Happy Dogs

08/04/2025

06/04/2025

Is calmness a choice 🤔❓
This is firmly aimed at those dogs with no "off switch".
Dogs WILL become more of what they practice everyday.
If this sounds familiar....
➡️No exercise apart from high arousal games.
➡️No restorative rest or sleep during the day.
➡️Wandering a yard all day where they are reacting to noises, birds, traffic and that barking dog that is far, far away.
➡️Reacting through a fence to any movement through those slats.
➡️High energy that you just cannot keep up with.

If this is what is practiced and you are struggling with their behaviour....choices need to be made.
Changes must be put in place.
It isn't hard but it requires a bit of discipline from our end to offer our dogs different options than what they are currently offered.
If you are struggling...two videos can help immensely with this.
Links in the comments.
This new dog training graphic is available through abcdogsnz.com (just click the dog training graphics tab)🙂

05/04/2025

I know it can be incredibly upsetting when your dog reacts.
Lunges❗
Growling
Barking💥
It really is an emotional journey for you both, clients just want to help their dog and their dogs are struggling.
Take a step back....write down some commonalities you have noticed.
Is 25 metres away from a trigger, but 15 metres too close ?
Great !!!! That's information you can use !
There is a brand video in the comments about how to shut down a reaction quickly and also how to really help a reactive dog.
Feel free to have a looksie.

27/03/2025

Recently, dog training advocate Zak George asked me about crossover dog trainers, and framed the question in such a different way that it inspired replying w...

26/03/2025

Celebrating 5 Years & 300 Episodes! Join Us with Special Discounts.

25/03/2025

Celebrating 5 Years & 300 Episodes! Special Discounts Open

25/03/2025

Run for longer ❓ Walk faster ⏱️Throw that ball for longer ⚽
When is enough, enough ....because these dogs just won't stop!
We can inadvertently "feed" these dogs insatiable need for movement and exercise.
With the best of intentions we think we are helping to tire them out when many times all we are doing is creating a dog with incredible stamina that is hooked into an adrenaline fueled cycle that we have inadvertently created.
Is a tired dog a "good" dog or are they just physically exhausted and when they wake the never ending loop begins all over again.
In the comments is a bit of an eye opening video that can help you and your dog get out of this eternal cycle.

This dog training graphic is available through https://www.abcdogsnz.com/product-page/abc-dogs-nz-no-off-switch?srsltid=AfmBOoqRXrHNX4oxzH-bYYeoaaKQcVPsbWY2uexEDsXNXes4WBbXJi4-

25/03/2025

23/03/2025

Wait a minute❗
It is so important to allow some processing time.⌚
Wait a few seconds instead of repeating yourself again, and again, and again...it is such and easy and damaging habit to slip into.
Are we expecting too much in an environment full of distractions when they have never really been exposed slowly to even mildly distracting environments?
Cue nagging is a slippery slope indeed.....
This dog trainer graphic is available through abcdogsnz.com just click the dog training graphics tab.🙂

23/03/2025

Hand targeting is a powerful skill that can transform the way you communicate with your dog. In this dog training video, I guide you through the process of t...

21/03/2025

Looking for fast and easy dog training solutions? A quick fix won’t get the dog behavior you really want long term, so I’m covering what to do instead! Wheth...

20/03/2025

For all you reactive/ socially sensitive dog owners out there that can’t afford in person dog training… this online course is great!

Lifetime Trainer Support

19/03/2025

I sometimes receive comments that some dogs need all 4 quadrants of dog training. But what does that mean, why does it matter for your dog, and what does sci...

18/03/2025

WHEN TRAINING WON’T WORK

There is a common misconception that reactivity, anxiety or fear related behaviour can be “fixed” through training alone.

Barking, lunging, reactivity, aggression, constant hypervigilance - as though danger is waiting behind every corner, hiding or cowering away at the slightest trigger or sometimes shutting down completely are all signs of a nervous system that’s in overdrive and is unregulated.

This behaviour is not a training issue - it’s not bad behaviour, disobedience, stubbornness or some other type of negative label, - it’s a nervous system issue.

Although dogs and people have remarkably similar social and emotional brains, this doesn’t mean that dogs are able to think like we do, or have the words or means to process what is causing their stress or trauma.

When stress is not released, it remains stuck, keeping the nervous system in overdrive or in survival mode.

When a dog or a person is stuck in this state, the brain isn’t able to learn new things or learn to behave in a different way.

This is why trying to “train away” anxiety, fear or reactive type behaviour does not work. We first have to work on the nervous system.

Here are some links related to this subject that provide more information on how to help dogs that are struggling -

How to identify and remove triggers that keep a dog stuck in a cycle of stress and anxiety - Annie Phenix
https://phenix-dogs-canine-behavior-experts-llc.kit.com/7-steps

Creating a healing environment - podcast by Dr Laura Donaldson
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-laura-donaldson-compliance-is-not-cooperation/id1708279785?i=1000693042973

Trauma Informed Dog Training – Book by Sally Gutteridge
https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Informed-Dog-Training-Professionals/dp/B0DS4T1W8M

What does it mean to be Trauma Informed - Dr Laura Donaldson
https://www.icbdogs.com/product-page/laura-donaldson-what-does-it-mean-to-be-trauma-informed

Ace Free Work – helps the nervous system relax, reset and rebalance
https://www.allpetseducationandtraining.com.au/ace-free-work.html

16/03/2025

13/03/2025

Have you heard the news that positive reinforcement doesn't work? The truth about the dog training success enjoyed by positive reinforcement-based dog traine...

12/03/2025

When transitioning from aversive, traditional dog training methods (methods involving pain, fear, stress, discomfort) toward modern approaches, one of the most critical shifts is in our MINDSET.

Rather than focusing exclusively on external obedience or immediate compliance, we must prioritize nurturing the dog’s emotional and mental well-being.

Think of BEHAVIOR as a reflection of a dog’s internal emotional state, desired behavior emerges naturally when a dog feels safe, secure, and motivated.

Our goal as trainers and guardians should be to promote this positive emotional state, effectively bringing desired behaviors from the inside out. When a dog feels good on the inside, great behavior naturally follows on the outside.

Instead of asking, “How can I stop this unwanted behavior quickly?” we should first ask, “Why is my dog engaging in this behavior, and how can I help address their underlying needs?” “What can I do to safely manage them while I address these underlying needs?”

By prioritizing our dog’s emotional and psychological well-being, we can create conditions under which they naturally offer behaviors we want to reinforce.

Here are some of my best tips for those who are evolving beyond aversive methods.

Pay attention to your dog’s body language, energy levels, and environment to understand their emotions and motivations. This awareness lets you proactively address their needs, preventing unwanted behavior before it even starts.

Secondly, every interaction is an opportunity to build or erode trust. Opt for interactions that reinforce safety, comfort, and predictability, steering clear of those that cause stress or fear.

Next, give your dog opportunities to make decisions and offer consent when possible, such as stepping away if uncomfortable. Choice builds confidence and reduces frustration.

Instead of strict obedience as your ultimate goal, consider success as your dog’s growing comfort, engagement, and happiness. A dog who feels safe and connected is naturally more receptive to learning.

Shift your methods to focus on reinforcing behaviors you want through rewards like food, play, and affection. Consistently rewarding desired behaviors enhances learning and maintains emotional well-being.

Remember, changing methods doesn’t imply a personal failure, it’s an evolution toward kinder, more effective strategies.

Prioritizing emotional health is not only ethical; it leads to more profound and sustainable behavior changes.