaningful Work

 While the zoo profession may not be the most lucrative one, the job satisfaction reported by zookeepers is extremely high. In fact, a study of zookeepers revealed the profession to be unique among modern jobs because it was the only one in the secular sphere considered a “calling.” Despite being physically demanding and not highly paid, there’s something meaningful about zookeeping that satisfies the soul.

This is not the type of manufactured job-satisfaction hype that managers try to pass off as meaningful to their uninspired staff tirelessly working away their lives in cubicles. Zookeepers and zookeeper assistants find reward and joy in a career working with animals where every day brings something different. Many say that they knew from the time they were young children that they were destined to work with animals.

Zookeepers are so committed to their calling that they will move across the country for a job, make personal sacrifices like spending Christmas day scooping poop and chopping vegetables for animal diets and work outside in the most uncomfortable weather, often carrying heavy things like full water buckets.

(Fun fact: Sylvester Stallone once worked at the Central Park Zoo cleaning lion cages and Brooke Shields interned at the San Diego Zoo during high school.)

Responsibilities of a Zookeeper Assistant

 Zookeeper assistants do much of the same work as a zookeeper, just under supervision. Among other things, zookeeper assistants:

• Clean, repair, and maintain habitats
• Exercise, groom, bathe, feed, and water the animals in their care
• Observe animals closely so that they learn their routines and habits and can pick up subtle cues that might indicate a problem
• Interact with zoo guests, educating them and monitoring their behavior and safety
• Keep written records about the animals in their charge
• Move/shift animals between their indoor and outdoor enclosures

Zookeepers and their assistants must pay attention constantly. Safety should always be a priority. Locks and latches must always be secured. Barriers must be kept up minimizing contact between human and animals. Zookeepers have to be prepared ahead of time so they know what to do in emergency situations, such as an escaped animal or an injury.

Hygiene is also very important in zoos. Proper procedures prevent the spread of diseases between animal species or between humans and animals. Different personal protective gear may be necessary, depending on the species. Just know going in that there’s a lot of cleaning and scrubbing in zoo work!

Zookeepers Get to do Some Really Cool Stuff

 Sure, they sometimes get to play with baby monkeys and tigers, but they also get to do the nearly impossible job of bringing species back from the brink of extinction!  Zookeepers help conservation biologists as they follow Species Survival Plans for saving everything from big cats to tiny toads. Zoos have been responsible for saving the black-footed ferret, the red wolf, the California condor, Prziwalski’s wild horse, and Pere David’s deer, among other species.

Increasingly, better zoos are training animals to help in their own care. Instead of having to physically manhandle or force an animal to do something, which is frightening and stressful for all involved or resorting to a tranquilizer dart, zookeepers patiently work with their charges. When they are young, big cats learn to present their paws for nail trimming; giraffes are trained to lift their hooves for inspection. Animals can learn to calmly accept shots, get eye drops, or have their teeth cleaned without stress.

Environmental enrichment is another large part of a zookeeper’s job. Enrichment provides a creative outlet for zookeepers as well as the animals themselves.  Zookeepers want to encourage natural behaviors like hunting and foraging for food. Being able to mimic things the animals do in the wild keeps them engaged and learning. Enrichment activities seek to find challenging ways of getting at food. Instead of glopping down a giraffe’s food to be gobbled up in seconds, for instance, some zookeepers are beginning to fabricate tree trunk “puzzles” that force a giraffe to use its 18-inch tongue to get dinner.

Several years ago, it was discovered that big cats of all breeds go crazy for Calvin Klein’s “Obsession for Men.” Many zoos ask for donations of the perfume, which for enrichment is spritzed on balls, toys, trees, leaves on the ground, etc. The carnivores rub their cheeks against the scent for minutes at a time, entranced and sometimes, drooling. It’s a cologne form of catnip!

The search for engaging new enrichment activities is a never-ending quest for zookeepers and their assistants. A lot of time is spent brainstorming and crafting, and the results engage animals and delight zoo visitors.

Requirements for a Zookeeper Assistant

 When it comes to being a zookeeper assistant, positive personality traits matter. The best zookeepers possess friendly, patient, reliable, detail-oriented, and observant characteristics.

A zookeeper assistant can technically get by with just a high school degree, but because the demand for these jobs is high the chance of getting a job is slim unless you have something on your resume to attract attention to yourself.

What Can You Do to Help Yourself Get a Zoo Job?

 For starters, educate yourself as much as possible. Read and learn as much as you can about a variety of species, their habitats, and species conservation. Learn as much as you can about the zoo where you want to work and visit in person beforehand.

In addition to learning as much as you can, try to get experience working with animals. You may be lucky enough to live near a zoo that offers internships, seasonal work or volunteer opportunities, but these are very competitive. Fortunately, there are lots of places to get work or volunteer experience. Get as much experience as you can, and don’t be shy about listing it all on your resume! Some places you might get animal experience include:

• aquariums
• farms
• stables
• vet clinics and animal hospitals
• animal shelters
• wildlife sanctuaries
• kennels
• wildlife management facilities

Make sure you know when zoo jobs are posted by signing up for apps that provide job alerts using the keyword “zookeeper” or “zoo jobs” or other related terms. Check the job boards on these three main national sites:

• The Zoological Association of America
• The American Association of Zookeepers
• The Association of Zoos and Aquariums

If you are really serious about zookeeping, think about enrolling in the online Zookeeper Assistant Program at Animal Behavior College (ABC). The course takes about eight months and includes stages on animal habits, health, behavior, species conservation, breeding, animal husbandry, zookeeping safety, visitor education, and more.

ABC has been providing online education in animal careers for 25 years and has an excellent reputation. Students love the amount of support the staff provides as they work their way through the program.

Above all, be patient! This is a career that can take a while to break into but it is oh so worthwhile!  If you love exotic animals and you dream of a job that affords opportunities to get up close and personal with them in ways most people never will, you owe it to yourself to stick with it.

The post Zookeeper Assistant Requirements: What You Need to Know to Work with Exotic Animals appeared first on Animal Behavior College.

The push for a day to celebrate dog moms came from Dig, a dating app for people who love dogs. Founded by a pair of sisters, Leigh and Casey Isaacson, Dig was created to help dog lovers connect.

(Fun fact: a survey found that 40% of people admit to having swiped right on a dating app not because they wanted to meet that person but because they wanted to meet the dog in the picture.)

Dig wanted to make sure that dog moms had their own special day, so they put together a change.org petition and promoted the idea to the National Day Calendar. In 2018 the first U.S. National Dog Mom’s Day became a thing!

Dogs Are Family, Too

 When you think about it makes sense to have a National Dog Mom’s Day. For years, an increasing number of people have been insisting on calling themselves “dog parents” instead of dog owners. 85% of households with dogs consider them to be family members.

In fact, multispecies families are being increasingly acknowledged by legislative bodies. A few states have passed laws instructing divorce courts to treat pets of battling couples not as property but as family members. And since 2006, the PETS Act has given FEMA a charge to act on the behalf of not just people but animals during emergencies.

A Lot in Common with Parent-Child Relationships

 A glance at recent studies reveals a lot about why people find the bond between them and their dogs so familial. It turns out that we aren’t just imagining the connection. After 30,000 years of hanging out with humans, dogs have become hard-wired to sense what we’re feeling and make the most of that ability.

A study at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna likened the relationship between dogs and their humans to that of children and parents. Describing the “secure base effect” relationship between dogs and their owners, the researchers discovered that dogs acted much the same way as infants and toddlers when faced with something unfamiliar or frightening in their environment.

Unlike horses or cats, which run away from the unknown, dogs often run to their trusted human–a secure base. If you have a toddler or you’ve ever spent time with one, this should all sound pretty familiar.

The study discovered that dogs performed tasks, such as a new puzzle, with far more interest and confidence when their person was present than when a stranger was in the room. Even if their person was completely disengaged, just the fact that he or she was nearby made the dogs secure enough to explore new things.  In the presence of the stranger, dogs would not engage with the new toy.

When dogs respond to us like children do, is it any wonder we’re inclined to consider them our kids? And it’s not our imagination. Dogs truly do need our help to survive in this human-driven environment we’ve put them in.

Referring to the same Viennese study, John Bradshaw, biologist and author of Dog Sense, agrees with the findings but cautions against the temptation to treat your dog like a child. Your dog is a dog with very dog-specific needs, needs that do not include being dressed up in adorable outfits or fattened up with excessive treats.

You Are Not Imagining That Bond with Your Dog

 The feeling is real. Ever heard of oxytocin? It’s the hormone that drives uterine contractions when a mother is in labor and strengthens her bond with her baby later on. It’s powerful warm and fuzzy mama stuff, in other words.

A Japanese study of dogs and their owners demonstrated that interacting with your dog can increase the presence of oxytocin in your brain. Researchers studied 30 bonded pairs of dogs and humans, letting them spend thirty minutes playing together and looking into each other’s eyes. Everyone involved–men and women–experienced an increase of oxytocin in their brains afterwards.

This bears repeating: dogs have the power to produce in us the same warm, fuzzy parental hormone that infants do. Maybe it’s the way they look into our eyes. Dogs are the only non-primate species to do that. We are a sucker for those puppy dog eyes–and they totally know what they’re doing when they turn them on us! Dogs are attune to us and know how to turn on the charm. When our attention is on them, dogs turn up the volume on facial expressiveness.

Dogs Feel It, Too!

 Dogs feel the love, too. A study done with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) showed that the reward center of a dog’s brain lights up when their person speaks, even if not in a happy, playful tone of voice. A boring, neutral tone also does the trick. The more attached the dog is to a person, the greater the sense of reward.

So We Agree, Dog Mom’s Should Have Their Day

 SO go ahead and celebrate Dog Mom’s Day with pride! Hopefully your pup can enlist some human assistance in celebrating you. Maybe he could get a little help making you a card with his pawprint on it or treating you to a day at a spa. After all, if your doggo loves getting pampered at the groomers, Mom should love it, too, right?

Even better, why not spend some quality time together? Take a long walk somewhere beautiful; snuggle on the couch together, play fetch in the park; work on a fun trick. The bond between you and your dog is special. Now Dog Mom’s Day provides an annual reminder to nurture it.

The post Today I learned National Dog Mom’s Day Is Actually a Thing appeared first on Animal Behavior College.

• • You can train dogs as a side gig without giving up your full-time job.
  • It’s an ideal career for starting your own business.
  • You get to work with so many different breeds and dog personalities.
  • No two days are ever the same because no two dogs are the same.
  • Dog training requires a lot of problem solving, creativity, and care.
  • It’s a meaningful career that improves the lives of both dogs and people.

Many Types of Dog Training

 There are many different types of dog training. What most people commonly associate with the term “dog training” is obedience training. This is where puppies (ideally) or adult dogs learn the ropes of living peacefully and politely among humans. In obedience training dogs learn the basic cues: sit, stay, come, down, leave it, drop it, etc. Do not let the term “basic” fool you though.  There is nothing easy about obedience training because it asks a dog to go against his or her natural instincts.

Many dogs were originally bred to work, however, and some still do. Their training is far more advanced. Dogs like border collies and Australian cattle dogs were bred to herd or guard sheep, cattle, and other livestock. Some dogs hunt, helping sniff out, “tree”, or retrieve game. Smaller breeds, such as Yorkies, originally kept rat populations down in mills and mines. Today the police and military increasingly rely on highly trained dogs to sniff out bombs, detect drugs, and track people, among other things.

There are competitions for working breeds like sheepherders and hunting dogs. Training a dog for such competitions requires a high level of skill for both canines and their trainers. In addition, there are also agility competitions for dogs and special training is required for show dogs competing at the highest levels. Becoming a dog trainer can mean different things to different people.

Finally, and perhaps most significantly, service dogs require more specific training. These dogs help people with a variety of challenges to live more independently. There are dogs that assist people with mobility problems and even dogs that provide support for those with psychiatric issues.

Clearly, becoming a dog trainer can mean different things to different people. All of these various types of training require their own set of skills and specialized knowledge, but what they all have in common is the need to understand dogs and their behavior.

Dog Training Is Evolving

As humans come to understand dog behavior better and better, training methods have changed.   Gone is the idea that punishment is the way to teach new behavior or even the default response when a dog engages in problematic behaviors.   The days of using a rolled-up newspaper to discipline a dog for making a mess in the house are happily a thing of the past.

Nowadays, the focus is on encouraging and straitening the behaviors you want instead of “correcting” the behaviors you don’t.   This more positive approach not only allows modern dog trainers to get excellent results but it helps bolster the dogs’ self-confidence.

What You Absolutely Must Look for in a Dog Certification Program

A top-tier certification program should focus on understanding the science behind canine behavior so that you can successfully problem-solve for individual dogs. Aside from having a strong theoretical understanding of behavior modification principles, a certification program should clearly translate that theory into easily understood and practical techniques. In other words, it’s not enough to understand behavior in theory but not know how to modify it in practice.

An Online Certification that Fosters Student Success

It may be hard to imagine learning dog training online, but Animal Behavior College has been teaching dog trainers online for 25 years. The secret? ABC students complete an externship with a local mentor trainer. Students also volunteer at least ten hours working with dogs at an animal shelter as part of the “Students Saving Lives” campaign. Dogs who have had some obedience trainings are demonstrably more adoptable.

ABC students enjoy the best of both worlds: the convenience of online learning plus lots of hands-on experience. It takes the average student between 12 and 16 months to complete the program.

The Animal Behavior College Dog Obedience Instructor Program enjoys an excellent reputation and is approved  by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI).

From the admissions counselors who help students get started to the staff who help them throughout the program, ABC students report feeling supported as they complete their training.

The support does not end once students earn their certification, either. Alumni benefits include a listing on the school’s directory of certified trainers, a private job board, access to a variety of helpful business-building forms and a low cost, turn-key website, and discounts from several pet industry organizations.

Take the First Step

 If you are serious about becoming a dog trainer, there’s an admissions counselor who would be happy to help you get started. To learn more about the Animal Behavior College Dog Obedience Instructor Program, call 800-795-3294.

The post What You Absolutely Must Know Before Getting a Dog Trainer Certification appeared first on Animal Behavior College.

Rally Obedience is a relatively new form of dog obedience training that combines elements of traditional obedience training with the fun and enthusiasm of a dog agility course. It is a fast-paced and exciting sport that encourages teamwork between the handler and their dog. Rally obedience is designed to be fun for the handler and the dog and is an excellent way to build the connection between the two.

Rally obedience is a performance sport that requires mastery of a variety of skills. It is different from traditional obedience trials in that the handler and dog must follow a course of signs and commands. The handler must guide the dog through the course and give commands and/or signals as they go. The dog must respond correctly and quickly to the handler’s cues and must stay focused throughout the course. The handler must also remain focused and must be able to read and recognize the different signs and commands.

Rally obedience courses typically consist of around 10-20 signs, each with its own specific command. The handler must be aware of the sequence of the commands and must be able to remember them throughout the course. The signs are placed in a specific order and the handler must be able to read and recognize each one in order to guide the dog through the course.

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Having a well-trained dog can make the difference between living with an obedient companion and a chaotic pet. The best way to ensure your pup is properly trained is to hire the best dog trainer for you and your pooch. Finding the best dog trainer isn’t always easy as there are numerous options available in terms of experience, expertise, and cost. It’s important to understand what makes a great canine educator so that you can pick the right one for your pup’s needs. In this article, we’ll discuss how to identify the best dog trainers to get your furry friend on their best behavior!

1. The importance of having a well-trained dog

2. What makes an effective dog trainer

3. Different training options available and their costs

4. Best practices when selecting a trainer

5. Tips on how to best prepare your pup for training sessions

6. Importance of picking the right training for your dog

Tips For Picking The Right Training For Your Dog

The importance of having a well-trained dog

The importance of having a well-trained dog cannot be overstated. A dog that is properly trained can form a strong bond with its owner and bring both physical and mental benefits. Not only does training help the pet become more obedient, but it also increases the safety of all involved—humans, animals, and objects in the home. Training can also help prevent negative behaviours such as barking, jumping, and digging. A trained dog is less likely to get into trouble or cause harm to others. In addition, having a well-trained pup will make it easier for them to travel with you and strengthen the bond between you both. All in all, training your pup is an important step in creating a safe and secure environment for everyone involved.

What makes an effective dog trainer

Having an effective dog trainer is essential to ensuring your pup receives the best education. An effective dog trainer should have a deep understanding of canine psychology and behavior. They should be knowledgeable about the best training methods for all types of dogs and be familiar with different breeds and their needs. Additionally, they should be patient with each dog and tailor their approach based on the individual pup’s needs. The best trainers will also be able to communicate effectively with both pet owners and their furry companions. With the right trainer, a pup can build better habits and grow into an obedient companion in no time.

Selecting the right training matters

Different training options available and their costs

Different training options are available to best suit the needs of each pup. Some of the most popular methods include basic obedience classes, behaviour modification classes, and board and trains. Basic obedience classes generally focus on teaching basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. Behaviour modification classes are best for dogs that exhibit destructive or aggressive behaviours. This type of class helps the dog to develop better habits and manage emotions more constructively. Board and train classes involve sending your pup to a trainer for a few weeks where they will receive intensive training. From a price standpoint, lessons are less expensive, but from a value standpoint, the board and train offers more specialized training for your dog. Either way, you are investing in your dog and cannot go wrong with either choice!

Best practices when selecting a trainer

When selecting a dog trainer, it’s best to find out the experience and qualifications of the trainer. Read reviews and ask if there are any videos available to watch of dogs that have previously been through training. Find out what type of results they typically achieve and what is expected from you, the owner, to continue to reinforce obedience after training ends. A good trainer is dedicated to helping pet owners form strong bonds with their best friends and should be willing to take the time to answer any questions you may have.

Finding the best dog trainer for you and your dog is important

Tips on how to best prepare your pup for training sessions

One of the best ways to prepare your pup for training sessions is to set boundaries. Establishing a good foundation of rules and expectations can make transitioning into training easier for your pup. It’s also important to provide lots of mental stimulation in the form of toys, puzzles, or interactive games; this helps keep their minds sharp and keeps them from getting bored. Additionally, making sure your pup is comfortable with being handled and touched in different places can help make training sessions easier. Having a positive attitude and following through with what your dog learned in the training is critical in helping prepare your pup for successful sessions and retaining training. Consistency is key when it comes to training and results will come with practice and patience. Finally, make sure that you are patient and understanding with your pup throughout the training process.

The importance of picking the right training for your dog

The importance of picking the right training for your dog cannot be understated. Not only does it ensure your pup gets the best education, but it also sets them up for success in the future. Different training methods can offer different benefits, and it is important to consider what best suits the needs of your pup. Basic obedience classes provide instruction on basic commands, while behavior modification classes help with correcting destructive and aggressive behaviors. Board and train classes involve sending your pup to a trainer for intensive training over some time. It is important to consider the cost, best practices when selecting a trainer, and how best to prepare your dog for training sessions before making any decisions. With the right trainer, patience, and investment in your pup, you can ensure that your best friend is given the best chance for success!

The Wrap Up: 6 Tips For Picking The Right Training For Your Dog

Picking the best dog trainer for your pup is an important decision. Make sure to do some research and read reviews before making a selection, so you can find the best fit for your pet’s needs. Remember to set boundaries and provide mental stimulation between training sessions. Consider if lessons or a board and train program are best for you and your pup; both offer unique benefits that can help set your dog up for success. Finally, remember to be patient with your pup throughout the process – consistency is key when it comes to training! With these tips in mind, you’re ready to begin finding the right training program for your furry friend. The best part? Knowing that investing time into properly preparing them now sets them up for success later on down the road!

Off Leash K9 Training London has been voted “Best Dog Trainer” 4 years in row! Call us at 020 3890 3400 or email: customerservice@olk9.co.uk for a free phone consult. All of our professional trainers are certified and hand selected. The right training truly makes a difference.

Check out our work by visiting our YouTube Channel

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Things that stress our dogs can include:

• Separation/being alone.
• Sounds – like thunder, fireworks, or one of my dogs was terrified of the sound fire alarms make when the batter is low.
• Strangers – in the home, approaching the home, or out on walks.
• Other dogs – your dog can be afraid of other dogs idiopathically or because of some incident(s) involving other dogs.
• Anything new or things moved to a different location.
• Cars – this could be idiopathic or because of an incident. This could also be about the sound and/or the movement of the vehicles.
• Unusual surfaces – those of you who live in a city know how often our dogs scurry around sidewalk grates to avoid walking on them. I’ve had clients whose dogs would not walk on tile or linoleum.
• Being kenneled for the family’s vacation or in a shelter environment, or rehoming
• There are many more.

It’s important to remember each dog has their own idiosyncratic stressors. You will want to learn your dog’s stressors so you can help them when afraid or anxious.

A dog’s response to stress can be any or many of the following:

• Whining
• Heavy panting
• drooling
• Inability to follow simple directions.
• Sudden dander (usually only visible on dark short-coated dogs)
• Hiding or freezing in place
• Running away or towards (remember flight or fight)
• Growling, barking, baring teeth
  • Stress facial signals like tight commissures, whale eye, tension below the eyes, and more
  • Flat or overly perked ears
• Tail wrapped low or the opposite, straight up high.
• Stomach upset including diarrhea.
• More…

This list is not complete. And you can see from this list that many of these signals can mean a number of things besides stress. How do you know which is which?

You need to know your dog by observing and registering their typical behaviors when happy, worried, or downright scared and note the differences.

What can you do?

• Hire a certified behavior specialist. The AKC has an article outlining the different type of behavior specialists.
  • I am a CDBD (Certified Dog Behavior Consultant) IAABC.org
• This behavior specialist will help you begin to desensitizing/counterconditioning (Ds/Cc) your dog, implement management strategies to help your dog avoid triggers before they are ready to face them, and work on other training skills that will help your dog overcome their fears.
• Supplements – sometimes our dogs need help to simply be around their triggers. A dog who is riddle with fear cannot learn so sometimes we need to help them internally. There are some helpful supplements that are proven effective and easy to find.
  • L-theanine and L-tryptophan are both amino acids that are very safe.
  • I advise my clients to use these two links above, so they are giving their dog nothing other than the amino acids indicated. Compounded anti-anxiety products will have a number of other components many of which can cause issues, and with compounded products we won’t know which element is doing what.Here is a great Overview of Behaviour Supplements for Dogs and Cats. Remember to check with your vet before starting any supplements.
  • If Ds/Cc is stalling or not working and the supplements are not helping your dog work through their stress and fears, it is time to consult a veterinary behavior specialist.

There is a lot you can do to help your dog process stress in their environment to give them a happier and safer life.

The post Stressed or Anxious dogs? appeared first on Three Dogs Training.

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In our initial assessment Alfie showed anxiety when his people were getting ready to go out – he was circling around them in the hall when shoes were being put on, and running between the hall and living room. Then at 2 seconds after the front door closed, he ran away from the door, whining started at 9 seconds which quickly escalated to high pitched whines, then barks and then to howling. I ended the assessment at 1 minute 20 seconds (which is not the time he is comfortable – the initial assessment is about getting information), and when they came back in Alfie jumped all over them through stress.

Below is a video of the initial assessment (warning – there are barking and howling noises):

Week 1

In our reassessment after 1 week, Alfie showed a good deal of progress. He followed to the door and stood there, tail up with a slight tail wag (this can be a sign of stress in this context). 2 seconds after the door closed he moved closer to the door, did a small whine but then sat down! I did not want to push it and wanted the absence to end while he was still sitting, so I ended the absence at 35 seconds. A wonderful achievement after just 1 week! Below is a video:

Week 2

In our week 2 reassessment Alfie followed to the door and tried to sneak out with them! But once the front door had shut, he wagged his tail around 9 seconds then sat down.  At 1 minute 23 seconds, he let out a small whine, still sitting down, and that’s when I texted his people to come back, and the front door opened at 1 minute 36 seconds

A big improvement on 2 weeks ago!

Week 3 – a week of wins!

Week 3 was where we saw multiple wins for little Alfie! On 8th March he stayed IN HIS BED, for an absence of 1 MINUTE 40 SECONDS! The whole time! He did not get out of his bed at all!!!

And in the reassessment at the end of week 3 Alfie did great – he did follow to the door but very slowly, and didn’t appear in the hallway until 9 seconds after the door closed (previously he would run to the hallway immediately). He stood close to the door for quite a few minutes, sniffing the crack of the door, and at 3 minutes 7 seconds after the door shut he sat down. He did do a small whine at the same time. Then at 4 minutes 25 seconds he LAY DOWN! First time ever and a huge milestone for Alfie! I wanted to end the absence while he was still lying down so after a text from me, the front door opened after an absence of a whopping 4 minutes 52 seconds!!

Below is a video of the week 3 reassessment – its the whole nearly 5 minutes so you can always fast forward!

A small regression….

A few days later Alfie had a day where he really struggled, and started whining after 14 seconds of alone time, which then escalated to running back and forth, and then howling, and Alfie’s people came in early, rightly so.  This was a worrying time for Alfie’s people, as there was a concern for them that he was right back at the beginning again.

However, I know this kind of thing happens A LOT. Regressions, set backs and ‘off days’ are a regular occurrence in separation anxiety work.  I lowered the criteria of his sessions for a couple of days, ensuring they were super easy for him and he soon got back to where he had been!

…leading onto a big win!

Indeed on 16th March I got sent a video of Alfie from their evening training session, and he was the most relaxed ever! He stayed lying down in the living room until he heard the front door close, then he followed and stood by the door. After 7 seconds he sat down, and then at 15 seconds he LAY DOWN and remained laying down! Although he had lay down once before, it took him over 4 minutes to lie down, whereas today he felt comfortable enough to lie down so soon…see video below:

The final reassessment

The very next day Alfie had his final 4 week reassessment, and it is fair to say he absolutely smashed it! After very slowly following to the hall he still stood close to the door until about 1 minute 43 seconds, at which point he sat down. Then at 2 minutes 47 seconds he LAY DOWN (with a small whinge but nothing to be too concerned about), and he remained there, lying down, relaxed until I texted his people to come back when I heard a small whine at 11 minutes 10 seconds. However, then he rested his head down a bit, and stayed there lying down until the front door opened at 11 MINUTES 45 SECONDS! A huge achievement for this little guy!

Below are a couple of clips from his final reassessment (I didn’t put the whole video up as assumed watching a video of a dog lying down for nearly 12 minutes is not that exciting for most people! For me, however, its hugely exciting!):

Below is a graph to highlight Alfie’s journey over the past month and the progress he has made!

Alfie’s people are going to try and move the protocol forward on their own now, and know that I am here if they need any help. They have done so well at sticking to the programme and trusting the process, and I cant wait to hear how Alfie is doing!

If you would like help working through your dog’s separation anxiety please get in touch! If you complete the form on the page linked below, I will be in touch to arrange an initial call to have a chat: Remote Online Separation Anxiety Dog Training (politepawsdogtraining.co.uk)

Early days

Marci had been in her new home for about three months when I first met her. She was already more comfortable with her immediate family and had started to show them glimpses of her personality during that time, which was great news. But, she was still a very anxious girl. She was reactive on her walks and was was reluctant to take treats or seek approval from anyone. This is very common with dogs that have been through a trauma.

In a state of trauma; the dog is in an almost permanent state of survival mode. In this mode, a dogs fight or flight instincts are activated and their reactive brain is in charge. So, dogs are quick to escape if they get even a tiny fright, and can act in other strange ways too. When survival mode is active, many normal bodily functions are affected. In particular, digestion is shut down, sleep is affected, reward seeking is shut down, and bladder and bowel are affected.

A safe space for Marci

Marci had a little den set up in the kitchen and most days she would wait until the house was quiet before eating, drinking or toileting. At night time her anxiety levels reduced enough that she dropped out of survival mode and those normal functions could resume. This was essential for her recovery.

Check out this video on what the first three days is like for a rescue dog

The den was Marci’s safe space in those early weeks. While she was safely tucked away, she was able to relax enough that trauma recovery could start. She was never going to recover while she was in survival mode, as her instincts were telling her to stay safe and run away.

All new rescue dogs need a place they can retreat to. Without a safe space, and time to decompress, many dogs struggle to feel safe in their new homes.

Strangers

As well as providing Marci a den, her family gave her time to come to them. This was important as trying to interact with a dog while they are in fight or flight mode just forces them deeper into trauma. It’s not unusual for a dog to snap at uninvited hands. But they gave her the space she needed, and never pushed her too far. As a result she came out of her shell much faster and had started to accept them and other key family members quickly.

She was very fearful around strangers though, at home and on her walks. When I first met her, she sat in the corner of the sofa and stared at me the whole time. That was hard enough for her, but if I moved or laughed, she would get a fright and growl or bark. She couldn’t think about anything else while I was there, so we made this a priority.

To work on this, we needed a couple of things! We needed a way to reward her, a target behaviour, and we needed to set some routines and expectations, so she could start to predict her day better.

Marci’s first trick!

Marci didn’t appear to have had any training before she arrived in the UK. And as I mentioned earlier, she didn’t have much interest in rewards either. This gave us a few challenges. So, we considered a variety of options and settled on grated cheese. She looked vaguely interested in it, at least. She was more comfortable in the garden so we headed outside, and after some instruction, I went indoors and watched from the kitchen window.

It wouldn’t be unusual for me to watch from afar, as the presence of a stranger can easily unsettle anxious dogs. Much better to get out the way and let them get on with it!

We started with the “touch” command as it required the least amount of effort from Marci, it would also grow into a recall later, so two tricks for the price of one. I think she managed a couple before we called it a day. Everything moves extremely slowly for dogs that are in trauma. What looks like tiny changes to some can be huge milestones for an anxious dog. The fact that she managed any at all, was worth celebrating (quietly)!

I can’t imagine how hard that first training session was for Marci, but she was amazing. And the ball was now rolling. Not only did she start getting rewarded for something, but the experience had a bonding effect too. We also introduced a clicker to her in her first session. We would use this to build confidence later, mostly around strangers, but it would work in any situation she wasn’t sure of.

As the days followed, she started to really enjoy learning new things and the knock on effect was clear to see.

Moving fast!

By my second visit, she was like a different dog. She had started peeing and eating during the day and had discovered a few new treats that she liked! And not only that, she had started letting her guard down more and more, and was starting to really love her new life. She was still anxious about me arriving but settled quickly and there was no more barking after that. And, she even did a trick in front of me!

Now, she knew a focus trick, we could introduce that into much of her rehabilitation. It would help us to give her a positive behaviour to focus on whenever she was anxious and didn’t know what to do. And the clicker and treats would reinforce it, and build further confidence.

We also progressed to sit training as she was doing so well, and the clicker was really helping her on her walks. She was having a few issues with being left alone. With Christmas and holidays, this was probably to be expected. Rescue dog behaviour can be very changeable over the early weeks and months. As she settled in more and more, it was not surprising that she would react to unavoidable changes in routine. But, getting back to normal should fix that.

A different dog!

The last time I saw Marci at home, she actually fell asleep. I couldn’t believe it! She now plays with dogs on the beach, enjoys her long line and her recall is coming on well. She doesn’t really worry about strangers anymore, she doesn’t need her den, and she now sleeps upstairs!

