Vicki Burton - Professional Dog Behavioural Trainer

20/12/2024

20/12/2024

A Kids’ Comprehensive Guide to Speaking Dog!

A fun, Interactive, educational resource to help the whole family understand canine communication
A fun, interactive, educational resource to help the whole family understand canine communication. Keep future generations safe by learning to “speak dog!” The perfect tool for parents, educators, dog trainers and behavior specialists to use in support of family pet dog training. Available in PDF and ePub versions
** Features the renowned Be a Tree® international dog bite safety program
** Real-life situations explained with photos and fun cartoons
** Complete toolbox to help children stay safe around just about any dog
** Written and contributed to by qualified canine training and behavior specialists

Also available in bulk at wholesale pricing as a tool for your training clients

https://dognosticseducation.com/courses/a-kids-comprehensive-guide-to-speaking-dog/

20/12/2024

19/12/2024

Happy 9th birthday Reuben 🐾 You are the most amazing buddy, family member, herding mate, my favourite work companion, our ring bearer and all round nice guy 🖤🎂🐾🖤

Please share with us all, some of your favourite photos of your canine buddies 🎂🐾🤍

16/12/2024

16/12/2024

BORN THIS WAY?
Why is a dog the way they are? Are they just born this way?

Genetics certainly play a part, but genetics are not always a reliable predicter of behaviour.

Genetics can provide us with insight as to what could be expected, but it’s so much more than just that.

Genetics, environment, life experiences and individuality all play a role in shaping a dog’s behaviour.

Just like us, dogs are unique individuals, each with their own personalities, emotions, likes and dislikes, sociability, preferences or different health issues. These often change throughout life.

Just as we learn and change through our life experiences, so do dogs. Negative or positive experiences, trauma, stress, learned habits, training methods, trust, feeling safe and secure, predictability and stability are all part of how these type of experiences affect behaviour.

Many dogs live in environments that are not compatible with what they were selectively bred to do.

People bred dogs to do certain jobs like guarding, herding, hunting, pointing, scenting, tracking or companionship. When dogs that were bred for specific jobs, find themselves “unemployed” and have no outlet for what they were originally bred to do, this often leads to pent up frustration and behaviour problems.

Conflict between the environment and a dog’s genetics are an increasingly common reason for behaviour problems.

Yes, a dog may have just been “born this way”, but always look at the whole picture to understand the why of behaviour.

Genetics, environment, individuality and experiences – they all matter.

15/12/2024

Is it play ?
That looks a bit rough....is it still ok ?
This is one of those areas where we can misread, or be concentrating SO much on our dog that we pay little to no attention to the other dog, or dogs.
Play really needs to be looked at as a whole picture.
If you are scared to even let your dog play, I understand....it can be scary....there is a brand new video in the comments about how to SAFELY introduce dogs.
This dog training poster is available abcdogsnz.com

15/12/2024

We’ve all heard them… 🙄

“Oh, it makes him look like Hannibal Lecter!”
"That dog must be dangerous."
"They look like they’re ready to snap."
"Muzzled dogs can’t be trusted."
”Keep that dog away from my dog.”

But have you ever stopped to think about the weight of these thoughtless statements?

For dog guardians, it’s more than just words… it’s an unfair judgement on their dog, their training, and the care they provide.

These comments can feel isolating, hurtful, and dismissive of the reality: muzzles are utilised for safety, not signs of danger.

Muzzles aren’t about restraining dangerous dogs… they’re about keeping dogs safe and comfortable in their environment. They allow dogs to navigate the world in a way that respects their needs and boundaries…. just like any other dog.

In 2025, let’s all be more mindful of our words. Let’s help others see muzzled dogs for what they truly are: loving, safe, sentient beings who deserve understanding and respect. 💕

13/12/2024

What's the big deal ❓What have they got to do with my dogs reactivity ❓
Pain 💥
If you can hear "click clack" on a hard surface, your dogs nails cannot go into the surface, so that pressure and force can go back up right into their feet.
The toes can splay because they cannot do anything else BUT become misaligned if their nails/claws are too long.
That affects the foot, that affects the joints and that can affect a dogs behaviour.
Pain affects behaviour and yes....pain can cause reactivity.
Is it just a coincidence that when your dog leaves the soft carpet or lawn of your house and goes outside on the footpath their behaviour changes?
For some dogs, taking this simple step can make a huge difference to their reactive outbursts.
Cutting or grinding the nails can make a big difference.
If you can hear "click clack"...it really is time for the "clip clip".
This dog training graphic is available abcdogsnz.com

13/12/2024

⚠️ Fireworks Warning 🎉

Fireworks are scheduled at the Coopers (Hindmarsh) Stadium on Saturday 14 December 2024, at approximately 9:30pm.

Please make sure your dogs and cats are safe and comfortable inside, that they have their ID on them, and that your information is up to date on Dogs and Cats Online. Please ensure your fencing is secure.

Check out our dog blog for more information on helping your dog (or cat!) with a Fireworks Frenzy: https://brnw.ch/FireworkFrenzy?

12/12/2024

‘Perhaps our language needs to shift so that we no longer ‘walk the dog’ but rather choose, very deliberately, with loving attentiveness, to ‘walk with the dog.’ Suzanne Clothier

Thank you Clothier I appreciate your role as an inspiration and educator, as well as your advocacy for the well-being of all creatures.