The Clever Pup Canine Training

28/12/2022

Very blessed to announce the arrival of Atticus Miles Curtis-Johnson 🤍

Determined to arrive three weeks early on 21.12.2022, weighing an impressive 4030g.
The best surprise Christmas present ever 🐣

09/11/2022

Hi my friends! I’m very excited to announce my maternity leave due to begin on Saturday, December 17, 2022.
I’m looking forward to having a restorative, relaxing end of year before bub arrives in January.
From that date, I’ll be unavailable until further notice for dog training consultations and programs, walk and trains and daycare services. Wedding Chaperone’s booked for February & March 2023 will be going ahead as planned.
Thank you to everyone for your support this year, and especially in the last month as I’ve navigated the loss of my dear Miles; I can’t wait to share all of my best memories and stories of him with bub.
🤍👶🏼🍼🐾

06/10/2022

By now, I’m sure a lot of you are aware of the immense loss I’ve experienced within the last week.

Firstly I want to extend my gratitude to those who have expressed their condolences, support, generosity, and especially their memories of my Miley - it has truly warmed my heart.

The journey of losing Miles so suddenly and without clear diagnosis has been incredibly painful and feels insurmountable. It’s something I am struggling to come to terms with, but I find some kind of peace and comfort in maybe that this was his way of making room for our new human addition to our family in January next year (yes, a clever bub [see what I did there..? 😉] is on their way 🤰🏼).

The impact Miles has had on every aspect of my life will be felt forever. He was, and will remain to be my biggest inspiration. He ignited a purpose within me I didn’t know was there. I owe him so much. I feel incredibly blessed he chose me, and the lessons he taught me changed how I see the world, and myself.

I miss him more than I can express and I can’t believe I’ll never see him again 💔 I made a promise to him that I will do my best to continue his legacy through my work, and make him proud.

I love you Miley, sleep well my angel 🤍 10.5.13 - 3.10.22.

16/09/2022

Wedding season is back in full swing! 💍💒

Here are some of the best wedding pups I’ve had the pleasure to chaperone this year 🐾

Including your pets in one of the most memorable days of your life is a no-brainer! Be sure to get in touch to book your chaperone service to avoid missing out - dates for the remainder of 2022, and the entirety of 2023 are extremely limited!

🐶 Hopper & Munch: 📸
🐶 Finn
🐶 Eddie & Stefi: 📸
🐶 Cooper: 📸
🐶 Arlo

19/06/2022

“Baby steps. Small increments. Work at our dog’s pace. Don’t rush. Keep sessions short & sweet”
I’ve said the above and variants of for as long as I’ve been working with dogs.
I can totally understand the desire as a dog owner, to rush to the finish line; have your dog trained to not pull on lead, not jump up, sit calmly, come back when called etc YESTERDAY. Taking the time to pause, and break down each component of the skill at large is essential to your dogs learning, and success. Rushing the process and asking too much of our dogs only slows us (and them) down, plus, it makes it less fun! 👎🏻
What is a hurdle you’re currently facing with your dog on your training journey? Let me know below ⬇️🍃⏳

06/06/2022

Your dog’s daily walk doesn’t have to be a boring lap around the block. Boost your relationship, their skills, and overall happiness by implementing the above activities!
Let me know below what you like to do with your dog on a walk? 🐾

19/05/2022

Just a small handful of some of the beautiful weddings I’ve been honoured to be a part of.
Everyone loves a dog at a wedding 🐾🤍

📸📸📸

Dusty:
Tilly:
Benji:
Solo & Iggy:
Samson & Wilson: .rain.collective
Ziggy:

10/05/2022

Miles is 9! Happy birthday to my Miley, big woofer, baba ganoush, angel, and daily inspiration.
Not a day goes by where I am not thankful for your love, lessons, and adorable awoooos. You are a gift 🎁

09/05/2022

Silly happy smiley face all day every day, thanks to dogs - yours & mine!
One of my favourite things about working with dogs is how ‘in the moment’ they are. It’s a great reminder for me to stay present.
What is your favourite thing about your dog? 🤍
(feat golden girls Maple & Daisy 🐕)

29/03/2022

For all my followers who own little dogs…. A great read with important considerations!

𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗗𝗢𝗚𝗦 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬

Small dogs have the same brain as bigger dogs, they crave all the same things bigger dogs do....structure & clarity about what the rules and boundaries are.

If you want to improve your little dogs behaviour today including anxiety, aggression, not listening to you, being reactive then start with rules and boundaries.

