The Whole Dog Tasmania

30/01/2025

Update your knowledge:

24/01/2025

This girl likes to herd and associates any open green space as a high arousal environment. She is learning to be calm and comfortable watching action from the sidelines.

The arborist pictured was dropping limbs from the gum tree while Mia watched. After such a strong start we tested Mia with staying calm around a ball being kicked nearby, something she LOVES to get involved in.

Here is Mia enjoying enrichment next to her handler to help her associate calm feelings with this space. Team Mia, winning at training!

23/01/2025

In the puppy program, Clementine is featured in Care Dogs & Co 2025 calendar as September.
She has hit adolescence with a thump. This means we focus on basics and setting her up for success, as she varies day to day with focus thanks to those surging hormones.

Team Clementine practiced impulse control, learning to calmly exit doorways and gates at our last session. She is developing beautifully!

23/01/2025

We have been waiting for this moment. Finally, Kassandrah achieved her Down in the park. It’s a big deal for a little girl who has to regulate her emotions in a distracting environment.
I’m so proud of this team’s breakthrough!

23/01/2025

Old AI having a crack.
*crickets*

Common conversation between random dog trainer and random dog owner

19/01/2025

19/01/2025

Putting this here so I can always find it:

Need help choosing the best dog food? Don't worry, read this...

15/01/2025

For dogs aged 8+

⚠ATTENTION OLDER DOG OWNERS⚠

Dr Caroline Thursfield a Behaviour Veterinarian is undertaking a research project studying Ageing Changes in Older Dogs.

If you an owner of a dog aged 8+ and have a spare 10 minutes, we kindly ask you to please complete this survey for her
*LINK IN THE COMMENTS BELOW*

06/01/2025

Very useful explanation 🥰

02/01/2025

Starting off 2025 with Team Kassandrah training with distractions!

After a spicy start she settled down to surprise her handler with focus, loose lead walking on a new lead, and mat work.

With built-in breaks and enrichment, Team Kassandrah are gaining confidence and improving every session. Even when we throw in lots of variable!
Getting ready for assessment 😎

31/12/2024

The world of pain and punishment in “balanced” animal training is largely populated by men. The world of positive reinforcement is largely populated by women.

I wonder why?

16/12/2024

From my vet

With the temperature rising tomorrow, now is a pawfect time to talk about being sun safe with your dog!

🏃‍♀️If you choose to exercise your dog, try to do it early morning or late afternoon when the weather has cooled.

🌲 when walking, try to choose locations that have plenty of shade, soft cool substrate, and water.

🔥 Do the tarmac test; if you can’t comfortably hold your hand on the tarmac for 5-10 seconds, it’s too hot for their paws!

💦 Ensure your dog has plenty of water and lots of opportunities for a break while on their walk

🐍 With the warmer weather, keep an eye out for our slithery friends sun baking. Keeping your dog on lead helps keep them, us, and your dog safe.

🐶 Consider how your dog will handle the heat! Brachycephalic breeds (such as bulldogs, pugs, boxers etc), dogs with excessive coats, dogs with pre-existing conditions, and older dogs will suffer more in the heat.

☀️ Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition that very quickly can become fatal. Heatstroke requires immediate action, and often vet care. If you are unsure if your dog is experiencing heatstroke, it is extremely important to seek veterinary advice urgently.

Signs of heatstroke include;

❗️panting and drooling
❗️vomiting and diarrhoea
❗️rapid heart-rate
❗️bright red tongue and gums
❗️weakness or lack of coordination

We know that you love your dog, and if you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke it is extremely important to contact your veterinarian and have them assessed as soon as possible.

Stay safe everyone! 😎

If concerned please call the clinic on 62279586

15/12/2024

Sign and share

11/12/2024

A very good point by this mob.

💟🐾👍🏼

Anyone who has worked with me has heard me say "We are rewarding effort, not results." Probably in several different ways. But it's one of the most steadfast truths about learning that exists; if we wait for the results we miss out on all the chances to build a rock solid reinforcement history by rewarding effort. Especially when I am teaching dogs skills that are emotionally or physically challenging for them, I focus only on effort. Any minor nudge in the right direction is worthy of reinforcement. Remember; goals are achieved one EFFORT at a time.