Her family were amazing. They gave her time and space, and never pushed her too far. They were brilliant at recognising when Marci was approaching her limit and responded quickly. And they celebrated every success. The process can be painfully slow at the start, and keeping an eye on the wins is vital to keep you going. All I did was point them the right way, explain her behaviour, offer reassurance, and give them the confidence to try things they hadn’t thought of.

The future

She is still settling into her new life and will be for a while yet. Her family will be discovering more about her, over the coming months, and we’ll continue to monitor routines and new behaviours.

At the time of writing, Marci had been in the UK for 6 months. She has achieved so much in that time because she was given space and time. The first few weeks and months are make or break with all rescue dogs; not just street dogs or abused dogs. Many behaviour problems develop, or are made worse, in those early weeks, purely because the dog is pushed too quickly.

Are you struggling with your rescue dogs behaviour?

Private Dog Behaviour Consultations are currently available in the Dundee area and beyond, or via zoom. If you are looking for help solving your dogs behaviour and training problems, then please get in touch!

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Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language

Dogs possess a wide spectrum of body language they use to communicate with both other animals and humans. As a pet parent, it’s critical to comprehend your dog’s body language for creating a robust and prosperous bond with your furry companion.

 

By learning to read your pup’s body language, you are better able to discern their requirements, stave off undesirable behavior, and deliver them with the affection, attention, and care they need. In this article, we will explore the different ways in which dogs communicate through their body language and how you can better understand your furry best friend.

The Basics of Dog Body Language

Through their bodies, faces, and tails, dogs can express a broad scope of emotions, ranging from joy and enthusiasm to fear and aggression. Here’s a deeper look at some of the fundamentals of dog body language:

1. Tail Wagging

A dog’s tail can convey a variety of emotions, from joy and exhilaration to fear and aggression. Many people wrongly assume that a wagging tail indicates a contented dog, but this isn’t necessarily true.

 A relaxed tail that wags slowly from side to side indicates a friendly or happy dog. However, a tail that is held high and rigid, with quick, rapid movements, can indicate that a dog is feeling confident or even aggressive. Conversely, a tail that is tucked between the legs indicates fear or anxiety.

2. Ears

Like a dog’s tail, their ears can also point to their emotional state. When their ears are relaxed and facing forward, they likely feel pleased or intrigued.

 If their ears are pulled back against their head, they may be feeling fearful or submissive. Ears that are perked up and facing forward can indicate excitement or alertness.

3. Body Posture

A dog’s body posture can also tell you a lot about how they are feeling. A relaxed and loose posture indicates that a dog is feeling content and comfortable in their environment. A stiff posture with their weight shifted forward can indicate aggression or a desire to attack.

 

A crouched or lowered posture indicates fear or submission. A dog that is rolling over on their back and exposing their belly is indicating that they feel submissive and vulnerable.

4. Facial Expressions

Dogs can express their emotions through their facial expressions, too. For example, a relaxed and open mouth often shows contentment, while a closed or tense mouth can signal fear or aggression.

Dilated pupils can indicate excitement or fear, while narrowed pupils can indicate aggression. A dog that is showing their teeth or growling is indicating that they feel threatened or defensive.

5. Sniffing

Sniffing is a vital form of communication and interaction for canines. When they take a whiff, they’re gathering info on their surroundings and other dogs. A pup that sniffs the ground or other pup is likely feeling inquisitive and engaging with their environment.

6. Vocalizations

Dogs may vocalize to express a variety of feelings, from alertness and protection to joy and excitement. Sounds like barking, growling, whining, or howling are not just simple noises they convey important messages about the pup’s sentiments and objectives.

Barking, for example, is a common form of communication for dogs. It can be used to warn their owners of potential peril or to express their joy and pleasure. However, excessive barking can also be a sign of stress or anxiety and may indicate that a dog is not receiving enough physical or mental stimulation.

 

Growling, on the other hand, is often a warning sign. It can indicate that a dog is feeling threatened or uncomfortable, and may be a sign that they are about to bite. Similarly, whining can express a range of emotions, from anxiety and fear to excitement and anticipation.

 

Howling is another form of vocalization that dogs use to communicate. This is often used to express emotions such as loneliness and separation anxiety. It can also be a way for dogs to build bonds with their pack.

 

It’s essential to keep in mind that every dog is different and may communicate differently. By paying attention to their body language and behavior, you can get a better grasp of what they’re attempting to express. Understanding the various vocalizations your dog uses can be beneficial, but it’s not the only factor to consider.

Ruffgers Dog University

Ruffgers Dog University is the ultimate destination for every dog lover out there. With our premier indoor dog training and boarding facility, you can ensure that your furry friend is in good hands.

 

Ruffgers offers an exceptional dog daycare and dog boarding program that runs every day of the week except for Sunday. The daycare program is perfectly tailored for dog parents who are constantly on the go. You can choose either a half or full-day daycare program for your dog, which guarantees they will have plenty of playtime and interaction with other dogs.

 

At Ruffgers, the daycare dogs always come back home tired and happy after playing all day long. With three campuses located in Naples, Bonita Springs, and Stuart, Ruffgers provides you with the convenience of having a campus near you.

 

Registration and booking are incredibly easy with the option of clicking on your local campus button to register your pup, update your records and contact information, and make boarding and daycare reservations. Ruffgers Dog University is undoubtedly the perfect place for your furry friend to learn, socialize, and play.

The Bottomline: Trust Ruffgers Dog University for All Your Canine Needs

In conclusion, comprehending your dog’s body language is essential for creating a strong and healthy relationship with your dog. By paying attention to their posture, facial expressions, and vocalizations, you can gain valuable insight into their emotions and needs.

At Ruffgers Dog University, we are dedicated to helping dog owners build strong bonds with their pets through our comprehensive dog training and boarding programs. Whether you are looking for dog daycare, puppy training classes, or behavioral training, our team of experienced trainers is here to help.

Knowing your dog’s body language is just the beginning; you must stay on top of other key topics too. When it comes to looking after your furry friend, some of the most important considerations include understanding their body language, introducing them to fun activities, resolving behavior issues, and keeping them warm in winter. All are essential for optimal pet care!

On our blog, we’ve also got the 5 best things you can do with your pup this weekend and 10 solutions to typical dog behavior problems.

To prepare for any emergency, read up on how to provide first aid in the event a pet-related injury or illness arises and stay up-to-date on strategies for keeping them warm in the colder months with our article, How to Keep Your Pets Warm During Winter!

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Why is suspending absences so important?

This is something that is not my specific requirement, although it is my one ‘non-negotiable’, but it is a requirement of learning. I know that if a dog is being left alone to feel anxiety and panic, they will simply never be able to learn that being home alone is safe.

The outward signs a dog shows to convey that they are anxious about being left home alone vary massively from dog to dog. Some dogs bark, howl, toilet in the house and destroy things (often soft furnishings but clients of mine have reported their dogs have pulled down venetian blinds and scratched the door to pieces), some dogs will show apparent ‘milder’ signs such as pacing, licking their lips and yawning, and some dogs will injure themselves trying to get out of the house or out of a confinement area that they are in (see my previous blog on why confinement and separation anxiety aren’t a good match – Separation Anxiety – to crate or not to crate? – Polite Paws Dog Training).

This stress that the dog is experiencing which drives those outward signs mentioned above will hugely impact their ability to learn that being home alone is safe. In order to teach a dog that being home alone is safe, we need to build absences up slowly (and how slowly that is is dictated by each individual dog), but always ensuring the absences are kept  under the point that dog experiences anxiety.

Separation anxiety is a phobia

If we had a fear of heights, for example, a professional would not immediately take you to the top of the Empire State Building. How would you feel if that happened? Probably absolutely terrified and it would reinforce to you that being at a height is scary! Instead the professional would ascertain what height you could comfortably cope with before feeling scared, and gradually work on increasing the height you feel comfortable at over time. This is the same with dogs who are anxious about being home alone, if they can comfortable cope with an absence of 5 minutes, and then we leave them alone for an hour, they will once again be feeling terrified. So what do you think then happens next time you go to leave the house? They associate you leaving with that horrific feeling of panic, and the anxiety begins well before their previous threshold of 5 minutes.

Stress takes its toll

Stress and anxiety has a profound mental and physical impact on not just dogs, but all animals and humans as well.

Stress affects our dogs in numerous ways and it can result in behavioural, physiological and immunological responses. “More severe stress may induce dogs to perform thermoregulatory behaviour (increased salivation, panting and anti-diuresis) and to develop stereotypies”, and stress can have an effect on the dog’s immune system as well as causing physiological effects (B. Beerda et al, 1997).

So from the point of view of teaching our dog’s that it truly IS safe home alone, and from an ethical point of view, its important we suspend absences so that we dont place them in positions where they are experiencing stress.

Suspending absences is do-able….and temporary

When we talk about ensuring your dog is not left alone at all other than our controlled absences, we must also remember that this is temporary. Its a means to an end while your dog becomes comfortable being alone.

My separation anxiety clients are the most amazing people and go out of their way to ensure their dog’s needs are met, and that they are set up for success when learning absences are safe. People who haven’t had a dog with separation related behaviours simply cant understand how being unable to leave your dog impacts your entire life…..and my separation anxiety clients are just amazing. They are resilient, motivated and some in particular have the most amazing set of carers lined up for their dog at all times.

There are many options – friends and family, neighbours, dog walkers and dog daycare (ideally the small, home based ones rather than the large commercial ones), other separation anxiety dog owners (I have, in the past, put clients in touch with each other if they are local to each other to act as back up dog care if the dogs got on….which they did!), there may be a local agricultural college or college where students may be willing to come and sit in your house and study and look after your dog (obviously these would need to be thoroughly vetted as with anyone who comes to your home or looks after your dog). But my point is…..often there are options that people may not have thought of and sometimes all it takes is asking.

My main reason for writing this is to emphasis that yes, it can be hard to suspend absences, and it often does require creative thinking and an expense, but without doing that, you will never be able to leave your dog home alone, so its important not to dismiss working with a professional to overcome your dog’s separation anxiety for a temporary inconvenience.

If you would like help working on your dog’s separation anxiety please complete the form on the page linked below: Remote Online Separation Anxiety Dog Training (politepawsdogtraining.co.uk)

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It's great to teach your dog that good things happen by looking at you, it's an important skill to have in your toolkit. Having eye contact on cue means you can ask your puppy to look at you and look away from all kinds of distractions.

Once your puppy learns that giving you eye contact is rewarding then they will start to give you voluntary eye contact as a way to access rewards and this when the magic happens, at this point your dog is basically saying they are ready to work and engage with you.

Lure It!

• Take one treat, place it on your dog's nose then immediately move the treat to your forehead and say 'Look', as your dog looks up at the treat mark and reward. Repeat around 10 times.
• Then hold a few treats in a closed fist and place them by your shoulder, cue 'Look' and wait to see what your dog does. If they look at you then mark and reward but if they don't look at you then you need to go back to step 1 and continue to use the lure of the treat to your head.
• Play around with where your distraction food hand is, you are using the food in the hand to distract your dog from already looking at you because you want to make sure that when you cue 'Look' they orientate their attention back to you.
• Practise this in lots of different locations.

Wait for it!

• Have a handful of treats ready and your dog in front of you. Start in a low distracting environment.
• I like to keep my hands behind me back, now simply wait for your dog to look at you, when this happens mark with a 'Yes' or click then reward with a treat. Repeat!
• If your dog does not look at you don't be tempted to nag them, just wait.
• Once your dog is getting the hang of it and they are consistently looking at you then you can add the cue 'Look'. Say the cue 'Look' just before your dog looks up.
• To add another level of difficulty, hold some treats in your hand out to the side, this is to distract your dog. When your dog is looking at the handful of treats cue 'Look' when they take their eyes off your hand and look at you mark with a 'Yes' or click and reward with a treat.
• Practise in lots of different environments.

Practise Makes Perfect!

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Dog-human reactivity especially in the context of Singapore, where most of dog owners stay in apartments and the lack of space.

Dogs and humans have a unique relationship, and dogs have been bred over thousands of years to be highly responsive to human cues and commands. However, some dogs may be more reactive than others, and may have difficulty coping with certain situations or stimuli.

One way to cope with a dog's reactivity is through positive reinforcement training. This type of training focuses on rewarding desired behaviors and ignoring or redirecting undesired behaviors. For example, if a dog is reactive to other dogs, you can teach them a "watch me" command that they will learn to respond to instead of reacting to the other dog. This command will redirect their attention to you and as a reward you can give them a treat or praise.

Another way to cope with a dog's reactivity is through counter-conditioning and desensitization. This method involves slowly exposing the dog to the thing they are reactive to in a controlled environment, while providing positive reinforcement. Over time, the dog will begin to associate the thing they were previously reactive to with positive experiences, and their reactivity will decrease.

It's also important to note that in some cases, reactivity can be caused by underlying medical or behavioral issues and consulting a veterinarian or a professional dog behaviorist may be necessary.

It's also important to note that, while dogs can be trained to cope with their reactivity, it's also important for the owner to be aware of the dog's triggers and try to avoid them as much as possible, or to at least minimize their exposure to them.

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How to Identify Stress in Dogs

One of the skills a quality dog behaviourist in London teaches owners is how to identify stress in their pets. This is tricky, as dogs are often more subtle than humans in how they express anxiety. Still, with careful observation, you can spot the signs and learn how to improve your pet’s life.

Nervous Pacing or Shaking

One of the most common signs of stress in a dog is pacing or shaking. As this behaviour is sometimes linked to playfulness, it’s easy to overlook. But whole-body shakes are a common reaction to unpleasant stimulation. Similarly, dogs are prone to pacing the room when they face a stressful situation. These telltale signs can’t be overlooked.

Barking

Barking is another sign that is easy to misunderstand. Unfortunately, it’s often treated as a cause to seek puppy training in London. However, barking often accompanies a stressed or anxious feeling that deserves attention. Study what your dog is barking at before deciding it’s a behaviour issue. Furthermore, pay attention to whines and whimpers which almost always express pain and worry.

Bodily Signs of Stress

A dog’s body gives multiple signs of their anxiety. Their pupils dilate under duress and they may blink rapidly. Dogs whose ears are traditionally raised may pin them against their head. Dogs will tuck their tails as well in stressful moments and sit on their hind legs. By looking at your dog, you can identify multiple symptoms of stress.

A dog’s mouth also reveals a lot about its state of mind. Dogs who are not overheated but panting are warning their owners of stress. Anxious dogs are prone to drooling, licking, and yawning more too. 

Behaviour Changes

Perhaps the most concerning symptom of anxiety are changes in behaviour. Dogs practise intense avoidance behaviour. This includes minor forms like sniffing the ground and looking away. But it can escalate to steps like hiding behind their owners and running away behind obstacles like cars or other large objects. While it’s important to never force a dog to comply and come out, contacting a dog behaviourist in London may offer a solution to help your dog.

All of these behaviours are worrying, but will generally pass. Still, it’s vital to pay attention to stress behaviour in dogs to help them deal with their stress. A perpetually upset animal will practise unhealthy behaviour such as violence and using the bathroom in inappropriate places. To avoid seeking puppy training in London, pay attention to your pet.

Ways to Help Your Pet

Fortunately, caring for your dog is a relatively simple task that doesn’t require much special knowledge. After all, you know your pet better than anyone, and with the knowledge acquired in dog training in London or elsewhere, you can learn to manage your pup’s stress. 

Stimulation

One of the most effective ways to relieve your dog’s stress is with constant stimulation. Taking your dog to the park for walks and playtime with other dogs. This experience allows your dog to burn off their nervous energy and refresh with a positive situation they’ll enjoy. A trip to the park is also a positive time for the owner, ensuring they’ll avoid projecting stress as a bonus. 

Another positive stimulus is toys. Not only are toys a fun, playful reward, but they’ll also entertain your pet when you can’t be there. Your animal must develop self-soothing skills and quality toys to perform the task well.

Crate Training

Crate training is one of the best ways to ensure a dog avoids stress. With crate training, your pet develops its own space to trust in a stressful moment. Your dog can escape to their crate to hide and relax with familiar scents and sensations they know. This helps prevent havoc in your home.

Sound

Certain noises are always a positive way to soothe dogs. Their hearing is famously more intense than humans. For that reason, it’s beneficial to provide them with constant sound while you’re away to help drown out more sudden ambient noises. Quiet sounds like classical music and soothing channels on television will assist your dog to feel comfortable.

Quality Time and Physical Contact

Constant quality time with your pet goes a long way toward ensuring relaxation. Spending time massaging your dog, petting it, talking to it and just generally being there will help your dog build trust in you. This will carry it through times of isolation and loneliness. 

Manage Your Own Stress

Ultimately, one of the best ways to avoid stress with your dog lies in you. If you approach your dog with a low-stress, low-anxiety reaction, your dog will feel better. Animals feed on our reactions. If you’re calm and relaxed, your dog will be too. Try to focus on your stress to improve your pet’s stress.

Ultimately, pet owners need to understand their dog’s stress. With proper dog training in London and elsewhere, you will develop the skills to understand and assist your pet through the harshest of stressors. Our pets are often there for us on a bad day so it’s only fair we do the same to them. 

Dog Behaviourist and Owner Training

If you’re trying to learn how best to treat your pet’s stress, look to Dog Behaviourist and Owner Training. Offering quality dog training in London, this professional service offers training in a wide range of areas from dog socialising to behaviour management. Boasting six years of experience, we work with owners and pets to maximise their interaction and produce a healthy bond for man and animal alike. Contact us to see how we can serve your pet’s behavioural needs today.

Puppy Training

The solution to your problem is simple. Puppy training is the best way to ensure your pet avoids becoming a burden. With puppy training classes, you and your pet will form a deep bond that will grow and improve both of your lives. But what are the specific benefits of training your new pet? Here’s a look at some of the many reasons to consider puppy training.

Life Skills

One of the most important reasons to train your puppy with classes such as puppy training in Essex is to teach the animal the basic skills he or she needs to live in harmony with your family. One of the biggest is potty training. While most owners attempt this vital process themselves, the results are often messy and frustrating. With professional training, your pet will learn how to relieve itself correctly without harming your home. 

Another key skill imparted by puppy training is crate training. This skill is essential for fostering independence in your animal. With crate training, your pet learns not to panic when left alone, eliminating crying that will frustrate neighbours. Furthermore, it reduces the possibility of your pet going into a frenzy and turning destructive. These skills make puppy training essential.

Reduction of Accidents

Related to learning these skills is the effect this will have on your home. Animals are destructive by nature when left unattended and unskilled. Accidents cause more than simple physical damage. They foster resentment and bitterness between the pet owner and their dog. Nobody wants to develop negative feelings towards an innocent animal. With proper training, you can reduce your pup’s accidents and gain an understanding of why they act out.

Understanding Your Pet

It’s important to remember that your pet isn’t an accessory. It’s a living creature with thoughts and feelings all its own. You must treat your dog with respect. Puppy training classes thus not only teach the animal but teach the owner as well. In these courses, you’ll learn what drives your pet and what makes it act the way it does to create open lines of communication between yourself and your animal.

Developing Trust

Equally important in the pet training process is developing trust so that your animal will respect you as its leader. With puppy training, your pet will learn to trust you when you make commands. A pet that has confidence in its owner will respond more positively than one that only knows fear and anger. With trust, your pet will want to listen to you. When you ask it to heel, the puppy will stop and know you’ve made the command for a good reason.

Safety

That trust pays off with a happier, safer puppy. A puppy who trusts its owner will learn safety commands and behaviours with greater ease. With classes such as puppy training in Essex, your animal learns commands that apply across varying environments and situations. If your animal finds itself in a confrontation with another dog, you can safely tell it how to escape, which comes in handy when crises emerge, such as the animal slipping off its leash or getting into the street. With proper training, both you and your pet will know how to respond.

Stimulation and Entertainment

An unexpected side effect of training classes is how engaging they are as an activity for you and your pet to enjoy. Dogs are social animals that cherish time with other dogs. With puppy training, they’ll have the opportunity to enjoy time with their peers which will also reinforce the lessons learned. 

Puppy training also has a positive effect on the owners in much the same way. In these classes, you’ll interact with people who share your interest in animals. Together, you’ll learn how to teach your pups valuable lessons, and have fun while doing it. These classes are a positive, upbeat environment where you’ll create memories that you can cherish for years to come. 

Improving the Quality of Life

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” before; and that’s simply not true. Animals are capable of learning at all phases of life, and puppy training will aid your pet no matter how old they are. Arguably the older a pet is, the more important it is that they get the stimulation and value they need to feel like they matter. Training is a great way to give your pet that experience.

Bonding

Ultimately the central purpose of a training class is to create a close bond between you and your dog. The two of you will grow closer as you work together. These classes foster warmth and love that is impossible to replicate from another experience. Puppy classes put you and your pet through a unique set of events that will draw both of you closer. For that reason alone, the courses are a must.

Puppy training classes offer innumerable opportunities for pet owners to develop a deeper connection with their pets, fostering positive behaviours that will improve both of their lives. For this reason, it’s important to seek them out today.

A Trained Pup Is a Happy Pup

If you’re looking for quality puppy training in Essex as well as the rest of the East London area, look to Dog Behaviourist and Owner Training. With over six years of professional experience in dog training, we have the knowledge to help you and your pet learn invaluable skills and lessons. This service offers everything from behaviour training to dog walking. This clinic will give your dog the skills it needs to live a happy and fulfilling life. Reach out today to begin your journey. 

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Introducing the 5 Best Dog Friendly Pubs in London

Dogs have always been an important part of people’s lives, and dog owners will be pleased to know that the city of London is a dog-friendly haven. To help travelers find the perfect spot for their pooch, we’ve compiled a list of five dog friendly pubs in London. With options from traditional English pubs to modern cocktail bars, dog owners can enjoy a night out with their furry friend. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to grab food or simply meet up with old friends, these dog-friendly establishments are happy to welcome your well-trained dog if you follow their house rules. So if you’re visiting the capital and don’t want to leave your pup at home, be sure to check out our list of top dog friendly pubs in London!

The Duke of Cambridge – Your Dog is Always Welcome Here

The Duke of Cambridge is well known throughout London for its inviting ambiance and excellent hospitality–but did you know that well trained dogs are always welcome here? If you’re looking for a unique pub experience with your four-legged companion, this is the place to go. Located near Tower Bridge, it boasts traditional British fare from its eclectic menu, as well as fine ales in an atmosphere that fully welcomes well-behaved dogs. Stop in for a bite, a brew, and some quality time with your puppy – the Duke of Cambridge will warmly welcome both of you through its doors!

The Three Compasses – A Popular Spot for Dogs and Their Humans

The Three Compasses pub in London is a hugely popular spot for obedient dogs and their human companions alike. Well-behaved fur babies are more than welcome to enjoy a refreshing pint alongside their owner, and are even treated to goodies such as doggy ice cream – a pup’s dream! For owners, the bar’s eclectic vibes and traditional pub décor lend it a unique pastoral charm that make it stand out from the rest. Coming from near and far – humans and canines alike – Londoners flock to this cultural hub in greater numbers each year, making it an ideal spot for both socializing with furry friends and kicking back with cold beers. Make sure to pay the Three Compasses a visit when you’re next in town; you won’t be disappointed!

Prince Albert – Enjoy a Pint with Your Pooch

The Prince Albert pub in London is well known for being dog friendly, so dog owners can relax with their pooches happily at their side. Visitors can be sure of a warm welcome from the bar staff and dog owners will feel safe in the knowledge that their dog can remain with them, conveniently on its lead. Going out for a drink has never been so easy! Not to mention dog owners are more than welcome to indulge in a few pints themselves since their furry friend will always be there during an enjoyable conversation – keeping it company and behaving nicely! So next time you’re looking for a dog-friendly pub to visit in London, make sure to check out the Prince Albert – you won’t regret it!

The Camden Eye – A Dog-Lover’s Favourite

The Camden Eye is one of London’s top pubs for dog owners. Located in the lively neighbourhood of Camden Town, this bar’s unique atmosphere attracts a wide variety of people and their furry friends. The warm, inviting environment welcomes pooches as big as a Great Dane or as small as a Chihuahua. Customers can spend time hanging out with their pup while enjoying mouth-watering food from the dinner menu, sipping delicious cocktails, or having a pint of beer in the spacious beer garden. Whether you are looking for a bite to eat with your doggo by your side or just want to relax and take in the vibes, The Camden Eye is an ideal spot for dog lovers in London.

The Star Tavern – A Great Place to Take a Break with Your Puppy

The Star Tavern in London is the perfect spot for dog owners to relax with their canine companion. With an idyllic setting, plenty of outdoor seating and a friendly atmosphere it is the ideal place for a pup-friendly break. The dog-loving staff are both welcoming and accommodating, so there’s no need to worry about your pup getting up to naughtiness. When food cravings hit, the pub grub is both delicious and affordable meaning everyone’s happy! So if you’re looking for a chilled evening away from home with your four legged buddy then The Star Tavern should definitely be at the top of your list.

Best Dog Training in London

To conclude, if you want to enjoy a well-deserved pint or two in London with your loyal pup, there are plenty of places you can go! The Duke of Cambridge, The Three Compasses, Prince Albert, The Camden Eye and the Star Tavern – all of which will be more than happy to welcome you and your furry friend. You can grab a tasty snack, head out into the garden (at some venues) and savour that moment when your pup looks up at you with a carefree expression. That said, if your pup is rather too active for some peace at the pub, why not check out Off Leash K9 London for some expert advice on dog training? They have over a decade of experience in canine behaviour engineering and their unique method has resulted in plenty of success stories. As responsible pet owners, it’s important to remember that we can always do better when it comes to our pooches – no matter what age they are.

Want to see our work? Check out our YouTube Page to see over 800+ before and after videos.

Give us a call at 020 3890 3400 for a free phone consult.

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Reducing attachment solves separation anxiety

This is a common dog behaviour myth. But, actually, dogs need to feel security of a strong pack to feel safe. Knowing they have a great team behind them gives them the confidence to try new things, and settle when alone.

In fact, medications used for this type of anxiety (such as Zylkene) often simulate the feeling of an attachment bond. So feel free to sleep with your dog and cuddle them as much as you like, you can’t cause separation anxiety by loving your dog too much!

A dog will get used to anything if you expose them to it enough

When in fight or flight mode the reactive brain is in charge. The reactive brain is not concerned with learning new things, it only cares about keeping the dog safe. The thinking brain won’t re-engage until the dog feels safe again. This means that as long as a threat is present, the thinking brain is over-ridden and no learning can take place.

It’s actually worse than that! The reward centre of the brain is activated if the reactive brain was successful at keeping the dog safe from harm. So, not only will there have been no learning, but the reactive brain is actually encouraged for next time!

You can’t have an all male or all female pack!

Whether dogs can live together has nothing to do with whether they are male or female. It all comes down to personality and values. If you have two dogs that value food highly, you might see a clash. Likewise, if they both like the same bed, toy, or look out spot. But, that has nothing to do with whether they are male or female. Or whether they are young or old or neutered, for that matter.

Another dog behaviour myth busted… Check out this video about why you should never use food to “dominate” your dog

New dogs should be submissive to the dog that is oldest, or was there first!

This also comes down to values. Not age, or who was there first. Some dogs are very laid back and others aren’t. The worst thing you can do is try to influence how they feel about each other and any pecking order they might have chosen. This will only cause fights between them, and it could make the dog your favour very anxious, especially around you and resources!

Longer walks will tire your dog

Occasional long walks will, of course, tire a dog. But if you regularly take long walks the dog will just get fitter and you’ll not see the benefit. Even when it does, it doesn’t take long for a dog to recharge, so the benefit will only be short lived.

If you really want to tire out your dog try taking up a hobby like scent work or teach them some new tricks. Brain and nose work is far more exhausting than a walk.

Dogs need to be entertained

An important skill for any dog is to learn how to be bored. Being bored is great for overall mental health and reducing anxiety. If we keep entertaining our dogs they can become dependant on activity and won’t cope well when they run out of things to do. This can lead to separation problems, hyperactivity, and destructive behaviour. Embrace the boredom!

Are you struggling with your dogs behaviour?

Private Dog Behaviour Consultations are currently available in the Dundee area and beyond, or via zoom. If you are looking for help solving your dogs behaviour and training problems, then please get in touch!

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Listen up! You need to nail these three things.

1. Training Your dog won’t get over it, trust me. They need to learn new coping mechanisms and need basic obedience. Reactive behaviour can be driven by fear and it can also be driven by frustration. Seek out help from a professional behaviourist and trainer.

The methods you choose are up to you, but I myself am a reward-based trainer trying to solve the root cause rather than suppress the symptom. Things that can be worked on:

• Lead work
• Recall
• Disengagement
• Impulse control

2. Management If you have perfect training and awful management, you’ll be stagnant. Management is your best friend. Management for a reactive dog is mostly keeping enough distance from another dog to avoid reactions. This distance is variable and will decrease over time if you do it well.

Management also includes muzzle training if advised, as well as equipment used to handle your dog so that you’re in control, especially with big powerful breeds. If you aren’t managing your environment and your dog is reacting (failing) every day, you’re doing something wrong. Change it.

3. Lifestyle Okay, so you have fantastic training and management. Surely that’s it, right? … No! Lifestyle is important.

Type of Exercise. Especially if their reactivity is driven by frustration. If you have a large highly strung dog breed and the majority of their exercise is on a short lead, it just won’t cut it. Energy has a lot to answer for in reactive dogs. Time allowed to be a dog and follow breed outlets is hella important. Some breeds or personalities will be fine just bumbling about on a short lead, but some dogs won’t be and NEED time off lead to run, roam and have fun! Invest in a long line and make an effort to take them somewhere and do this daily. It will take you more time, but cutting this corner will delay your success and increase your dog’s internal frustration (and yours!)

Play. If your dog likes chasing and biting things, give them an outlet for that behaviour in play. If you don’t, your dog will find their own way to express this desire… usually whilst they’re on lead and frustrated. If your dog likes to herd, give them something to herd. If your dog likes running, run with them! There’s so much more to a walk then an amble, and reactive dogs need a way to get rid of their nervous or frustrated energy.

Diet. Gut is heavily linked to the brain. Unhappy gut, unhappy brain! Make sure what you are putting into your dog is contributing towards your progress, not hindering it.

Enrichment. Get your dog foraging and problem-solving with enrichment activities, both in the home and on walks. If you want to try scentwork training, enrol in my UK Sniffer Dogs class.

Reactive dogs need dedication and commitment. You can’t choose convenience with a reactive dog, it’s a second job. I’d be lying if I told you otherwise. Can you tick off everything in this list?

Your dog is ONE dog, amongst millions. Your dog has it's own personality, looks, genetics, needs, frustrations, tolerances.

STOP COMPARING YOUR DOG TO OTHERS.

Stop watching TikTok dog trainers parade their perfect dogs around. You will not get this perfect dog; you have a pet.

Unless your dog's lifestyle is 100% perfect, your training routine is 100% perfect, their genetic makeup is 100% perfect, your training skill is 100% perfect, the environment is 100% perfect, your dog WILL NOT BE 100% perfect. That is okay!! That is normal.

