Vicki Burton - Professional Dog Behavioural Trainer

28/11/2023

Dogs, with their keen intellect and natural energy, need stimulation and exercise, both physical and mental. When their environment lacks these elements, they may resort to undesirable behaviours to cope with their under-stimulation. These can manifest as excessive chewing, digging, or barking, behaviours often mislabelled as 'naughty', but they're truly cries for help—desperate attempts to alleviate their boredom.

In severe cases, chronic boredom can lead to more profound issues such as separation anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive behaviours, creating a negative impact on the dog's overall wellbeing. Just as an artist loses their passion and joy when starved of inspiration, a bored dog loses their spark, resulting in a muted, frustrated version of their happy, lively self.

The destructive effects of boredom underline the importance of enriching a dog's environment with physical activities, training games, interactive toys, and social interactions. Meeting these needs can restore the vibrant colours on the canvas of their life, transforming boredom into joyous engagement.

Want some tips on how to relieve your dog's boredom for free - or want to share some tips for others? Use the comments.

28/11/2023

28/11/2023

Reuben was so happy when the storm passed, thundershirt off then back outside, to check our sheep and horses 🐑🐎

The rain was just what our chicory pasture needed 🌱🌱🌱, perhaps the 40ml we received, was a tad too much 🌊😅🌊 but no flooded driveways this time 👌

27/11/2023

27/11/2023

Deciding when the time is right is one of the hardest decisions we have to make.

Allowing our dog’s peace from physical or emotional pain is one of the final gifts we can provide them. But it never stops us wondering if we could have done more.

As their caregivers, only we can ever know if the time is right, sometimes only we are the ones who see their pain. Or their joy. We have to take some comfort in knowing that deep down, we did the right thing at the right time. We knew what was best for our dogs.

27/11/2023

Luna
Kelpie 16mth old

Stranger danger - wary.
Veterinary exam fear.
Will growl and lunge at some unfamiliar people & cyclists.

Lunas family has been very committed to her training, since we first met 8mths ago, and today her off lead recall was awesome 👌

We captured some lovely engage, then disengage with pedestrians out at the park today.

Her CHIN hold was the best 🥹 and she knew it 🐾👌

Love watching Team Luna grow together.
Video in comments 🐾🤎

27/11/2023

Zoe - Mini Schnauzer, 1yr
Jack - Mini Schnauzer, 9yr

Zoe
Fear aggression.
Lunges at visitors from behind.
Reactivity around children.

Meet these two beautiful Miniature Schnauzers who love their family, treats, and playing fetch with their toys.

Goals for Zoe
Help her feel more comfortable around people, children and dogs.
Less reactive barking when visitors arrive to the home.

What a fabulous home consult with Zoe and her buddy Jack.

Within minutes, we could capture so many desired behaviours with a clicker or marker word YES, these two loved their treats.

Both dogs kept busy with food dispensing toys whilst we chatted. I was able to walk about the house, whilst the family captured the quiet and non reactivity.

New homework set for the next few weeks, and a committed family set to go 👌

Top little Schnauzers 🩶🐾🐾🩶

27/11/2023

Predicted thunderstorms tonight ⛈️⚡️⛈️

Remember to check your BOM so you can be well and truly prepared to help have a calm canine buddy tonight 🤍

27/11/2023

Robbie Williams concert after a fun day at the Adelaide 500 Supercar race, was fantastic last night. Who else loves Robbie Williams 🎶🎉

25/11/2023

Even if you love dogs, not all dogs want your hands on them. In fact, the vast majority of dogs do not want a stranger to grope them, especially without asking THEM.

Even if the dog is familiar to you, ALWAYS ask and wait for consent. Better yet, let them ask you for cuddles!

When you are interacting, watch their body language and stop periodically to check that any interaction is still consensual.

Always respect every dog's personal space. Avoid leaning over or crowding them and avoid restraining them (hugs). *Hugs and kisses are a human thing, not a dog thing.

This doesn't mean you can never cuddle, spoon, have familiar dogs in your lap, etc., but they should always FULLY KNOW they have the ability to walk away, move away and not feel trapped. And it should be their choice.

Don't know the dog? Then just admire from afar. Many dogs are uncomfortable interacting with strangers and that's completely fine!

Amazing art by: on Instagram.

25/11/2023

25/11/2023

Too much too soon WILL cause issues.
It is a really common occurrence with newly adopted dogs.

