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It's Not About The Dog

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Hobart, TAS
It's Not About The Dog

It's Not About The Dog! K9 Parenting Programs
M: 0409 321 793
E: [email protected]
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formerly known as Ziggy's TLC will empower all K9 parents to be the absolute best they can be in all our K9 parenting programs.

29/10/2024

Another little hideaway Bolton beach triabunna.
Did a full walk all the way along the beach, had a picnic lunch then my boy rested taking in the glorious sunshine while I worked in my office for a couple of hours with this view.
Tassie truly is a gorgeous place to be, great energy, clean fresh air.

27/10/2024

Awesome little social meet and greet this morning with these 2 little darlings.
Staffie x male 4 months and first time off lead with another dog and he was a little champ.
It’s not k9 parents letting their pups down it’s the dog training industry. Too much focus on bloody training rather than focusing in on seeing to a dog’s basic needs and social skills with other dogs and everyday environments.
The number one behaviour to teach a puppy is settle.
These 2 will meet up again and we will aim to introduce another dog.
Yes my sessions are always set up to set the dogs up for success absolutely no free run for all and see what happens.

24/10/2024

Met this bundle of joy puppy yesterday for a session and she is just a darling, thrives on humans attention.
This sweet girl being a country pup has not had the opportunity to meet other dogs so this morning she met up with my boy and she was a little gem.
Time to get some puppy socials going here as not just an opportunity for pups to learn and practice their social skills and etiquette their humans will become fluent in K9 lingo.

22/10/2024

Does your dog suffer with arthritis?
Red light therapy pad well this has been one of my best purchases and worth every dollar for my boy.
Red light can help reduce inflammation so is seen as a natural pain relief.
I use this 3-4 times a week for around 20 minutes on the days he has had big swims and he always lets me know if he needs it or not.
If he needs it he will just rest while I place it on him.
If he does not need it he will turn and look at me and if I don't remove it straight away he will get up and move.
Along with red light he has daily Augustine superboost which has tumeric in it which is also a natural anti-inflammatory.
When he is obviously really sore he has pain meds and the days just a little stiff he has a homeopathic remedy for joint stress.
I only feed a natural raw diet opps and lets not forget CBD oil.
The above is what works for my boy as we have to remember each dog is different just like us humans what works for one person may not work for another.
My boy is 12 doesn't look it, and he acts like he is still 6, still so much energy.
Remember dogs are really good at hiding pain and so with the senior dogs if they are not showing obvious signs most will think their dogs are doing ok.
Most senior dogs are more than likely to have some arthritis and if they have had any injuries at all in their earlier life even more sore.
Remember to check in with your vet and have the chat about arthritis and how to manage it best.

21/10/2024

Met this gorgeous 18 month Cavoodle boy today and he is just the sweetest❤️
This boy has a wonderful human that sees to all his daily needs, we are going to add in a little home enrichment.
This boy is a real thinker and observer and needs very clear signals on what is expected in his everyday life.
Today’s session we focused on settle , stay, quiet request and recall. Yes seems a lot though when shown and taught in everyday real life situations it really isn’t and this boy made it look so easy and he didn’t put a paw out of place.
In situations where he may have barked he chose not too and yes he got paid. In situations where he would have jumped and he chose not too he got paid.
My favourite part was listening to him and teaching his human K9 lingo.
Really enjoyed this chilled out session.

20/10/2024

Chill out Sunday 🐾
Living in the moment never know what the day holds.
Ended up going on a little exploring adventure along a narrow walk track with the constant amazing views of the ocean.
Going on different walks provides mental stimulation so when you can remember to change your outings as even our dogs don’t like ground hog days.
Really enjoy our outings together.