Just because you have trained them from 8 weeks old does not mean that by 6 months you will have a perfect dog. If you have, you are damn lucky so cherish it.

You may be able to achieve what LOOKS like perfection with harsh correction methods. Not with me. Find another trainer.

MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS.

Your dog doesn't have any concept of what you want.

You may have got your dog as a self-therapy dog and found that your dog is anything but therapeutic. Maybe even they need a 'therapist.'

You may have got your dog to take everywhere with you, but they can't cope so you're stuck at home.

You may have got your dog to go on long walks with, but they pull you everywhere.

Work with the dog you HAVE, not the dog you WANTED. These are very different. Accept that.

Accept your dog like you would want to be accepted for all of your quirks, flaws and character traits. Train them yes, but don't try and change them.

LET YOUR DOG LIVE A LITTLE.

For Fido's sake, let them run.

You may want your dog walking perfectly on a short lead by 20 weeks, but I doubt your dog feels the same.

Do not expect a highly energetic rambunctious dog to be okay with their only form of exercise being walking by your side.

This is FRUSTRATING.

Let them run. DAILY. Sometimes twice or three times daily. Let them sniff. Let them explore. Get a long line. Hire a field.

If you don't let them in the name of 'obedience', you are doing them a disservice. You are indirectly encouraging frustration and reactivity to build.

Lastly...

LISTEN TO YOUR TRAINER.

They mean well, honestly. If the methods don't sit right with you, then talk to them.

Don't just stop using their advice because you can't be bothered or it hasn't worked in the first 5 minutes. This is honestly... lazy.

I can't count the amount of times I have given advice and then watched it blatantly ignored or tried twice and then disregarded.

The advice works. What's not working is your patience.

BE PATIENT.

Be kind. Be calm. Be human, by all means, we all have bad days. But listen, educate, grow, expect failure, celebrate success and give your dog a damn break.

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The magic wand doesn't exist. It really doesn't. I promise you.

I wish it did, truly. I'm not here delaying results just to get more money from you; I want to see success. I want to see progress, and it's honestly demotivating for me when I don't see quick progress.

The dogs I take under my wing as clients I truly deeply care for. I KNOW that these dogs would progress quicker with me because my handling skillset, timing and behavioural knowledge is naturally higher than my clients, but unfortunately I don't have access to 100 acres and endless buckets of money to feed all of these dogs.

However, I have to slow down my expectations of progress to match the real world, real clients and their realistic skill levels. Some people are naturally better at it than others.

What matters is trying. What matters is knowledge.

Step up to the plate and train your dog. LISTEN to your trainer/behaviourist. Listen to their advice. They aren't giving you the advice for fun, nor are they giving you advice that will necessarily be easy but they are giving it you for a reason. Everything matters. Behaviour is rarely ever singular. Behaviour is influenced by multiple factors you wouldn't even think are related.

Trainers may give you training advice, lifestyle advice and basic dietary advice. Listen to all of it.

If your trainer thinks your dog will benefit from more walks, they aren't saying it make your life harder. Make it happen, make time for it. If that means driving somewhere to find a walk, go do it. Your trainer can't do this for you and lifestyle matters.

If your trainer recommends a better food for your dog, it's because gut health is highly linked to behaviour. It's not because they're sponsoring a certain food brand and get commission.

If your trainer recommends practicing training daily, they actually mean it. You might not get much of a kick out of training, but if you want your dog's behaviour to change, you've got to change. It's a two-way street.

If you miss a piece of the puzzle, you will never complete it.

Take a look at the image and see if you can tick off every single thing on the pyramid. If you can't, change it. There are exceptions if you have a dog that doesn't enjoy play with dogs, but your job is to try and replicate this play outlet elsewhere.

REMEMBER... these are ticked off from your dog's perspective, not yours. You may think a 20 minute walk around the block is adequate for your young German Shepherd. I doubt they agree.

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Why is this important?

Because dogs are polyphasic sleepers which means that they need to sleep in more than two segments per day. Humans tend to sleep for a long period of time, in one go, in a 24 hour sleep period. 

Dogs and other polyphasic sleepers will sleep more than once whilst still getting the number of sleep hours required throughout a 24 hour period for it to not be detrimental to their health and ability to perform. 

If we lose an hour of sleep we cannot catch up on that sleep, whereas dogs have the ability to do so.

 So the question again, is why is this important? A lack of sleep affects dogs just as much as it does us humans. 

Nearly all behavioural cases can see some improvement in their behaviour when we increase the dogs sleep. This is common practice for dog trainers and behaviourists to increase sleep and sleep quality in a dogs training plan.

Sleep or a lack of sleep affects so many aspects. We know as a rule that sleep deprivation can be detrimental to our own health. When we are looking at our health, we know that there are serious medical issues that are associated with chronic lack of sleep, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack, heart failure and stroke just to name a few. 

All of these health issues are things which can affect our dogs too, so the link between our own health and lack of sleep is easy to convert over to our dogs health.

Yet often, it is not something that owners are unaware of nor do they recognise that link and that must change. We, as professionals, need to be talking about sleep more.

Did you know that you can actually die from sleep deprivation just as much as you can die from lack of water or food. Sleep deprivation is also a form of torture.

 Dog trainers & behaviourists will often see cases where a dog is so busy that they cannot relax or switch off.

With some dogs, when they do fall asleep, they awake easily upon minute movements from their owner or sounds that may be heard. We see dogs that watch everything and anything that passes by the window setting them off into a frenzy.

All of this causes the dog to be hyper-alert and hyper-vigilant which naturally causes and increases anxiety and stress.

And we know that stress and anxiety isn’t good for us, it’s the same for our dogs.

 Not only is a lack of sleep going to have an effect on a dog’s health, but it will also affect their emotional state and behaviour too.

Think to yourself, how are you after two or three nights of broken sleep?

Do you think emotionally you will be happy?

Do you think you can make clear decisions easily and will be able to deal with problems that arise?

Or perhaps you are like me and you find that you become more frustrated easily. You lack tolerance and may be grumpy and quick to snap - this girl needs her sleep okay.

When asking a dog to do something or you are training with your dog, how can they be expected to think clearly, to comprehend the task and to deliver what is being asked of them if they are not getting enough sleep?

You may find that like me, your patience wears thin on days where you haven’t slept as much. So, thinking of a training scenario, if a dog hasn’t had enough sleep and is struggling to understand what is being asked of them or comprehend the task at hand, you may find that their frustration levels and their emotional state may change. 

That can affect not only the outcome of the training session, but also their experience. Do you think this would have been a positive experience for them?

Don’t underestimate the power of sleep, especially where our dogs are concerned.

 Sleep helps with physical, emotional and cognitive health. Sleep is necessary for every cell that is in the body, every function the body does, and is needed for each organ to rest and recover.

The immune system needs sleep to enable itself to function at its best. 

There was a study done on humans who were given a vaccination. One group was sleep deprived on purpose and the second group was not. The group who were sleep deprived were shown to have 30% less immunity compared to the second group who were not purposely sleep deprived. 

Yet both groups received the same vaccination.

As with human babies, puppies need sleep particularly for growth.

Sleep also allows us to recharge emotionally. When you sleep you sort through your emotions and events that have happened throughout the day. Sleep also helps with our decision making too which is where the saying ‘let me sleep on it’ comes from.

Sleep is super important for the learning process too and there have been so many studies done on this area. I know for me, if I haven't had a lot of sleep, yet I had a day of learning ahead of me, I would really struggle with concentrating, understanding and taking the information in.

When training dogs, teaching them new things and working with their emotions, we also need to be aware of the link between learning and sleep. How can we expect a dog to be on top of its game when we are working with them and learning, when they are lacking in sleep?

For dogs who struggle with coping in scenarios or are struggling with their emotions, such as being fearful, stressed or anxious - how can we expect them to process things or make decisions when under emotional stress whilst they are lacking in sleep?

 We, ourselves don’t do so well with those things whilst suffering from sleep deprivation and it’s totally unfair to expect more from our dogs at those times when we would struggle.

Hopefully you are getting my point on why sleep is so important and why we, as dog trainers, should be talking about it more. Owners need to recognise the importance of sleep and the benefits from ensuring enough sleep has been had.

We know that puppies need on average 18-20 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period.

They have lots of learning to do, processing everything about the world around them. They are also growing at a tremendous rate.

For adult dogs, it’s between 12-14 hours of sleep that is needed in a 24 hour period. 

Elderly dogs are more likely to sleep for longer. For them they may get more fatigued, they may have some health issues or their body may need to repair itself.

It is noted that smaller breeds tend to nap in short, sweet successions whereas your larger breed dogs tend to nap for longer periods of time in a sleep session.

We do have to take into consideration the breed of the dog though and if they have an instinctual job to do. For example, a Border Collie is likely to be running and active for a good 8 hours solid compared to a bulldog where they are going to be less active, without an instinctual job. Equally, we have to remember that every dog is also an individual, something else we have to account for.

When we are sleeping, it’s easy to think that nothing happens, but actually the brain is more active at night, especially during the REM phase than during the daytime.  REM stands for rapid eye movements.

There are three stages of non-rapid eye movement.

Phase 1 of Non-Rapid Eye Movement is often referred to as N1.

N1 is the stage where you start to get sleepy, get drowsy, body and muscles are relaxing, breathing slows, and this is the transition into the sleep stage

This then moves you into N2. From brain scans, we are aware that this stage has a lot of activity going on that is related to memory and learning consolidation. 

There was a study that was done on rats where the rats were taught to go around a circle to get to a piece of food.  The activity the rats displayed during the N2 phase when they were asleep, was exactly the same compared to when the rat was going around the circle to get to a piece of food. 

Now I know how that sounds, but the data was so accurate that the scientists were able to pinpoint the exact moments the rats were stopping in the circle, in their sleep. The rats were going over that learning exactly as it had played out in real life but in their sleep. They were processing and consolidating that learning and all of that information they had taken in or received. 

We are quite lucky as this topic has had many studies conducted in recent memory and that there is a lot of good research out there.

We then move through to N3 - the stage where the body does its repair and healing. You are in a deeper sleep during this phase which makes it not so easy for you to just wake up.

The next phase is deep sleep or rapid eye movement. Rapid eye movement which is also referred to as REM.

I am sure you have all seen your dog twitch in their sleep, they may move, eyes flicker, the nose may crinkle or the legs may kick out. 

You perhaps may hear some whimpering, howling, crying or even some grumbles and growling from your dog.

I'm sure many of us have jokingly commented that the dog is chasing something like a cat during that stage, especially when the legs are sideways running in their sleep.

That is when a dog is in the REM phase. 

This phase is all about the emotional side of things. This is where the brain works through the emotional side of things and is processing all the negative and positive things that may have happened during the day. 

Dogs and humans go through these 4 sleep phases multiple times. The phases cycle over and over while we are asleep. For humans, the cycle length is around 90 minutes, to get through all 4 phases before starting again. 

Now dogs cycle through these phases much quicker.

Humans spend around 25 % of their time in the 4th stage, the REM stage, whereas dogs spend around 10% of their time in this stage. However, dogs sleep more throughout a 24 hour period compared to humans, so actually, dogs hit that REM stage more than humans and when you add all their sleep sessions together, it will be more than 25%.

 When it comes to stress, where there are high levels of cortisol in a dog’s system can interrupt the sleep pattern. In humans as well as dogs. This is an important key point to know, especially if you are working with or are an owner of a nervous, fearful, anxious dog. We need to think about how much sleep they are getting and trying to improve on that.

Let’s look at the effects of sleep deprivation as this also affects our emotional state, not just our physical health.

How many of you have suffered from sleep deprivation? I am sure some of you have had children and have been through those stages where you can actually feel like you're drunk through lack of sleep.

How did that sleep deprivation affect your mood? Most of this is going to be transferable to our dogs.

You may notice that a lack of sleep may make you grumpy and less tolerant.  You may find that you do not make the best decisions. Remember that sleep deprivation is actually classed as a form of torture.

It makes it difficult to think, let alone problem solve. It can almost be described as having a haze or thick fog in your head.

You may find that your concentration skills go right out of the window. You may watch the TV for an hour but once it’s finished you do not know what you have watched.

You may have difficulty remembering things. 

When I went through sleep deprivation when my boys were babies, I misplaced so many things and my memory was beyond awful. I once put my phone in the fridge, in the bin and I would lose my phone for a whole day at a time sometimes. My phone went on many walks without me.

Simple tasks can become much harder to do and comprehend when you are in a sleep-deprived state of mind.

Let’s look at sleep deprivation in a child. Do you have or have had a toddler, which is at the same emotional development as a dog? 

If you have had a toddler, you know that time when the toddler misses a nap or has gone down to sleep a couple of hours later?

That toddler quickly turns into a monster, doesn’t it? I have had children so I, myself can concur with that one.

They become sooo emotional!

Their frustration and anger levels are heightened and come into play much quicker when the child is in a sleep-deprived state.

 This is transferable to dogs.

Did you know that dogs that wake up suddenly can become aggressive?

This could be due to two reasons, REM behaviour disorder or the dog’s natural startle response.

REM behaviour disorder is when a dog will wake up and almost play out their REM sleep movements. This may include jumping up and running into a wall or spinning round in a circle. The dog may attack the nearest thing which may include a person, or a leg or hand

A startle response may occur, when a dog wakes up in a fearful, anxious state. They will look as if they are unsure where they are and it takes a moment to realise their surroundings and who you are.

That startle response may be brought on by a memory trigger where something has happened and they startle in response to that. I.e. someone tripping over them when they are asleep. 

When they are startled, the dog can be in that fight/flight response unconsciously to keep themselves safe.

Let’s not underestimate the effect that sleep deprivation can have on your emotional state and how you rationalise everyday things. 

As well as your health. Again, there has been so much research into sleep deprivation and the health risks it can all cause. Growth and Alzheimer's are just two examples of where sleep deprivation may affect your health and have been clinically linked.

Here is how we can help our dogs and ensure that they are getting the sleep that they need.

• Ensure their bed is in an area of the house that isn’t busy or the main walkthrough, i.e. the hallway where people are coming past to and from, the doorbell is going off and the post being put through the letterbox..

• If you are about to work with a dog perhaps ask the owner to give the dog a nap/rest before your session with them. Ensure the dog is rested and ready to learn and able to process.

• Look at the dog's last mealtime. Is it too early or potentially too late and playing a part in sleep disruption?

• Think of where you are placing the bed in terms of temperature and drafts. If the bed is beside a patio or door, are they being woken by a change in temperature.

• Are they placed beside a radiator where it may get too hot at certain points or the noise may startle them awake when turning on?

• A quiet corner with less foot traffic is best. Perhaps a crate that can be covered, to help cut off some of the visual stimulation. Especially for dogs that are constantly on the lookout at any movement or noise.

• The dog may need to be placed in a room and separated off. Especially in busy family households which have children or lots of general movement which is going to cause constant disruption.

• During school holidays, a dog may not be getting as much rest compared to normal, so again, a separate room is a great idea.

• If the bed is by the back patio door, are they being disturbed by wildlife throughout the night?

• Think about the type of bed they are sleeping on and what type of bed may be right for that dog as if they are uncomfortable, that will cause a dog to be waking up and restless

• Have a good bedtime routine and be consistent. This is really important too.

Did you know how important sleep was to your dog?

From Mom to Cat Expert 

Ms. Re has spent most of her life as a stay-at-home mom with her four children, one of whom has special needs. With her children being her number one priority, she had not worked a job outside of being a mom in over 30 years. She found her identity in this role, but now that her children are grown adults, she wondered if it was too late to pursue her dream of working with animals and giving back to her community. 

Then a tragedy occurred when the pandemic hit and Ms. Re, unfortunately, fell ill and was hospitalized with Covid. She had complications and was afraid she would never return home. Thankfully, Ms. Re was able to pull through and recovered. It was then she realized some important life changes were necessary.  

She came back home and got started on making those life-changing decisions.  Some of these changes involved health-related issues, eating better, being more physically active and losing weight.  Others involved Ms. Re’s taking steps to ensure her dream of giving back and working with animals would come true.  As all of us know, consistency is key to changing patterns and behavior.  While not always easy, Camille stuck with the promises she made to herself and not only dramatically improved her health but also enrolled in ABC’s Cat Management and Training Program.  

When asked why she chose the Cat Management and Training Program over the other courses, Ms. Re stated, “I have always loved cats and dogs, but there are so many dog trainers, and I did not want to be in constant competition. Initially, I did not see a large career path for it and did not see a lot of cat trainers in my area. So, I knew it was going to be a challenge but took it as an opportunity to pioneer it in my county.” Pioneering a career path is exactly what she did.  

Starting Her Own Cat Training Business 

Shortly after graduating, she started her own business with the great name of HelpMeowt. Camille offers in-home training and counselling on feline behavior. She gradually built a clientele, but things drastically changed when she had to take one of her cats to the vet at The Animal Hospital of Sussex County. 

While giving background information to the veterinary hospital, she mentioned being a Certified Cat Trainer which caught the attention of the Veterinarian. The doctor was intrigued, which led to an opportunity for Camille to come work at the hospital.  As it turned out this hospital was in need of someone who could help with cat behavior and training and were ecstatic to finally meet someone who had knowledge and training to help meet their needs.  

Ms. Re took a position at the hospital as their Certified Feline Behaviorist. She has her own office and travels all over the area to help kitty parents with their challenges. In addition, Ms. Re conducts training programs for her clients, maintains her business, and still is available to volunteer at local shelters. Ms. Re assists her daughter, Carmella Re-Siguria, with her business in breeding British Shorthair cats and raising their Bernese Mountain Dogs. Camille loves being around both cats and dogs.  

Not only does Camille Re feel more positively about her life after the changes she made, but she also believes that her choices “made me more independent and allowed me to be seen as an impactful person in my community.” Plus, she is now in a position to help cats and the people who love them enjoy better lives together. 

Introducing The Certified Cat Trainer  

When asked about sharing some advice on taking the ABC program and becoming a Certified Cat Trainer, she stated, “Being a cat trainer is rewarding. If there were more cat trainers, there would be less cats going into shelters, more being adopted and far fewer being returned. Being a cat trainer isn’t easy, it can be challenging at times but also very rewarding. Like all animal training, trainers must have patience.”  

When asked about the hands-on portion of the program, Ms. Re said; “The mentorship part of the ABC Cat Management and Training Program was very rewarding. My mentor, Bridget, was amazing and such a wonderful cheerleader/instructor throughout the process. She was just a fresh air of positivity!”  

Ms. Re went on to say, “Start working with shelters to get hands-on experience while taking the course, because it helped see first-hand and then apply what I was learning. Go to cat shows and talk to the breeders to learn more about different cat breeds, because when you get a call, it could be about any of those breeds. She stressed how “it is important to know and understand the breeds of each cat for their personality, lifestyle, and potential health issues. Understanding these varying factors for diverse types of breeds will help you assist clients in finding the right cat to fit their needs. She also pointed out an especially important fact, “I break down training concepts and techniques in a fashion that makes it easy for pet parents to understand. That’s critical because most cat training is really about training owners.” 

ABC is proud to see the recent achievements of Camille Re and hopes this inspires others to keep searching for a dream career they will love. If you are interested in enrolling in the programs offered at Animal Behavior College, check out more information at www.animalbehaviorcollege.com or call 800-795-3294 and ask about dual enrollment opportunities.  

*The testimonials and experiences presented on www.animalbehaviorcollege.com  are applicable to that of the individual and not a guarantee of the same or similar results for every student or graduate.   

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The goal of good puppy socialization is to get your young pet accustomed to all kinds of situations and environments, so you’ll end up with an adult dog, not distressed by busy settings or when encountering new situations. A properly socialized puppy becomes a well-adjusted adult dog who is your companion wherever you go, and whose behavior you won’t have to worry about.

Here are some tips and steps for good puppy socialization so that your furry little pal can become a well-behaved adult dog.

1. Start the Socialization Process When Your Puppy is Young

The best time to socialize your new puppy is to start before the puppy is even three months old. Older dogs who were not adequately socialized when they were young tend to experience more issues with anxiety and fear of new things, so you want to make this initial impressionable time for them count. For starters, allow plenty of freedom to explore all kinds of new things. A puppy is going to be fascinated by almost everything they encounter so be prepared to share in the fun. But keep in mind that young puppies often use their mouths as a tool to explore new things so be careful of any potentially dangerous or valuable objects.

Puppy socialization is important and should not be overlooked or ignored. If you don’t have the time in your family’s schedule to get your puppy started with the adequate socialization, consider professional puppy training to jump start the process.

2. Make the Socialization Process Positive

In order for the socialization process to be effective it needs to be a positive experience for your puppy. Teach your puppy to enjoy new things without fear by giving lots of praise and well-timed treats to build a positive association. Plan good outings or puppy play dates that won’t be overwhelming and that end positively. Don’t let your puppies’ first memories of car rides be ones that end at the vet’s office.

Remember that a negative experience can leave a lasting impression on your puppy. An encounter with an aggressive older dog could be a setback in the process so do your best to set up successful situations.

Dogs are very receptive to how you are feeling so if you are excessively nervous when bringing your puppy out in public or introducing another dog, that will be picked up and result in nervous behavior. You might be surprised at how aware your new best friend is of your own comfort zone!

3. Work Your way up to Busier Situations and Settings

Start the socialization process slowly with baby steps toward busier or more complex situations. Don’t take your puppy into busy public settings until there has been plenty of positive experiences in less busy spaces. You also need to ensure that interactions with your new pup is limited to close friends and family until after being fully vaccinated. Until then public settings like parks and stores should be off limits. Keep outings short and work up to longer ones so there’s no negative association. Introduce car rides slowly, beginning with just sitting in a parked car before taking short rides that end with a treat and lots of praise and somewhere fun.

Once your puppy is comfortable with different members of your family, go for walks or taking your puppy over to a friend’s house or yard. Seek out public but not busy places where your puppy can be around other people and pets but not be so close to them as to feel nervous or insecure. Once comfortable with simpler settings, your dog can be introduced to settings with a little more complexity.

4. Seek out All Kinds of People, Places and Other Puppies

To ensure your puppy grows up into a confident adult, you want to introduce different people, pets, smells and settings. Kids, elderly people, disabled people, men in baseball caps, other animals and even all kinds of objects/textures and smells are things you should seek out during socialization training. As with all new puppy experiences, be mindful to start off slowly and gradually, adding new distractions so as not to overwhelm your young puppy.

5. Consider Getting Help from a Professional Dog Trainer

Puppy socialization can be an intimidating task when you consider the lifelong effects on your dog if not done in a timely and proper manner. For a fully confident and well behaved dog you might do best to seek out some professional help. Puppy training at Breakthrough K9 Training is a safe and controlled setting with a professional present to monitor interactions with other dogs. These classes also teach basic commands and polite behavior.

The post Five Tricks for Socializing Your New Puppy appeared first on Breakthrough K9 Training.

Animal Career Certification Programs Deeply Discounted

 If you’re like many Americans, you may be struggling right now, weighing career options, worrying about finances, wondering if you’ll ever get ahead.

By now it’s no longer news that inflation is hitting everyone hard.  Higher prices mean your dollar doesn’t stretch as far as it used to.  Food and housing costs are surging, as are the prices of used cars, gasoline, and utilities.  Prices on everything are going up.

Though inflation peaked last summer at over 9%, the current rate of 6.41% is nearly double the long term average inflation rate of 3.28%.  According to CNBC, in October U.S. households were spending an average of $433 more per month than the previous October. At the same time, the real average hourly wage has decreased by 0.7%.

For the average person, all of these figures add up to one thing: it’s getting harder and harder to make ends meet.  None of the economic news seems to be encouraging. Could it really be a good time to change careers?

Great News for Animal Lovers

 At Animal Behavior College, we think there’s never a bad time to pursue your dreams, so if you want to start a job working with animals, here’s a bit of positive news: Animal Behavior College wants to help you make your dream a reality in the midst of these troubling financial times.  In order to make career certification more affordable, during March we are offering a tuition sale, discounting the cost of each of our core certification programs by hundreds of dollars.

As the largest pet career school in North America, ABC has been training students to go on to great animal careers since 1998.  If you have a passion for animals, we’d love to play a part in helping you find your life’s work.

People Seeking Animal Jobs Have Good Prospects

 Want more good news? You couldn’t pick a better time to enter an animal-related field!  The pet industry is absolutely exploding.  In 2020, spending on pets in the U.S. topped $100 billion and has now exceeded $120 billion.  In addition to pet food, beds, toys, and other products, pet owners spend on services.

Did you know that over 69 million U.S. households have a pet dog, and 45.3 million households have pet cats?¹ That equates to opportunities!  Dog and cat parents, seek out obedience trainers and groomers for their cats and dogs.  Not only do these numbers drive opportunities for dog and cat trainers, they also keep the veterinary market robust which is why Vet practices and animal hospitals have an ever-growing need for veterinary assistants.

Then there are fish. Almost 140 million fish are kept by hobbyists in the US. This makes tropical fish are the most popular pet in the United States.   Aquatics enthusiasts hire aquarists to help set up, stock, and maintain aquariums.

Animal Behavior College offers certification in all of the above careers, plus a zookeeper assistant program and a service dog trainer program. These online courses allow you to take classes no matter where you live.  Many ABC programs also include externships as part of the curriculum, giving students a chance to practice their new skills and get valuable hands-on experience alongside a local mentor.

Animal Career Certification Tuition Discounts

 For U.S. students who enroll in March, tuition savings are significant.

• Dog Obedience Program Students who enroll and pay in full will pay tuition of only $2995 instead of $3499!
• Veterinary Assistant Program Students who enroll and pay in full will pay tuition of only $2795 instead of $2999!
• Grooming Instruction Program Students who enroll and pay in full will pay tuition of only $3299 instead of $3999!
• Aquarium Maintenance Program Students who enroll and pay in full will pay tuition of only $1795 instead of $1995!
• Cat Management and Training Program Students who enroll and pay in full will pay tuition of only $1795 instead of $1995!
• Zookeeper Assistant Program Students who enroll and pay their tuition in full will owe only $1795 instead of $1995!
• Service Dog Trainer Program Students who enroll and pay in full will pay tuition of only $1995 instead of $2495!

No Better Time to Enroll

Take advantage of ABC’s sale and call today. An admissions counselor is always ready to help you get started.  Call 800-795-3294 and take the first step towards your new animal career today!

¹Pet-Ownership-Statistics

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Breeders: Many breeders will tell the owners of their dogs not to spay and neuter until after the 1.5 year mark.  The reason for waiting so long is that the breeder is mainly concerned with the physical appearance of the dog.  Their point of view is that the dogs need to be intact until they are completely fully grown in order to develop and fill out according to standard.

Shelters and Rescue Groups: This may be one of the most obvious groups that strongly suggest spaying and neutering.  Their logic is simple, spay and neuter your pets to prevent unwanted litters and promote responsible pet ownership.  The lack of dog owner responsibility is one of the main reasons that shelters and rescue groups have a never ending cycle of animals coming into their organizations.

Veterinarians: From my experience, the advice of this community seems to be very balanced.  Their reasons to suggest spaying and neutering range from health issues to responsible pet ownership, and I have even seen vets not recommending surgery because of other health issues as well as potential breeding options later in life.

Trainers: Many trainers recommend neutering and spaying as soon as your veterinarian approves.  While neutering and spaying will not solve all behavior issues, it can help if you are seeing certain issues in the making and plan on taking your dog to a lot of public places, such as dog parks.  Even though your dog may not be the cause of some undesirable interactions with other dogs in public, many dogs do not respond well to un-neutered males.  While another dog not being socially stable is not directly your problem, it ends up being a burden that you now must now deal with.

Pet Dog Owners: I have experienced such a drastic difference in opinions from this group.  I have heard people say that they are considering showing or breeding their dog and I have also heard that they will not neuter because they don’t want their dog to get fat or lose his “manhood”.  I have also heard other pet dog owners saying that they do not want their dog urinating all over everything or having to go through the inconvenience of caring for their dog while they are in heat.

When all is said and done, it is YOUR choice.  Which category do you fit into, and what are your thoughts on spaying and neutering your animals?

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We hear stories of rattlesnakes being spotted all over the Austin area.  On the various hike and bike trails, parks, greenbelts, and even in residential backyards; you know, all of the fun places that we like to take our dogs.  Dogs are not naturally afraid of snakes, in fact they are likely to approach a snake to investigate; that is when the snake bites happen to dogs.  In order to help keep the dogs of Austin safe, we are hosting another snake avoidance seminar for dogs.

The Austin snake avoidance process involves using LIVE Rattlesnakes, Copperheads and Water Moccasins that have been rendered harmless and are handled by a trained professional so the safety of your dogs can be ensured.  Using real snakes is absolutely the best thing to mimic a real outdoor situation.

The Snake Avoidance training will be held at Unleashed Unlimited in Leander.  Registration is required and can be completed at our Austin Snake Avoidance Training page and the snake training is open to Unleashed Unlimited clients and non-clients as well.  Please visit our main Austin snake avoidance training for dogs page for more details.

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Fear aggression in dogs is a type of aggressive behavior that occurs as a result of fear or anxiety. Dogs that are experiencing fear aggression may display behaviors such as growling, biting, or lunging. This type of aggression can be difficult to deal with because it is often unpredictable and can be triggered by a wide variety of stimuli.

There are several steps that can be taken to deal with fear aggression in dogs:

Identify the trigger: It is important to identify what is causing the fear aggression in order to avoid or minimize exposure to the trigger. This could be anything from certain people or animals, to certain environments or situations.

Desensitization and counter-conditioning: This involves gradually exposing the dog to the trigger in a controlled and safe environment, while also providing positive reinforcement for calm behavior. Over time, the dog will learn to associate the trigger with positive experiences, rather than fear or aggression.

Management: While working on desensitization and counter-conditioning, it's important to manage the dog's environment to minimize exposure to triggers and potential aggressive behavior. This can include using leashes, crates, or gates to control the dog's access to certain areas, or using muzzles or other safety equipment when necessary.

Training: Basic obedience training can help a dog learn to respond to commands and cues, which can be used to redirect the dog's attention away from a trigger and towards a positive behavior. Training can also help to build the dog's confidence and trust in their owner.

Consult with a professional: In some cases, fear aggression can be a complex issue that requires the help of a professional. A veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or professional dog trainer can work with the dog and its owner to develop a customized training plan that addresses the specific issues and triggers.

It's important to note that dealing with fear aggression requires patience and consistency. It can take time for a dog to overcome its fear and develop a new response to a trigger. Additionally, it's important to understand that fear aggression is not the dog's fault and should not be punished, but rather it's important to approach the issue with compassion and understanding.

In conclusion, fear aggression in dogs is a type of aggressive behavior that occurs as a result of fear or anxiety. It's important to identify the trigger, use desensitization and counter-conditioning, manage the dog's environment, provide basic obedience training, and consult with a professional if needed. It's important to approach the issue with patience, consistency, and compassion and understanding that this behavior is not the dog's fault.

