Pawspectives

27/11/2025

SENSITIVE DOGS NEED SUPPORT. Movement helps. I had just started “shaping” Ivy to step on a square “mat” when a BIG distraction appeared. Focusing on where to put her feet, in a controlled pattern, helped her cope with the unexpected sight and sound of a motorbike. (So did my “hand target” and speaking in a calm engaging way after I ran out of treats). A treat scatter bought me time to reset the movement "game” before the motorbike got closer and louder. Such a powerful lesson from the Canine Behaviour Diploma I am studying. When scary things happen dogs feels they have no control over their lives. They can go through life looking for the danger rather than the opportunity. Pessimism versus optimism. A great gift we can give dogs is the feeling of agency. This game teaches the concept that instead of getting stuck in stillness or reacting, they can get out of a scary situation with a different coping strategy, disengage and move away. Ivy was still very aware of the motorbike but the game got her brain into thinking mode.

26/11/2025

25/11/2025

WELL DONE TEAM VIZII. I love how he shakes "hello" and can follow a hand target. It has so many uses: for recall, to reposition him, guide him to walk by your side, put his "paws-up" to boost his confidence and disengage from distractions. He is so quick to sit and lay down while waiting patiently for his release word, not easy for a 4 month old puppy. See you in our Teenage Class soon.

25/11/2025

WELL DONE TEAM CLEO! We had fun teaching Cleo games to play with the kids to prevent jumping and nipping, a natural response to running. Cleo is doing a great job learning to walk on a loose lead, starting with a long lead and now practicing a heel position. She loves the "hand target" which is used to move her into different positions without force and to keep her engaged with you. Look at those cute "paws-up" on the stool! I look forward to continuing her education as she becomes a teenager.

24/11/2025

CLEVER PUP. At Puppy School young Vizii shows how he can lay down and wait for his release cue before working out how to unravel the towel to find his rewards. A new (no cost) activity to provide mental stimulation and boost confidence.

20/11/2025

GROWING UP FAST! Our ducklings still providing so much joy and enrichment to everyone.

20/11/2025

A RELIABLE RECALL IS BUILT UP IN LAYERS. We set Archie up to succeed by timing our cue with when he could listen, in a small area with minimal distractions. We rewarded him with a variety of food, games and toys to motivate a quick response. We adjusted our body language to be more inviting, by turning our shoulder and moving away. Taking advantage of dogs natural instinct to follow movement. We increased the distractions gradually, from low to medium as he succeeded. We increased the distance by using a long lead then progressed to being off lead in a fenced area to prevent mistakes and strengthen the desired behaviour through repetition. Archie is now very enthusiastic about coming when called. He will build on these skills as he encounters greater distractions. Keep up the great work team!

18/11/2025

BE AWARE OF WHY DOGS CHOOSE TO SIT. Allow them space to process things in their environment. Utilise a long lead so they are able to move closer or further away to build confidence. Our training area was set up with multiple yards inside a secure fenced area to provide freedom of movement for dogs at a safe distance from our sheep and goats. Giving dogs an opportunity to practice being calm in their presence, like Maggie, Archie and Maive demonstrate in these videos.

17/11/2025

It's like taking medication that only works sometimes - and has huge side effects.

14/11/2025

FOOD DISPENSERS TURN MEALS INTO A CALM ACTIVITY. Start easy by stuffing loosely with soft FOOD, then fill it tighter over time. You can freeze to make it more challenging and last longer. When taught to lick out the contents, not chew the rubber, most dogs enjoy "working" for their supper. If introduced gradually it can help develop frustration tolerance. If too hard dogs give up. SAFETY WARNING: Go up a size to avoid choking hazards and ensure they are larger than your dogs jaw. Especially with fast growing puppies. Keep small dispensers away from larger dogs in the house, they have been known to swallow them. I love lickpots which are big enough to fit a whole meal and easy to clean.

12/11/2025

PROGRESS TO CELEBRATE! Today l was so encouraged to hear that the skills we've been teaching Tuskin and his guardians have helped manage his response to other dogs on recent walks. We practiced his ability to disengage from my goats (four legged animals, curious like dogs) and he returned to his guardian without any reaction. Keep up the consistent practice team Tuskin!

10/11/2025

WELL DONE TEAM! The bond created with our dog growing up is very special. A friendship built on trust and mutual respect is a great foundation. Lily worked hard learning to understand Benny and meet his doggy needs while teaching him how to be a part of their family. It's been a team effort participating in Puppy School to give Benny the skills he needs to thrive. Keep up the great work!