17/10/2024

A lovely outing today at our favourite beach.
My boys new little JR mate will be 13 tomorrow and the old boy well has had some extremely bad experiences with dogs in the past.
Yet with Ryda he is just a cool little dude that seems to enjoy my boys company , running, chasing the ball and just hanging out.
Together they worked out how to interact together with their own made up ball game.
Years ago my boy was the student and now he is the teacher for many dogs.
Even when dogs have negative experiences with other dogs it doesn’t mean they can’t find a friend with another K9, it just has to be the right one.
Us humans don’t like all humans but we all need ( even us introverts ) need to have a friend or 2.
The real friends are the ones that respect and listen to each other. When it comes to our dogs this is why we need to understand K9 lingo so you can listen in on the dog’s conversations and reward the good choices they make with each other.
Both dogs had a great time downside for the old JR was he got a little drunk on sea water and had watery trots and a couple of vomits, funny as no different to us humans having a party with friends with a few drinks to many, going home having a vomit feel crap then wake up with hangover but by gosh the party was fun😜🐾
Noted not fun for the person having to clean up.

16/10/2024

My office today🐾
Much better environment to do all the unwanted jobs of running a business.

15/10/2024

Benefits of understanding K9 body language or as I say K9 lingo is that you can listen in on your dogs conversations with others.
You will have a good idea of their emotional state and their intentions.
When it comes to K9 interactions dogs do not need or like meeting unfamiliar dogs on a regular basis, though they do like to have 2-3 regular K9 buddies to hang out with as this does keep up their social skills.
When catching up with their friends aim to go to a quiet park or beach where its just them or catch up at each other's houses which is great as the humans can hang out with a coffee or wine and the k9s can just hang out and play without the worry of having to navigate around unfamiliar K9s.
The older the dogs are the less likely they will want to play or interact as much.
Do what your dog enjoys and only place them in environments that they are truly happy in.

14/10/2024

There is truly nothing like a deep connection with your K9 buddy and being out in nature together just being.
I understand why some people try to hold on to their dogs when they discover they have a serious diagnosis such as cancer and
age also plays a big part in many people decisions.
Many will do whatever it takes just to have the possibility of just a few more months together.
I wonder if the dog could choose what would they do?
Would they choose to go through the dreaded surgery procedure of one or more? chemo or radiotherapy, put themselves through days of feeling crap just to get a little more extra time.
We need to remember dogs are not humans and they live in the moment.

12/10/2024

Teaching your K9 buddy to go a mat has so many benefits.
When visitors come over request your dog to go to their mat.
When you come home from work or the shops request your dog to go to their mat.
When you are having family dinner request your dog to go to their mat.
When you want to place walking equipment on request your dog to go to their mat.
These are just a few examples, and when you are consistent with this expected behaviour in each situation your dog will know what to do in these situations.

11/10/2024

Cressy beach definitely my boys favourite beach.
Another couple of hrs spent walking swimming, sniffing and just being.
The request this way let’s go means changing direction let’s go this way.
Teaching dogs behaviours is not hard if you can listen to dogs.

10/10/2024

Consistency is the key to all dog training.
If your behaviour is predictable your dogs behaviour will be predictable.

09/10/2024

Does your dog dislike having a bath, nails clipped, being groomed or just doesn’t like certain body parts being touched.
Like anything your dog may be concerned about it’s all about being patient with them and listening to them while you do a little bit of training with them to overcome their worry and for any of the experiences to become more positive .
This can be done through counter-conditioning and de-sensitising while making sure through the whole process you go at the dog’s pace.
My boy used to be very reactive when it came to bathing, and brushing and now he is more than willing for me to do both.
Take things slow and always listen to your dog it is only then that your dog can trust you.

05/10/2024

Dogs need to have the opportunity to run free and just be a dog.
They need times away from city life in spaces where they don’t have to navigate around busy environments.
To give them the opportunity to do this it is important to teach a good recall.
Today we spent time at Cressy beach it was gorgeous nobody around just the boy and I hanging out together. It’s these times that I truly treasure.