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1. Time Commitment: Dogs require a lot of attention and time. Consider if you have the time to walk, feed, groom, train and play with your dog daily.
2. Space: Different dog breeds have different space requirements. Before getting a dog, consider if your home and living situation is suitable for the breed you’re considering.
3. Financial commitment: Owning a dog can be expensive. Consider the costs of food, grooming, veterinary care, toys, and any other necessary expenses.
4. Lifestyle: Consider your lifestyle and how it will fit with having a dog. Are you able to make the necessary adjustments to accommodate a dog, such as adjusting your work schedule, travel plans, or social activities?
5. Family considerations: If you have a family, consider everyone’s needs and schedules. Also, make sure everyone in your household is on board with getting a dog.
6. Training: All dogs need training, whether it’s basic obedience or specialized training for specific tasks. Consider if you have the time and resources to provide the necessary training for your dog.
7. Health concerns: Some breeds are more prone to certain health problems. Research the breed you’re considering and be prepared for any potential health issues.

Taking the time to consider these factors before getting a dog can help ensure that you make the best decision for both you and your new furry friend.

Website: https://olk9.co.uk/

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1. Patience

Patience is essential when working with dogs. When we rush things we cut corners and don’t allow enough time, and that all leads to frustration. And not just frustration for you, but also for your dog. Many good training plans are inadvertently sabotaged by a lack of patience. If you think that’s a problem for you, read my blog on patience for tips on how to find it!

2. Good listening skills

A good trainer listens to what the dog is trying to tell them. They watch for important cues that tell them how the dog is feeling and coping. Being able to read what the dog is thinking means we’ll not push them too far. We’ll notice when they are tired, or having a bad day, and we can respond to that in the way that makes the most sense.

In particular look out for any kind of stiffness, lip licking and staring as they are all signs that your dog is out of their comfort zone.

3. Plan ahead

When you plan ahead you set yourself up for success. Before you start anything with your dog ask yourself “what could go wrong?” and fix it all, if possible. For example, if you know a particular park can be busy with off lead dogs, at a certain times, and you know it’ll set your training back, then avoid it. If you know your dog will only come back for chicken, take a pile.

Also, be aware of your environment and keep clickers, treats, long leads, or whatever you need close by so you can get to them quickly. And, if you see an opportunity to do some training, don’t just rush over there. First, remind yourself of your plan, prepare yourself, and then approach!

4. Be adaptable

No two dogs are the same and neither will two training plans be. Being able to identify a specific dogs needs means we can focus our training efforts better and get better results.

It’s also important to be clear about the goal we have in mind. It is very easy to get bogged down in the details. For example, if I’m trying to get a dog to walk calmly past another dog, I might try to get them to sit as the dog goes by. This might be a good strategy, but it’s easy to focus too much on the sit part and forget that we really just wanted a calm dog. When we do this, we might miss the calmness we really wanted. Our goal was not the sit, although that might have been nice too!

When you are training, you’ll also need a fair amount of flexibility too. You might head out to the park to do some training but find the local school is doing a park run. This might be an opportunity for you! But, if it’s not, don’t be afraid to abort and go elsewhere. Also, don’t be afraid to quit and go home if stuff isn’t working out for you. If you, or your dog, are having a rubbish day, it might not be worth the effort to keep trying. Tomorrow is another day!

5. Be consistent

Dogs need consistency to learn. We can’t explain to them what we want verbally, so they rely on a system of trial and error, and well timed rewards.

Once you start something you have to keep the rules the same each time. Your dog will be much happier if they know what to expect and how to ask for what they want/need. Changing the rules or giving treats for “close enough” is very confusing in the long run and can lead to frustration.

6. Be persistent!

Once you start something you must keep practising it with your dog. If you are trying to change a dogs behaviour or response to something, it’s unlikely they’ll adapt in one session. They have a history of doing things one way. So, you’ll need to work hard to undo all those experiences and make a new habit.

7. Know your dog

Understanding how dogs learn and how they experience the world makes a huge difference to how you work with them. Knowing your own dog, will get you a step even further. Watching your own dog to see what is normal for them; what rewards do they like or not like? How do they look when they are happy, or frightened, or grumpy? How do they like to play with other dogs? How do they feel about loud noises, or traffic or coffee shop noises?

This is all specific to your dog, but knowing how he’s really feeling will help you know how to get the best out of them at all times.

What other essential skills do you think are important for a dogs behaviour?

Are you struggling with your dogs behaviour?

Private Dog Behaviour Consultations are currently available in the Dundee area and beyond, or via zoom. If you are looking for help solving your dogs behaviour and training problems, then please get in touch!

The post 7 Essential skills to get the best out of your dogs behaviour! appeared first on Gooddoggie.

It is not a ‘true to life’ scenario

No – this is NOT the owner’s fault!

Lack of knowledge and understanding

Guesswork and incorrect, outdated information

Then, however, it goes downhill. Graeme starts by saying “we’re gonna pop out for a minute. If he’s good we’ll be coming straight back in, ah good boy, that’s nice”. Now right off I knew a minute is WAY too long for this dog. Then Graeme starts to talk to the owner about how, if he comes back in when Jax is barking, the barking will work for Jax and therefore we will encourage him to bark when left alone. The owner is told to only come in when Jax is quiet. It is widely known, and has been for many many years, that emotions cannot be reinforced in the way behaviours can be reinforced (Rise VanFleet, 2011), so this is once again, out of date information that has been proven to be incorrect time and time again

Editing = hugely misleading to the general public

Spring session starts Saturday March 4th 2023.

• Basic – 9:00 am – 3 available spaces
• Distract O Doggie – 10:10 am
• Intermediate – 11:20 am – 1 available space

For more information:

click here or contact Lisa@threedogstraining.com

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Reward-based training is a method of training animals, particularly dogs, that focuses on using positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors. The basic principle behind reward-based training is that animals will repeat behaviors that are followed by a positive consequence, such as a treat or praise.

There are several key elements to reward-based training:

Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is the process of rewarding a desired behavior with something the animal finds desirable, such as a treat or praise. This strengthens the behavior and increases the likelihood that the animal will repeat it in the future.

Timing: Timing is crucial in reward-based training. The reward must be given immediately after the desired behavior occurs in order for the animal to associate the behavior with the reward.

Consistency: Consistency is also important in reward-based training. The animal needs to be rewarded every time it performs the desired behavior in order for the behavior to become ingrained.

Clear Communication: Clear and consistent communication is important for the animal to understand what behavior is expected of them. The use of verbal cues and hand signals can be effective ways to communicate with the animal.

Progressive Training: Progressive training involves breaking down the desired behavior into small, manageable steps and gradually increasing the difficulty level as the animal becomes more proficient.

Patience: Reward-based training can take time, patience, and consistency. Positive reinforcement training can be a slow process, but it is an effective way to teach new behaviors and modify existing ones.

Reward-based training can be used to teach a wide variety of behaviors, such as basic obedience commands, tricks, and even complex tasks such as service dog training. It can also be used to address behavioral issues such as barking, jumping, and aggression.

One of the main advantages of reward-based training is that it promotes a positive relationship between the animal and its owner. The animal is not punished for making mistakes, but is instead rewarded for making progress. This can lead to a more confident and well-adjusted animal.

Additionally, reward-based training is a humane and effective way to train animals. It does not rely on physical punishment or fear, which can be stressful and damaging to the animal's well-being. Instead, it focuses on building trust and mutual understanding between the animal and its owner.

Another advantage of reward-based training is that it can be adapted to the unique needs and characteristics of the individual animal. For example, a shy or anxious animal may need a different training approach than a confident and outgoing animal.

It's important to note that reward-based training is not a one-size-fits-all approach and may not be suitable for all animals or all situations. In some cases, other training methods such as positive punishment or negative reinforcement may be more appropriate. However, reward-based training is a widely accepted and effective method for training animals.

In conclusion, reward-based training is a method of training animals that focuses on using positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors. It is based on the principle that animals will repeat behaviors that are followed by a positive consequence, such as a treat or praise. It relies on several key elements: positive reinforcement, timing, consistency, clear communication, progressive training, and patience. Reward-based training is a humane and effective way to train animals, promotes a positive relationship between the animal and its owner, and can be adapted to the unique needs and characteristics of the individual animal. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach but is a widely accepted method for training animals.

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Introduction to Dog Agility Training

Dog agility is a popular canine sport in which a handler directs a dog through various obstacles such as a tunnel, teeter-totter, tire jump, weave poles, pause table, and standard jumps. During competitive agility events, pet owners attempt to navigate dogs through a course as quickly and accurately as possible.

Why Should My Dog Do Agility Training?

Agility training provides dogs with physical and mental stimulation. When done correctly, it teaches proper socialization skills by interacting with different breeds in various scenarios, thus helping to create a strong bond between owner and pet. With agility exercises, dogs learn how to react and stay focused even in distracting environments.

Agility Will Fulfill Your Dog’s Natural Instincts

Dogs are natural hunters in the wild, chasing and running after various prey. While pursuing food, dogs must often follow rabbits and foxes through a forest and navigate multiple barriers. Their instincts involve jumping over fallen logs, climbing steep slopes, and squeezing through bushes and vegetation. Since the end goal is to catch up with prey, time is of the essence, and the faster a dog runs, the better their chances of ending up with a satisfying meal. Agility courses are designed to mimic these realistic scenarios and fulfill your dog’s hunting and chasing desires.

Improved Health & Fitness

Agility exercises have many benefits for both dogs and pet owners. Not only will it help tire out a dog and reduce behavior problems, but agility activities also offer many health benefits. It can improve physical strength and stamina, as well as mental alertness. For pet owners, it’s a fun way to engage with their pet while providing aerobic exercise that they can enjoy together—leading to better physical and mental health for both! Agility instruction encourages communication between owner and companion, burns calories, and builds confidence and trust. This type of training also provides a unique way to socialize pets with other animals in the same environment.

Enhanced Mental Stimulation

Agility training assists with mental stimulation by providing challenging tasks to focus on and work through. It encourages problem-solving skills, allowing the dog to develop their capacity for learning and critical thinking. The challenge of mastering new tricks keeps a dog’s mind sharp, which can help prevent boredom and feelings of loneliness.

Increased Bonding with Pet Owners

Agility courses are designed so dogs can only complete them with the handler’s help. The trust between owner and dog will increase as the pup must rely on verbal and handler instructions to navigate. Helping your dog to pass through obstacles will help reinforce basic obedience commands and ultimately help to improve behavior outside of training.

Improved Behavior in Dogs

Dogs target their energy and attention in a controllable manner during agility training, allowing them to learn appropriate behavior. It also improves coordination and confidence, improving obedience and communication between the dog and its owners.

Creative Outlet for Dog and Owner

Dog agility training provides an excellent creative outlet for the canine and the owner. The activity encourages the pup to think independently, push its boundaries, and develop problem-solving skills. As a pet owner, you can get creative with designing a course and motivate your dog in various ways.

Types of Agility Exercises for Dogs

Some agility training exercises for canines include obstacle courses, weave poles, jumps, tunnels, and other obstacles that require precise timing and communication from the trainer. Other activities involve retrieving objects and items in a timed fashion and more complex exercises like herding or heelwork.

Jumps Used in Agility Training

Teach your dog to jump by having it on a leash and giving a specific command for each jump, such as “big jump.” Approach the jump steadily; in most cases, your pup will hop over it. Emphasize good behavior with rewards and positive reinforcement.

Distance Control Exercises

Distance agility training for dogs is an exercise program designed to build a strong bond between the dog and the trainer and increase assurance and compliance. In this form of agility, the dog must complete obstacles from a distance without direct guidance from the handler. It requires greater communication ability and understanding of cues from both parties for it to be successful. Some trainers use verbal cues such as whistles, hand signals, and body language, while others may use clickers. Training can also include

• Jumping
• Weaving in and around poles or pop-ups
• Navigating through tunnels or jumps

The goal is for the dog to accurately understand commands given at a distance so you can trust their behavior even when apart.

Weave & Tunneling Techniques

Weave and tunneling agility training for dogs is a fun way to help them navigate their environment confidently. It can help teach them commands and problem-solving skills and build physical coordination. Weaves involve a series of poles or weave sticks the dog has to maneuver between while keeping their body low and moving quickly. Tunnels are usually flexible conduits through which the dog must crawl before reaching the end goal. Both weaves and tunneling are part of an obstacle course that challenges your pup’s balance, speed, and focus as they confidently make their way around the course. Training your pup in these maneuvers can enhance physical fitness and mental stimulation.

Tips for Starting a Dog Agility Course

Creating a dog agility course at home can be fun and educational for your canine. The most basic tools needed are jumps, tunnels, and weave poles. You’ll want to space each element out so that your pup can practice their turning skills, and you also want to make sure the course is low enough not to cause any injuries. Additionally, when setting up the course in your backyard, look for obstacles like trees, plants, or furniture around the house that can help create a more challenging route with natural elements.

Online Resources

There are plenty of online resources to help set up a course at home, such as instructional videos and tutorials on constructing each obstacle. Additionally, online stores provide an array of products specifically made for canine agility exercises that can be used to assemble your personalized course at home.

Final Tips for Agility Training Your Dog

Agility training for your dog is a great way to have fun and help build your bond with your pet. When training, it’s essential to remember that consistency is vital, and you should only move forward when both you and your pup are comfortable with a task. Additionally, it’s important to keep each session relatively short — no more than 15 minutes at a time for puppies — so that your pup doesn’t get overwhelmed or burned out. Finally, make sure to reward the successful completion of tasks, no matter how small; this will motivate and further encourage progress.

• Start young
• Train your dog to leave your side and stay close to objects
• Teach and strengthen focus
• Start with jumps low to the ground
• Work on balance
• Incorporate a pause table
• Have patience

The post Benefits of Dog Agility Training appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Below is a guide to understanding the causes of constipation, recognizing the symptoms, and treating your pet.

Causes of Dog Constipation

A variety of different factors can contribute to constipation in your pet. Some of the most common causes of dog constipation include:

• Blocked or abscessed anal sacs
• Dehydration
• Enlarged prostate
• Hernias
• Ingested dirt, grass, or debris
• Ingested hair from excessive grooming
• Insufficient exercise
• Recent surgery (meds used during procedure and surgery itself)
• Insufficient fiber in the diet
• Kidney disease
• Stress and physiological issues (a stressor in the environment that leads the dog to hold it)
• Side effects from medication
• Orthopedic disorders that make it difficult to squat
• Tumors or masses around the anus
• Spinal injuries and disease

Symptoms of Dog Constipation

If your dog has not defecated in two or more days, this is often a telltale sign that she is suffering from constipation. Additional constipation indications include straining, crouching, or whimpering while trying to defecate. Grass particles, string, or matted feces around the anal area may also be signs of constipation in your dog.

Treatment for Dog Constipation

If you notice any signs of constipation in your dog, you should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet can determine the causes of your dog’s constipation and advise you on the best treatment method for your unique pet.

Common Treatments for Relieving Constipation

Make sure you talk to your vet about options for relieving constipation and only follow their suggestions. They know your dog personally and will be able to give more tailored recommendations.

• Increasing your dog’s fiber intake by adding pumpkin, wheat bran, or fiber supplements
• Increasing exercise
• A dog laxative or stool softener
• An enema treatment (given by veterinarian)
• Medication that will strengthen the large intestine

At-Home Remedies to Relieve Constipation in Dogs

If your dog is experiencing constipation and you want to try some remedies at home before going to the vet, check out some options below.

Canned Dog Food

Mix your dog’s regular food with some canned food to help prevent an upset stomach. The canned food is softer, and the higher moisture will help balance the digestive system and form a softer stool.

Provide Fresh Water

Encourage your pup to drink plenty of water to ensure they stay hydrated. If they are refusing to drink water, please seek medical attention.

Pumpkin Puree

Talk to your vet before giving your pet pumpkin puree to make sure it’s the right solution for you. When you give your dog 100% pumpkin puree, they are ingesting extra fiber and moisture, which will help get their digestive tract in order. DO NOT use pumpkin pie filling! You don’t need to cook or warm up the puree. Simply give the treat right from the can. Your furry friend will love it.

Movement

Play a game of fetch or chase to get the body moving and prompt the bowels to make a healthy movement. Go for a long walk, do some running exercises, or do anything to get the body moving in a positive direction.

When Should I Take My Dog to the Vet?

Sometimes it’s hard to know when to call the vet, and you want to avoid bothering them if it’s not an emergency. However, in your pet’s case, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Constipation should typically resolve within 48 hours if you’ve kept your dog hydrated, given plenty of exercises, and offered a balanced and nutritious diet. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pup is vomiting or showing signs of discomfort or pain. If you press on the abdomen and it is tense or painful for your furry friend, let your pet care provider know. If they can produce even small amounts of fecal matter, note what it looks like so you can inform the vet.

What Will My Veterinarian Do to Help My Dog?

Once you are at the vet’s office, they will complete a physical examination to determine what could be causing constipation. The doctor will check for foreign objects, tumors, or a distended colon. A distended colon (megacolon) is when waste inside the colon causes the colon to become abnormally enlarged and blocks the passage of feces and gas. Sometimes, your vet may need to order blood work, x-rays, or ultrasounds to make a prognosis on the cause of constipation. Once they have figured out the root of the issue, they will give a treatment plan that best suits your pup.

While constipation is natural in growing dogs, you can work to prevent it by helping your dog to get plenty of exercise, feeding her a healthy, fibrous diet, and ensuring she drinks plenty of water. If your dog is a male, neuter him at a young age to prevent prostate enlargement.

Boiled or canned pumpkin is a well-known supplement to help a dog’s digestive system. What other natural remedies have you tried successfully?

The post Dog Constipation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments  appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Cesar Millan’s Answer:
Dear Lois,
For dogs, some habits can be harder to break than others. In my experience, a dog chasing its tail often signifies boredom. Sometimes, it can be a physical reaction to excitement. Based on your description, I’m leaning toward excitement. If this behavior is causing your dog physical health problems, then I suggest you remedy the problem by using a correction method that is both calm-assertive and humane. Remember, timing is everything, which means you have only a few seconds to correct the behavior as soon as it’s displayed. Otherwise, it may be too late for him to connect his actions with your corrections. Hopefully, with a little practice, he can learn to bite a chew toy as a substitute behavior for possibly harming himself by biting his tail.
Stay calm and assertive,
Cesar Millan

What is Tail Chasing Behavior Trying to Communicate?

Why do dogs chase their tails? This habit can indicate various issues your furry friend may be going through. It could mean boredom, pain, or even anxiety. Moreover, it could also signify obsessive-compulsive behaviors, mainly if performed repeatedly and persistently.

If you see your pet chasing his tail habitually, finding the underlying cause and addressing it appropriately is essential. Consulting with a veterinarian can help you ensure that no medical conditions are causing this behavior. It is also vital to provide your furry friend with plenty of outlets for their physical and mental stimulation so they can enjoy life without any behavioral challenges.

Why Do Dogs Chase Their Tails?

Dogs bite and chase their tails for various reasons, ranging from playful exploration to signs of compulsive behavior. Compulsive behaviors are characterized by their tendency to become more frequent and intense over time, potentially requiring medical or behavioral treatments to mitigate them. If your dog has developed a tail-chasing habit that appears to be compulsive, it is recommended that you speak with your veterinarian.

Excessive Energy

When your dog chases their tail, it is often a sign of a lack of mental stimulation, wanting attention, or needing to burn extra energy. This is particularly true for puppies and younger dogs who enjoy the thrill of running in circles.

Boredom

Dogs require active physical and mental stimulation to maintain a healthy state; if they become bored, they may exhibit destructive behavior such as chewing on their tail.

Fleas

Fleas are tiny insects that can attach to dogs, causing discomfort and potentially leading to tail chewing as a symptom.

Medical Condition

Dogs sometimes chase and bite their tail if they’re feeling itchy or uncomfortable from an allergy, or it could be a sign that something’s not right internally, such as a tail or spine injury.

Parasites

Dogs with worm infections may exhibit behavior such as chewing their tail to alleviate irritation. If your dog is trying to chew on their tail, it may initially try chasing it. However, they are more likely to sit and contort their bodies to reach the itchy spot. To ensure that nothing serious is causing the itching sensation, check for any signs of parasites and contact a vet for an expert opinion.

Anxiety

Nervousness can lead to a dog licking or chewing its tail, particularly in the presence of unfamiliar visitors or during storms.

How to Stop Your Dog From Chasing Their Tail

While occasional tail chasing is okay, if your pup seems to chase his tail obsessively, he may be telling you he needs more positive reinforcement and a less stressful environment.

Positive Reinforcement Techniques for Helping Dogs Stop Chasing Their Tails

Positive reinforcement is an effective and humane way to train and modify dog behaviors. This type of training uses rewards, such as treats, praise, or simply a pat on the head, to reinforce desired behaviors. Its focus is strengthening behavior that is already occurring rather than punishing negative behaviors (which could be counterproductive). When used correctly, positive reinforcement can effectively teach a wide range of commands and behaviors. It can also help engage dogs with their owners, allowing them to create strong and lasting bonds based on mutual trust and respect.

Easy Tips for Positive Reinforcement Training

• Keep training sessions short and fun.
• Give praise and reward immediately.
• Be consistent in your expectations.
• Slowly wean from giving treats.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety Levels

Consider any potential triggers if your dog’s tail chasing could be due to stress. This can include changes in their home, the presence of other dogs, or something else that might be causing them concern. To help relax your dog, provide them with a space where they can observe their surroundings. Petting them is another way to make them feel more comfortable and could help stop tail-chasing behaviors. Consider what you can do to create a relaxed atmosphere for your furry friend.

Ways to Create a Relaxing Environment

• Easy-to-access water and food.
• Provide mental stimulation through games.
• Provide plenty of daily exercise with walks, playtime, and other activities.
• A fixed place for their downtime and rest.

Safe Chewing Objects for Your Dog (Instead of Their Tail)

Providing dogs with appropriate chew toys is an important behavior management tool for preventing tail chasing. Chew toys are essential for mental stimulation and distraction, keeping your dog’s focus away from their tails. When selecting toys, remember that the object should always be appropriate for your dog’s size, age, and energy level, providing something stimulating to focus their energy on instead of chasing their tails.

Avoid toys that look like everyday objects to prevent confusion; for example, do not provide a chewable old shoe, as this could be mistaken for a new pair.

When to Consult a Veterinarian or Behavior Specialist

It’s not uncommon to see a dog chasing his tail, but that doesn’t mean it’s normal. If your pup is exhibiting this behavior often and continuously, it’s time to contact a professional. Dog experts will explain why dogs chase their tails and recommend treatments for the underlying cause. For instance, behavioral specialists can identify if your pup is chasing its tail due to boredom or an obsessive-compulsive disorder. A vet can determine if there’s a medical reason behind the behavior and rule out any possible pain or discomfort caused by an injury or parasite infection.

Pinpointing the exact cause of tail chasing will help create an effective solution and promote a higher quality of life for you and your pup.

The post Dog Chasing Tail Obsession appeared first on Cesar's Way.

Two brains…

Your dog doesn’t actually have two brains, but, he has two ways of thinking, In psychology they are called system 1 and system 2 brains, but I refer to them as the thinking brain and the reactive brain.

The reactive brain

The reactive brain is the one that triggers fight or flight mode. Your dog doesn’t have to be in a life threatening situation to be using his reactive brain though. In fact, almost anything can switch him into his reactive brain – even needing a pee! Being hungry, scared, half asleep, tired, frustrated, over stimulated, and overwhelmed, even by a small amount, can cause his reactive brain to take over.

Check out my reactive dog quiz to discover how easily our reactive brains can get triggered!

Survival mode is an involuntary response. As soon as your dog feels under threat the process is activated. The more threatened your dog feels, the bigger the reaction until he reaches the point of no return and the reactive brain is fully in control. Once the threshold has been breeched it can’t be turned off any more than a person can stop a panic attack mid flow.

If it gets activated too often, it can even result in increased anxiety overall. This can lead to new triggers, separation anxiety, or a general inability to cope with everyday things.

The thinking brain

The thinking brain is slow, but thorough. This part of the brain is good at making plans and considering options. It will take into consideration all sources of date before making choices, and it’s choices will depend on the best outcome in the long term. Your thinking brain is the one that says “if I save money each week I’ll be able to afford a brilliant holiday in a year.” It’s no good at emergencies though!

Identifying the thresholds

To keep things simple, I have established three mind states. As you can see from this diagram, they can apply to all types of problem behaviours whether they are anxiety, aggression, over excitement or aggression/frustration.

The middle is your dogs comfort zone. He’s nice and relaxed in this state, he is listening, and he responds to well known commands. There are no limits to rewards and attention when your dog is in this state – enjoy it!

Stick to the learning zone

The next zone is the learning zone. Here he is out of his comfort zone, but his thinking brain is still in overall control. He’ll be aware of a trigger, but is still fully engaged and will be able to connect an action with your reward. In this zone the goal is whatever makes the most sense! So it is safe to offer treats and encouragement. The deeper you get into this zone, the closer you get to the Out of Control zone, so don’t push your luck too much.

Then we have the out of control zone. As you have probably figured out, this is the stage where the reactive brain has fully taken over. Don’t do anything in this stage,. And especially don’t try to reward or bribe your dog – survival is the only reward now as the reactive brains goal is only to keep you safe. If the dog comes away from the experience unscathed, then the reward centre will be activated and your dogs brain will consider the behaviour successful.

Physical effects of Fight or Flight

The whole body get’s ready for action when survival mode is triggered and adrenaline is released. Almost everything is affected including the heart, lungs, liver, eyes, ears, brain, bladder, and bowel, even the skin changes.

Visibly the dogs focus changes and their thought processing changes. Most dogs gain tunnel vision when they are in fight or flight mode. And we already know how decision making is affected. Digestion is also paused, so the dog will not be encouraged by a treat. In fact, they often switch off all reward seeking behaviour to divert resources to the essential areas, making them faster and stronger.

Not all changes are visible when your dog is in fight or flight mode

There are also a lot of changes we can’t see, such as blood flow, heart rate, and blood circulation increases. You can see from this graph just how my heart rate was affected by simply making two YouTube videos. As my body prepared to record, it also triggered fight or flight mode. The two yellow spikes indicate the times I was recording my videos! Don’t worry, it’s normal to feel under pressure before a performance – mild anxiety like this can make you perform better (apparently)!

Glucose is released into the muscles to make the dog faster and stronger. His hearing and sight become sharper and pain receptors numb. So you are more tolerant of pain when you are in fight or flight mode – this is an important consideration if you are considering using punishment as a training tool (and I don’t advise that you do) – you’ll have to make extra effort to even be noticed.

It is also worth noting that when in fight or flight mode, your dog has two choices. If he is on a lead or trapped somehow, he will actually only have one. If you try to do anything with him, your actions could be misinterpreted and he may respond aggressively. It’s not unheard-of for a dog to accidentally bite a well meaning owner who was only trying to calm or appease their dog, so go easy.

Another response we’ve not mentioned is a relaxed bladder and bowel. You might notice that your dog needs to pee or poo during or straight after he has been in a fearful situation. He might also release a diarrhea smell from the glands. This is frequently seen in dogs that have separation anxiety.

It’ll only get worse

Fight or flight is essential for survival, but it can become over-active and trigger in inappropriate situations. In trauma cases, this goes a step further and the physiological symptoms can create a feeling of impending catastrophe. This can feel quite unpredictable, and irrational, to the dog owner. But when your dog has suffered a trauma, your dogs insides are in overdrive, preparing for a fight that isn’t coming.

Warranted or not, the physical responses will continue until the stressor subsides and a counter hormone is released. If the behaviour is successful. the reward centre will activate and the brain will pat itself on the back for doing a good job! This means the behaviour is more likely to be repeated next time a similar situation is encountered. This is how it spreads from your dog being scared of a black Labrador called Barney, to all black dogs, to all Labradors, to all dogs, for example.

So, what is Rest and Digest?

Rest and digest mode is the opposite of fight or flight. It won’t trigger until the threat has subsided, your dog has no control over it either.

The aim of rest and digest mode is to get the body back to normal, and begin recovery. As well as reversing all the other changes; digestion is switched back on, the heart rate slows again, and blood pressure drops.

You’ll notice when your dog returns to the learning zone that he will, once again, look at you, listen to well known commands, and possibly look for a reward. The body prioritises eating, sleeping, and resting during this phase, so it’s not unusual for dogs to suddenly need the loo or get hungry after a fright.

What does this mean for my training?

During fight or flight mode, pain receptors are blocked and tunnel vision occurs so punishment of any kind will not help. If anything, while your dog is in fight/flight mode it may be misconstrued as an additional threat. So better to stop and wait until your dog returns to the learning zone.

The more fight or flight mode is triggered, the harder it is to return to rest and digest, and the more anxious a dog can become overall. So, we must pay more attention to balancing the dog by including rest times as part of their routine. Sleep and meditative states unload stress from the body. So, make sure your dog is getting enough of this. Calm slow walking can also help it is the opposite of flight!

Stop triggering it

We also need to stop triggering it and find a way to activate the reward centre ourselves. If we can avoid repeatedly triggering the fight or flight response, whilst balancing everything else, the dog will spend more time in the learning zone – where we have more options to help.

So, don’t push the boundary. Once you’ve figured out their early signs of discomfort, listen to them. Their behaviour is telling us they aren’t coping. Fight or flight happens as an emergency response. If we intervene in good time, the emergency response system is no longer required.

Embrace their reality

At the Samaritans, I was taught to embrace the callers reality. What they perceive to be scary, is scary. What I think is not relevant. We must do this for our dogs. If we don’t advocate for them, in the way they need, they will rely on their own instincts. And as we can see, this isn’t always a great option.

How can I help you with your dogs reactive behaviour training?

See how I can help you with your dogs reactive behaviour. Whatever your experience, budget, or where you are, I have something for you.

Or, why not check out my Free Reactive Dog Behaviour Support Group

The post What is Fight or Flight in dog behaviour? appeared first on Gooddoggie.

There’s nothing better than time spent exploring new places or visiting loved ones near and far and taking your dog along for the journey, especially if you are properly prepared. With a bit of planning ahead to understand the rules together with a some travel preparation, you and your pet’s next trip will be a breeze.

Road Trips with your dog

Before jumping into a road trip with your dog it’s a good idea to plan ahead so you can keep your pet relaxed and comfortable the whole ride. For starters, if your dog hasn’t been on a long trip, go on a few short practice trips. You’ll want to end these mini drives with a fun outing like the dog park, so your dog builds a positive association with being in the car other than going to the vet. If your dog is still nervous around spending time in the car try some serious exercise just before departure. Then, plan your trip to include plenty of pit stops where your dog can get some exercise, be outside and use the bathroom. A good guideline to follow is taking a break every 2-3 hours.

Keep your dog entertained while you’re on the move by having toys or fun bones to chew during the trip. If your dog is prone to car sickness, consider feeding after the long drive or at least a few hours before getting in the car as traveling on an empty stomach might help them not get sick.

Flying with your dog

There are very specific guidelines for each airline about flying with pets so ensure to take a close look at what your carrier allows and requires. Before flying you might want to confer with your vet that vaccinations are up do date. And take a copy of all vaccinations with you. If your dog is small enough to ride in the cabin, make sure to have some distractions available to help keep your traveling companion relaxed and comfortable.
Before bringing your dog into an airport make sure that they are well trained and can behave properly in busy public settings. It likely won’t be a fun trip for your pet if they are highly anxious and still working on their public behavior, so you might want to spend some time before the trip to reinforce training.