Congratulations on your new dog.
I know you want to take them to the beach, the pet store and your café....however can I ask for a few minutes so I can explain just what your dog has gone through.....and why you need to take the next few weeks SLOW.
Your new dog has had it's whole world turned upside down.
They don't know you.
They don't know if they can trust you.
They don't know if they are with you for an hour or forever.
They may have been in various scary places.
Other houses, rescues, the pound and likely ALL of these in the past few days or weeks.
Your dog has stress hormones surging through their brain, they are STRESSED....they need to decompress, they need STABILITY in their environment and from you.
They need time with you and their new environment.
They need to know that the tree outside may rustle against the house and that's OK.
They need to know that those normal creaky noises in your house are OK and that at 3.45 the neighbours bang their door shut.
They need to know when it rains that tapping sound is OK.
They need to know that when the door opens they won't be moved somewhere else again.
They need to trust that YOU are safe even when you have had a bad day, you will still give them food and that they can close their eyes around you.
You know what your good intentions are with your new dog, your dog however has NO idea what is happening.....only that everything has changed and it is scary.
They do NOT need other new environments yet. Take it SLOW.
Dogs that have just been adopted need TIME. There is no need to rush out the next day and take them to all the places you want to go with them.....They need the opposite.
Let them decompress, let them inspect a new area of your house or yard every day or two. Walk them up and down outside your house for a few days (and only there), let them sniff, and sniff some more. Let them p*e freely.....it may be boring for you, but not for your dog. They need to know what is happening around them and they learn that through their nose, eyes and ears.
They NEED this.
They need to learn to TRUST you.
The long walks can wait, the café will still be there in a few weeks and you can visit the pet shop alone until they are ready.
Your bond together is the MOST important thing to concentrate on right now.
You will never regret taking it slow and it can save your dog and yourself from making the very same mistakes that can lead to people rehoming in the first place.
All the very best with your new dog.

24/11/2023

Remember to look for progess not perfection
Susan Garrett 🐾👌💛

23/11/2023

22/11/2023

Our dogs try so hard to fit in and adapt to our ever changing world, and living in an olfactory parallel universe, that can’t be easy.

So the when we step into their world first, we can help them understand ours better.

21/11/2023

21/11/2023

Millie
Kelpie x Poodle 2yr 10mths.

Won't recall when over excited
Exuberant with visitors at home
Wants to chase wildlife 🐇🐇

Meet the adorable Millie who just loves balls, frisbees, dogs, people, water, fritz, duck poo and wild bunnies.

Her family has put in hundreds of hours of training over the last 2+yrs. Millie has an awesome training history to grade 6, started flyball, and agility.

Millie's desire to dash off at full sp*ed and not recall during a lesson, or chase bunnies, or eat duck poo on her walks has led her to our first lesson today.

Well, what a fun lesson it was indeed 🐾💨🌪💨

Millie was recalling so well to each of us, we could collar hold, mark with a yes, release, and throw her ball. Her favourite reinforcement is her ball 🥎🏅🥎

Homework part A with visitors is click and treat when all four paws are on the floor 🐩

Zoomies around our fully fenced 1 acre yard was definitely one of Millie's favourite parts of the day, althought her ball still trumps everything. 🥎🥎🐾💨💨

20/11/2023

❌ IGNORE MY DOG MONDAYS ❌

Like most people, Keeva here likes to have her personal space respected when it comes to going for a walk; she doesn't want to stop and say hi to random strangers (just like we don't when we walk down the street).

Keeva's family do an excellent job of reading her body language telling them she's uncomfortable and protecting her personal bubble so she can enjoy the important things on walks like sniffing, playing, eating treats, and rolling in stinky things.

https://ignoremydog.com/products/imd-its-not-them-its-you-unisex-t-shirt

19/11/2023

When we work closely with our dogs, take small steps, we often forget to look back. We are so focused on our current challenges, that we don’t notice the huge progress we have already achieved.

While we want to move forwards, don’t forget to glance back every now and then to remind yourself just how great you are really doing.

19/11/2023

Lugar
Australian Cattle Dog x Collie. 6mth.
Reactivity towards unfamiliar dogs.
Jumps at the bird aviary.
Jumps on kitchen table & chairs.
Grabs feet and clothes when you walk by.
Chases cars.

Introducing the cutest fella.
Young Lugar is definitely a little pocket rocket 🚀and has so much energy 💨💨

Unfortunately, Lugar has already had a broken femur repaired after he was accidentally hit by a car whilst chasing another.
Lugar is now healed and ready for training.

He absolutely loved his first lesson today and showed his family how clever he really is.

Lugar had attended puppy pre-school, so we had some lovely basic foundations to build on.

Repertoire on point, slow release food dispensing toys, and loose lead walking out the front is homework part A for this busy family.

Busy, because they also care for rescued birds (in free flight large aviaries), 2 cats, 6 turtles in outdoor ponds with fish and Tyko, a lovely 12-year-old Cattledog x who would now like to relax and just watch his mate be trained 🐾👌
Vicki 🐾💙

18/11/2023

I love my job so much and then today my awesome clients surprised me with these beautiful Jurlique skincare products made right here in South Australia 🤍

18/11/2023

Daisy
Border Collie. 3 years
Small dog reactivity
Will growl and lunge if scared

Meet the beautiful Daisy. After being attacked by a small dog, Daisy now lunges and growls at unfamiliar small dogs and can be startled by some joggers coming up from behind her.