02/10/2024

Woof!
Wagging my tail right letting you know that with your K9 buddy only 20% is about teaching them, the other 80% is the humans learning how to understand us awesome dogs and teaching us what you would like us to do.
Every dog and human is an individual so head down as I want to remind you not to put pressure on yourself or your dog, enjoy your journey together the good and sometimes not so good.
you are both doing great and if you feel you need a little assistance or a K9 interpreter then Bark out through a text message to Zigrid and I will put my paw on the dial so she can have a chat to you.
Have a wagging happy tail day.
Ryda Boy 🐾

02/10/2024

Look at this handsome 7 month old Kelpie boy💙🐾
One of the first dogs I got to work with and his lovely human family of 4 in Tassie this past week.
Did a little follow up today and already his family are seeing some lovely changes.
Dogs really do want to please they just need to be understood.
Now if I could just have my awesome Brissie Kelpie here as they would be great mates and this lad would have such a great K9 teacher to learn from

29/09/2024

Dogs and humans have 2 different communication systems.
While humans make direct eye contact, hug and kiss to many dogs these behaviours done to them can make them feel uncomfortable.
When we understand K9 lingo we can have a far deeper bond and connection with our dogs.
Dogs are never stubborn or naughty they are just being dogs doing dog behaviour. Behind every behaviour there is emotion driving that behaviour.
When you understand K9 lingo you can know the emotion that is driving that behaviour.
Dogs do their best to understand humans we owe it to them to learn their lingo.
understanding K9 lingo is more important than teaching behaviours as when you understand K9 lingo it actually makes teaching your dog anything so much easier.
Want to learn the language of your K9 buddy then reach out to me.
K9 communication Private Sessions and workshops coming soon.

26/09/2024

For over 24 years I have been in the dog training industry.
At the start there was only 8 dog trainers in Brisbane and only 3 were positive reward based training.
10 years ago when I started up in Hobart only 1 or 2 vets were running puppy classes and none really knew much about behaviour because vets are all about medicine.
Hobart has now progressed which is so lovely to see, though when it comes down to dog training it does not matter where you go, with the dog training industry not being regulated there is a big bag of mixed dog trainers that use positive training methods and those that use aversive training methods.
You would think over these years that we would have progressed in the dog training world as we have far more understanding of dogs now than ever and we have to a point.
What everyday pet parents don't know is that our industry right now is at its worse and is exploding with dog trainers on the opposite side of the fence positive trainers verses negative trainers and after all the progress we have made through studies and science and having a better understanding of dogs that aversive dog trainers would have faded out, but this cannot happen until our industry becomes regulated.
Now when I use the word aversive it is in regards to the tools that are used such as prong collars, E-collars, throw cans etc tools that are used than can create physical and mental, emotional pain plus any training that is done through force, fear, domination and intimidation.
Science base positive dog trainers like myself do not use these tools, we allow the dog to take full part in their training, we set them up to make good choices, dogs have the right to say no.
positive dog training is not all about the food, toys, play it's about building a strong bond and connection through respect and understanding.
A good dog trainer/K9 coach will set each dog and their human up for success
A good dog trainer/K9 coach will never use intimidation or force or any such aversive tool there is absolutely no need for them and there is no place in dog training for them. Yet there seems to be more dog trainers using them these days.
I will add that the trainers using them have absolutely no qualifications in dog behaviour training.
When we listen to a dog they will trust us.
Remember dogs have emotions, feelings and needs.
Dog training is overrated what K9 parents need to do first is see to their dogs daily emotional, mental and physical needs, and start learning and understanding K9 communication and you do these 2 things you are 80% there with most dogs which leaves you with only 20%of training required if that.
For me as a dog trainer/k9 coach I am not here to change the world I am here to do my little bit for the dog world coaching one family at a time with their own individual needs as every human and their dog are individuals.
I refuse to get caught up in the dog s**t and dog fights of my industry
I feel social media is getting out of control with people bullying and bad mouthing. We can only make changes if we are open to making changes.
being loud mouthed, being a bully or being rude does not change anything as rectivitivy can create reactivity.
We can be role models with our own kind calm actions.
For the love of your dog if you ever need professional assistance then always look for a qualified certified professional dog trainer.