Staying at hotels and property rentals with your dog

Luckily there are many hotels and rentals that allow dogs, sometimes for a small added pet fee. When traveling to hotels make sure your dog is comfortable and not excessively noisy. If your dog might not handle a hotel environment well, consider alternative options like a property rental. In most cases it is not a good idea to leave your dog unattended at a hotel or homestay as many dogs will be prone to excessive barking or damaging property when left alone in a completely unknown environment. When arriving at a rental or hotel room make sure to inspect the room or property for pet safety concerns like loose wires or poorly fenced in areas before letting your dog or puppy run around.

Crates can be useful for traveling with pets

A crate can be an excellent tool to help your dog during travel as it can serve as a safe place in a car or in a hotel room as well as help prevent them from doing damage to anything. When buying a crate for your pet make sure that it is large enough for them to stand and lie down in, has ventilation on both ends and is sturdy and well made. You will want to put a cushion or blankets inside to make it cozy and put toys or bones and water in there as well to keep them entertained and comfortable.

Exploring the National parks with your dog

Dogs are allowed in most National Parks but only in developed areas and each park will have its own special policy so make sure to double check before you go. In general, you can take your dog to parking and picnic areas, on the roads and to campgrounds but there might be restrictions regarding travel to the popular sites in the park or on hiking trails.
The general guidelines are that while in all National Parks your dog must remain on a leash under 6 feet long and can never be left unattended, even in the car.

Hiking with your dog

While some National Parks don’t allow you to travel on trails with your dog there are plenty of other wonderful hikes that are available no matter where you are traveling to. The key to hiking with your furry friend is always planning ahead and preparing! You wouldn’t go on a long hike alone without bringing plenty of food and water and your pet feels the same way so ensure plenty of drinking water and a bowl along with snacks and treats to keep them happy all the way there and back. Depending on when and where you are hiking, carry bear spray and maybe citronella spray as well.

At all times during your hike, you need a charged cell phone in case of emergencies so plan accordingly and bring a backup charger on longer hikes. Plan ahead for possible changes in weather or temperature changes if you are going to be ascending much terrain by packing some warm layers for yourself and your dog’s jacket too.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help from the professionals

If you are worried that your dog might not behave well while in public traveling, outdoors or wherever your trip takes you, you can always schedule some training sessions with the professional dog trainers at Breakthrough K9 Training. Our premier trainers are here to help you tackle dog training challenges that might be standing in the way of planning a fun trip with the whole family.

The post Traveling with your Dog appeared first on Breakthrough K9 Training.

Todays hot topic is counter surfing! I work with plenty of dogs who love to get their paws up on the kitchen counters or dining table.

Dogs who counter surf have more often than not been hugely rewarded for this, it takes only one repetition of the dog popping up onto the counter to have a look and find treasure. Now I know we all tend to think that the dog is looking for food but many dogs just love to take ANYTHING from the worktop, like a letter, tea towel etc.

Think about that scenario they steal something and either they eat it and enjoy it by playing with it or destroying it. You then rush in giving them loads of attention to try to take the ‘thing’ back from them. In both these cases the dog got a big kick out of this, it either made their belly happy or they got a lot of attention from you.

So how do you stop a dog counter surfing?

The best way to tackle this problem is a combination between management and good training. Management means not allowing the dog into the kitchen or dining room if they are unsupervised and good training can be training behaviours such as a solid go to bed or settling on a mat.

If your dog is a counter surfer and the kitchen is where you leave them when you are not at home then you need to think of another safe space to leave them. They will be able to practise counter surfing when you’re not at home and that is only going to make that behaviour stronger. The key is to limit the rehearsal of the behaviour.

The aim of a good combination of management and training is that the dog never gets to rehearse the behaviour of counter surfing. Remember it takes only one repetition for the dog to see the enjoyment in this and after that one time they will try and try again.

Top tips

1. Make sure there is nothing that the dog can access from the counter, push everything towards the back.


2. Maybe use a baby gate on the kitchen to stop the dog getting access if you are not at home.


Teach a Go to mat cue- this will require a lot of reinforcement so stick with it.


3. Reward your dog for good choices in and around the kitchen, especially if they resist temptation when you are cooking.

Food and water bowls
Pets will need access to food and water at all times, so it’s important to pack their bowls. While our home boarding families often have their own pet bowls, they may not be the right size or style for your pet. Moreover, some pets are fussy about where they eat and drink, so it’s best to stick with their usual bowls. And if you pooch loves joining in on some hiking trips or spending a lot of time outdoors, make sure they bring along a portable water bowl that can be easily filled up when needed.

We like to help keep your pooch in their usual routine whilst away from home, so make sure you pack enough food for them so they can continue to enjoy eating what they are used to – along with their favourite post walk or supper treat!

Leads, harnesses & poo bags
Whether you’re loving home boarder is taking your four-legged friend for a walk around the block or exploring a new park, it’s important to have their lead. A harness is also a good idea if your pet tends to pull when walking, as new smells and locations can be very exciting and stimulating for your dog. You should make sure that both the lead and harness are comfortable and easy to use; no one wants to be wrestling with gear while trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll.

Toys and treats
Pets get bored just like humans do, so it’s important to pack a few of their favourite toys to keep them entertained during car rides, sleepovers or longer holidays. Beyond keeping them happy, a few tid-bits from home can help to keep them calm and prevent any anxiety when setting in their holiday home, which will hopefully prevent any accidents from happening. As well as toys, don’t forget the treats! Positive reinforcement goes a long way, especially when your pet is in an unfamiliar place. Be sure to pack enough for their entire trip, plus a few extras in case of emergencies. If they enjoy a little pea-mutt butter in a Kong, or a Dentastix at night, it always helps to have them on hand to settle them back down after an adventure.

Holiday documents
You wouldn’t leave home without your own travel documents, and the same goes for your pet. Make sure you have all the necessary paperwork, including proof of vaccinations, before their collection date. We also require pets to have a microchip – check with your veterinarian well in advance of your dog’s trip so they have time to take care of this if necessary.

Pets are great companions, but they also require a lot of gear – especially when travelling. By packing food and water bowls, leads, harnesses, toys, treats, and all of their travel documents, you can rest assured that both you and your pet will have an enjoyable trip. So throw some kibble in a bag and hit the road – Digs for Dogs will take care of the rest.

The post ????️Four essentials to pack for your dog’s Digs for Dogs holiday! appeared first on Digs for Dogs.

First, it is important to understand that dogs are individuals with unique personalities, drives, and motivations. While some dogs may be highly motivated by food, others may prefer play, praise, or even physical affection. The key to successful training is identifying what motivates your dog and using that motivation to shape its behavior.

One effective method for training dogs who are not food motivated is through the use of positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding the behavior you want to see repeated. This can be achieved through praise, play, or other rewards that your dog finds motivating. For example, if your dog loves playing with toys, you can use a toy as a reward for good behavior.

Another strategy for training dogs who are not food motivated is to use a combination of positive reinforcement and negative punishment. Negative punishment involves removing or withholding something your dog wants in order to decrease the likelihood of a behavior occurring in the future. For example, if your dog jumps up on people, you could turn your back or walk away every time they jump, which will make the behavior less rewarding for them.

It is also important to create a consistent and structured training environment for your dog. Consistency means using the same commands and rewards every time, which will help your dog understand what is expected of them. Structure means having a clear plan for each training session and working on specific behaviors one at a time.

In addition to training, it is important to spend quality time with your dog and build a strong bond. This can involve playing, walking, and simply spending time together. This will help to create a positive and nurturing relationship, which will make training easier and more enjoyable for both you and your dog.

In conclusion, training dogs who are not food motivated requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to adapt to your dog’s individual needs and motivations. By using positive reinforcement, negative punishment, consistency, structure, and building a strong bond, you can train your dog effectively and improve your relationship with them. With these strategies, you can have a happy and well-behaved dog who is not motivated by food.

Dogs are incredible creatures with a natural desire to please their owners. While some trainers rely on treats to motivate and reward their furry friends, there is a growing movement towards positive reinforcement training without the use of treats. This approach focuses on building a strong relationship between the owner and their dog, with the bond itself serving as the primary reward.

Positive reinforcement training without treats is based on the idea that dogs will repeat behaviors that are followed by positive consequences. In this case, the positive consequence is the bond and relationship between owner and dog. This approach to training is not only effective, but it also strengthens the bond between dog and owner, making for a more satisfying and fulfilling relationship.

To begin training your dog without treats, you will need to establish a strong bond with your furry friend. Spend time getting to know your dog, understanding their likes and dislikes, and developing a sense of trust. Once you have established a strong bond, you can begin to use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play, and life rewards to reinforce good behavior.

One way to use praise as a reward is to simply use a positive tone of voice when your dog behaves well. This can be as simple as saying “good boy/girl” or “well done” when your dog follows a command or exhibits good behavior. Another way to use praise is to offer physical affection, such as petting, scratching, or hugging your dog when they exhibit desirable behavior.

Play can also be a powerful reward for your dog. Playing fetch, tug of war, or simply running around with your dog can be incredibly rewarding for both you and your furry friend. Incorporating play into your training routine can help reinforce positive behavior and strengthen your bond.

Life rewards are another effective way to reinforce good behavior without using treats. These rewards can include things like going for a walk, getting a belly rub, or playing with a favorite toy. By incorporating these rewards into your training routine, you can help your dog understand what behaviors are desirable and increase their motivation to repeat them.

In conclusion, training dogs without treats is not only possible but also highly effective. By building a strong bond with your furry friend and using positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play, and life rewards, you can train your dog and encourage good behavior while strengthening your relationship. So why not try training your dog without treats and see how it can transform your relationship with your furry friend?

As a dog owner, you may have heard the phrase “treat-based training” thrown around when it comes to training your furry friend. While using treats as a reward is a common method, it’s not the only one. In fact, training your dog without treats and using your relationship as the reward can be just as effective, if not more so. Here’s how.

Understanding the Psychology Behind Treat-Based Training

Before we dive into alternative methods, let’s first take a look at why treat-based training is so popular. In short, it’s because it works on the principle of positive reinforcement. When you reward your dog with a treat for a desired behavior, you’re positively reinforcing that behavior. The idea is that the dog will associate the behavior with the reward and be more likely to repeat it in the future.

However, there are some downsides to this method. Firstly, treats can quickly lose their appeal if overused. Your dog may become desensitized to the reward, which means they won’t be as motivated to perform the desired behavior. Additionally, using treats as the sole motivator can lead to your dog only performing the behavior for the reward and not because they want to please you.

The Relationship-Based Method

So, how can you train your dog without treats and still achieve the desired results? The answer lies in building a strong relationship with your dog based on trust, respect, and positive reinforcement. This approach focuses on rewarding your dog with praise, play, and life rewards instead of treats.

Praise is a powerful motivator for dogs. When you give your dog verbal praise, such as saying “good job!” or “well done!”, you’re positively reinforcing the behavior and strengthening your bond with your dog. This method works particularly well for dogs who are more focused on pleasing their owner than on treats.

Play is another excellent reward for dogs. By incorporating play into your training sessions, you’re not only positively reinforcing your dog’s behavior, but also giving them a chance to burn off excess energy and bond with you. Playtime can be anything from a game of fetch to a snuggle session on the couch – it’s all about finding what your dog enjoys and using it as a reward.

Finally, life rewards are things your dog loves that are a natural part of their daily routine. This could be going for a walk, getting to play with their favorite toy, or getting a belly rub. By incorporating these rewards into your training sessions, you’re showing your dog that good behavior leads to positive experiences in their daily life.

Tips for Relationship-Based Training

While the relationship-based training method can be effective, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. Firstly, consistency is key. Your dog needs to know that good behavior is consistently rewarded, whether that’s through praise, play, or life rewards. Secondly, patience is important. It may take longer to see results with this method, but the bond you’re building with your dog will be stronger in the long run.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that not all dogs respond to the same training methods. Some dogs may be more motivated by treats, while others respond better to praise or play. The key is to find what works best for your dog and adjust your training methods accordingly.

In conclusion, training your dog without treats and using your relationship as the reward can be just as effective as traditional treat-based training. By focusing on building a strong bond with your dog and rewarding them with praise, play, and life rewards, you can create a positive training experience for both you and your furry friend. With patience, consistency, and an open mind, you can achieve the desired results and build a lifelong bond with your dog.

I want to work with you.

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It's so important to provide your puppy with the right outlet to chew, without the right chews a puppy will find their own chew items which normally means your expensive furniture. Dogs chew for a variety of reasons, it's an instinctual activity which all dogs should have the outlet to do. Chewing has many benefits, chewing releases endorphins (happy hormones), chewing can relieve boredom, chewing can help with dental hygiene.

It can be tricky to know which chews are good for puppies and which chews are safe to give a puppy. Often owners resort to building dental sticks which are filled with poor quality ingredients or even worse rawhide chews.

All chews should be given to your dog when supervised. Choose chews that are the appropriate size for your dog. Always provide fresh water during chew time.

Always read the label.

Best long-lasting chews for puppies:

Goats Ears

100% Natural Air dried High in protein

Low in fat

Easily digestible

Lamb Braids

100% Natural

Air dried lamb skin

High in protein

Low in fat

Easily digestible

Beef Tails

100% Natural

Air dried

High in protein

Low in fat

Easily digestible

Good alternative to a pizzle

Rabbit Ears

100% Natural

Air dried

High in protein

Easily digestible

Cow Hooves

Low in fat

Natural Stuffers (fill like a kong)

Yakers Dog Chew

Made from skimmed yak and cow milk

Low in fat

Ostrich Bone

100% Natural Ostrich Bone

Air-dried

Super Low in Fat Only 3.52%

Practically Odourless

Ways to Encourage Positive Behavior in Your Dog

We love our dogs beyond words. They’re our best friends on four legs, and we’d do just about anything for them.

But they can also be little stinkers.

Training your dog can be challenging, to say the least, and a massive piece of the puzzle is figuring out how you can reinforce your pup’s positive habits. Here are some of our favorite tricks to help improve your pet’s behavior through positive reinforcement.

Providing the Right Environment

Before you can expect your dog to listen to your commands or behave a specific way, you must make sure you’re setting them up for success. Your dog’s environment has a significant impact on their behavior, so it’s your job to ensure that they’re as receptive to training as possible.

 

Providing the right environment helps to bolster the bond between you and your dog, which in turn will likely make your training sessions more successful.

1. Make time for your pup

This may seem like a given because you already know that dogs of any age are a serious time commitment. However, a dog’s negative behavior is often a result of boredom or anxiety.

 

If you aren’t already taking your dog on a daily walk and setting aside time to play with them, start by carving out some extra time with them. We get it—sometimes the day gets away from you. But trying to give your dog some of your energy at the end of a long day can help prevent boredom-induced behaviors like chewing or digging.

2. Keep a routine

Like humans, dogs respond positively to routine. The more you can keep your dog on a regular schedule, the more they’ll trust you. Additionally, daily patterns can help reduce anxiety in dogs.

3. Exercise their minds

Dogs don’t just need physical exercise; they also need mental stimulation. Finding ways to challenge your dog’s brain can help keep them occupied while increasing the cognitive skills that will help them remember commands later.

Instead of the regular game of fetch, you can give your dog a puzzle toy to play with. Or you can sign your pup up for a professional training course in something like agility, rally, or scent.

4. Watch your attitude

We understand how frustrating it can be when your pet just won’t listen. However, if you start to take your anger out on your dog, you’ll stifle any potential progress you could have made.

 

During training sessions, it’s essential to stay as patient as possible and keep a calm voice. We even recommend smiling at your dog. You’ll get much farther with a positive attitude than with yelling.

 

Remember, while you want your dog to respect and listen to you, you don’t want them to fear you.

Now that you’ve created the right environment, you can start positive reinforcement training!

 

Positive reinforcement is a force-free training style, which has become increasingly popular among trainers in recent years because it seems to be more effective with canines than force-based training methods.

 

There are two primary methods used in positive reinforcement training:

1. Positive reinforcement through praise and/or a treat

This method is simple: if your dog does something good (responding to a command, using the bells by the back door to signal that they need to go to the bathroom), you give them praise and/or a treat.

 

This helps your pup associate good behavior with a reward, encouraging them to perform the same behavior in the future.

2. Negative punishment through withholding a reward

Note that negative punishment is NOT about scolding, yelling, or physically punishing your dog when they aren’t behaving the way you’d like them to. Negative punishment is simply withholding a reward when your dog does something wrong or doesn’t listen to your command.

Most people will use both methods during positive reinforcement training.

 

Once you have your dog’s favorite treats in hand, you can begin working on basic commands (sit, stay, lay down, drop it), walking decorum, and greeting people at the door.

Bringing in the professionals

Sometimes in-home positive reinforcement training isn’t enough, and you need to bring in some professional help. That’s totally okay—we’ve seen our fair share of stubborn dogs.

 

Our incredible trainers at Ruffgers Dog University can help you and your dog get on the same page. We’ll give you the confidence to positively discipline your dog and help your pup understand your commands.

 

We offer obedience courses at our three locations covering everything from canine good citizenship to pet manners to reactive responses. If you’re not sure where to start, contact our team to discuss which class will be the best fit for your pup.

 

Book your dog’s first class at Ruffgers today!

The post Ways to Encourage Positive Behavior in Your Dog appeared first on Ruffgers Dog University Dog Training & Dog Boarding.

Dealing with a shy dog can be challenging, but it is important to remember that shyness is not a behavioral problem but rather a temperament trait. With the right approach and patience, it is possible to help a shy dog build confidence and trust in their owners and the world around them.

Here are some steps that can be taken to help a shy dog:

Build trust: Shy dogs often lack trust in their owners and the world around them. Building trust takes time and patience, but can be done through positive reinforcement training, providing regular exercise, and spending quality time with the dog.

Socialization: Socialization is the process of exposing a dog to different people, animals, environments, and experiences in a controlled and positive way. It can help a shy dog to become more confident and comfortable in new situations.

Gradual exposure: It's important not to overwhelm a shy dog with new experiences and environments. Gradual exposure in a controlled and safe environment can help a shy dog to build confidence and trust.

Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement training can be effective in helping a shy dog to learn new behaviors and build confidence. This can include treats, praise, and other rewards for good behavior.

Consult a professional: In some cases, a shy dog may require the help of a professional such as a veterinarian, animal behaviorist, or professional dog trainer, to develop a customized training plan that addresses the specific issues and triggers.

It's important to remember that every shy dog is unique, and what works for one dog may not work for another. Additionally, it's important to be patient and consistent in working with a shy dog. It may take time for a shy dog to come out of its shell, but with the right approach, a shy dog can become a confident and well-adjusted companion.

In conclusion, dealing with a shy dog can be challenging, but it is important to remember that shyness is not a behavioral problem but rather a temperament trait. With the right approach, patience, and time, it is possible to help a shy dog build confidence and trust in their owners and the world around them. This can be done by building trust, socialization, gradual exposure, positive reinforcement, and consulting with a professional if necessary. Every shy dog is unique and what works for one dog may not work for another, it's important to be patient and consistent in working with a shy dog.

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Bringing a new puppy home is always an exciting moment for any family, but as soon it’s time to sleep and the excitement goes down a notch, the crying kicks in and it can be overwhelming for a new and unprepared dog owner.

If the first few days are not handled correctly the puppy could still be crying at night after 3 weeks which is generally as long as it should last for most cases.

A puppy still crying at night after 3 weeks is not normal behavior; it means he is not getting the needed comfort and care to go through the change of environment and is generally not feeling at home. The puppy is missing his mother and siblings, and you need to provide a safe and personal space for him to grow a bond with you and eventually become his new family.

Why do puppies cry at night?

Puppies cry at night for multiple reasons, when left alone for too long without company, when they feel hungry, when they need a potty break, or if sick and not feeling well.

On the other hand, new puppies, tend to cry at night during the first few days mainly due to the change of environment and, because they miss their mom and siblings.

The change in their life can make them feel unsafe around new people and sometimes other pets, which could be overwhelming for such little creatures.

That is why the first few days are important in making a new puppy feel at home and making a bond with him in order to make yourself their new family, they feel safe around.

Dogs are generally alert at night by nature, and that’s when the feelings of loneliness and unsafety kick in and puppies express it the only way they know, crying.

Puppy still crying at night after 3 weeks.

Two to three weeks is as long as a new puppy should still be crying at night, past that it means that they are not adjusting well to their new home, in other words, you’re not doing a good job making that bond.

Young puppies feed on attention and care, they do spend most of their time sleeping, but when they wake up you need to be there, that’s why it’s always a good idea to plan for your new puppy’s homecoming and preferably have a few days off work or have someone availble at home.

During the day new puppies adapt well and won’t cry as much as they do during the night when left alone, that’s why they need to feel safe and comfortable in their new home as soon as possible.

Dedicate time for the puppy even at night and comfort them when crying and most importantly prepare a safe and intimate space for them.

Generally, we recommend crate training from the start because the crate will provide that personal space, even if left open at night.

Is it normal for a puppy to cry at night after 3 weeks?

Three weeks is enough time for a new puppy to adapt to his new home that’s why a puppy still crying after three weeks might be a good indication to look for potential reasons.

Sometimes the presence of other dogs or pets can make a new puppy feel unsafe or uncomfortable, if that is the case you need to use a playpen to provide a personal space for your puppy.

Perhaps the puppy bed is not placed in a calm and intimate area, and he’s not feeling comfortable at night when left alone.

If the crying won’t stop night and day then a visit to the vet might be in order, but after you’ve ruled out every other potential reason.

How long does it take for a puppy to stop crying at night?

In general, a week is how long it takes for a puppy to stop crying at night, of course, the crying won’t stop once and for all, since it’s the only way young puppies know how to express themselves.

puppies will cry when hungry, for a potty break and to seek attention so it’s normal especially in the first couple of weeks when they feel lonely at night.

As they grow puppies learn to manage their fears and adapt to their new homes and bond with their owners, it’s in their DNA so it usually doesn’t take too long especially if you do a good job helping them.

How to stop a puppy that cries at night?

As we’ve explained puppies cry to communicate, and their needs are usually simple and easy to guess, so making sure they’ve had food, water, a potty break, and some quality playtime before bedtime will significantly reduce the crying to the minimum.

Preparing a comfortable and safe space for your puppy will also be a great way to make them feel safe when they wake up at night.

Puppies sleep up to 18 hours a day when young so playing with them will make take down their energy and help them sleep through the night.

All in all, feeling your presence at night when they wake up is enough to comfort your puppy and make him stop crying.

Should you worry if the puppy is still crying after 3 weeks?

A puppy still crying after 3 weeks is not unusual, most new dog owners will struggle to find a good balance for their puppies.

However, if you suspect a physical reason for the crying don’t hesitate to seek professional help, change of diet can sometimes give abdominal aches to new puppies and make them uncomfortable.

If the crying is only occurring at night, most likely it’s fear and adaptation so all you have to do is make sure the puppy feels your presence by their side that’s why having their bed close to yours is a great idea.

Is crate training a good way to stop a crying puppy at night?

Crate training a new puppy is always a great idea, the younger the better, and if it’s possible the first night is even better.

A new puppy will cry at night no matter what, so using it to crate train at the same time and provide a safe personal space for your puppy is perfect.

A puppy that has been crate trained from the start will most likely be easier to train, especially with potty training.

Using a wire crate is what we recommend for multiple reasons as it provides an open view, and multiple doors and can be adjusted in size.

Crate training a new puppy will in most cases make the crying at night stop sooner than regular training, especially if you place the crate in your bedroom.

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Let’s say you are trying to teach your dog to sit calmly at the end of the hall while you answer the door! In a perfect world, you’ll wait until the door bell rings, walk him to the end of the hall and tell him to sit and he’ll just do it, right? Probably not!

Mistakes happen!

Most mistakes happen simply because our dogs either didn’t know any better, they were distracted, or they were in a habit of doing things a different way. Rarely do they do things “wrong” on purpose.

Take a stressed mum who accidentally puts an item into her handbag instead of the trolley when she’s shopping. Or the child who hasn’t quite mastered subtraction. Or, the dog that keeps getting up even though you’d prefer them to sit at the end of the hall while you answer the door. None of this is done “wrong” on purpose.

In dog training this is especially true. Your dog might have an idea of what you want, but he doesn’t speak or read English (I know, spoiler alert!) So he’ll need to go through a process of trial and error to figure out exactly what you want. This means he needs to make mistakes to learn.

To be a good learner, he needs you to repeat the process over and over again so he can compare each attempt with the last. It’s even better if you can do it repetitively so he can quickly narrow down whats right and what’s wrong. He’ll need you to help him get it right by stopping him when he goes wrong and helping him get it right.

So if he get’s up midway through a sit-stay it’s not helping to give him the treat because it was “close enough”. He needs you to do it again with him so he can try to get it right. If you don’t, he’ll think he got it right the first time. That is just confusing and he won;t have learned anything useful.

Be repetitive

If you leave too much time between repetitions, some of the learning is forgotten and he’ll not be able to compare each attempt reliably.

In the above example, if you are only practising answering the door once a week when a real person calls by, you may not give yourself, or the dog, the opportunity to try again while he still knows what went wrong. Much better to set aside 15 minutes and do it 5 or 6 times in a row.

Identifying mistakes – means you can focus on them. In this example, you might find your dog struggles with one element more than the others. Maybe he’s good at sitting normally, but the door bell got him too excited, or maybe he has never learned to stay. Whatever the specific element that you are having bother with, once you have identified it, you can work on it separately and slot it back into the sequence later.

Repeat the training sequence enough times that you get a couple of perfect runs. Only at this stage, your dog is starting to figure out what you want, now you must practise it.

Make it a habit!

As I said before, a habit may also cause mistakes to be made. The only way to get round this is to practise, practise, practise. Practise makes perfect and eventually creates a new, different habit. There is no short cut to habit forming, sadly. But, you’ll know when it happens as the new behaviour will be easy for your dog, and the old one a distant memory.

Remove Distractions

Distractions cause us all to make mistakes, so sometimes it is necessary to try something new without distractions. If the doorbell adds too much excitement, or having someone standing behind the door is too much, then practise without them first. Once your dog is good at it you can add them back in and try again.

This is not cheating, by the way! You wouldn’t start a video game at level 20, or start playing grade 8 piano on your first day. You make it easy and gradually it gets harder as you get better!

Are you struggling with your dogs behaviour?

Private Dog Behaviour Consultations are currently available in the Dundee area and beyond, or via zoom. If you are looking for help solving your dogs behaviour and training problems, then please get in touch!

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The 4th of July can be stressful and traumatic for our pets. To help prepare for the festivities, we must understand how and why animals naturally react to fireworks. Dogs use their nose, eyes, and ears to experience the world around them. The sudden booms, burning smells, large gatherings, and flashing lights can cause our pets to feel anxious and afraid. More pets go missing on the 4th and 5th of July than on any other day of the year.

Preparation is critical to ensuring that everyone in your pack stays safe. In the video below, Cesar explains some essential tips and examples you can implement at home.
For those who may not be celebrating the 4th of July in the U.S., you can practice these tips during your local holidays or at special events throughout the year that include loud noises.

Why Are Dogs Afraid of Fireworks?

Fireworks are something that most dogs regularly encounter, so the sound and brightness can cause fear and anxiety. The loud booms that go on and on, coupled with the lit-up sky and the smell of gunpowder in the air, are not part of a dog’s everyday life, so it should not surprise humans that fireworks can cause adverse effects on their behavior.

Fireworks Are Sudden

For canines, fireworks cannot compare to thunderstorms which tend to come with a host of signals like changes in atmospheric pressure and strengthening winds. Fireworks arrive suddenly, on the sly, and are thus more intimidating. 

Dogs Have Better Hearing

Canines can hear up to three times better than people, given that they can identify pitches that surpass the ones we can. Sudden, loud sounds, such as fireworks shows, can injure their hearing and trigger fear responses.

Fireworks Can Give Anxiety

As one of the loudest celebrations of the year, July Fourth can agitate your pet, triggering stress. Anxiety can showcase itself differently for each animal and may even encompass a fight-or-flee response. Frantic efforts to get away can make dogs gnaw, scrape, dig, and even leap out of windows.

Flight, Fight, or Freeze

When in a state of anxiety, pooches may enter flight mode, scurrying off to hide themselves or escape from your watch and run away. Fight mode consists of constant barking, or a third, freeze. The dogs who cower in silence from fear, anxiousness, and strain can be more difficult to help. Some indications of freeze mode include when an animal shifts from being hyperactive and wagging its tail to hiding and staying in one spot.

Signs That Fireworks Frighten Your Dog

First, you must pay attention to your dog’s body language. Here are some signs that your dog is not a fan:

• Panting
• Tucked tail
• Packing
• Excessive drooling
• Hiding
• Aggression

How To Prepare Your Dog for Fireworks

Preparing your pet for fireworks is essential to ensuring their safety and minimizing the effect of loud noises on them. Begin these steps weeks, even months, before the Fourth of July to give yourself plenty of time for proper preparation.

Desensitization

You can begin training your pet a few weeks before the holiday arrives and learn how to help dogs. Play sounds over a speaker that simulates fireworks. Start at a low volume and gradually increase the noise level as your dog tolerates to desensitize the sound. Make sure to give rewards each time a new sound level is reached and offer plenty of praise and belly rubs.

Updated Pet Picture

Take a current picture of your furry friend, just in case. Fourth of July is the most common time of year dogs run away, and a recent image can help locate your pet quickly.

Secure Your Surroundings

Ensure the surroundings are safe and sound. If your neighbors set off fireworks suddenly, do you have enough protection in your yard to restrain your pet? Consider all options and decide on the most secure area for your faithful friend, and implement improvements if needed to make that space secure.

How To Keep Your Dog Calm During Fireworks

A scared dog tends to make a break and run away from whatever noise has frightened them. Even a fenced-in yard might not be able to contain your pet. Never underestimate the power and force behind a frightened dog. You might think your dog can’t overcome the fear of fireworks, but there are steps to prepare ahead and ease the anxiety.

Exercise

Take the time to give your dog an extra walk and exercise before the fireworks begin. A tired and worn-out pup is easier to calm and will most likely sleep more deeply. The deeper they sleep, the less likely they are to be awakened by the noise.

Choose to Stay Home

This tip is critical if you have a dog who is new to your home. Whether they are a puppy or adopted, you have never seen how they respond to fireworks. Behavior can escalate quickly if you are not home to comfort and help calm the anxiety.

Block the Sound

Try putting on music, turning up the tv, or closing the windows. Think about the volume it will take to drown out the sound of the loud fireworks. You can also have background noise, such as a fan or an air conditioner, to help with noise cancellation.

Distractions

Play an engaging game indoors, give some extra snuggles, and break out your dog’s favorite treat. Keeping your pup engaged and distracted can help pass the time, and they may not even notice what’s happening outside. To make a treat last longer and keep your furry friend busy, put some peanut butter in a kong and freeze it.

Remain Calm

Dogs can read body language, so if you’re tense or jump when a firework goes off, they will respond similarly or worse.