Rules and boundaries aren't mean, without them or without consistent rules and boundaries we force anxiety onto our dogs...that is mean.

If you feel lost then please invest in yourself and your dog and invest in a session with a trainer.

Whilst you might have learned to live with a yappy dog, reactive dog, one who doesn't listen to you, anxious etc....that dog has to live with that anxiety every day.

When I say that leadership is love, I don't mean Ceasar Milan's dominance theory - I simply mean that pampering your dog to show love and letting them get away with stuff isn't actually love....providing leadership is love....rules, boundaries with a consistent approach.

10/03/2022

Lots of things to consider when deciding to bring a puppy into your family. One of the very first considerations you MUST have is; where is my puppy coming from? From what kind of breeder?
Please, please, PLEASE do your research, and seriously ask yourself the question, “What am I really paying for?”

Those b***s raised around $60,000 worth of puppies at a minimum, it could have been twice that. Based on 4 puppies per litter @ $5k per puppy x 3 litters

You can understand why people take advantage of on trend breed like Frenchies because they pay off their mortgages, buy new cars, put in a new kitchen etc.

You, the general public financially support the neglect and unethical breeding of dogs like Annie because you want it now, you want some weird colour that an ethical breeder doesn’t breed.

‼️ 3 litters in 3 years with the following
❌ Terrible allergies
❌ Slipping Patella
❌ Corkscrew short tail that should have surgery

Things an ethical breeder wouldn’t do.

The MDBA tells me she was sold as a puppy and then returned to the breeder in 2021. The breeder registered one litter with her. The breeder told the new family she had 3 litters, so whether 2 were unregistered with the first home, I don't know.

‼️ Sold to family without knowing how to care for the moist feisty pouch that the terrible tail sits in. Sold in poor skin condition with open wounds from scratching and slimy material in between her b***s.

Things and ethical breeder wouldn’t do.

✅ Medication to treat her skin has also helped to lift her drooping b***s. Within 4 days her skin has had a big turn around and we’re really positive about her future.

27/01/2022

This!!!

How did we get to a space where fat dogs who spend all day on the couch and are chronically under stimulated are celebrated and owners are praised?

Yet fit dogs who are working and enriched and happy are being called abused.

Tools and sports are being banned, dogs are being over medicated, poor quality food is being pushed down their throats and we are calling that a move for a positive future for dogs.

Our dogs deserve better and the organizations that can make a difference are sitting on their hands or advocating for the exact opposite of what is needed.

🤯

RSPCA Australia Australian Veterinary Association

25/01/2022

Event and Wedding Chaperone is a service that I LOVE to provide.

If anyone is thinking of having their pup present on their wedding day - DO IT! You won’t regret it.
Having your dog by you and your partner’s side as you both celebrate a new chapter is always so wonderful and special. Besides, weddings + dogs = so much fun!

Get in touch for more information!
🐾💒

📸 (for Ziggy)
📸 (for Tilly)

05/01/2022

This is a GREAT post. Essential reading for any puppy owner!

Dear New Puppy Owner,

CONGRATULATIONS on your new furry family member!!
This is an exciting time for you, and equally, a very important time for your puppy’s development.
As dog trainers, the most common behavioural issues in adult dogs we see are separation anxiety and reactivity. To a certain extent, these problems can be avoided by the way you raise your puppy to maturity.
Every experience your puppy has today, tomorrow and over the next few months, greatly impacts their personality and behaviour as an adult.

So... SEIZE THE DAY! Here’s some tips to set you on the path to success and help ensure your new bundle of joy grows up to be a stable, happy and content canine companion.. HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🎊

👉 COMMUNICATION is key to understanding your new puppy’s feelings. Dogs are highly emotional animals and are communicating to you through every tail wag, body position and butt wiggle. Read up on dog language to learn when they are scared, stressed or overwhelmed.

👉 SOCIALISATION doesn’t just refer to dog socialising 🐕. It’s about teaching your puppy the right way to behave and coexist with all living creatures; humans of all shapes and sizes, domestic pets 🐈 🐦, livestock 🐃 and wildlife 🦘. Social experiences should be kept short and enjoyable and stop before your puppy becomes over aroused or excited.

👉 BUILD CONFIDENCE in your puppy towards everything in the environment; things with wheels🛹🚲, different surfaces, unusual objects ☂️ 🏀 , water💦 , weather conditions ⛈ e.t.c. Once again keep these interactions short and pleasant and at a distant where they can comfortably absorb what’s going on. This will help prevent your puppy from developing anxiety, fears or phobias towards these things as an adult.