24/09/2024

Dogs need time to run free and just do what dogs do normally. Sniff, roll around, walk and run at their pace in whatever direction they want.
Now if you don't do this because your dog does not have a great recall no problem, start working on your recall by placing your dog on a 5 meter long lead and start capturing all the good choices your dog makes from just looking back at you, to walking close with you and the times they come back to you and yes this is all done without you asking anything of them as they are choosing to do it. After a few sessions of this you can start placing hand signals and words to those behaviours making sure you reward well and the rewards are what your dog finds rewarding.
And for the love of your dog please avoid being a helicopter parent as that is one of the quickest ways for your dog to start switching off from you and your nagging voice.
One of the things that bring me great joy is seeing a dog running free and just being.

16/09/2024

No E-collar on my boy to keep him away from wanting to chase livestock, just always captured the good choices he makes which has always been calm behaviour.
He can look but just hang out with me mate🐾

Address

Hobart, TAS
7000

Opening Hours

Tuesday	9am - 6pm
Wednesday	9am - 6pm
Thursday	9am - 6pm
Friday	9am - 6pm
Saturday	9am - 6pm
Sunday	9am - 6pm

Telephone

+61409321793

Website

http://www.itsnotaboutthedog.com.au/

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Videos

My boy is 12 when will he slow down. It is important to keep our senior dogs active at a level they can handle and enjoy🐾

Met this bundle of joy puppy yesterday for a session and she is just a darling, thrives on humans attention. This sweet girl being a country pup has not had the opportunity to meet other dogs so this morning she met up with my boy and she was a little gem. Time to get some puppy socials going here as not just an opportunity for pups to learn and practice their social skills and etiquette their humans will become fluent in K9 lingo. #INATD #dogtrainer #dogcommunication

A lovely outing today at our favourite beach. My boys new little JR mate will be 13 tomorrow and the old boy well has had some extremely bad experiences with dogs in the past. Yet with Ryda he is just a cool little dude that seems to enjoy my boys company , running, chasing the ball and just hanging out. Together they worked out how to interact together with their own made up ball game. Years ago my boy was the student and now he is the teacher for many dogs. Even when dogs have negative experiences with other dogs it doesn’t mean they can’t find a friend with another K9, it just has to be the right one. Us humans don’t like all humans but we all need ( even us introverts ) need to have a friend or 2. The real friends are the ones that respect and listen to each other. When it comes to our dogs this is why we need to understand K9 lingo so you can listen in on the dog’s conversations and reward the good choices they make with each other. Both dogs had a great time downside for the old JR was he got a little drunk on sea water and had watery trots and a couple of vomits, funny as no different to us humans having a party with friends with a few drinks to many, going home having a vomit feel crap then wake up with hangover but by gosh the party was fun😜🐾 Noted not fun for the person having to clean up. #INATD #dogtrainer #dogcommunication

Cressy beach definitely my boys favourite beach. Another couple of hrs spent walking swimming, sniffing and just being. The request this way let’s go means changing direction let’s go this way. Teaching dogs behaviours is not hard if you can listen to dogs. #INATD #dogtrainerhobart #dogcommunication

K9 buddies

Needed a little time out this morning to just switch off before a massive last 5 days ahead. The beach was empty and my boy and his BF could just be and didn’t have to navigate around anything or anyone. Their relationship is so easy and watching them together playing their game of ball and following the rules they made between them brings pure joy. I believe no matter what species we are relationships should be easy and based on respect, trust and clear communications. Those that know me well know that I never change the goal post and I am always consistent😜 Now feeling recharged.

K9 interaction.