Provide a Comfortable Spot

It’s quite common for dogs to retreat to a space where they feel comfortable. Sometimes it’s their crate or under a bed. Rather than pulling your pup from their comfort zone, assure them they are okay and can stay where they are as long as they like. Never try to remove them from their spot and get them closer to the sound in an effort to get them used to the sounds.

Block Outdoor View

It’s as simple as closing the curtains or blinds to remove the visual stimulation. Doing so can help keep your dog calm. Black-out curtains are a great way to keep bright lights from entering the room and help with loud noises.

Thundershirt

Some pet owners have had success with Thundershirts. The pressure of the shirt has been known to have a calming effect on the dog’s nervous system.

Microchip

Since dogs are known to bolt when they are scared, having them microchipped is a safety measure you can take, along with ensuring they have a collar and tags that include your phone number, your name, and the name of your pet.

Supplements

Knowing what to give dogs to help with anxiety can be challenging. One can utilize over-the-counter anxiety aids, but you should first seek the opinion of your veterinary practitioner before commencing any supplements. This counsel is especially important if your pup takes prescription medicines or has dietary limitations to confirm they won’t suffer from an allergic reaction or bear results.

Keep Your Routine

Keeping your animal companion calm during unexpected noises such as fireworks is a priority for many pet owners. By keeping their routine consistent throughout the loud holiday festivities, their environment will become far less triggering, and they won’t be so easily spooked. Keeping their diet, exercise, and sleep patterns regular can go a long way in minimizing anxiety and fear during this time of year.

Create a Safe Space

It’s vital to ensure that your pets remain in a comfortable atmosphere to keep them tranquil. Establish a dim and quiet area in your house. (If your dog chooses to stay in the crate, move that to the safe space.) Sometimes animals already have a favorite hiding place—for instance, in the tub, beneath a given bed, or in a closet—where they’ve previously gone during storms or fireworks. It could be simplest to set up their calm area in this location since they feel protected there.

For the 4th of July, animals can feel anxious due to sudden booms, burning smells, large gatherings, and flashing lights. Preparation is key; these tips can be used during other holidays or events with loud noises.

The post How To Prepare Your Pets For The Fourth of July Fireworks appeared first on Cesar's Way.

I get many questions about how the fulfillment formula – Exercise, Discipline, then Affection – changes as the dog age and doesn’t require as much physical activity and energy draining. Here are some tips to keep in mind as your dog enters his senior years.

I always stress how important it is to get a dog that fits your energy level and lifestyle, but at some point, even the highest-energy dogs that are in great health will slow down as they enter their senior years.

Nothing is more important than prevention, so it’s vital that you provide exercise, a nutritious diet, and supplements as needed and recommended by your vet throughout your dog’s life. Alternative medicine treatments, like acupuncture, are becoming increasingly popular for all kinds of conditions, especially arthritis, which is common in older dogs who have been very active.

Swimming is an excellent activity for dogs of all ages, but it is particularly good for older dogs because it is low-impact and easy on their weakening joints and muscles. Swimming also builds strength, is suitable for their conditioning, and is naturally relaxing and comforting to most dogs. Also, consult your vet about the best joint health supplement for your dog. I recommend Vetz Petz Antinol because it contains a unique PCSO-524, which has been scientifically and clinically tested and proven to support joint health.

When we think of aging, we think of medical conditions. But for many dogs, they age without any sign of illness at all. When Daddy was a senior, he had minimal physical desires. He would get tired walking from my house to the neighbor’s house – it was like walking miles and miles for him – and we celebrated that walk the same way we did when he was younger, and we’d return from a two-hour Pack Walk. 

As he aged, it was not so much about the time spent walking but about allowing him to stay where he wanted to be. This was his revised fulfillment formula. Daddy still wanted to be outside and experience nature, but he didn’t need to do it with the one, two, and three-year-old pups. He could do it right in the backyard.

Tailoring the fulfillment formula as a dog ages to fit his needs is something that many humans have a hard time with. It’s no different than the fears we have about aging as humans. But this is a natural part of life, and honoring that life is keeping your dog.

You don’t have to feel like you’re no longer giving the dog rules, boundaries, and limitations if you, for example, bring them their food instead of making them come to the kitchen or the yard to eat. “Room service” at this stage of life is acceptable. Remember that their body doesn’t match the mind anymore – they might have trouble controlling their bladder, which isn’t something to punish. It results from the kind of care we provide our dogs in this country and worldwide. You’re not going to see a 14-year-old dog in a third-world country very often; they don’t have the same kind of care and nutrition.

Remember that you don’t need to provide stimulation at this senior stage of life. What you want to provide is relaxation. Give the dog a massage, help them when they need it (like using a ramp as you would for an older person who has difficulty getting upstairs), and be patient. Enjoy this time and celebrate their life!

Understand Your Dog's Mobility

Sadly, witnessing your young pet age and struggle to move is disheartening. However, mobility issues are not necessarily an excuse for giving up on them. Elderly canines can and should still experience rewarding lives, even though they may experience challenges getting around. Provided proper maintenance and upkeep, a senior dog’s lifespan can be prolonged rather than cut short in the presence of mobility predicaments.

Signs of Decreased Mobility in Senior Dogs

• Struggles to jump and climb
• Shows stiffness or pain
• Slowed walking or limping
• Slips when walking around or getting up
• Struggles to sit and stand
• Timid to participate in usual activities
• Favors a limb

Tips for Exercising Senior Dogs

It’s essential to remember that as dogs age, their needs change; they need shorter but more frequent sessions of gentle exercise tailored to their overall health and ability.

Get the OK

Initially, visit your vet. Your senior pooch requires a complete physical exam to ensure he is fit enough for escalated exercise. Before adjusting your pup’s lifestyle, serious metabolic disturbances such as heart conditions, diabetes, and aging difficulties like osteoarthritis need to be disregarded or regarded as causes of inactivity.

Choose Lower Impact Activities

Exercising is essential for senior dogs both to keep them physically active and help with common age-related ailments. However, their ability to perform vigorous or high-impact exercises may diminish as they age. This makes it important to prioritize low-impact activities that are easier on their joints and muscles while still providing the benefits of physical activity. Examples include:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Brain games
• Balance exercise
• Nose work

Walking a Senior Canine

Going for a walk is an exceptional, mild-intensity exercise that benefits your pup’s physical and mental well-being. As your canine companion grows older, you need to consider how fast you walk, the climatic conditions, and how your dog appears to feel during and after exercise. Elderly canines are particularly receptive to changes in temperature—either excessively hot or cold—so taking steps to ensure they are comfortable during your stroll is essential. Please take note of the weather and period of the day to stop them from being subject to overheating or frostbite. If you observe that your pup is sore after the stroll, you may want to backtrack (literally!) and cut down on the duration of your trips.

Incorporate Fun and Games

Senior canines can still have fun, and all you need to do is adjust the activities for their tender joints and slower reflexes. Here are some game ideas you can start playing with your older dog today.

• Hide-and-seek
• Fetch (shortened)
• Three cups and a treat
• Water games, especially fun in the summer!

Take Breaks in Between Exercises

Exercising a senior dog requires more caution and gentleness to prevent possible injury and fatigue. Older canines should not be pushed too hard, as they may not have the same energy they did when they were younger and more energetic. It is essential to give the older dogs plenty of breaks to catch their breath between exercises, preferably in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight.

By monitoring how far your senior dog can go without appearing tired or stressed, you’ll know when it’s time for them to take a break and restore their energy levels. This way, appropriate exercise can still be had while keeping your older dog safe and comfortable. 

Mix Things Up

Maintain your canine companion intellectually engaged and animated, as well. Always walk different paths. Don’t consistently entertain the same activities:

• Teach a new trick
• Meet new dog friends
• Buy other toys and switch them out
• Check out the local dog park

Warm Up & Cool Down for Outdoor Exercises

Warming up and cooling down is an essential part of outdoor exercise for senior dogs. Gradually increasing your pup’s activity in a controlled setting will help them safely get their body temperature up and prepare their muscles, tendons, and ligaments for activity. It’s essential to give your dog time to cool down after they’ve also finished exercising, and this can help speed up the recovery process and reduce any aches or pains afterward. Slowing down gradually when you’re done with your walk is a great way to ensure your senior pup has the best outdoor experience!

Create Indoor Exercise Routines

Indoor exercise options, such as interactive playtime, playing mentally stimulating games, stretching, and introducing scenting activities, can all help to keep senior canine companions in shape without putting undue strain on their aging bodies.

Cross-Training Senior Dogs

Cross-training enables certain body parts to relax as you concentrate on making muscles in different places. Canine yoga, doggy Pilates, and other activities are soaring in popularity due to their countless mental and physical advantages to dogs of any age.

Safe Swimming for Senior Dogs

Suppose you have access to a place to swim that allows canines, it is the perfect way to get a workout. Swimming is lightweight on the body, particularly the joints, yet maintains its status as a powerful total-body exercise. Swimming provides a secure, simplified approach to permitting your dog to add strength to the body without discomforting the bones and joints.

Monitor Senior Dog Exercises Closely

Do NOT Push Your Older Dog Through Pain

It would be best if you had a conversation with your veterinarian about the measures you can take for pain management. The fact is that dogs are not usually vocal about their chronic distress; they go on as usual. Consequently, it is in your hands to be aware of the indicators.

Reevaluate the Exercise Program

Continually modify and adapt any exercise regimen to your dog’s specific situation and changing capabilities. If it means your canine gets tougher and can do more or becomes weak and needs to do less. Ultimately, the objective is to delight in one another’s companionship and have a good time while striving for a healthier senior dog.

Signs of Too Much Exercise for a Senior Dog

• Excessive breathing or salivating, mainly if their tongue/gums are a strong red or blue. Dogs pant in warm temperatures, which is used to cool Fido down, but it is not appropriate to work out with any dog outside when it is hot, especially an elderly one.
• Sneezing or wheezing. This can indicate cardiac ailments, pulmonary issues, or something called ‘Tracheal Derangement’ (usually frequent in smaller breeds). Constant coughing can create respiratory troubles, so if your senior canine begins to cough while working out, it’s time to bring the session to a close.
• Slowing down or wanting to stop playtime. This is a definite cue that your elderly canine has had enough for the day, and it’s time to rest.
• Limping or weak limbs. You must immediately stop when an aged dog favors a single limb during physical activity. If the pain does not resolve within a day (or if it does but then reappears), you need to take your pooch to the veterinarian to ensure there isn’t any severe injury or irritation.

The Importance of Senior Dogs Remaining Active

Caring for a senior dog is a special way to pay homage to their years of loyalty and love. For an older dog to remain healthy and happy, it is essential to find ways for them to stay active. Daily exercises such as playing fetch or brisk walks will help keep bones strong and joints limber. Even indoor activities like hiding treats around the house can provide mental stimulation and entertainment. Not only will exercise support your senior dog’s physical well-being, but it can also keep them mentally sharp while they age gracefully.

The post Exercising Senior Dogs  appeared first on Cesar's Way.

I am a Cesar fan and have a question regarding dogs at ‘play.’ My first obvious thought is that if your dogs have the energy to play, they need more exercise, correct?’ In any event, what types of play do you allow in your pack?

I have a very playful two-year-old, high-energy Doberman named Klohee.’ She gets along well with other dogs: play bows, lays down to bait them to play, etc., but is quite obnoxious at times about playing, i.e., does not know when to stop.’ Even after exercise, she always has enough energy to play with other dogs.’ Listed below are some of my observations of her play.’ Can you tell me which behaviors should be allowed and to what extent I should ‘break it up’ as her pack leader?’ How can I tell if the play is reciprocal or if she’s just being pushy?

Observations:

• Play bows
• She lays down to reassure that she means no harm
• She loves to run and play chase with other dogs (Her favorite thing)
• Occasionally barks if they don’t bite the bait to play (Is she demanding?)
• Bites on the back of the neck (Intensity varies on another dog)
• Nips at legs
• Plays the bite-each-other’s mouth game?
• Licks other dogs’ faces
• She sometimes gives the other dogs her toys/chewies (A bribe, perhaps?)

Thanks in advance!’ I could use your advice on this one.’ I know the basics on dog body language but need clarification on the whole play thing.’ It looks like they both enjoy it, but they play rough to the human eye!

Bryan Bone

Cesar Responds

Dear Bryan,

The following are my reactions to your observations of Klohee, who sounds like a very playful Doberman indeed!

• Play bows. That’s great!
• She lies down to reassure she means no harm. – Perfect!
• Run, chase, and play with other dogs. That’s what dogs do!
• Barks if they don’t take the bait to play. – There’s nothing wrong with that.
• Bites back of the neck. – If they’re part of her pack, it’s okay, but I would discourage this behavior if they’re not dogs she recognizes as regular friends and family.’
• Nips at legs. – This is more irritating to a dog than a bite to the neck. Dogs do this when the other dog is not paying attention.’ If the dog she is nipping is not a dog you trust, do not allow the nipping on the leg.’ This could lead to a conflict or fight.
• Plays the ‘bite-each-other’s mouth’ game.- This is normal play behavior.
• Licks other dogs’ faces. – This is an acceptable play activity with other pack members – unless it becomes obsessive. There are three levels of intensity: mild, medium, and high.’ I do not allow activities to reach a high intensity unless I create the game. For example, if I play ball with them, I let them go to the highest energy level. However, if they do it among themselves, I only allow them to reach a mild or medium intensity.’ The same behavior at a different energy level can create a fight simply because it was a high-level energy moment.
• Gives other dogs her toys/chewies. – This indicates that she would be in the middle of a pack of dogs.’ She’d be the one who would keep the dogs in the back and the dogs in front as a unit.

You mentioned that your dog has enough energy to play after she does exercise or goes for a walk. Absolutely! Utilizing extra energy in play is an excellent way for dogs to celebrate the day. All dogs at the Dog Psychology Center play after exercise and don’t play for an extended period. After feeding times and when the temperature cools at around 5 pm, everybody here is frisky and playful, but playtime only lasts about fifteen minutes. After that, they are tired!

Based on your information, Klohee is a high-energy, submissive dog.’ The goal is to make her calm-submissive.’ You’ve got one-half of the battle accomplished already!’ Walking her with a backpack is a great way to drain energy and move toward accomplishing that second half!

Stay calm and assertive,
Cesar Millan

Why Is Play Important for Dogs?

Play is a crucial part of a dog’s day as it allows them to get exercise, reduce stress, and release much-needed energy. When our pets play, they gain social and motor skills that are key for any pack member. Teaching our pups good play behavior aids in brain development and how to appropriately interact with other dogs.

Starting while your puppy is young is critical, and playing with other dogs will help teach your pup appropriate play. Dogs learn by doing and by mimicking. So, while doggie play dates can be fun, use the opportunity to teach your furry friend what is expected during playtime. These interactions with your puppy will lead them to connect socially, bond, and communicate. 

What Does Good Play Look Like

It can sometimes be difficult for people to determine what good play behavior looks like. However, if you observe the dog’s body language, you can figure out if both pups are enjoying the playtime. When both pets consent to play, you will watch for relaxed body posture and return for more fun.

Signs That Dogs Are Playing

• Acting silly, excessive bouncy movement
• Open-mouthed grin
• The dog continues to go back for more play. Even the one who ends up on their back
• The front end down and back end in the air is a play bow
• Repeatedly slapping front paws on the ground to initiate play
• Pretends to fall over and expose the belly
• Allows being “caught” during a game of chase, taking turns chasing each other

What Does Bad Dog Play Look Like

Certain breeds of dogs are wired to be “pushy,” while others may not be socially trained to interact well. Sometimes what started as a fun playdate can quickly become aggressive, and recognizing when aggression has set in is essential for the safety of all involved.

Signs That Dogs Are Fighting

• A warning growl accompanied by a curled lip and closed mouth
• If an actual fight, the loser will not return for more “play.”
• Ears are pinned back, and no big smiles.
• No bouncy, fun movement. The dog will move around quickly
• The hair will be standing up (hackles), which might not be noticeable if your dog has long hair
• The body will be stiff, and body language is not happy
• Tail is tucked
• One of the dogs is trying to get away from the other one
• It’s clear that the dogs are not having fun

How To Spot a Potential Aggressive Dog

As a pack leader, you need to be aware of your dog’s body language and identify factors that give you the inclination that they might become aggressive. Suppose you encounter another dog who becomes aggressive with your pup. In that case, you may need to help your furry friend recognize the unsafe behavior and remove them from the situation quickly and calmly. Below are signs to watch out for in an aggressive pup.

• A tense stare and squared-off stance.
• A posture that looks like the dog is guarding. The neck is lower than the shoulders, and the head is lowered and stretched forward.
• A straight and stiff tail.
• The nose is upturned, exposing the teeth.
• Hair is standing up.
• Ears are standing straight up or flat back.

How To Detect Early Signs of Aggression

As a pack leader, it is essential to recognize early warning signs of aggression in your dog. Doing so will protect your pup, other dogs, and humans. Sometimes puppies that are nervous or anxious may show signs of early aggression. It’s best to seek professional help to get the issue resolved. Here are some behaviors to look out for:

• Rough play is too much for one of the dogs. If your dog continues to play roughly when the other playmate is done, it could lead to aggressive behavior. Be mindful of one pup enjoying the “playtime” more than the other.
• Continuing to chase or bother. If one of the dogs has given signals that they are done playing, but your dog does not stop but instead continues to pester the other dog, their behavior could become aggressive and take a wrong turn.
• Dogs can be bullies too. As with humans, dogs who bully often lack appropriate social skills and confidence. As their pack leader, you teach and train your pup on how to behave. Bullying could look like body slamming, inappropriate biting, and not stopping when the other dog clearly shows they are done.

Commonly Asked Questions About Dog Behavior

Are All Dogs Suited For the Dog Park?

Although some pets do well and interact nicely with other dogs at the dog park, some dogs respond better to playing at home or with another dog buddy they already have a relationship with. Something to note is the gated dog park is a wonderful and neutral location to introduce potential puppy pals rather than at your home. Be sure to supervise the initial interaction and watch the playtime closely.

What Should I Do if My Dog Gets Into a Fight?

Unfortunately, there may come a time when your pet gets into a fight with another dog. Knowing how to handle yourself and your dog in this situation is essential to keeping everyone safe. Do not attempt to separate the dogs by grabbing their collar or any part of their body. A loud noise might be enough to stop the fight, and an air horn is a great tool to keep in your car. If you are at home, using a hose and spraying water on both dogs’ heads can break them up.

How Do I Keep My Dog From Getting Aggressive?

The best way to prevent your pet from getting into a fight with another dog is to recognize signs of aggression and promptly remove and separate the animals before the situation worsens.

How Do I Know If Another Dog Is Ready to Play?

If you are still determining if the pup your dog wants to engage with is ready to play, do a quick separation test. Once they are separated, if they both run back to play again, that’s a sign that both consent to the play session. If one of the dogs runs away from the situation, stop the playdate and move on.

The post Good and Bad Play Behavior appeared first on Cesar's Way.

You’re going to love this super simple idea!

It only has three ingredients and all of them are right in your grocery store.

Read on to learn how to make it!

Prefer something hypoallergenic? Try these Limited Ingredient Treats!

Mini Training Dog Treats Recipe

Training treats are a must for positive reinforcement dog training but it can be hard to find just the right ones in the store.

For one thing, they always seem to be made for chihuahuas!

While we don’t need big treats for our big dogs, we definitely want to do more than just fill half of their tooth!

Another problem: if you look at the ingredients on any store-bought dog training treat, you’ll see that it’s loaded with preservatives and unnecessary fillers.

Plus, if your dog has certain food allergies, it’s almost impossible to find an option that works for them. Nearly all treats have either chicken or beef, two of the biggest allergens for dogs. 

By making them yourself, you not only control the ingredients but also the size.

Now, let’s check out the recipe. Keep reading after because I have some tips on choosing ingredients and making this a hypoallergenic treat.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. 

How to make these mini training dog treats

Check out the table below for a quick list of what you’ll need to make these training treats for your pup! You don’t HAVE to buy the brands I recommend, they’re just to give you an idea:

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	SKIPPY Creamy Peanut Butter, 5 Pound		$24.49	Buy on Amazon
	King Arthur, 100% Organic White Whole Wheat Flour, 100% Whole Grain, Non-GMO Project Verified, 5...		$9.95	Buy on Amazon
	Wilton Easy Layers Sheet Cake Pan, 2-Piece Set, Rectangle Steel Sheet Pan		$15.13	Buy on Amazon
	Rolling Pin Dough Roller Non Stick Silicone Baking Mat Set Rolling Pins for Baking Rodillo Para Masa...		$9.99	Buy on Amazon
	35 Pack Cookie Cutters Vegetable Fruit Cutter Shapes Stamps Mold Mini Cookie Cutters		$11.98	Buy on Amazon

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Whole Wheat Flour
• ¾ Cup Dog-Safe Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1 Medium Ripe Banana

Supplies

• Baking sheet (aka cookie pan)
• Rolling pin
• Wax paper, parchment paper, or a silicone baking mat of some sort to roll out the dough on
• Tiny cookie cutters, a pizza cutter, or a knife to cut the dough into small pieces
• Mixing bowl

Directions:

1. Combine ingredients in a bowl and smash them together using a fork. You can also use a blender or food processor if that’s easier, but seriously, smashing it works fine. 
2. Once mixed well, switch to using your hands to knead the dough. Or you can use something like a Kitchen-Aid mixer if you really don’t want to get it all over your hands. 
3. Place the dough ball on a flat, floured surface and roll it out to about ¼ of an inch thick using a rolling pin.
4. Using a ¾ inch to an inch cookie cutter, cut out as many pieces as possible with whatever shape you desire. You can also just use a knife to cut them into pieces. 
5. Place on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper.
6. Heat oven to 50 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 12-15 minutes or until hard.
7. Let cool before serving to dogs.
8. Store in an air-tight container. If you’re making an XL batch and don’t plan to use them all up quickly, you can also store them in the freezer for later. Just let them thaw out before you serve them to your dog. 

*Tip: If you have a little extra time, put the dough in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes. It makes it a bit easier to work with.

Optional Add-Ins & Hypoallergenic Swaps

The flour is really the only ingredient in this recipe that could be problematic for dogs with food allergies. Even though they’re major allergens for people, very few dogs are allergic to bananas or peanut butter. So if you want to make this hypoallergenic, here are a few alternatives to the wheat flour:

• Amaranth flour
• Arrowroot flour
• Oats or oat flour
• Coconut flour
• Almond flour
• Millet

If your dog doesn’t like the taste bananas (or if YOU are deathly allergic and can’t even handle them), you can try pureed pumpkin instead. You may need a bit more flour though since pumpkin isn’t as thick as bananas. 

Honestly, you can swap out the bananas with just about anything. Even pureed veggies like carrots and sweet potatoes will work. Just adjust the flour until you have the right consistency. As long as you can roll it out, it should bake just fine. 

Oh, by the way, you can also use this same exact recipe to make dog biscuits! Just cut them into larger pieces or use a bigger cookie cutter.

Tips for Choosing the best ingredients

While bananas are pretty much standard and self-explanatory, below you’ll find some tips on choosing the right peanut butter as well as swapping out the wheat flour.

What is dog-safe peanut butter?

By dog-safe, we mean xylitol-free, as xylitol is incredibly toxic to dogs.

Fortunately, very few brands contain xylitol and they’re all specialty brands (like Nuts ‘N More).

Think top-shelf or health food store PB, not middle-shelf grocery store.

If you stick to national brands like Jif & Skippy or generic store brands, you should be fine.

Just make sure you check the ingredients list. Some brands list it as a “natural sweetener,” followed by “birch xylitol” in parentheses.

Ideally, you’ll also want to use a no-sugar-added PB, like Spread the Love. It only has one ingredient- peanuts.

However, if you’re not really keen on spending $10+ for a jar of PB, honestly, Jif is fine.

I make my dog peanut butter treats with plain old Jif, Skippy, or even Walmart brand PB and she hasn’t grown an extra head yet!

As long as you’re feeding your dog these treats in moderation you shouldn’t have an issue.

Is whole-wheat flour really okay?

Contrary to popular belief (and up until a few days ago, my own belief), grains are not bad for dogs.

A recent study even found that a grain-free diet may contribute to heart problems.

Now, I’m not quite ready to dump my dog’s grain-free food into the garbage, but I do think it’s fine to include some quality grains in her treats.

However, if your dog is allergic to wheat, then obviously you’ll want to avoid it!

In that case, you can use something like coconut flour or opt for one of these dog treat recipes instead:

• No-Bake Hypoallergenic Coconut Dog Treats
• 3-Ingredient Hypoallergenic Sweet Potato “Jerky” Dog Chew Treats
• Hypoallergenic Veggie Dog Treats

I hope your pooch loves these homemade dog treats as much as mine does! They make great rewards during training time, and they’re a lot healthier than just giving her hunks of cheese!

What do you think of these mini training dog treats? Share your thoughts below!

The post Easy Mini Training Dog Treats Recipe appeared first on DogVills.

5 Things to Do with Your Dog This Weekend

Tired of visiting the same old dog park every weekend? We get it.

Taking your pup on new adventures is not only good for your dog, but it’s good for you as well. You both get to share new experiences and strengthen your bond.

No matter how old your pet is, trying something new can boost their energy levels and happiness. Just look at Good Boy Ollie on Instagram—the senior pup who has an activity jar full of new things to try.

Whether the activity is exercise-based or something silly that will put a smile on your face, your dog will love just spending quality time with their favorite human.

Here are five ideas for things you can do with your dog this weekend.

1. Get out of town

If your dog is athletic and treasures their daily walks, treat them to an extended hike on a trail filled with new smells and things to discover.

 

You can use the National Park Service’s park finder to explore parks within driving distance, or you can run a quick Google search for “state parks near me” or “trails near me.” While doing your research, it can be helpful to make a list of the places you want to visit eventually, so the next time you’re ready for a getaway, you already have some ideas!

 

When picking a trail, check the difficulty of the terrain before you bring your dog there. Apps like AllTrails make it really easy to determine whether your pup can handle the hike.

2. Treat your dog to a puppuccino

If you’ve never gotten your dog a puppuccino, this is your sign that it’s time. A puppuccino (a pup’s cappuccino) is really just whipped cream in an espresso cup. But you can get the most adorable or hilarious pictures of your dog as they try to finish their puppuccino.

The trend started at Starbucks, but most coffee places know exactly what a puppuccino or a pup cup is. All you have to do is ask your local barista for one, and most places (even Starbucks!) will give it to you for free!

Unless your pet has a known dairy intolerance, whipped cream is completely safe for their consumption. But like all treats, pup cups should be reserved for special occasions. Too much dairy in a day can cause tummy issues.

3. Try Nose Work

Nose work is a canine sport that benefits all dogs—not just the ones with genetically super-powered noses! It’s a great form of exercise for both your dog’s mind and body.

Think of it as a game you two can play where you hide something, and your pup has to use their nose to find it. This practice takes some training and pre-planning to ensure your dog knows what scent they’re searching for, but it’s become an increasingly popular enrichment activity.

4. Take them swimming

Unless you already know that your dog has an aversion to the water, taking them to a lake, river, or beach can be an extra special summer treat!

If it’s your pet’s first time in the water, we recommend getting them a life jacket that allows them to enjoy themselves but keeps them safe. Smaller and calmer bodies of water are an excellent place to start for new swimmers.

Even if your dog isn’t super thrilled about being entirely in the water, they’ll still have a great time exploring the new area while getting their paws wet!

5. Take them to Doga

Doga (dog-friendly yoga) has become increasingly popular over the last few years and can positively impact your dog’s well-being (not to mention your own)!

 

Research the style of the class before you bring your pup in to judge whether the session is a good fit for your dog’s temperament. Some classes will encourage your dog to do some of the moves with you, while others are just yoga classes for humans where dogs get to roam around the room.

 

Potential benefits of Doga for your dog include relaxation, anxiety relief, increased socialization, increased bonding, improved well-being, and improved training.

What about those weekends when you don’t have much time to spare?

Unfortunately, you may not have time to do something new and exciting with your dog every single weekend—and that’s okay. We, humans, get busy.

 

However, you can still provide your dog with enriching activities even if you can’t be as hands-on as you’d like to be. Sending your dog to doggy daycare is an incredible way for your pup to burn some energy and get their exercise in.

 

At Ruffgers Dog University, we have three phenomenal campuses offering doggy daycare and canine training courses to help you bust doggy boredom. Discover your home campus today.

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Calming signals are non-aggressive gestures and behaviors that animals, particularly dogs, use to communicate their peaceful intentions and avoid conflict. These signals are often used in situations where the animal feels unsure or threatened, and can be used to diffuse tension or prevent aggression. Understanding and being able to read calming signals is an essential part of building a positive relationship with a dog and preventing aggressive behavior.

TEMP as abbreviation for us to understand the Calming Signal legends.

T - TAIL

E - EARS, EYES,

M - MOUTH

P - POSTURES

To understand the Canine Body Languages, it can be easy and a difficult thing to do. Some trainers out there, do not believe in the body languages of dogs. I do believe reading the body languages are situational dependent.

Examples of calming signals include averting the gaze, licking the lips, yawning, and sniffing the ground. These signals are often subtle and may be easily overlooked, but they can provide important information about a dog's emotional state. For example, a dog that averts its gaze when being approached by another dog may be indicating that it does not want to engage in a confrontation. Similarly, a dog that yawns when its owner is getting ready to leave the house may be expressing anxiety about being left alone.

Another important calming signal is the "play bow," in which a dog lowers its front end while keeping its hind end raised. This signal is often used to invite play and can be used to diffuse tension in a social situation. Additionally, a dog that rolls over and exposes its belly may be indicating submission and a lack of aggression.

It's important to pay attention to a dog's body language when trying to read calming signals. Dogs often give multiple signals at once, and interpreting them correctly can be difficult. However, certain body postures and facial expressions can provide important clues about a dog's emotional state. For example, a dog that is standing tall with its tail held high may be feeling confident and dominant, while a dog that is cowering with its tail tucked between its legs may be feeling fear or submission.

Additionally, a dog's vocalizations can also provide important information about its emotional state. For example, a dog that is whining or barking may be expressing anxiety or distress, while a dog that is growling may be feeling threatened or aggressive.

It's also important to understand the context in which the signals are being used. For example, a dog that is sniffing the ground and avoiding eye contact with another dog may be indicating a lack of aggression, but if the same dog is doing the same thing in a different context, it might indicate a different emotion.

It's important to note that these signals are not universal and may vary depending on the breed, individual dog, and the situation. Additionally, it's not a good idea to force an interaction with a dog that is showing signs of distress or aggression.

By learning to read calming signals, dog owners can better understand and communicate with their pets, and also help to prevent aggressive behavior. This can be done by paying close attention to a dog's body language and vocalizations, and by understanding the context in which the signals are being used. Additionally, it's important to remember that every dog is an individual and may have its own unique ways of expressing its emotions.

In general, it's important to be aware of the dog's body language and to look for patterns of behavior over time. This will help you to better understand your dog and to respond appropriately to its signals. Additionally, it's important to remember that every dog is an individual and may have its own unique ways of expressing its emotions.

