04/12/2023
I first met Pepper and Gigi back in September, when Gigi was just a tiny puppy. Well, last weekend saw me catching up with the two of them along with their humans for a follow up session, and boy has Gigi grown!
Life Lessons On Leash
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- Australia
- Barongarook, VIC
- Life Lessons On Leash
Offering positive reinforcement pet dog training by a Qualified trainer. Located near Colac, VIC, of
(6)
Disillusioned with 'traditional' training 15 years ago, I went searching for a better way. This led me to The Delta Society and positive reinforcement dog training. Fully qualified with a Cert IV in behavioural dog training, I opened Life Lessons On Leash. Aimed at those who want to train their dog in the manners needed to have a dog you can take anywhere with you, we offer group classes in Level
One Basic Manners, Level Two Basic Manners, Canine Good Citizen and Tricks & Targets as well as private consultations for those unable to commit to a class schedule or who have a dog not yet ready for a class situation. We also offer interactive dog safety talks for childrens groups. Bound by a code of ethics and to continue to meet quality assurance requirements, we use scientifically proven, positive methods to make training your dog not only easy but fun!
26/11/2023
We recently received a trial box of Lyka dog food. Both boys were VERY keen to unpack it, and so far, the verdict has been positive for the flavours they have tried.
I’ve been keen to try this food with my guys for a while now, the quality of ingredients is great and it’s done in consultation with a holistic vet.
Stay tuned for an update and quite possibly a discount code off your first box too!
16/11/2023
Meet little Miss Boo. I had the pleasure of working with Boo and her family recently, and she is one smart little girl.
Boos family wanted some basic assistance in some puppy behaviours but also to ensure that they were setting her up to give her the best start to life possible.
Boo learnt many new concepts, including to come when called and to check in when walking, to name just a couple.
She also had a ball experiencing many different types of toys and enrichment. As with any puppy we also talked about the importance of sleep and toilet training tactics.
I am looking forward to watching Boo progress as she grows up and becomes the best dog she can be.
29/10/2023
More photos to come but I know Graduates are keen to see some from todays classes - so here are our Ocober 2023 Life Skills Graduating Students and their Class Portraits as well as 1 Class Group photo.
Congratulations to
Auggie
Cammie
Hector
Maeve
Maggie
Maisie
Obi
Remy
Unfortunately sometimes life interferes with the best laid plans, so missing from todays graduating classes we also had Jeffery, Henry and Meeka.
I will put up more photos during the week - Graduating humans, please also keep an eye on your email / PM as I may send you extra photos that way.
28/10/2023
Life Skills graduation class is tomorrow!
Graduation goodie bags being prepped in readiness.
Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow.
22/10/2023
As part of todays class we focused on some husbandry behaviours - who knows what this pile of equipment is used for? 🤔😊
22/10/2023
One of the things I absolutely love is seeing the difference in my students from when they first start working with me, to how they present later on.
This week was our last class before Graduation next week, and look how quiet and calm the class is. Some dogs are focusing on their humans, others are focusing on me as I am walking around filming - but none of them feel the need to bark at or move towards the others in class.
In this class we have some dogs who initially were not confident with other humans or dogs being present, at times we have needed to use visual barriers to help them to be able to focus. But look at them now - sitting or lying calmly and quietly in an enclosed space with other humans and dogs present is a really difficult task, yet they all absolutely nailed it.
21/10/2023
Reminder to all Life Skills students - don’t sleep in tomorrow and miss your class! 😉
Classes are back tomorrow at both 11am and 1pm.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
20/10/2023
This week saw me back working with Master Pierre again. Currently we are working on Pierre walking to the left.
He doesn’t need to heel or be right next to anyone, just to walk to the left side area when loose lead walking. This is to make it easier for both his human and himself so that no one is being tripped.
Pierre worked hard today and will no doubt be enjoying a sound sleep this afternoon.
16/10/2023
What an amazing time away at the APDT Australia 2023 conference!
So many fabulous speakers including:
Diane Garrod
Sarah Fisher
Dr Matthew Muir
Dr Susan Friedman
Dr Conor Brady
Dr Chris Pachel
Dr Kat Gregory
Laura Ryder
Natalie Rogers
Dr Jen Nesbit-Hawes
Jade Currie
Petra Edwards
Jade Fountain
And the APDT shorts speakers
Lisa Robinson
Jess McNamara
Alisa Sannikova
Wendy Coombe
Spending 4 days with like minded individuals discussing everything canine is always a pleasure.
Topics throughout the conference included:- food, stress, sleep, alternative therapies, training options, neurobiology, assistance animals, scent, and soooooo much more!
