Both Ends of the Leash

05/11/2024

Sensory Dysregulation 🙇

What is it?

Sensory dysregulation refers to difficulties in managing or processing sensory input, which can include sounds, sights, smells, touch, and taste. People with sensory dysregulation may have strong reactions to certain stimuli or struggle to filter out unnecessary information. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm, anxiety, or even physical discomfort in environments that others might find typical.

So how can our dogs help with this?

There are many ways our dogs can provide support, and in this post, we’re going to explore the benefits of the technique known as tactile grounding.

Tactile grounding is a technique that uses touch to help a person stay present and focused. This can be as simple as petting a your dog or having your dog lean against you or apply light pressure to a part of your body.

It may seem counterintuitive to use tactile grounding when the senses are already overwhelmed.
However, if we can catch the overwhelm early, through our dog’s alerting to the initial signs, we can then introduce a strategy like tactile grounding to help bring ease back to the nervous system before it becomes more dysregulated.

28/10/2024

Disconnect & Reconnect. 🪢

Dissociation can appear across various diagnoses and disabilities.

The word "dissociation" can be broken down as follows:

• Prefix "dis-"
This prefix means "apart," "away," or "separation," suggesting a reversal or undoing. In this context, it indicates a separation from something.
• Root "associate"
The root word "associate" comes from the Latin associare, meaning "to unite with" or "join together," referring to being connected or linked with someone or something.
• Suffix "ion"
This suffix turns a verb into a noun, indicating the action or process of something.

So, "dissociation" literally means the process of separating or disconnecting from a relationship, idea, or experience. It can be a protective mechanism and varies from person to person. When the brain uses dissociation to protect itself from stress, it alters the neurochemical balances to create a sense of distance from reality.

How Can Dogs (ADs) Help with This?🦮•

Dogs can help in several ways.
Today, we're focusing on awareness and reconnection.
An Assistance Dog (AD) can often alert to different levels of dissociation based on their sensitivity to changes in the neurochemical balances.

By alerting the person-through specific behaviours when an alteration begins-the dog can bring awareness to the human at that critical moment.

The person can then engage with the dog, helping them return to the present moment.
This interaction provides first an interruption and then proceeds with grounding techniques through tactile contact like petting, pressure, or licking, helping the person move from the early stages of disconnection to reconnection.
We coach our handlers to notice these subtle changes within their dog's behaviour and within themselves.

Together, we create strategies that work best for each team, so when a dog begins to alert to dissociation, the handler can use the tools they've developed to stay present, grounded, and more regulated.

11/09/2024

The Art of Doing Nothing 🎨

For some Bunnings is a dream, it's a weekend regular, for others it's a a sensory nightmare.

At the beginning of a Teams journey, it's uncommon for handlers to sit in any environment for an extended period.
Before having an AD, the handler will often need to make quick visits to any shop / centre due to the sensory overload that disrupts their nervous system.
However, creating neutrality in different environments requires precisely that: sitting in one place with a regulated nervous system.

Our method involves balancing this by having both the handler and dog sit in a regulated state, then gradually increasing the intensity of the environment.
Meaning, if leaving the house is difficult, we practice that first before even attempting to go to the shops.

This approach gauges how the nervous systems of the team can adapt to the environmental pressure and slowly move forward when the team is ready.
Every handler and dog has unique needs.
By understanding the nervous system and creating a sense of safety, through trust and understanding we can slowly expand the tolerances for the handler and their dog.
This practice of "doing nothing" allows them to simply co-exist and observe the world around them, creating safety in various environments.

This method helps to re-wire the neural pathways of the handler, resetting the nervous system to experience new environments with a sense of calm and stillness first so movement after adjusting to the new environment is more gentle.

Video : Viz's first time in the Bunnings watching

15/08/2024

Relationship 🫂 > Robots 🤖

At Both Ends of the Leash, we build relationships, not robots.
Your dog isn't just a working companion; they're a being with their own unique personality, and we love to let that shine.

Once, while standing in a crowded elevator with a calm dog by my side, someone said, "Oh, that poor dog, it just wants to be loved." Little did they know how adored and cherished that dog truly was.

There's a common misconception that assistance dogs are always working, never getting to be just dogs. While that might be true in some cases, it's the opposite with our approach.
We understand that assistance dogs have a big job and we don't take that for granted, therefore we focus on education, understanding, and the individuality of each dog.
We allow them to be themselves, working with their personality, not against it.

Our approach creates a deep understanding between handler and dog, creating a respectful bond that stands the test of time. We know that public standards must be met and we ensure we meet them with nurture, not force.
We educate handlers on the importance of taking breaks, enrichment, and meeting the dog's needs—because it's a two-way street.

In the end, it's about building a bond that's unbreakable and full of mutual respect. 💜 🐾

[pictured: team Lando]

31/07/2024

Speaking up and standing out can be challenging. As a trainer, I often hear, "I can't wait to get my dog trained so I will be more invisible."

Having an assistance dog by your side means you're both more visible and invisible all at the same time. People might not look at you directly and might make a little extra space, but they will definitely notice a dog in an unexpected place.