In conclusion, calming signals are an important aspect of dog behavior and understanding them can help you to build a positive relationship with your dog and prevent aggressive behavior. By paying close attention to a dog's body language, vocalizations, and understanding the context in which the signals are being used, you can better understand and communicate with your dog. Additionally, it's important to remember that every dog is an individual and may have its own unique ways of expressing its emotions.

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Where did you get your training advice from?
There is plenty of good advice on the internet, however Google doesn’t know your dog, or you. It has no idea what types of methods or techniques will work for your dog. Or that certain techniques cancel each other out.

In fact, it might not even show you anything that’s any good. It simply recognises a collection of words and phrases and matches them to a webpage that other people spend a lot of time on.

Friends and family mean well too, and they might be giving you tips that have worked for them or people they know. But, once again, they won’t know how to make the advice work for your dog and his own needs.

Solution: If you didn’t get your advice from a reputable behaviourist or trainer, then please consult with one before you give up!

Could timing or consistency have been a problem?
Timing is so important to the success of a training plan. Failure to intervene or offer a reward at the right time could be preventing you from make any reasonable progress.

A consistent approach is vital to meaningful progress too. In fact, some types of behaviour change depend on it. If you weren’t previously as consistent as you could have been, or you lacked meaningful support, then it’s definitely worth having another go.

Just imagine your dog has practised the unwanted behaviour once a day for 6 months, that’s 180 times – it’s going to take more than a week to replace that old behaviour as the default behaviour. And even longer, if not everyone is keeping it going.

Solution: Book a refresher session with your behaviourist/trainer to sharpen up your technique before you try again.

Did you track your success?
The brain has a nasty habit of focusing on all the things that go wrong. This tricks us into thinking we are not winning and is the main reason we quit stuff. We are quite goal orientated to, so if we pick the wrong goal it can feel like we’re getting nowhere.

Solution: Check out my blog on measuring success for three ways to monitor your progress. But, however you keep an mind on your wins will help keep you motivated.

Do you need a different approach?
There is usually more than one way to achieve your goals. If you are working on a training method that isn’t suiting you then look at ways to change it. Or maybe the training doesn’t seem to be addressing the root of them problem. Perhaps you prefer a task focussed approach, or feel like its not rewarding enough.

Solution: Research different behaviourists and trainers to see how they do things. Hopefully they’ll have a blog or YouTube you can refer to for clues about how they work, or maybe they post a lot of content on their social media.

Did you give it your best shot (honestly)?
There are so many reasons why you maybe didn’t, you are not a machine. Perhaps you had a lot going on in your life the first time. Perhaps you weren’t well, or you were experiencing a lot of anxiety or change. When you are overwhelmed, physically or emotionally, it can be very hard to take on any more and give it 100%.

If you feel like you are in a better place, and are emotionally resilient enough, then it might be time to give it another try. If not, give yourself a break and re-evaluate soon.

Solution: If you are ready to try again, book a refresher with your behaviourist or trainer to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything important, and have another go.

Has your dogs life changed?
Dogs adapt to training differently at different stages of their life. If your dog was a teenager when you tried before, but is now an adult, it’s likely they’ll respond differently this time.

This could also be true if you were training a rescue dog. A rescue dogs needs can change dramatically whether they have been with you a few days, weeks or months. Waiting until they are passed the 3 month stage can make a a big difference and might warrant a re-start!

Could your dog have been in a state of trauma? When in trauma, the reward seeking part of the brain gets shut down. They also lose a lot of resilience when in trauma. Both these things can make training very difficult.

Solution: If you feel like trauma wasn’t addressed then find someone to help you with that first. Then remind yourself o the original plan and just try again.

Did you mix and match techniques?
A conflicting technique, or missing element, could very easily be affecting the effectiveness of your training plan. If you changed part of your plan, skipped bits, or added elements, then depending on what you are attempting, it could really hinder your success.

A typical example could be: a separation anxiety plan might include improving the bond between owner and dog, but if the owner decides to switch the dog to sleeping on the floor instead of their bed (this is a common tip found online) it will break the original plan.

Or maybe, one family member is trying to verbally correct your dog for reacting to another dog. While the aim of your plan could be to increase confidence. Both techniques will cancel each other out and you’ll make no progress. I frequently ask people not to follow other tips, advice or plans while they are working through mine without checking first, for this reason.

Solution: Check the details of the original plan with your trainer or behaviourist and leave out anything extra!

Was it unsustainable?
New years resolutions typically fail because you attempt too much in one go. It’s great to be enthusiastic at the start but if you change too much or set your goals too high your brain will panic and try to sabotage your effort.

Working on a behaviour problems everyday is exhausting, for you and your dog. It won;t take long before you get burned out and progress will be limited. Extra effort, for less reward, is demoralising and frequently leads to the belief that the training is no longer working.

Solution: I always suggest keeping sessions short and taking breaks and days off in between practise. This keeps you and your dog fresh and keen. Rather than going all out and quitting after a week because it was unsustainable.

Are you struggling with your dogs behaviour?

Private Dog Behaviour Consultations are currently available in the Dundee area and beyond, or via zoom. If you are looking for help solving your dogs behaviour and training problems, then please get in touch!

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If you have recently found out that you are expecting, then congratulations to you and your family! I hope you have a safe and healthy delivery.

When babies come into the mix, as much as we like to think that the routine for our dogs is not going to change, it will. There are no two ways about it, but it doesn’t mean that your dog has to miss out either or struggle when their usual routine falls short of their expectations. 

What we want to be doing is preparing our dogs for those changes that will inevitably take place, so that it causes little upset to our furry friend. By putting in the work now, ahead of the arrival time, we can help our dogs adjust and thrive in a new routine.

One of the best things that you can do for your dog is to help prepare them for the changes that are going to happen. Don’t leave this to the last minute as adapting to changes takes time.

Here are my 7 top tips to help set your dog up for success when it comes to expecting and introducing a baby.

1 - Reduce the dog's exercise. As much as you want to believe that you will still be able to manage a dog's daily exercise routine, things will happen that can prevent you from fulfilling this. After birth, especially complicated births, there is going to be a recovery period for mum which can prevent you from being able to exercise.

Also, if you don’t know it yet, you will be sleep deprived. In the first few weeks of having a newborn baby it is a case of survival and getting through each day until a routine falls into place with the baby. There will be days where you are simply too tired to want to get up and take the dog out for a walk.

The weather also may not be favourable, and though previously you may have walked the dog in all weathers, you may feel a bit different to taking a newborn out in the snow or when it is raining heavily.

If this change has not been put in place prior to the baby arriving and the dog is in a routine of expecting to go for a walk each day and then that walk doesn’t happen, it can have an affect on the dogs behaviour.

For some dogs a sudden change in routine can cause anxiety, stress and/or over arousal issues. As a result, this may create unwanted behaviours such as destroying something they shouldn't, pacing, whining and jumping all over the place.

And believe me, when you are super tired and have your hands full managing a crying baby, it is going to be hard to deal with the dog's behaviour too. So start reducing the dog's amount of exercise.

This moves me nicely onto my next step.

(We want less of this)

2 - Change up the exercise routine. If your dog expects a walk at a certain time every day or it is used to a certain form of exercise, ie, running, then you want to start varying when the dog is walked, the type of exercise that they are receiving and the length of time the dog is being exercised for.

We want to help get the dog used to the fact that at 5pm everyday they may not get a walk. Start changing the times around and try to be unpredictable with this, as we don’t want to be setting a dog into another set routine. Go for a walk one day in the morning, the next day at night, skip a day of exercise and then do an afternoon walk on the fourth day. 

We want to vary the type of walk or exercise the dog gets too. The walks may not always be a trip in the car and down to the beach. Some days may be a simple walk around the block where the dog is kept on the lead, and is not always so fast paced and all about the running. 

We also want to vary the length of time the dog is being exercised, especially if your dog is used to walking a certain distance or a set amount of time. Once you have a baby, you may not always be able to fulfil that routine. 

I see this a lot with new parents: In the lead up to the birth of the baby, parents want to spend as much time as they can with the dog and tend to go for long walks. Then suddenly the baby is here and that simply isn't possible which creates frustration, stress, anxiety and can lead to behaviour problems in the dog.

So do an hour's walk one day, but the next day it may only be 20 minutes, followed by a rest day. Then the fourth day the dog may get a 40 minute walk.

I know humans like routine, but the unpredictability will help set your dog up for what is to come.

3 - Increase rest, sleep and overall calmness. With reducing exercise sometimes we can fall into the pitfall of providing lots of other ways to keep them busy. As much as we can and should include other forms of enrichment to stimulate our dog, we also want to show them that resting and sleep is ok too. 

I always recommend to my clients that they provide their dog with its own space. A space that the dog can take themselves off to and rest when needed. Because when you have a newborn, especially in the first few weeks, it's going to be hectic. 

You are more than likely going to be surrounded by friends and families. You will also be surrounded by gifts and food, (if this is your first child and you don’t know yet, everyone likes to make sure the mother is being fed well!). Add on top the baby on your lap, bottles, nappies and clothes being at your side, there is going to be little space around you for the dog at times too.

For me personally, it’s very over stimulating with all of that going on and it gives me a slight feeling of claustrophobia, and then to have a dog trying to push its way in and be on top of you too, whilst you're tired, can be too much.

If you haven't prepared your dog for this, it can certainly feel like you are pushing your dog out of the picture. So prepare them for it. Give them their own space where all good things happen there. I would recommend a crate or a room with a safety gate where all their favourite things can be given. Food and treats get given in that space, they have a comfy bed and toys, and we really make it their place to be.

If your dog is not crate trained and a crate is new to them, it's important that we spend at least 2 weeks getting them used to the crate before we start shutting the door on the crate.

4 - Set up gated communities and management. Work on making the crate the best place to be with your dog.

A child, especially a young, defenceless baby, should never be left alone with a dog. It doesn't matter if the dog has been brought up with you since a puppy and is used to older children, a dog should never be left alone in the same room as a baby or child.

These are for times when you need to make a bottle for the baby or you need to get a new change of clothes as the baby has been sick - and guess what, you are going to want to wee, get washed and dressed at some point too and you will be unable to supervise the dog with the baby at all times.

So prep your house, have safety gates up or crates in place. This will enable you to separate the dog for those short periods of time when you need to nip to the loo or answer the door or make a bottle for the baby.

I have a safety gate put up in my kitchen, a crate in the living room and a crate in the bedroom. So no matter where I am with a child, I have ways in which I can separate them safely to enable me to disappear from view for a few minutes.

Even 30 seconds from your view is not worth the safety of your baby and dog.

5 - Practise carrying a ‘baby’. I know this may sound silly and the thought of doing it may be cringy to some, but we want the dog to be used to seeing us carrying a baby. We want the dog to practise being calm around us holding something.

What we do not want is a dog that is super excited to see and get to whatever it is you are holding. This can create a dog that is jumping up, trying to grab and potentially nip at what you are holding. And at some stage, that is going to be a baby.

Carrying an object (as if you are carrying a baby) should be pretty normal for the dog and not a new experience. It should also be low key, no excitement and pretty boring for the dog.

When it does come to bringing the baby home, we want to stick to the same process. Where we are not getting the dog super excited to see or greet the baby and we are not setting the baby up to potentially becoming the dog's new exciting toy. 

6 - Get the dog used to baby noises. For some dogs they have never experienced the piercing sound of a baby crying and babies can cry for long periods sometimes. Trust me, you cannot just switch it off (I have searched for the off button myself)!

We want to play the sounds of babies in the background at a low level, so the dog can just about hear it but is not phased by it. We want the sound of the baby to become everyday background noise, like the tv or washing machine in the background.

When you are playing these noises you can work with your dog on its calmness and settling in their safe space or crate. You can play games with the dog or give them a chew, Kong or Licki mat. Over the next few weeks you can work on turning up the level of the crying sounds.

What we want to avoid is the dog becoming too excited or aroused over the sound.

7 - Teach the dog an out, back up or to bed cue. There are going to be times that you need the dog to walk away, to get out from under your feet and give you space. If you are not yet in the know, I am going to give you a real life example of why these cues are useful.

There will be times when the baby has what is called an explosion, and if you don't know, this is where poop has leaked from the nappy, potentially going up the baby’s back (real life lessons here ;) ) and you are going to need to be very hands on with the baby and control this situation. 

What we don’t need, in this moment of time which is often fuelled with panic and thinking ‘what on earth do I do?’ is a dog added into the picture. We don’t want a dog wanting to be involved and we need to be able to create space.

It’s easy in moments like this to be frustrated or panic and this is a time where we may naturally shout at the dog and in reality, the dog has done nothing wrong. So we should teach the dog a behaviour, which creates a little bit of distance, giving us time to sort things out as ‘stress-free’ as possible.

Have I sold you parenthood yet? Don’t worry, you WILL get through it, like I said, those first few weeks are like playing a survival game but you will come out of it stronger in the end.

If you are expecting a baby or have had a baby and would like help preparing your dog then get in touch with one of our accredited & qualified dog trainers by clicking onto Find a Dog Trainer.

If you have an older child and are wanting ways to ensure you keep your children & dog safe, then please click here to check out my blog on that.

Fear not, there are many other ways to improve your bond with your dog without relying on treats. Here are some tips to help you get started.

When it comes to dog training, treats, and food rewards have been a go-to method for many dog owners. However, relying solely on treats and food as a means of rewarding and motivating dogs may not always be the best approach. In fact, there are several reasons why treats and food should not be used in dog training:

1. Treats and food can create dependence: If you rely too heavily on treats and food rewards, your dog may start to depend on them to perform even basic commands. This can lead to a lack of motivation and interest in training if the treats or food rewards are not available.
2. Treats and food can contribute to health problems: Overuse of treats and food can lead to weight gain, digestive issues, and other health problems for your dog. Additionally, many store-bought treats contain unhealthy ingredients, preservatives, and additives that are not good for your dog’s health.
3. Treats and food are not always effective: Some dogs simply are not motivated by food or treats, and relying on them as a reward can lead to frustration and ineffective training.

So, what are some alternative ways to strengthen the bond with your dog and improve its behavior and training? Here are 10 ways to show your dog love and affection that don’t involve treats or food:

1. Spend quality time together: Go for walks, play fetch, or simply spend time cuddling on the couch.
2. Give physical affection: Petting, hugging, and massaging your dog can help to increase feelings of love and security.
3. Engage in interactive play: Play tug-of-war, hide-and-seek, or other interactive games to challenge and stimulate your dog both mentally and physically.
4. Provide mental stimulation: Training exercises and puzzle toys can help to keep your dog’s mind active and engaged.
5. Offer praise and attention: Positive reinforcement through verbal praise, petting, and eye contact can be just as effective as treats and food rewards in reinforcing good behavior.
6. Create a safe and secure environment: Providing a comfortable and safe home environment, free from stress and anxiety, can help to improve the bond with your dog.
7. Offer physical exercise: Regular exercises, such as walks and playtime, can help to improve the physical and mental well-being of your dog.
8. Provide structure and routine: Consistent routines and structure can help to reduce stress and anxiety for dogs and can improve their behavior.
9. Use positive reinforcement training methods: Focus on positive reinforcement training methods, such as clicker training, that reinforce good behavior through praise and attention, rather than treats and food.
10. Show love and affection in your own way: Just like people, every dog is unique, and it’s important to find what works best for you and your dog to show them love and affection.

In conclusion, relying on treats and food as the sole method of training and motivating dogs can lead to dependence and health problems, and may not be effective for all dogs. Instead, try incorporating some of the alternative methods outlined above to improve the bond with your dog and their training success.

There is also scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of positive reinforcement training methods in improving dog behavior. For example, a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that dogs trained using positive reinforcement methods showed a significant improvement in obedience, and problem-solving.

In conclusion, building a strong bond with your dog doesn’t have to rely on treats. By using these tips, you can improve your relationship with your pet and create a bond that will last a lifetime.

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Remember, management is anything used to prevent the problem behavior from happening. The following list will include many different options for management and their uses, but the list is certainly not comprehensive! If you are working with a trainer they should be able to help you establish a management plan for all problem behaviors and that should be one of the very first steps you take when training your dog!

Baby gates and pens:

Baby gates and pens are the MVPs of the management world. They’re incredibly useful for preventing many, many different behavior problems. Have dogs that fight at meal times? Use a baby gate to separate them when their bowls are down. Have a toddler that’s just started crawling? Use a pen to keep your dog on one side of the room at times that you can’t be actively supervising. Inviting your great aunt over who has incredibly thin skin and can’t be jumped on? Gate! Some houses with open floor plans may make using gates and pens tricky; if that’s the case, there are extra wide gates like this one: ,https://amzn.to/3iC8cch that can be useful, or you might choose to use an exercise pen and keep your dog inside of the pen during these times.

Leashes:

Leashes are somewhat obvious, but they are an important management strategy for a variety of issues! If your dog jumps on guests, having them leashed until they calm down can allow you to practice polite greetings and prevent jumping. If your dog dashes out your front door when it’s opened, you can simply put their leash on to keep them safe and prevent the door dashing behavior.

Tethers:

Tethers are similar to using a leash, but you are able to move about more freely since you’re not holding the leash and instead your dog is tethered to something else. Tethers can be especially useful for homes where gates and pens aren’t an option like mentioned above. If you have a very heavy, safe piece of furniture to attach your dog to (think like a post/column in your home, your dining room table leg, or the leg of your couch), you can place a tether and use that to prevent your dog from counter surfing, door dashing, jumping on people, trying to steal another dog’s chew item, and more.

Some dogs will get stressed when tethered, so it’s important to teach your dog how to relax when tethered. You might also want to use a harness for tether times to prevent pressure on your dog’s neck if they do pull forward.

Long Lines:

Long lines are the ultimate management tool when teaching your dog how to have more freedom outside of the yard. A long line can come in cotton, nylon, or biothane materials, and is basically a very long leash (not a retractable leash like a Flexi lead though!). The goal is to attach your dog to the long line in a safe environment, then to let them drag the line and practice recalls and checking in with you. The longer line allows your dog to range further away from you, but if you recall your dog and they aren’t responding, or if you see a distraction on the horizon that you know your dog won’t be able to resist, you can grab the line and restrict your dog from getting away from you.

My favorite long lines can be purchased at High Tail Hikes: https://hightailhikes.com and Trail Blazing Tails: https://www.trailblazingtails.com

Airlocks:

This is basically a very specific way to use a gate or pen. An airlock is an empty space between two doors/gates that is used for safety. If your dog is a big door dasher, an airlock allows you to “catch” your dog before opening the actual door to the outside world, preventing him asking out the door. Or, if you’re trying to introduce your dog to another dog or cat in the household, if you place one gate at one end of a hallway, and another gate at the other end, you can create an airlock separating the two animals so that they can see/smell/hear each other without being so close that they start to feel big feelings. Lastly, if you have any intra-household aggression like two dogs fighting, having an airlock at all doors will insure that your dogs do not get access to one another prematurely.

Visual Barriers:

Visual barriers are especially helpful for any forms of reactivity or watch dog barking. Visual barriers can include closing your blinds and curtains, using cars and hedges when out walking to keep your dog from seeing something, putting up solid barriers on your fence line to break your dog’s line of sight, and even specialized equipment like the thunder cap: ,https://amzn.to/3XbT8B0. Basically, if your dog reacts negatively to seeing something, the goal is to stop them from seeing the trigger in the first place!

Sound masking:

Sound masking is also often called “white noise”, although it’s sightly different because sound masking is a little more strategic. Sound masking is the act of creating a sound “barrier” between your dog and sounds that cause stress/fear/aggression/etc. So while white noise is having sound on in the background, sound masking means placing the white/brown noise BETWEEN your dog and the location the sound comes from. For example, if you live in an apartment and your dog struggles when they hear people walking out in the hallway, placing a radio or white noise machine right next to your front door, where the sound comes from, will help to create a sound barrier and prevent any reactions to the hallway sounds. If your dog barks or reacts negatively to any auditory stimuli, sound masking is an immensely helpful way to manage your dog’s big feelings!

“Blinding” with food/Food magnet:

This management strategy is specifically for when you’re out and about with a dog on a walk. If you have a dog who struggles then they see dogs, other people, bikes, etc. your first goal should be to keep as much distance as possible from their triggers while working (and this is really something you should be working on with an experienced professional!) But, especially if you live in a busy suburb or urban area, keeping enough distance can sometimes be impossible. As such, learning how to manage and prevent reactions by distracting your dog with food and keeping them from noticing the trigger in the first place can be an important tool!

Front clip harnesses or head halters:

Some folks call these training tools, but to be honest I don’t think either of these pieces of equipment do any training since I rarely see them change behavior on their own, instead I see them as management tools that allow you to have extra leverage in certain situations. If you have a very strong dog that you worry about losing control of clipping the leash to the front of the dog or under their chin to a head halter can keep your dog from being able to pull with all of their might.

Please note, in order to USE a head halter you should hire a positive reinforcement trainer to help you fully acclimate your dog to the halter. Many dogs find head halter unpleasant to wear without any training, so it’s important that you condition your dog to feel comfortable in this tool before using it. Additionally, head halters should NEVER be used for long line or Flexi lead use, or for corrections of any kind. It’s important that when head halters are used that we do not put undue pressure on the head, and that we don’t jerk the leash to keep the head halter as a safe option.

Crates:

Have a young puppy who isn’t potty trained yet? A teen dog who still thinks baseboards are for chewing? Or maybe your dog has behaved aggressively around their food bowl in the past, and you need to make sure he’s left alone while eating? The crate can be an important management tool for situations like these. Please note, if you are going to use a crate with your dog, take the time to train them to feel comfortable in the crate.

Kongs, chewies, and long lasting food toys/Using food as a distraction:

Food can be used for training, yes, but it can also be a useful management tool! Giving your dog a long lasting food item like a stuffed kong, a bully stick, or a lickimat can give your dog something to do other than bark at you when you’re on your zoom calls. They can also be used to keep your dog’s mind off of the plumber who’s in your house fixing your toilet, or if your dog is worried about your friends coming over, giving them a high value food item to work on while folks arrive and depart can help everyone stress less!

As you can see here, management strategies come in a wide variety of categories! Again, if you are dealing with a difficult behavior problem you should absolutely hire a trained professional to help you out, but in the mean time if you need the behavior to stop or want your dog to practice a behavior less, the above options can buy you some time and keep your dog from getting better and better at the problem behavior you are looking to change!

Reactivity in dogs refers to a dog's tendency to overreact or become overly excited or aggressive in certain situations. This can manifest in a variety of ways, such as barking, lunging, growling, or biting when triggered by certain stimuli, such as other dogs, people, bicycles, or cars.

Reactivity can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, lack of socialization, past traumatic experiences, and fear or anxiety. It can also be a symptom of underlying health issues or behavioral problems.

Addressing reactivity in dogs requires a multi-faceted approach that involves understanding the underlying causes of the behavior, implementing positive training and management techniques, and addressing any underlying medical or behavioral issues.

1. Identifying triggers: The first step in addressing reactivity is to identify the triggers that cause your dog to react. This can include other dogs, people, bicycles, or cars. Once you have identified the triggers, you can begin to work on desensitizing your dog to them.

2. Desensitization and counter-conditioning: This involves gradually exposing your dog to their triggers in a controlled environment, while using positive reinforcement to change their emotional response to the triggers. For example, if your dog is reactive to other dogs, you can start by exposing them to other dogs at a distance and gradually decreasing the distance as they become more comfortable.

3. Positive reinforcement-based training: Using positive reinforcement techniques such as clicker training or reward-based training can help change your dog's emotional response to their triggers, and teach them new behaviors to replace reactivity.

4. Management: While working on training and desensitization, it is important to manage your dog's environment to minimize exposure to their triggers. This can include using a leash or muzzle when in public, or avoiding certain areas where your dog is known to react.

5. Medical evaluation: If your dog's reactivity is sudden or severe, it is important to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues that may be causing the behavior.

6. Behavioral evaluation: If your dog's reactivity is caused by fear or anxiety, it is important to consult with a certified professional dog trainer or behaviorist who can help you identify the underlying causes of the behavior and create a customized behavior modification plan.

7. Medications and supplements: In some cases, medications or supplements can be used to help manage reactivity. These should only be used under the guidance of a veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist.

8. Consistency: Consistency is crucial when addressing reactivity. It is important to be consistent in your training, management and follow-up.

9. Time and patience: Changing reactivity behavior takes time and patience. It is important to remember that progress may be slow and setbacks may occur. Don't get discouraged and keep moving forward.

Reactivity in dogs can be a challenging behavior to address, but with the right approach, it is possible to help your dog learn to manage their reactions and become a well-behaved companion. It is important to remember that every dog is different, and what works for one dog may not work for another.

It may take some time and patience, but with the right training, management, and support, you can help your dog learn to manage their reactivity and live a happy and fulfilling life.

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We have earlier done a similar adult dog care guide where we discussed topics like dog training, aggression, and genetics. You can check it out later!!

How To Take Care Of Your First Puppy?

Puppies are born to be cared for!! But before this, it’s quite important to understand if you can take care of one. 

Firstly, your task starts by first choosing the right pup breed. Consider your surrounding, work life, family, health, etc. before choosing a pup. If you feel you can’t take care of a big boy, go for smaller breeds like Chihuahuas. If you want a family-friendly dog you can go for Goldens or Labs. 

Secondly, consider pet-proofing your home. This would be a safe choice as it would keep your pup out of danger. Remove hanging wires, toxic plants, and trash bins, from your pup’s sight. Consider your puppy’s height and keep fragile things above normal reach.

Thirdly, pack your house with everything that a pup might require. You can’t run to the market every now and then to get things for your puppy, so pack all the necessary things in advance like-

Puppy Food

Chew/ Distress Toys

Diapers

Food Bowl

Extra Collar (if they lose the previous one)

Comfortable Leash  

Blanket

Dog Cage, etc. 

Fourthly, go and vaccinate your pup so they stay healthy. Vaccines are beneficial and protect your pup from fatal illnesses that can cause serious problems. Check with your vet about your pup’s monthly vaccines and get them done regularly.  

How To Groom Your Puppy?

Teaching your pup grooming early on can save you time later. It’s your duty to make them comfortable with it. 

Pups often show drama when we touch their paw, pet them, or try to bathe them. So it’s always recommended to teach grooming early on, to avoid drama later. Offer them treats in-between grooming sessions to reinforce it as a positive behavior. 

Puppies show less drama when they are tried. Go choose a fun activity that drains your pup’s energy and then introduce grooming to them. This way they won’t pull out tantrums and would get more comfortable with grooming. 

When starting your pup’s grooming use the correct supplies to keep the activity enjoyable. Use the right hair brush according to your pup’s coat and don’t bathe them before they cross the three-month mark. 

For dental care first, start by gently massaging their gums and teeth. After they feel at ease, introduce dog-friendly toothpaste and brush their teeth twice a day. 

Teaching your puppy healthy grooming habits is important as it maintains their health. Regularly combing and bathing keeps their hair unmatted and fresh. Brushing avoids the development of serious gum issues. So go and consult your vet now, to know the best grooming supplies for your pup.

Contact Buckaroos for your puppy or dog grooming in Oklahoma.

How To Take Care Of Your Puppy’s Nails?

You need to start this early as well!! Watch the video here

Cutting a pup’s nail can be a tiring task but the earlier you start the better it is. First of all, choose the right nail clippers that suit your pup’s size. This will ensure their safety. A normal nail-cutting session will cost you up to $13-$30. 

But if you wish to do it yourself, you need to know where to cut. The below picture demonstrates the correct way to trim your pet’s nails. 

Never cut along the red part, also known as the quick. 

But how do you identify a quick?

It’s simple. If your dog has lighter nails the pink area on its nail bed is quick, so just cut beyond it and you’re done. 

If your dog has darker nails, cut where you notice the nail is getting curled. It is advised to only trim the tip as cutting quick can lead to excessive pain and bleeding. 

How To Potty Train Your Puppy?  

The real task after you get a puppy begins when it starts to litter and pass out everywhere around the house. That’s when crate training comes in handy. Uses of potty pads watch video here.

Dogs love keeping their living spaces clean. Crate training helps improve this belief. When they are in their crate and feel like eliminating, they would start scratching the crate to get out. That’s when you take them out to do their business. 

This is quite effective as it builds their old belief!!

Another way to potty train your dog is to fix up their intervals of eating and discharging. Once you feed them, immediately take them out to clear their tracts. As dogs love following routines this method works wonders. 

How To Train Your Puppy?

This is where the most tiresome and interesting part comes in!! Training a pup is hard and requires lots of patience. So when you start keep the following things in mind- 

Before you start your training session, take your dog for a potty break. Do the same after the session ends. This keeps the dog focused. Teach your puppy new commands watch the video here.

As puppies have small attention spams, always carry their favorite treats and toys along to avoid unwanted distractions. Take your puppy to a hushed environment so they stay attentive.

Puppies often get bored, thus taking small play breaks would help a lot. Use your pup’s favorite toys to keep them engaged. You can always resume the training after 5-10 minutes of break.

Behavior Guide For Your Puppy

When you bring a new pup home, it can be hard to understand its weird behaviors at first. Our puppy behavior guide will surely help you calm down. Some normal puppy behavior includes- 

Biting and Chewing- Pups love to nibble down and bite things. That’s a basic instinct they are born with. This behavior can amplify if your pup is in the teething stage. A normal way to calm this down is by introducing chew toys and bones.

If your pup still prefers biting and nibbling your finger, exclaim ‘Ouch’ out of pain whenever they engage in this action. This will avoid them from repeating the behavior. 

Jumping- Dogs are packed with energy. They choose to play to release this energy, but when their humans are busy with the important stuff, they might jump and tug your clothes to get your attention. This behavior might seem cute at first but can become real trouble soon. 

Instead of scolding or hitting them, it’s best to avoid them until they completely stop. You can also use words like, ‘no’, ‘stop’, and ‘bad dog’ to signal them that it is a negative behavior. Once they calm down you can treat them with their favorite treats.

Scratching- Pups can use their nails to scratch on furniture, glass doors, floors, etc. which can cause property damage. To avoid this behavior you should trim your pup’s nails. Crate training can also help in avoiding such accidents. 

How To Choose The Best Toys For Your Pups?

Who doesn’t love toys? Dogs of all ages love playing with their possessions for hours. Some incredible and safe toys you can try out for your dog include- 

Rubber Toys- The right paradise every teething pup needs!! Rubber toys are hard and provide comfort to pups. You can even freeze these toys to soothe your pup’s gums. 

Fetch Toys- Pups who are active players will love this type of toy. You can either go for rubber balls or discs to keep your dog entertained. 

Soft Toys- Some pups keep their soft toys as priced possessions while others go on a mission to destroy every inch of them. You can go for no-fur, heavy-duty, and no-stuffing plush toys to increase their durability. 

How To Prepare A First Aid For Your Puppy?

Emergencies can show up anytime, and if so you have a puppy, being prepared beforehand always works. 

During emergencies, puppies can bite out of fear. Thus keeping a pup muzzle handy can solve this problem. Once you put the muzzle on you can manually clean out wounds, or pick them up. 

