Clare Valley Home Services & Dog Training

20/12/2024

19/12/2024

17/12/2024

Stopping or suppressing behaviours may seem like it will achieve everything we want but that truth is that it will not.

Behaviour happens for a reason. It is communication. It is telling us that there is something occurring that makes the dog feel they need to show that behaviour in that moment.

Stopping the behaviour might initially stop our 'problem' but it doesn't address that why, the underlying cause and how the dog is feeling. That is what we need to understand before attempting to change (not just stop) behaviour.

Is something scaring the dog?

Are they uncomfortable or in pain?

Are they hungry or thirsty?

Are they able to carry out natural and normal behaviours regularly?

Is their communication and body language observed and respected, so they don't feel the need to escalate their signalling?

Are they bored and need more stimulation in their environment?

Are they over-stimulated and need to learn how to switch off and rest?

These are a (non-exhaustive) points to consider when our dogs do something we find problematic - the why of behaviour is always the first thing we must think about.

16/12/2024

Have you ever had one of those days where things just seem to happen, one after another, until you just can’t take any more? Welcome to the concept of trigger stacking.

This is perhaps even more important to understand at this time of year, when there is so much activity and things going on, with lots of different people, smells, etc.

To explain how trigger stacking works, here’s an excerpt from my book Fight or Fright:

“Imagine a scenario for me. You are in the supermarket and get into a queue to pay for your shopping. You may not have much, and anticipate getting out of there smoothly, without hassle. Someone cuts in line in front of you. It is annoying, but they only have a couple of items and give you a big friendly smile. It really is not that big a deal, so although it could be considered annoying, you leave it and avoid the aggravation.

Let us rewind now to earlier in the day…

• You walk out of the house to see that you have a flat tyre. How annoying!
• Someone cuts you up at the roundabout. Clearly they are an idiot but no damage done.
• Every traffic light seems to go red as you are on your way. This ‘quick trip’ to the shop is taking forever.
• In the car park, the only space left is on the far side of the car park, next to someone that cannot park their car properly within the lines so it is hanging over into your space. This means that you have to squeeze in very carefully and just hope you will be able to get back in your car when you come to leave.
• You start making your way around the shop and it becomes clear that you have ‘that’ trolley – the one with a mind of its own and absolutely no intention of being steered anywhere meaning your back and shoulders are getting really sore.
• Then, to cap it all off, someone cuts you up in line and gives you this big over cheerful smug grin as they do so. That is just the last straw and you explode at them.

Anyone looking on would likely say ‘They just went off on one out of nowhere!’

Welcome to the concept of trigger stacking. Any one of the things that happened on the way to the store or during your shopping trip is annoying to have happen, but add them all together and it is just too much. Every one of those things that has caused you some annoyance lingers in the system for a little while, and that means that the effect is building up. One or two of those occurrences before the queue jumper at the store might have meant that you were left irritated but did not fly off the handle at the person barging in, but the added effect of all of them took you beyond what you could stand without losing it – it took you beyond your reaction threshold.

Dogs are no different.”

It’s not just negative things that can lead to trigger stacking. Over excitement can also result in a dog bubbling over and not being able to cope. Anything that raises the dog’s (or our) arousal levels can all accumulate until the point where it’s just all too much.

This is why it is so important to be able to recognise the signs of increased arousal so we can tell if our dog needs a break and a chance to calm down so they don’t reach that threshold point and life stays calmer for both them and us.

15/12/2024

When it’s too hot to go for a walk. Treats on the lawn as well. 40 minutes to complete

15/12/2024

Today was an early start and an early finish to beat the heat. 2 dogs have finished there snake awarness training and little Muffin has completed her 5 weeks of basic training.
Congratulations Sarah and muffin 🎓

☀️🌩️No dog walks or training tomorrow as this evening will be warm and it’s going to be hot early tomorrow and there might even be a thunderstorm 🤦‍♀️but back to normal on Tuesday.

15/12/2024

Taking bookings now. 1 spot left for Thursdays class.

13/12/2024

🚨 Heat Stroke in Dogs: Know the Signs! 🚨

As temperatures rise, it's important to be aware of the signs of heat stroke in dogs, a serious condition that can happen quickly and without warning. 🌞🐾

Signs to watch for:

🌡️ High body temperature
💦 Excessive panting or drooling
❤️ Rapid breathing or heart rate
😴 Weakness or lethargy
💩 Vomiting or diarrhea
🦷 Bright red or pale gums
🤯 Staggering or confusion

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, act fast: Move them to a cooler area, offer small amounts of water, and contact your vet immediately.

See link in comments for more information about heat stroke.

12/12/2024

Ute trays get hot!
While your dog may love the wind in their hair while travelling on the back of a ute, always check the utes surface temperature before allowing them to travel on them.
Ute trays should be covered with a material that will not hold the heat to prevent serious burns to your dogs paws.
Metal trays heat up and hold the heat at cooking temperature on hot summer days so before you let your dog up, check the temperature by holding the back of your hand on the tray surface for 10 seconds, if it is too hot for your hand it is too hot for your dogs paws.

10/12/2024

A BIG THANK YOU
To everyone who has supported my business this year it’s very much appreciated.
As a lot of you know I have another job a couple of days a week besides working with dogs. I need to thank my work mates at Clare Fashion and Fabric for having my back when I leave early to go and set up ready for a puppy class or when I talk dog stuff to them(They’re probably thinking oh gosh here she goes again 😜)
Also a BIG thank you to my boss/ sister in law Katie Jenner for allowing me to leave work early to go and run my own business when needed, it’s very much appreciated.

08/12/2024

05/12/2024

Keep Your Pets Cool This Summer!

Hot days can be tough for our pets. Here are some simple tips to help them stay safe and comfortable:

1️⃣ **Provide Plenty of Water** 💧
Always have fresh, cool water available. Add ice cubes for extra chill!

2️⃣ **Create a Shady Spot** 🌳
Set up a shaded area outdoors or keep them indoors during peak heat hours.

3️⃣ **Avoid Hot Pavement** 🌡️
Walk your pet early in the morning or later in the evening. If the path is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws!

4️⃣ **Offer Cooling Treats** 🍉
Freeze dog-safe fruits like watermelon or make ice cube treats with their favourite flavours.

5️⃣ **Use Cooling Gear** ❄️
Try cooling mats, vests, or bandanas designed for pets.

6️⃣ **Never Leave Them in the Car** 🚗
Even a few minutes can be dangerous. Always take them with you or leave them at home.

7️⃣ **Know the Signs of Overheating**
Watch for excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy. If you’re worried, contact the Clinic immediately!