It was absolutely amazing to once again be able to spend many hours networking with others in the industry, as well as listen to the fabulous speakers and of course head over to the trade show to purchase new items (and even win some!).
A massive thank you to my wonderful temporary ‘housemates’ (including Behaviour Antics and Positive Dogs) for the duration of conference.
I may be currently stuck at Sydney airport waiting for my delayed flight, but it was 100% worth it.
13/10/2023
2 days into the APDT Australia conference and wow, what a line up of speakers.
Sarah Fisher (pictured) - ACE free work and ACE observations (Thursday) followed by An ACE approach to Canine Care & Education Friday)
Diane Garrod - talking about How to get beyond pressure, anxiety, tension and trauma with dogs (Thursday) followed by Jump in, Release your dogs stress (Friday).
Dr Matthew Muir - talking about integrative Vet options for Behaviour Cases (Thursday) followed by The Gut-Brain axis & Nutrition for Behaviour (Friday)
Natalie Rogers - Training deaf dogs (Wednesday)
Dr Kat Gregory - talking about Proactive Pain Management (Wednesday)
Jade Fountain - talking about Sniffing out the Science (Friday)
Dr Conor Brady - talking about Pet Food Science (Friday)
Lisa Robinson - talking about Assistance Animals (Friday)
Jess McNamara - talking about Working with Greyhounds (Friday)
So much to absorb, and I am so glad I can purchase the recordings to revisit these talks once I’m home again.
Yes, I’ve visited the trade stalls and coming home with some new items, mostly some books I’ve been eyeing off for a while, as well as enjoying networking with fabulous like minded people!
07/10/2023
A reminder to all clients that I will be unavailable from Monday 9th to Tuesday 17th October as I will be attending the Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia conference in the Hunter Valley.
I’m excited to not only catch up with like minded people, and of course many friends I only see at conferences, but to listen and learn from fabulous overseas and Australian speakers.
For anyone interested, in person tickets are still available or there is the alternative option of the on demand registration - Friday through Sundays sessions recorded and available to watch without leaving your home!
https://apdt.cw3.events/venue/
04/10/2023
Never underestimate how hard your dog is working, it can sometimes appear that our dogs are doing more ‘observing’ than actual ‘doing’ in some environments. Mental stimulation can be extremely tiring!
This is one of my Life Skills students after getting home from class last week. Plumb tuckered out and enjoying a well deserved nap.
30/09/2023
Class reminders for tomorrow -
Daylight savings starts overnight!!
Please wear hats/sunscreen
Please wear closed in shoes (no thongs/sandals/bare feet)
Please bring water bowls for your dogs.
See you all tomorrow!
24/09/2023
An absolutely stunning spring day saw the last 3 clients joining our life skills course. Meet Maggie, Auggie and Meeka.
As part of todays class, we provided tasting platters for the pups - foods for them to try included cucumber, hot dog, blueberries, prawn, banana, mussel, sardine, goats cheese, yoghurt and a spinach/pea/pear purée.
23/09/2023
Meet Pepper and GiGi - are they not the sweetest faces!
I had the pleasure of meeting and working with these two today.
Puppy consults are so much fun, and I absolutely adore being able to come in and help set a puppy up to best succeed in their life.
22/09/2023
Reminder to all enrolled students that classes are on this Sunday!! Don’t forget your mats, treats and of course, dogs!
See you all there.
17/09/2023
Sunday saw a couple of catch up sessions for existing clients - one of which was with Miss Lulu.
Poor Lulu was recently on the receiving end of a dog attack and is now, understandably, very unsure about other dogs.
So today was all about teaching her to understand that her human has her back and that she can see other dogs without needing to be worried.
And let me tell you now, she did an absolutely fabulous job!
10/09/2023
Introducing our Beginners Life Skills students.
We have 2 classes with 9 dogs in total (one more photo to come next week).
Welcome to:-
Maeve
Hector
Maisie
Cammie
Obi
Remy
Henry
Jeffrey
Bonus photo of Henry and Jeffrey plumb tuckered out and sleeping together at the end of class - just because it was too cute not to!
30/08/2023
Today saw me back working with Pierre and his human, with a focus on recall. As you can see in this snippet, Pierre picked it up very quickly and loved the new game I taught him.
The really important thing at this point in time is to make sure that your are reinforcing him coming to you every single time (we are using pulled chicken today as that’s a favourite of Pierre’s), we want him to understand that coming when called pays!!
26/08/2023
Meet Pickles (seriously, how good is that name?! 😊).