Over the years, public understanding of the roles and rules of assistance dogs has improved. However, there are still instances of heightened voices, the constant "Can I pet your dog?" question, and people trying to engage with your dog when your back is turned.

We completely understand how hard it can be to ask a complete stranger to give you space or not to engage or distract your dog. That’s why our program is not only just about training the dogs to ignore the public (although we do that, of course). It’s also about building confidence in our handlers to advocate for themselves when needed.

Our approach is not about throwing them into the deep end and hoping they swim. It's a slow and gentle process, nurturing courage and confidence in oneself. By the time they're ready to go out on their own with their dog, advocating for themselves will come naturally and comfortably.

Also, a back pack with a message is always a handy tool to have 😉 👋

*Please note: We do advocate for our teams as part them being with our organisation, we also focus on educating and building confidence in our handlers to advocate for themselves when needed.*

[pictured: Team Leia]

10/07/2024

Our Program is Built on a Foundation of Safety.

As trauma-informed trainers, we prioritise the importance of a regulated nervous system. We understand that both handlers and their dogs have unique goals and needs, which is why we work with teams one-on-one to create customised programs.

A trauma-informed approach means recognising the signs of stress and knowing when to pull back, ensuring neither handler nor dog is pushed to a point of distress tolerance overload.

By setting up a strong foundation of safety, we aim to create trust within our teams, nurturing the bond between trainer, handler, and dog.
This tailored approach helps us build and maintain a secure and supportive environment, allowing everyone to thrive.

If you want to find out more about our Training Program and if it's right for you, please contact us.

Pictured: Team Lando

03/06/2024

passed their public access test at Westfield's recently. Pickles' mum has complex disability and the positive change Mr. Pickles has made in her life is awe-inspiring. Pickles is a first generation Groodle (Golden Retrieve x Poodle) and he rocks the best head tilt you've ever seen.

We like to celebrate our team's accomplishments and while some feel the public access test (PAT) is the pinnacle, we all know there are many more accomplishments ahead.

Congratulations Melissa. We are beyond proud of you and we love Mr. Pickles wholeheartedly.




Both Ends of the Leash
.au

12/01/2024

Team Oakie taking some time for self-regulation through a quiet reading break from the busy shopping centre. 👏

We assist our handlers by engaging in conversations about effective self-regulation strategies after their dog alerts.

07/01/2024

Please join us all in offering a massive Congratulation 🥳to who are Both Ends of the Leash's 1st Public Access Test for 2024.

Bear is an extremely handsome and incredibly clever Labradood from Rusty Amber Labradoodles. Bear's mum and
handler, Janelle are a really inspirational team trained by the remarkable Briahne 🦮

With Bear by her side, Janelle's independence has been given a real shot in the arm. Her confidence abounds and this is what it's all about.

Congratulations Janelle and Bear. We are all very proud of you.

29/12/2023

have passed their public access test 🥳👏🦮🐾

When a team is successful in changing their human's life for the better in measurable ways we have great cause for celebration.

When the dog being trained and their handler can move smoothly through busy public setting to the degree that its difficult to see where the handler ends and the dog begins your soul ignites with passion.

This video shows the connection between Tenille and Lando. His focus on his mum and her love for him shine like a billboard for all to see. The human-animal bond is everything when training a dog to be reliable and safe in busy public settings.

Lando was bred by Standard Poodle and Labradoodle Stud Brisbane who also commenced his early training before introducing Both Ends of the Leash

So what's the recipe for a successful assistance dog and handler team:
🦮 mutually unconditional love (human animal bond)
🦮 A secure attachment
🦮 listening to and trusting your dog
🦮 advocating for your dog's welfare without exception
🦮 dedication to living your best possible life
🦮 perseverance and forgiveness of yourself and your dog
🦮 lots and lots of time having fun together
🦮 commitment to growth and wellness
🦮 willingness to keep the pressure out of the situation
🦮 patience - because it's not a race
🦮 work... plain and simple work

Congratulations Team Lando, we are so proud of you!!
Love from Di, Briahne & Mackenzie 💜🧡

Both Ends of the Leashau

22/10/2023

Occasionally we are contacted by teams that are already thoroughly trained, incredibly skilled and very appropriate for public access who decide they'd like to be 'certified' and complete a public access test.

Team Tweed is one such team. Tweed's human put on a clinic when we completed her PAT and it was pure joy to spend the day with them. The exceptional Mellodie has been a major contributor to the assistance dog world with her breeding program.

Tweed is an Australian Cobberdog. We have many Cobberdogs in our program that we adore working with.

Please watch this video and notice the finesse that Tweed and her mum work with.

Very grateful to have permission to share this team's exceptional bond, thank-you!

(note: Tweed had never retrieved the lead until her mum taught her on the fly this day)





au

19/10/2023

Please join us in offering a huge congratulations to who passed their public access test last week.

Team Mazikeen's dad, is a 31-yo man who is on the autism spectrum. Mazikeen goes to work with him most days and offers alerts when dad's stress levels are rising. She provides deep pressure therapy and tactile stimulation to help dad's nervous system return to homeostasis.

The most important part of any assistance dog and handler team is their bond, this pair are best mates and bond is very obvious.