What a fantastic lesson we had today outside Dinton Farm Reserve Dog Park with a group of wonderful small dog owners inside the park.

Daisy was a superstar today, with her engagement of the small ones, then disengaging by herself. Her owners marked the desired behaviours with a click. Although she loves treats, Daisy's highest reinforcement is her ball, so that's what she got 🥎🏅🥎

Her owner's homework is keeping their reinforcement hand at a home base (their belly button) as Daisy will lazer focus on the slightest hand, wrist, and arm moment 👀

Fun session today and with such supportive dog owners in the park aswell.

Videos in comments 🐾🐾🐾👌🤍

18/11/2023

18/11/2023

Dogs kept as pets have restricted control over their lives, as they are subject to the decisions and regulations of their owners.

Their activities, diet, and socialisation are all managed by their owners. When we keep dogs, we need to meet their natural needs to ensure their physical and mental wellbeing. Meeting their natural needs helps to provide them with a sense of security and comfort, reducing stress and anxiety, as well as preventing boredom by providing them with physical and mental stimulation.

15/11/2023

While dog training plays a useful role in building a harmonious relationship with our canine companions, living ethically with dogs also involves respecting their inherent dogness and acknowledging their need to practice natural behaviours. Recognising that dogs have their unique instincts, drives, and desires allows guardians to create an environment that caters to these innate tendencies. By providing opportunities for dogs to engage in species-specific activities such as sniffing, digging, and foraging, we enrich their lives, promote mental well-being, and strengthen our bond with them. In essence, fostering an ethical relationship with dogs goes beyond training, encompassing a profound understanding and appreciation of their true nature.

The ISCP is built on these fundamental ethics. Join us today!
https://www.theiscp.com/

15/11/2023

What an awesome Christmas Gift idea 🐾🎁

Hi everyone!
Holiday season is here and to celebrate I’m offering new clients a Christmas special! Book an initial consult in before 2023 is up and receive a free half an hour walk and train session where I come and work on some training with your dog 🐾✨.

This package valued at $150 is only $110 (travel costs not included) through November and December 2023 🥳

If you know someone who has been looking for a helping hand with their dog, please don’t hesitate to share and reach out to me

Alice Frith
0435019092
[email protected]
Tails Will Wag Dog Training

15/11/2023

Terrific video teaching calmness at the door.
By Dr Chirag Patel. BSc. Dip CABT
🐾🤍

14/11/2023

These forms are for those who need extra help with sizing and fitting a muzzle. MTT can help you with the whole process taking the confusion and (most of the) effort out of it. The forms will explain what measurements, pictures, and information we need and why.

13/11/2023

Kid and pet safety is always an important topic, but this time of year - when kids and strange dogs may be interacting during extended family gatherings- it's REALLY important.

13/11/2023

** PARVOVIRUS ALERT **

Please be aware that there have been TWO confirmed cases of parvovirus on the LeFevre Peninsula in the past 72 hours, with Semaphore Vet confirming a case yesterday and our friends at Harbourside Vet confirming a case a few days ago.

What do dog owners need to know?

* Parvovirus is an extremely aggressive and highly contagious virus that attacks rapidly dividing cells (bone marrow and gastrointestinal system)
* It mostly affects puppies, but unvaccinated adults can also become ill
* The virus survives in the environment for up to 5 years, meaning dogs can contract the disease even if they have NO contact with other dogs
* WITHOUT treatment, it is highly fatal with a mortality rate of over 90%
* There is no cure, however with intensive care in hospital, survival rate increases to >80%
* Treatment requires 24/7 hospitalization and intensive care usually for 3-5 days – please note this is very costly and generally not covered by insurance as it is a vaccine preventable disease
* Vaccination is the BEST way to protect your dog against parvovirus, with the success rate of the vaccination being >99%

What are the symptoms of parvovirus?

* Inappetence and fatigue (sleepy puppies, not playing, not easy to rouse or tiring easily)
* Vomiting and/or diarrhoea – usually this is severe and rapidly causes dehydration
* Diarrhoea is usually foul smelling with the presence of blood (but not always)
* Abdominal pain (groaning/grunting/crying)
* Fever is usually present initially followed by a low body temperature

How do I keep my dog safe?

* Quite simply – ensure your dog is fully up to date with their vaccinations
* It is incredibly rare for vaccinated dogs to contract this disease, so rare in fact that the vaccine company will cover the cost of treatment if it happens
* Ensure puppies are not taken out into the community until 2 weeks AFTER their last puppy vaccination
* If your puppy is not yet fully vaccinated, keep them home
* Fully vaccinated dogs need not to worry and should go about their lives as normal

If your dog/s are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your closest vet clinic ASAP and keep them away from other dogs.

If you are unaware of your dog/s vaccination status and/or would like to book in, please do not hesitate to contact our clinic on 8249 9999.

Thank you,
The Team at Semaphore Vet 🐾