Pickles has an issues with people coming into his house, and likes to bark at them - a lot.
We worked with him today to show him that new people aren’t so scary and that having 4 feet on the floor and being quiet, results in fabulous things happening (like chicken raining from the sky).
We also discussed ways to desensitise him where needed, enrichment options, ensuring we reinforce what we ask and not other things ( for example not asking for a sit but paying the drop he does instead) and we covered the importance of consent.
It’s especially important for our tiny dogs that are often picked up and carried, that we actually ask their consent for this - how scary must it feel to be one minute sitting or standing quietly and the next, suddenly being lifted into the air. Teaching a ‘lift’ cue helps them to know what is going to happen and be ready for it, or gives them the opportunity to move away and not be picked up at all.
24/08/2023
Registrations are now open for 2 dog training courses starting on September 3rd!
Both courses will be held in Colac on a Sunday, and will be indoors for puppy preschool and a combination of indoors/outdoors for other courses.
The two courses being offer are:
*Puppy Preschool - Foundations
A five week course for puppies aged 8-16 weeks of age. Please talk to me if your pup is outside of this age range, as arrangement may be possible.
*Beginners - Life Skills
A six week course for puppies and adults 4 months and older.
Proof of vaccination or titer testing is required. This course is suitable for all ages, including senior dogs.
Courses are run by a Qualified positive reinforcement trainer and limited to a maximum of 6 dogs per course.
Please note that due to existing commitments with both the venue and myself, the courses will not be run as consecutive weeks. Exact dates will be given to you so that you are aware when class is/isn't running.
For information and/or enrolment forms, please send us a message.
For those who are expecting puppies later in the year, we will be having a second intake for puppy preschool at the end of October.
23/08/2023
What does a dog trainer do when not training? This one randomly trains very pretty puppies she meets at the pet store. 🤣🤣
Meet Brandy, anyone want to take a guess at what two breeds she is?
23/08/2023
Today I met back up with Pierre and his human for another training session.
The aim of today was loose lead walking and some general exposure / socialisation.
He did so well! Yes, he was a little anxious - I could see this with his body language, we had some shake offs, lip licking and general stillness a few times as well as a refusal of food whilst out.
This meant I really needed to pay close attention to what was going on around us to enable me to see what he was/wasn’t comfortable with. I also needed to respect this and not push it - generally he just needed a little time to asses the situation before he was ready to move on.
Looking forward to our next session on the weekend.
20/08/2023
This weekend I met Pierre, a 9mth old Toy Poodle who was recently adopted into his new home.
Pierre is a very sweet fellow who is still getting used to his new life and needs some help adapting to all the changes he is being presented with.
He is already making inroads, and has clearly bonded with his human already.
I look forward to being a part of this young man’s journey.
17/08/2023
13/08/2023
Look at these very tired puppies!! Meet Jeffrey, Henry and their ‘little big’ brother Hugh.
These guys live in a very busy household which contains multiple dogs and children, so it was really important to get some management techniques happening so that everyone can live together happily.
Not only did we work on basic behaviours but also started some easy tricks and games that the children and puppies can safely enjoy together - I’ve been told that todays favourite activity was teaching the puppies to play hide and seek, where a child is hiding and the dogs search to find him!
We also covered some basic dog safety and starting body language information.
Everyone did really well, and I look forward to seeing the relationships between these pups and their humans flourish.
12/08/2023
Today I met this terrific trio. Whilst I was primarily there to work with Miss Poppy, a lot of what we went through was applicable to the two seniors in their crate also.
They were both very comfortable in their crate, spending time napping, observing what was happening, and both learning & being reinforced for their patience whilst I worked hands on with Poppy.
10/08/2023
We all know that running short, frequent training sessions with our dogs is important, it provides enrichment, it’s fabulous bonding time, it helps with creating new and practicing known behaviours, the benefits are multiple and don’t stop there.
Obviously if you are training a new behaviour, you know what you plan to do within the session, but have you ever lacked the motivation or ideas for individual sessions where you don’t have a specific goal in mind?
This is a really easy way of adding in training sessions with your dog.
Each group of coloured sticks has a different function:
- the behaviour you will train
- the location you will train in
- the duration you will train for
- the variation of that session (increasing the difficulty or adding ‘proofing’)
- an added activity
So all you do is randomly choose one stick from each colour and you immediately have a quick session planned.
I’ve also made the sticks magnetic so that you can pop them onto any magnetic surface to remind you what you are doing / or have them all attached and ready to choose from that way.
Simple to make for yourself, but if you lack the motivation or time to do so, I also have sets of these training prompts available for purchase.