As a pup parent, you should always keep emergency supplies within reach to avoid delays. Some imperant supplies include-

Bandages to cover up wounds

Cotton Balls to clean wounds

Gloves to operate manually

Scissors, and Tweezers 

Hydrogen Peroxide to clean wounds

Additionally, keep emergency numbers saved on your phone. This will save time during emergencies. 

How To Look After Your Puppy’s Nutrition?

As a first-time pet parent looking after your pup’s nutritional requirements can be overwhelming. With us, you get the simplest nutritional overview that you need. 

Feeding time for dogs changes as they grow old. If your pup is 2-3 months old, you need to feed them 4 meals a day. 

Once they reach 3 months, you can reduce their feeding time to 3 meals a day.

A fully grown dog usually needs 2 meals each day. 

What should I feed my puppy? 

Well, the best food you can give your pup is packaged pup food. It has all the required nutrients that your puppy needs for a balanced diet. 

Some important nutrients you should feed your growing puppies include- 

Proteins- 20-30% of their meal

Carbs- 15% of their meal

Calcium- 4.5 mg per kcal

Fats- 5.5% of their meal

Water- 2 ½ of water every 3 hours

Developmental Changes Pups Go Through

A normal puppy goes through 5 developmental stages where he/she experiences complete mental and physical transformation till they reach 18 months of age. Communicating with your dog watch the video here.

Stage 1- Neonatal Period- This stage lasts for 2 weeks after birth. They are born with closed eyes and ears and can only sense touch and taste. They completely rely on their mother as they lack thermal regulation. 

Stage 2- Transitional Period- This stage lasts for 2 weeks after the neonatal period. Here the pups start interacting with the outer world. They develop basic senses like smell and start socializing with their family. 

Stage 3- Socialization Period- This stage lasts for 10 weeks after the transitional period. A full 360 development of senses and personality occurs at this stage. This is the stage when you bring your pup home for the first time. 

Pups learn quickly at this stage, so vets recommend starting basic training during this period. They also become more friendly and learn to interact with strangers as well. 

Stage 4- Testing Period- This stage lasts for 3 months after the socialization period. Here the pup tries to understand its relations with its owner and other animals around. They also start teething at this stage, hence it’s advised to keep a constant eye on their actions. 

You can introduce chew toys at this stage to calm down their impulses. 

Stage 5- Adolescence Period- This stage lasts for 12 months after the testing period. Here your dog becomes a teenager and starts producing hormones. Female dogs may even start their heat period at this stage. 

Male dogs become more aggressive, and energetic and learn area marking by releasing pheromones. 

Once your pup reaches the adolescent stage, it’s time to train them to become a ‘Good Boy’. Train your dog to calm down and be friendly. This will help you in the long run. 

The Correct Way To Raise Your Puppy

Raising a pup isn’t easy. They not only require constant attention and care but also require patience and strictness to teach good habits. To become the ideal parent you wish to be, you need to know the following things. 

First and foremost, get your house puppy-proofed. Also, get a crate to avoid mishaps. 

Secondly, choose the right toys for your pups. Some edible toys like rawhide toys in all shapes and sizes should be avoided at all costs. Even tug toys should be kept aside once play breaks are over. 

Thirdly, when your pup grows up it might start zooming out and becoming less energetic. Well, this behavior is absolutely normal. Just like humans dogs too need alone time, so let’s respect their state of mind and give them what they want. 

To Conclude

Raising and parenting puppies is a lot harder than raising dogs. Puppies require constant attention and if not provided, its consequences can be elicited in destructive ways. For this reason, getting a puppy can feel like a headache. But with the right help and guidance, you can definitely ace this. 

We at Buckaroos work to provide you with a solution for all your dog problems. We have top-notch trainers, feel-at-home boarding areas, and much more to keep your pups entertained. Give us a visit with your pup once!!

Google “10 Most Popular Dog Breeds 2023” and the list most often referred to is inevitably the one published annually by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The AKC’s ranking system is based on its registration statistics, a list that seems to vary only slightly from year to year.

Here is the AKC’s last published annual list, reflecting their registration data from 2021:

1. Labrador Retriever
2. French Bulldog
3. Golden Retriever
4. German Shepherd
5. Poodle
6. English Bulldog
7. Beagle
8. Rottweiler
9. German Shorthaired Pointer
10. Dachshund

The only differences between 2020 and 2021? The Golden Retriever changed places with the German Shepherd, and the Bulldog and Beagle flip-flopped. Watching for any significant changes to the AKC’s list of popular breeds is about as exciting as watching paint dry. The same four breeds have been in the top four spots since 2017, the year the French Bulldog edged out the English Bulldog. Change comes slowly.

A look at the lists from the 1990s tells a different story. Rottweilers were far more popular than they are today. Cocker Spaniels, Yorkshire Terriers, and Pomeranians enjoyed a heyday. In the 1980s, however, Doberman Pinschers were the darling breed amongst those seeking a good guard dog; Rottweilers did not even make the top 10 list for that decade.

There is one constant, however. The breed on track to be the hands down favorite dog on the planet from now till the end of time is apparently the faithful, friendly Labrador Retriever. Labs have held the top spot on the AKC’s list every single year since 1991.

Ranking Dogs by Characteristics

If you want to add a dog to your household, the smarter breed lists to consult are ones that feature dogs with specific characteristics, such as:

• Best snugglers
• Most reliable guard dogs
• Dogs that are easiest to train
• Best dog breeds for homes with small children
• Most hypoallergenic dogs
• Low maintenance breeds
• Friendliest small dog breeds
• Dog breeds that do not require a lot of exercise
• Dogs that do not require frequent trips to the groomer

Looking at lists like these as opposed to consulting the annual AKC list reveals a far wider variety of breeds, including many that you probably never heard of.

How Did We Get All These Dog Breeds?

Each modern dog breed shares a common ancestor: a now-extinct breed of wolf. Comparing an image of a wolf to one of a Basset Hound or a hairless Chihuahua, however, certainly makes it hard to connect the dots between species.

As a species, wolves are too wild to domesticate, even as pups. Modern attempts to raise newborn wolf pups go off the rails when the wolves reach about eighteen months; they inevitably become too suspicious, fearful, and aggressive to live with humans.

Therefore scientists posit the theory that wolves domesticated themselves, or at least they got the ball rolling in that direction. The theory goes that around 15,000 years ago (or possibly 30,000, depending on who’s telling the story) wolves became attracted to the refuse piles near human settlements.

The more fearful wolves generally kept their distance from humans and bred with one another. Wolves that showed less fear hung out closer to human settlements, enjoying a regular food supply. The wolves that stuck close to human settlements and bred amongst themselves eventually produced a new species genetically predisposed to tolerating humans.

Finally, humans had a more docile wolf that could be domesticated. It turned out to be a win-win for both wolves and humans. Humans benefited from wolves in three important ways:

• Having a canine garbage disposal crew reduced the number of insects and rodents.
• The presence of wolves near a settlement tended to keep away other predators.
• Wolves, being territorial, raised a ruckus when enemies approached, giving humans time to react to threats. Interestingly, barking was probably the first trait humans tried to select for when they began to breed wolves.

Of course, as more information becomes available and perhaps exciting new discoveries are made, theories change.  It’s possible that some or all of what we currently believe about the origins of human’s best friend, might change.   The question for the ages, is whether 100 or 500 years from now, Labrador Retrievers will still be the most popular dog.

How Many Dog Breeds Exist?

Currently, there are more than 400 recognized distinct dog breeds. The vast majority of breeds are more recent. Early on, humans were not interested in confirmation and cute faces; they bred dogs for behavior traits that would serve a need. Think hunting dogs, herding dogs, and dogs that could pull a loaded sled. There is evidence of sled dogs on a remote Siberian island dating back 9,000 years.

Not until Darwin set off a dog-breeding craze in Great Britain during the Victorian era did we see an explosion of dogs bred for particular appearance traits. Most of the modern breeds we recognize today had their origin during that period.

All of this talk about dog breeds leaves out the most American of all dogs: the mixed breed. Lovingly referred to as Heinz-57 dogs or mutts, they actually surpass the revered Labrador Retriever in popularity. According to a 2021-2022 survey by the American Pet Products Association, only 56% of U.S. dog owners had purebreds.

Choosing the Right Dog for You

Never take this decision of bringing a dog in to your home lightly. Whether you have your heart set on a scrappy shelter dog with an unknown past or an adorable purebred puppy from the most reputable breeder, make sure of your decision before you bring a dog home. Whether it’s a mutt or a Maltese, dogs give their hearts to their people, and they deserve a furever home.

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Downtime Matters

From crate to gate really starts with your dog’s crate time at the trial. If your dog won’t eat or drink, won’t enjoy a chew they normally devour, or–worst of all–does not sleep, this is a serious concern and should be treated as such. Doing the legwork to find what works best for your dog’s downtime will pay off in ways you can’t imagine. If your dog is only ever crated at trials and barks all day long from his crate between runs it should come as no surprise that your ring performances look nothing like class or the backyard. Happy crating is so important to me and to my clients that I have two hours of content all about only this, which you can find here if you are so inclined.

Walk Together

I expect pushback on this one. I expect a mountain of “yeah, but…”s. I expect to be told about so-and-so’s dogs who drag them everywhere and still wind up on the podium. The fact remains: loose leash walking will change your dog sport life in such ways you can’t imagine until you commit to training it. Think of it as walking in connection from the crate to the gate. Think of it not as obedience but as enjoying each step, together. Think of it as starting as a team all the way back at your car. Think of it a vital skill as important as any other skill you commit hours to training. I promise you will not regret it.

Waiting is a Human Concept

So the dog is relaxed in the crate and walking with you on a loose leash to the ring area. Now what? What you do with that time matters. How you occupy your dog’s mind and body while you wait your turn weighs heavily on your success (or lack thereof). The options range from stuffing the dog with food to letting the dog watch agility, and include everything in between. Not each of these options is a good idea. Dogs do not understand the concept of waiting; they have no idea they must enter the ring in a specific order and they are anticipating the ring entrance with no concept of when it will happen. Training a reliable “placeholder” behavior for this time is not only going to help you on course, it is a kindness you can afford your teammate who can’t understand why they are being made to hang out ringside. Placeholder behaviors include down stays, stationing, and even clever mind games. What will work for you depends on you both, but none of them work if they are not adequately trained ahead of time.

Showtime!

Of course a dog that rests in the crate, walks nicely to the ring and waits her turn patiently still needs to know how to enter the ring and set up, and as this is a highly charged moment for handlers (and many dogs) I suggest training it down to the very last detail. Entering on that loose leash, removing it early, and setting up in such a ritualized manner that your dog has no questions about what is expected will go a long way toward your success on that course. Everyone knows to teach a start line stay or starting position, but few people put the time into training leash off or motion-toward-setup rituals. This stuff matters, and it is an easy place to put some time and save yourself (and your dog) the frustration of a confusing entry routine.

Before You Fill Out That Form…

Of course, if your dog has not been exercised, enriched, and fed well every regular day of her life the best training in the world will not support you as it could on trial days. Get to the trial with plenty of time for these things if you are traveling and do not see them as pieces you can cut out of the schedule. Wellness first, always.

For more information hacks, and training tips to improve your crate to gate game, please join me February 21st at 6pm Pacific for the webinar, Success from Crate to Gate. Register HERE.

What is a behaviour sequence?

A behaviour sequence is a series of behaviours or steps that lead up to one main event. Let’s take a dog walk, for example. You might start by having mid-morning coffee, before announcing you are going for a “W-A-L-K”, then you get out the chair, put your coffee mug in the sink, put on your walking shoes, tell your family your going out, get the lead off the peg, put your phone in your bag, and then put on your coat.

When a routine is repeated often enough, the steps in the sequence will become associated with the main event. So, eventually each step will trigger a similar reaction to the event itself. We can see in the W-A-L-K example, even putting your mid-morning mug in the sink might be enough to make your dog excited to go for a walk. Each additional step in the routine further confirms what’s coming next.

If you’re not sure, pick only one element from your normal walking routine and do that first instead. How did he react? Without the other steps in the sequence, I expect he will be alert, but a little confused too as the sequence has changed. As you go through the rest of the steps (walking shoes, coat, telling people you are going etc) he’ll catch up and know what’s happening.

Good sequences

Some sequences lead to good things such as the one above. As soon as your dog recognises one of the steps in the sequence he’ll start to get excited. The more steps he recognises, the more excited he will get (trigger stacking). For most dogs, doorbells, smells, leads, a sequence of left/right turns in the car, and even waking up can form part of a behaviour sequence.

Not all sequences make a dog excitable or anxious. A particularly calm sequence that many dogs recognise is the bedtime routine. Packing away the cups, turning off lights, coming in from the last pee of the day, and your bedtime “phrase” all lead to bed time. So these things will all trigger a different emotion, hopefully!

Bad sequences

Not all sequences will lead to things your dog might like. A dog that has anxiety about a particular situation might identify a behaviour sequence that leads to that. The car might be a source of anxiety for your dog, and so he might resist getting in the car. If your dog can identify a sequence of behaviour that leads towards getting in the car, he will associate those with the car. They will then trigger the same feeling of anxiety and he’ll attempt to resist those too.

So, in this example, you might use a different harness to normal. Fetching the car specific harness might be the first step. It might be followed by picking up the car keys, turning left out the front door instead of right, different boots, maybe you pack the long lead, or carry your coat. All these things will predict a car trip and trigger that anxiety.

In separation anxiety?

Dogs that don’t like being separated from their owners will have noticed a behaviour sequence and associated that with being left alone. This might include being taken to their bed, being given a kong toy, being told to “watch the house,” specific doors being closed, different bags getting packed, and so on. Once the sequence is triggered, the anxiety will kick in, and by the time you leave they will already be struggling to cope.

Once the fear response has been triggered it can be very difficult to come back from, especially for a dog that is home alone. So, solving separation anxiety related problems often starts with identifying all the steps in this sequence. You’ll either work on them individually, or work on a new routine altogether. Either way, you’re aim is that the dog is as relaxed as possible when you do leave.

Make a new one?

If you can’t identify a sequence, then you can just make a new one. You might do this if you need a create a consistent outcome in a situation. Maybe your dog has an average recall in some situations but perfect in others. You could create a sequence that includes him coming back and once the sequence has been practised enough in the perfect situation, you can then transfer it to the average situation. For example, maybe he’s good at recall in a quiet corner of the park, but not so good at the beach. You start by making a recall routine in the park. It could include; hand in treat bag, raise hand, call dogs name, say “come”, move away, dog comes to you, gets treat. Practise this often enough that the routine becomes a default response, and then head to the beach.

Changing a sequence

Once you have a sequence in place, you can easily switch in, or out, different steps. You might once have invited your dog out for a “walk” but soon realised that he got excited when he heard the word so you started spelling it. That would have calmed the reaction for a while but if the rest of the sequence remained unchanged, you’ll have discovered that he learned to respond to the spelled word. So maybe you started whispering the spelling… you see where I am going! Doorbells are the same, you can change the tone, or switch to a knock but if nothing else changes in the sequence, it will soon be absorbed in too.

Sometimes there is value in trying to desensitise a dog to the steps in an old routine. But most times it is better to just make a new one, or at least change an old one enough that it feels new. As you can see, this will require changing more than just one element. In fact, you’ll need to change more than half of it for it to feel new. This can work to your advantage too, teaching a recall on a lead, and then losing the lead will not upset your recall, as long as the rest of the routine remains consistent.

If you do this, the sequence must lead to something calming, enjoyable or easy to cope with. When you start to use it, the dog will associate the steps with something they can cope with, and that will trigger a calming response instead.

Using a clicker

Using a clicker can form part of a new behaviour sequence. When you introduce your dog to the clicker you create a mini sequence that makes your dog feel good. Click means treat! If you introduce this into a routine it can have a really positive effect on the outcome. So, you could add it into a sequence that was designed to get your dog to the car door, for example.

In this case, you could start by approaching the car from the road side rather than the house. As you walk the final few feet towards the house, you start clicking and head for the car. Maybe you stop there at the start so your dog starts to associate this routine with something he can cope with – ie being near the front of the car. You can always add extra steps to a routine later when he’s comfortable with the first ones. Maybe the next step could be to stand by the car door, then open the door, then sit in the car yourself, before finally inviting him into the car.

Can you spot any other behaviour sequences in your dogs routine?

Are you struggling with your dogs behaviour?

Private Dog Behaviour Consultations are currently available in the Dundee area and beyond, or via zoom. If you are looking for help solving your dogs behaviour and training problems, then please get in touch!

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Many owners come to dog forums and ask how they can train their dog to be less protective, but that shouldn’t ever be an issue.

A protective dog is doing what comes naturally to help – surveying his surroundings and determining if things are on the up and up.

Most of the time, owners that want to reduce protective behavior in their dogs are actually asking about how to reduce aggressive behavior.

There is a difference, and that’s the topic we’ll be exploring today.

Read on for signs your dog is protective of you and isn’t just being an aggressive dog.

Understanding Protective Behavior

A protective nature isn’t something that needs to be trained out of a dog. In fact, they’re doing their job and following the instincts that were bred into them many generations ago.

And no, I don’t mean their “pack” instincts.  More and more research these days disproves the whole “dogs are pack animals” theory that dominated dog training for so long.

Many breeds have a strong protective drive ingrained into their instinctive core by “design.” For example, herding breeds spent so many generations protecting their flocks from harm that the instinct to do so became a part of their very fabric. That’s okay. More than okay, it’s perfectly natural.

The problem most people have is having a dog that is aggressive. It’s important to understand the difference.

Protective Behavior

If you’ve ever seen a German Shepherd in action, you’ve seen the classic protective dog.

His head is on a swivel. He’s constantly scanning the area. He may perk up his ears when a new person or animal comes into view.

He might even calmly move between his owner and the newcomer to the environment. He is calm and considerate, but he is always on alert.

If no threat is perceived, the dog will go back to doing whatever he was involved with before he sensed the new stimuli.

If a threat is perceived, however, he may growl, snarl or bark – doing just enough to warn away whatever he feels is threatening the pack. This is what a protective dog does.

Signs Your Dog is Protective of You

• Constant Vigilance
• Immediate Focus on New Stimuli in the Environment
• Alert but Calm Stance
• Moving Between Owner and Possible Threat
• Growling or Barking at Perceived Threats
• Return to Normal if no Threat is Perceived

Causes of Protective Behavior

There really is no cause for this behavior. Protectiveness is hard-wired into a dog’s DNA. While dogs most likely aren’t directly descended from wolves as we once believed, research shows that they shared a common ancestor with the pack canines.

Wolves work together to bring down game, raise their pups, and keep each other safe. It’s in their best interest to look out for one another.

That’s the behavior we see in protective dogs. It’s their natural tendency to want to keep their family members safe.

Sometimes, though, there can be a cause behind the protective behavior: YOU. I had a friend – let’s call her Sue-who owned a pit bull (let’s call her Chi) that was just an absolute sweetie. She (the pittie) loved everyone and everything, but she had a particularly strong bond with Sue.

As a result, Chi had a very protective nature when it came to Sue. She wouldn’t growl or even bark at strangers who got too close. She’d just move her body between Sue and the rest of the world, making it clear through her stance and general warning signs that no one was to come anywhere near Sue.

While she wasn’t aggressive about it, it still scared people. So, Sue talked to an animal behaviorist. She also spent time with a professional dog trainer. Between the two of them, Sue realized that Chi’s protective nature stemmed from the fact that Chi could sense Sue’s social anxiety. Sue was sending all sorts of “I’m scared” signals when they were out and about, and Chi naturally reacted to it by assuming there was a threat.

The good news is that with positive reinforcement training for BOTH Sue and Chi, they were able to overcome this extra-protective nature. Sue learned to relax her “energy,” and Chi learned that not every approaching person was out to get her favorite person.

So, if your dog shows signs of over-protective behavior (or worse, protective aggression), you may want to check your own energy and figure out what kind of “vibes” you’re giving off.

Aggressive Behavior

Aggressive behavior is a far different thing than protective behavior, and it is not a welcome trait in any dog.

Whereas protective dogs evaluate situations, determining if there is any threat to be seen, aggressive dogs see everything as a threat.

They have no monitoring behavior, rather, they immediately go into an aggressive mode which can sometimes result in physical violence.

It’s important to recognize the signs of aggressive behavior.

Signs of Aggressive Behavior

• Overreaction to Situations
• Immediate Barking
• Growling
• Raised Hackles
• Lunging
• Baring Teeth
• Snapping
• Resource Guarding
• Territorial Urination (Marking in the Home)
• Biting
• Crouched Stance
• Overly Aggressive Stance (Head Far Forward, Usually Paired with Raised Hackles)

Causes of Aggressive Behavior

Unlike protective behavior, aggressive behavior is caused almost always caused by outside stimuli, be it abuse or an attack from another animal.

Although some dogs are born naturally more aggressive than other, aggressive behavior is usually learned in some way, and it can lead to very real problems for both dog and owner.

This type of behavior is far more complex than protective behavior in that the reasons are broad as are the outlets from which dogs allow it to come out.

Causes of Aggressive Behavior

• Abuse
• Lack of Resources Such as Food and Water
• Attack from Another Animal or Dog
• Lifetime Spent in a Shelter
• Living on the Streets (Feralness)

Types of Aggressive Behavior

• Territorial Aggression (Guarding of Spaces)
• Possessive Aggression (similar to territorial, but guarding objects or food)
• Dominant Aggression
• Predatory Aggression (Attacking Smaller Animals)
• People Aggression

Curbing Aggressive Behavior

Protective behavior is rarely an issue but aggressive behavior is always a cause for concern and should be addressed as quickly as possible.

While this type of behavior can be scary for both owner and those around him or her, the good news is that it can be eliminated, or at least reduced.

In instances where aggressive behavior cannot be completely quelled, taking preventative measures usually serves to bridge the gap.

1. Work on Yourself

As I mentioned earlier, one of the keys to curbing aggression is to curb your own reactions. Many owners will over-correct their dog, yanking on his leash or yelling at him to stop.

These punishment-based corrections only serve to further rile up your pooch. Instead, approach every instance of aggression in a calm, soothing way.

Don’t yell or yank or do anything to further increase the volatility of the situation.

Rather, calmly remove your dog from the situation in a manner that soothes, or at least doesn’t contribute to, the current situation.

2. Desensitization

Desensitization to offending stimuli is an excellent way to begin the process of curbing aggressive behavior.

For example, if your dog becomes immediately aggressive when other people enter the room, begin to show him that new people can be a good thing.

• Find your dog’s favorite food, and give tiny bits of it to a friend.
• Have the friend calmly enter the room and immediately begin throwing the treats towards your dog, then have the friend leave.
• Repeat this process until your dog’s reaction is one of looking for treats rather than an aggressive stance.

Over time, your dog will learn to associate people entering the room with something positive rather than negative.

3. Socialization

Socialization and desensitization go hand in hand. In fact, socialization is really just desensitization to new people and animals when you think about it.

• Begin by taking your dog on walks more frequently at times when you know others will be about.
• Keep a firm leash and a calming tone.
• The second your dog sees another person or animal give him a treat.
• Do this immediately before he has the chance to bark or lunge.
• Repeat this with every person or animal he sees.

If he becomes aggressive, quickly and calmly move on. However, every time he doesn’t bark praise him liberally and give him treats.

Over time, your dog will learn that it is far more pleasant and rewarding to remain calm and receive treats.

Once your dog has learned to associate good behavior with treats, move to take him to places with even more people an animals.

Pet-friendly stores and dog parks are a good place to start. Stay at the periphery, continuing to praise him and give him treats when he shows no aggressive signs.

Over time, you can gradually work your way further in to the action, continuing with praise and treats, furthering his socialization.

Recognize the Difference Between Protective Behavior and Aggressive Behavior

Protective behavior isn’t’ a bad thing. In fact, it’s a plus. However, it’s important to realize the difference between protective behavior and aggressive behavior.

• Protective behavior is calm surveying of a situation and an appropriate reaction.
• Aggressive behavior is an immediate violent response to a stimulus.

Never mistake one for the other, as aggressive behavior can lead to attacks either from or towards your dog, bites, and in severe cases, euthanasia of your dog.

Follow these guidelines for recognizing the difference between protective behavior and aggressive behavior, and if needed, employ the strategies above to help curb any aggressive behavior.

Remember, the above strategies are just a few examples. It is best to seek a professional trainer to help you curb your dog’s aggressive behavior for the best outcome.

Have you ever seen signs your dog is protective of you? Share your experience below!

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As much as we are seeing fingers being pointed and blame being placed across all parties, what we must not lose foresight of, is in how we can impact and help keep our children and dogs safe.

Two lives that have been entwined, to bring about memories and friendship through bonding and the act of growing up together. To end with the tragedy of two lives lost and many more lives forever changed through these tragic events.

It is understandable that parents are questioning their choices surrounding the safety of their children and a dog that they have bought into their household. Taking away all the finger pointing and without laying blame at anyone’s doorstep, it is important that we learn from such tragic events. So we can ensure that this doesn’t happen again.

I have fond memories of growing up with our family dog and I am thankful that I have given my children the joy of growing up with a dog too and all that it brings.

I want to assure you that children and dogs can live and be safe in the same household with management and education to all parties.

If we want to give our children the joy of growing up with and owning a dog then we need to ensure that safety for all is our priority.

We can do this with management, talking to and educating our children as well as training with the dog.

You need all three to set your child and dog up for success.

Let’s start with what management we should have in place.

Children and dogs should never be left unattended together without adult supervision. I currently have a 13 year old and an 8 year old child and we have a 6 month old dog currently in our household.

Now my 8 year old is by no means small and helpless, yet I still will not leave him alone unattended with our dog. Even if I just want to nip to the loo or to stick the kettle on and make a brew.

To manage this I have safety gates placed up around the home. These create what is often called gated communities.

It enables me to put a safe barrier between my children and my very bouncy, teething dog. I have one at the bottom of the stairs as well as one at the kitchen door. 

I also have two crates in the home. One set up upstairs and one that is set up downstairs in our main living room. This gives me the added advantage of having other ways to separate the two if I needed to leave the room.

By having this type of management in place it also means I can allow visitors into the household, including other children and have the ability to keep the dog and them separate and safe if I needed to.

Next we want to look at setting our children up for success for being around dogs.

We want  our children to be able to recognise what is and is not ok for a dog. We should be showing our children how to appropriately interact with a dog and setting them up with how to act should they find themselves in an uncomfortable situation.

Here are 5 things that I recommend every parent teaches their child:

1 - Let sleeping dogs lie.

If a dog is asleep, we leave them be. It is never a child's place to wake a dog up and waking a dog up could result in a bite.

2 - Don’t scream or run in the presence of a dog.

This can cause a spike in arousal in a dog and can lead to a dog not thinking clearly or simply the dog becoming too exuberant for the child to handle. This type of play can quickly lead to injuries.

3 - If a dog has a hold of something, leave it be.

This may be a toy, treat or some random object, to not approach the dog or try to take it away. If the object is going to be removed, that is an adult task and should be done so correctly.

4 - To ask 'Can I pet your dog?'.

A child should always ask a dog's owner if it is ok to pet their dog and wait for the ok to be given before they proceed to do so.

5 - Let the dog eat in peace.

It takes just a few minutes for a dog to finish their meal, so give them space and allow them to do so.

Now there are some great games that we can teach our children to help build up the relationship between them and their dog, games that build on understanding and communication.

Here are my three favourite games to teach a child:

1 - The 3-second Hand Game.

This is a game where the child pets the dog appropriately, for 3 seconds then remove their hands completely from the dog.

This then gives the dog time to figure out what option to choose next and is a great time to teach your child some basic body language.

If the dog chooses to step away, that ends the game. The dog is clearly saying no more and removing themselves from the situation. 

If the dog leans into the child, climbs on them, or starts nudging them, this is a clear invitation that the dog would like to continue with the contact.

Then you repeat the game!

2 - Arms Cross Like A Boss.

If a dog was getting too much for a child or the child simply didn’t want to engage anymore, we would teach the child to stand up straight and cross their arms (like a boss).

They are to ignore the dog and not talk to the dog, waiting for the dog to settle or an adult to come into view before moving off.

3 - Eyes down on the ground.

This is where a child simply removes eye contact from the dog, which can often be a sign of being a threat, and get the child to simply look down to the ground. 

This can show the dog that the child is not a threat and can help calm a dog back down. I would often pair this game with Arms Cross Like A Boss.

Introduce these games away from a dog and make a game of it. Call the game names out and get your child to act them out. When in the presence of a dog, we can help the child practise these games by calling the name out and praising them afterwards.

Children inevitably like to get involved and we can help the child be involved with the dog and the dogs care safely and appropriately. By allowing the child to be involved, it can removes the need of a child seeking out other ways and things to do with the dog which may not be appropriate or safe.

Allow them to be involved with grooming. We can play the 3-second hand game here but whilst using a grooming brush instead.

We can get a child involved with helping with the daily feeding of the dog. I would have the dog outside of the kitchen with the safety gate shut and allow the child to get involved and help.

Once the food has been placed down, I would ask the child to step back whilst we let the dog in to eat. Whilst this is taking place, the adult and child can get behind the safety gate, allowing the child to watch what they have helped with.

Get the child involved in dog training. This will show them games and exercises that they can do with the dog that is appropriate and frankly, will make the child feel super proud of what they achieve with the dog. It is a great way to build a relationship between the child and the dog.

And last but not least we have training the dog. 

If you are wanting or needing help with training your dog or are wanting advice on how to set your household up to be safe for children and dogs then it’s important that you seek the help from an ethical professional.

You can reach out for help via www.findadogtrainer.com 

With our help, children can grow up safely with their family dogs.

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What is sympathy?

In psychology, sympathy is a feeling of pity or sorrow. Unlike empathy, it separates us from the emotion and keeps us distant from the individual that is experiencing an emotion. Sympathy allows us to feel sorry for another person without feeling the emotion ourselves. It is caring, but at a distance, and is most often felt when the person experiencing the emotion is not someone we know well, for example a work colleague, client or stranger on social media.

When we were feeling sympathetic we are able to form judgements about situations and we often go into problem solving mode. We remain strong and understanding. And by remaining distant we are able to be far more objective.

Do dogs need our empathy?

Feeling empathy is a way of showing compassion and understanding. You will feel the emotion with the dog rather than just recognise it. It is supportive, rather than problem solving. Empathy connects us as it allows an individual a safe space to feel emotion, and supports them while they fix themselves and recover.

If we pay attention and recognise the emotion and the message our dogs are trying to tell us, they will feel listened to and this is empowering. Empathy strengthens our bond and helps them to trust us to advocate for us. This is especially important when we are working with rescue dogs.

When a dog loses his home and family he needs a safe space to recover, being empathetic allows your dog to work through their fear whilst still feeling supported.

A sympathetic owner will try to fix the dogs problem. This might include taking a nervous dog out of a hiding place, or dragging them to another dog when they are pulling away. When you are scared, the last thing you need is an over confident stranger exposing you to your fear! Incidentally, this is a common cause of behaviour problems later on.

How does sympathy help?

Sympathy becomes useful when you are both out of the situation and have enough distance (emotional and physical) to figure out an appropriate solution to a problem. I often switch from empathy when I am working directly with a dog, to sympathy after the situation has passed.