OMG my assistant kelpie is just way too awesome. Black kelpie x 7 months is a rescue dog and been with his now forever family for over a week and he is truly lovely. This afternoon did an assessment for his socials skills and all went well I didn’t have to do anything except the commentary on the interaction as assistant dog did all the work. Took black kelpie x around 15-20 minutes to learn the rules of any interaction/play Now they are buddies. Fantastic little session and I am still happy dancing. Just love seeing dogs happy and just being dogs. A massive thank you to my assistant dogs human for taking time out of her day and at such short notice Please last and final off will give you $20,000 now and he can come to Hobart with me🤣❤️🐾 #INATD #dogcommunication #dogbodylanguage #dogtrainer

K9 interaction

The highlight of my day, a real feel good heart melt. Spunky little dachshund is having private training with puppy socials. The big boy is a 60kg rottie x wolfhound, I did a set up introduction last week with Daschy in his play pen all was great and have been doing this for a week then today I turned up and the big boy just looked at me and so relaxed and it was time to let the little fella out as not at any time have either of the dogs displayed reactivity to each other. #INATD #Dogbodylanguage #dogcommunication

Always focus on the positive behaviours your dog displays rather than any negative behaviours. Dogs can only be dogs living in a dominant human world🐾 #INATD #dogcommunication #dogtrainer #dogtrainingisfun

K9 interaction 🐾

In the park alone this morning so my boy could get his off lead time and ball. Now he loves a beagle because his k9 companion was darcy. So when another beagle entered the park I decided to stay as normally I would leave. It was lovely to watch and there were baby short bursts of play bows and body bumping and chasing. Yes I sound like a crack record but when you understand K9 lingo you can just stand back and listen in on the dogs conversations and just let them be dogs. Only intervene to navigate if a dog is not listening to another, and even then sometime you may not have too as their could be another confident dog around that come in and split them up, a little bit like the teacher in a school playground 😜🐾 (Nicked that analogy from a wonderful client) I have permission from the Beagles human to use this video. Yes don’t fall over I actually spoke to a person in the park😂 miracles can happen🐾🌻 #INATD #dogcommunication #dogbodylanguage

Great interaction with these 2 boys this morning. When you can read k9 body language it makes dog parks, going to dog beaches and just being around other dogs far more relaxed as you can listen in on the dogs conversation and only intervene and help navigate the situation only when it’s absolutely necessary. #INATD #dogbodylanguage #dogcommunication #dogplay #doginteraction

Big mama Lab doing her thing in puppy social this morning. It was great seeing each pups interaction with her, each one is so different. Puppy socials and older dogs set up socials are a great way to learn and get that greater understanding of k9 lingo and body language. Understanding K9 lingo helps you to understand and communicate more effectively. #INATD #dogcommunication #dogbodylanguage

K9 interaction 🐾

Permission to share❤️ A feel good happy Friday moment. Big handsome boy lab is just loving his new family addition. Watch the body language between them both just gorgeous interaction. Could sit and replay this all day. #INATD #dogcommunication

Simple idea of throwing a few treats around palats / boxes or any item then send your dog out to find them. great little activity to do on your walks that provides extra mental stimulation. #dogconmunication #INATD #dogtrainer #dogtrainingisfun #bodylanguage

This Border collies outing with me today was so lovely. A few months back he would not go near a fence when he saw a dog he would look and just come to me for security. Past few weeks he has shown more confidence so now I think he is ready to meet a couple of dogs. This boy has always been allowed to make choices, he has always been set up to make good choices. At any time he was not sure what to do I would assist him in navigating the situation and he would always be rewarded. Trust, respect and clear calm communication with consistency is all it takes. #INATD #dogtrainer #dogconmunication

I have had permission to share🙏🏼 One of my favourite local labs is doing awesome with his new k9 buddy family member . This was taken just a few days after her arrival. Every relationship is different some take longer than others. This little pup was added to the family not for the humans but for their gorgeous boy to have a mate. Now this big boys life is complete and all his needs are met. I could sit all day and watch and teach k9 lingo. This video is just a heartmelt❤️🐾🐾