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Otway Estate, 10 Hoveys Road
Barongarook, VIC
3249
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Videos
One of the things I absolutely love is seeing the difference in my students from when they first start working with me, to how they present later on. This week was our last class before Graduation next week, and look how quiet and calm the class is. Some dogs are focusing on their humans, others are focusing on me as I am walking around filming - but none of them feel the need to bark at or move towards the others in class. In this class we have some dogs who initially were not confident with other humans or dogs being present, at times we have needed to use visual barriers to help them to be able to focus. But look at them now - sitting or lying calmly and quietly in an enclosed space with other humans and dogs present is a really difficult task, yet they all absolutely nailed it.
Today saw me back working with Pierre and his human, with a focus on recall. As you can see in this snippet, Pierre picked it up very quickly and loved the new game I taught him. The really important thing at this point in time is to make sure that your are reinforcing him coming to you every single time (we are using pulled chicken today as that’s a favourite of Pierre’s), we want him to understand that coming when called pays!!
Today I met back up with Pierre and his human for another training session. The aim of today was loose lead walking and some general exposure / socialisation. He did so well! Yes, he was a little anxious - I could see this with his body language, we had some shake offs, lip licking and general stillness a few times as well as a refusal of food whilst out. This meant I really needed to pay close attention to what was going on around us to enable me to see what he was/wasn’t comfortable with. I also needed to respect this and not push it - generally he just needed a little time to asses the situation before he was ready to move on. Looking forward to our next session on the weekend.
Halloween is nearly here and whilst this can be a fun time, it can also be a scary or stressful time for your dog. Here are a few hints and tips to hopefully make Halloween a little easier for everyone.
EDIT - AND OUR WINNER IS Toni Underhill being the person to guess the closest to the number of treats in the country trained. Thank you everyone for playing! Competition time!! Guess the number of treats in the jar and you could win the jar! Rules of the competition - one guess per day per person - you must not edit your guess - competition is open to those in Australia only (sorry folks, but it makes it easier to send the container of treats in the post that way!) Competition starts when this video posts and runs until either the correct number of treats are guessed OR until 9pm Friday 2nd September. Winner is the person who guesses correctly before close of the competition or the person who guesses closest as of the closing date and time. *please note ‘the competition is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook.”
#MonthOfPractice Feb 10 - sitting on the ground Today we change things again and we practice asking for the behaviour whilst sitting on the floor. There are a couple of things I could have done better in this video - mostly to do with the space. Not only did I ask him to sit at an angle where he ended up trying to sit where the chest is, but I didn’t allow enough room for him to lie down comfortably - which is why he ended up laying across my legs. What does your dog do when you ask them for a behaviour whilst you are sitting on the ground? I’d love to see a video!
#MonthOfPractice Feb 3 - Asking for the behaviour whilst sitting. Often when we train we tend to do it standing with our dog in front of us - tonight I challenge you to practice a known behaviour or two, whilst sitting in a chair. I chose to ask Orion to Sit and then Drop, as they are both behaviours he knows really solidly. I increased the difficulty further by using hand signals rather than verbal cues. And that’s a simple and easy way to change up your training routine and to see if your dog only understands the cue when you are standing in front of them or if they can understand it when you sit in a chair facing them. I’d love to see your video attempts in the comments 😊
#monthofthenose Feb 20 - the box game (basic/beginner level) I’m going to be posting a few versions of this game but let’s start with the basic. One box, a few treats inside, and place in a room. Invite your dog into the room and give them the cue to search or find. The aim of the game is for them to sniff out the treats and stick their head in the box to eat them. Once they understand the game, you can start to make it a little harder by partly closing the box.
#monthofthenose Feb 9 - nature table This is another one that is suitable for dogs on activity confinement or when you have been stuck inside due to the weather. If doing this with puppies who are not yet fully vaccinated, I would re on mend collecting items only from a house yard that you know has healthy vaccinated dogs, or doesn’t have animals visit. Next time you are out without your dog, stop somewhere and pick up some nature items from the ground. In this offering I have some bark from a paperbark tree, some dried leaves from 2 different tree types as well as some enormous green leaves form another tree species. There is some also a second type of bark and some petals I found from a discarded flower. Present to your dog on a tray, a plank of wood, or, as in my case, a child’s play table I picked up locally that was being given away. Pop it down at your dogs level and let them investigate. Please make sure that you only collect items that are safe for your dog to investigate, and if you are concerned about collecting from a public space due to possible disease, you could instead collect from a family or friends yard. I make it a rule to only collect things that are on the ground - no picking flowers or stripping bark or leaves from trees. Remember to supervise your dog!