Mazikeen is a 2-yo Labradoodle (Standard Poodle and Labradoodle Stud Brisbane) - she has a truly beautiful temperament, she's smart and gets to go everywhere with dad whose life is much bigger with Mazikeen in it. From caravanning and camping to 4-wheel-driving, social gatherings and dinners out. Team Mazikeen are great ambassadors for Assistance Dogs in our community.

Congratulations guys!!

Both Ends of the Leash

12/09/2023

The reason we have built our program around puppies is to capture the most precious learning weeks. Puppy to Public Access is about capturing and shaping the pup's natural behaviours. Starting with this as our foundation allows for the development of confident, appropriate dogs in public places.
,
Both Ends of the Leash .au

08/08/2023

Bella the Integra Assistance Dog accompanying her human onto the stage for audition. The Voice Australia did us a solid in exploring Bella's amazing work.

We are Jess….Not to be dramatic but this is THE cutest dog we have ever seen!

29/07/2023

ventured into Brisbane City on the train recently as a training activity with Bri and Mackenzie. As you can see, he did famously so did his human. This team are now in, what we call, the confidence building phase of our puppy to public access program.

Mango is a Lorprenor Golden Retrievers that we met at 8-weeks and began our journey together.

The confidence building part of our program is where you as an assistance dog and handler team are approaching PAT readiness. Now that the team are at this level they grow their mutual confidence and trust in public places without their trainers looking over their shoulder. Mango has his vest having met our vest allocation criteria. We are close by for anything they need, as we are for all of our teams.

Living with disability alongside your assistance dog, is about the handler's life getting bigger, having greater capacity, fewer disabling episodes and growing independence... with confidence.

Congratulations Team Mango for all your hard work paying off in the best possible way.🦮🐾🦮

06/07/2023

Here’s a little of what I’ve been up to... those who follow, know I am passionate about the whole assistance dog journey from Puppy to Public Access™... This starts with the careful selection of the right Dam (mum) and Sire (dad)... DNA; health checks; nutrition; environment; proven litters with therapy and, or assistance dogs already bred.

The bond is everything when training a dog for a specific purpose; this bond takes place long before puppies are conceived and born. The life the dam and sire live is monumentally important. The stress they encounter as part of their normal lives and how that stress is mitigated especially for the dam with a littler on board. If all this is done with the utmost care and consideration 63 days post conception, puppies will arrive.

The dam and sire of this litter live with specialist micro-breeder Standard Poodle and Labradoodle Stud Brisbane and are part of their very dog focused family. Brontë and Bear mated naturally; Bear is a stud and donates for AI breeders but his one and only true love is Brontë.

Brontë went into natural labour and safely delivered all nine (9) live, healthy puppies. She had no issues feeding and caring for her litter and she consented to visits from dad after a week or so.

It has been my very great pleasure to be invited for this incredible life-changing journey. Already having a long-standing relationship with Brontë and Bear (who I affectionately refer to as my boyfriend); I have been alongside these puppies since the day they were born.

Beyond “nerding out” on the early behaviour of neonates, I was keenly watching these babies develop their natural abilities and permitted, alongside the breeder to develop a program that we felt best suited their needs. From before the opening of their eyes and ears, the first time they lifted their weight onto their own legs, to their first offerings of behaviour for reinforcement. This has been a journey that I will never forget.

I’m extremely proud to say that so far, two of these gorgeous puppies have now entered our assistance dog and handler training program Puppy to Public Access™ – we are beyond excited to welcome their humans into the BEOTL family.

I’m attaching a few slides to this post to show some of the many hours spent over the last ten (10) weeks giving these puppies the very best introduction to their world possible. People often ask me what to look for in an assistance dog puppy; this is it!

| | | | | .au | Both Ends of the Leash | | |

22/06/2023

Happy ❤️ 🌻 🌈

B Kinder Day is a day to spread kindness, to reflect on how we can create space for more kindness in our daily life and empower others through connection.

Flyhighbillie trading as b kinder foundation
is a charity that sits very close to our hearts here at Both Ends of The Leash and their mission to make the world a kinder place through B Kinder Day & B Kinder Schools is truly inspiring.

Here we have Team Kaia sitting near a rainbow with her sunflowers bringing a smile to the many passing by. 🌻🌈

21/06/2023

I had the privilege of being at the table with these incredible people yesterday; great minds collaborating for the advancement of Animal Assisted Services. Thanks to Animal Therapies Ltd for your commitment & unwavering dedication to bringing the sector together. 🐕‍🦺🦮

This week, ATL brought together a group of industry leaders to talk all things Assistance Animals. Members at the meeting included
🐕 University of Adelaide,
🐕 Latrobe University,
🐕 University of Queensland,
🐕 ACT Govt, City Services
🐕 Guide Hearing and Assistance Dog team (GHAD - QLD Govt),
🐕 SA Dog & Cat Management Board,
🐕 Assistance Animals International
🐕 Pet Professional Guild Australia,
🐕Both Ends of the Leash,
🐕Delta Therapy Dogs,
🐕 Animal Behaviour Matters 🐕 Assistance Dogs Australia