#DIYDogToyMonth January 21st - Cuddle Shirt It honestly doesn't get any easier than this. The cuddle shirt isnt so much a toy that your dog can play with but more a scent related comfort item. It's a simple way to make a dog bed for a tiny dog (or a pillow for a large one), or as an option for a dog that likes to carry around an item of yours for comfort. Dog going into the vets or a kennel? Then this could be an option to help alleviate stress. You want to make sure you use a shirt that is yours - this way it smells like you (yes, even after you've washed it!). By stuffing it with other old clothes, it intensifies the 'you' too! This same principle can be used to make anything into a cuddle shirt - if you are bringing home a new puppy and have the ability to give your breeder a baby blanket or hand towel that can go in with mum and the litter, you can then use that to make the cuddle shirt. The added benefit of making it into a 3D 'cuddle' item, means they are able to snuggle into the item to provide extra comfort. Remember, supervision is key to make sure your dog isn't going to eat the item!
#DIYDogToyMonth January 20th - Braided Loop Tug Toy Another really simple deign that you can customise easily to make it as large/small/ thick/thin as you want. You can even add a handle at the base if you prefer, rather than the tags I used. Remember to use material that is best suited to your dogs play style and braid tightly, it makes it a more durable toy! If you are playing tug, remember to keep your arm still and let the dog make all the tugging movements - you don't possible neck issues arising from you swinging the toy around. Of course, as usual, I recommend supervision of your dog with this toy.
#DIYDogToyMonth January 16th - An Ear Of Corn Toy The example I have used is a no sew simple option. The last page includes some changes you could make to make this more interactive, sturdier and with a different purpose. This is a toy designed for the dog to pull apart - to remove the 'corn cob' from the outer 'ear'. It is therefore not suitable for dogs that like to eat material! Giving our dogs options for toys they can pull apart, fulfills a need that a lot of dogs have - you just need to ensure that its done safely. As usual, I recommend active supervision for this one to ensure that your dog uses it in a safe manner.
Making a Pocket Activity Mat
#DIYDogToyMonth January 9th - Making a Pocket Activity Mat What you Need *Material for the backing - I use a towel *Fabric pockets - I use material pockets cut from old clothing *Scissors *Adhesive Velcro The Process -Cut out the pockets from old clothing. Make sure they are the right size for your dog. You could also make your own pockets from fabric. -Cut appropriate lengths of Velcro. Join the velcro together and then ppply the velcro to the back of the pockets. If you want to swap the pockets around on the material, make sure all the velcro is the same distance apart. -Press the pocket onto the towel to apply the bottom velcro piece. *Note, the more velcro you use, the better each pocket will stay in place. - Apply all pockets to the towel. - Lay the towel on a flat floor surface and place some treats in each pocket, leave some poking out at the start until your dog understands the game. - Play with your dog. **Please ensure that this is a supervised activity and that you put the mat away once the game is over. ** To wash, simply throw it in the washing machine - thats one of the benefits of using a towel and pre made pockets!
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Our Story
Disillusioned with 'traditional' training more than 15 years ago, I went searching for a better way. This led me to The Delta Society and positive reinforcement dog training. Fully qualified with a Cert IV in companion animal training, I opened Life Lessons On Leash in 2008. Aimed at those who want to train their dog in the manners needed to have a dog you can take anywhere with you, we offer group classes in Level One Basic Manners, Level Two Basic Manners, Tricks & Targets, Enrichment Building and Out & About courses. We offer private consultations where we come to you for those unable to commit to a class schedule, or who want some tailored assistance for a specific issue or who have a dog not yet ready for a class situation. And for those who are struggling for time, we offer a Day Training package, where we will work with your dog whilst you are at work, culminating with a handover lesson at the end of the package lessons. For those registered breeders who wish to provide socialisation and send puppies to their new families with basic manners we offer a litter socialisation service. We are constantly looking at new course options, and are hoping in 2019 to be able to reintroduce our Puppy Preschool course as well as a brand new course - Kitten Kindergarten. Other services include interactive dog safety talks for children's community groups as well as School Holiday Workshops for children (both of these options are dog free sessions, using a toy dog and not real dog). Bound by a code of ethics and to continue to meet quality assurance requirements, including accruing Continuing Education Points each year to ensure we stay up to date in the latest training information, we use scientifically proven, positive methods to make training your dog not only easy but fun!
Other Barongarook pet stores & pet services
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Barongarook Road -
Rory O'Dowd Learey Pet sitting
Barongarook Road
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