👉 TRAIN BEHAVIOURS like ‘sit’ and ‘drop’ until the cows come home! Sit for dinner, sit for your attention, sit to clip the lead on, sit when moving through doors and sit to meet people. If your puppy thinks sit is the magic behaviour for all fun, they are less likely to learn to jump, bark or practise other undesirable behaviours for attention.

👉 CRATE TRAIN your dog! It’s an important tool for teaching your puppy to relax and offers them a safe zone in a busy family household. It will pay off at some stage in their future... I promise!

👉 BUILD INDEPENDENCE in the early days. If you are not training your puppy, playing with them or supervising them, put them in a contained area (crate/puppy pen) close by. This way they can still be part of the action but are developing soft skills towards independence by not following you around.

👉 COME WHEN CALLED is a behaviour worth getting right as a puppy. It can save their life one day. Spend a couple of minutes every day training it properly. If the word ‘COME’ doesn’t result in mouth watering treats 🦴 🥩 and praise in the early days, your pup will likely choose to ignore you for something more exciting down the track.

👉 DOG PARKS are for exercising your dog with you or a close doggy friend. Not for running rogue with unknown dogs and learning to ignore you. Take your time exposing your puppy to these spaces and make sure they find you more fun than other dogs before letting them free at the park. 🐕 🐶 🐕 🐶 🐕 🐶

👉 GAMES such as fetch, tug and nose works are FANTASTIC ways to bond and exercise your dog. Our tip: Add in basic behaviours to exercise their brain as well and help with focus and impulse control. I.e. Teach your puppy to sit and stay while you throw the ball and only when you say ‘YES’ should they run and retrieve it. Then teach them to place it back into your hand 🖐.

👉 GENETICS play a big role 🧬 ! Research what ANKC group your puppy belongs too and what the breed was originally bred for. Think about particular training opportunities you may need to do with your puppy to help harness any genetic traits into something positive.

Best Wishes for a successful year of puppy raising and training! 🐾

29/12/2021

👋🏻 Hi! I'm Chloe (and that's Miles 🐶), and I run The Clever Pup Canine Training Co.
🌟 I am super duper passionate about helping YOU understand your dog, and encourage them to become the best versions of themselves!
💖 I love all things dog, so not only do I assist via private coaching, specialised walk & trains, and group classes, but I'll even chaperone your best four legged friends to your special event!
📲 You can contact me via DM, through my website or email which is found in the links/buttons above.
🐾 I cannot wait to become your dog's new best friend!

⬇️ Ask me anything in the comments below!

23/12/2021

Merry Christmas from me and mine to you and yours 🌟🎄
I want to thank every one of my wonderful clients, past and present, for their support this year. Thank you for allowing me to work with you and your amazing dogs. Especially in a year filled with uncertainty, distractions and upheavals - I am so grateful and humbled that work continued to flow.
I am very excited for what is in store for this little business in the new year - onwards and upwards! ✨🐾

28/11/2021

So many things affect our dogs’ behaviour. Diet and health is one thing that should never be overlooked, and can have a massive impact on how they behave.

😳🤬🤯😢😤 𝗔𝗚𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡, 𝗔𝗡𝗫𝗜𝗘𝗧𝗬, 𝗕𝗘𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗜𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗦?

👩‍👩‍⚕️ A multimodality approach is very important in such dogs beginning with a vet visit for a full wellness check including bloods to rule out pain + disease and any other conditions that could contribute to behavioral change.

🤓 Next is finding yourself a great trainer who is very experienced in such issues and uses techniques and tools that sit within your comfort zone or has enough education to help provide you education to research further (in this specific thread, we're not going to be discussing those).

🥦🥩🦴 One of the most neglected aspects of managing and changing behaviour is diet - science says diet matters so if a pet parent continues to feed sugar-laden (high carb kibble), highly processed diets to their dog then they're not giving the other modalities they're also trying a chance to take good effect. High cab diets are inflammatory and avoiding inflammation is incredibly important with behaviourally challenged dogs.

𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗬𝗢𝗨'𝗥𝗘 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗘 - I am going to be sharing with you all a series of balanced recipes for adult dogs that can become part of the multi-modality tool-kit for working with behaviorally challenged dogs - they include plenty of the nutrients that can be lacking in diets and which dogs may simply need more of that are most commonly related to behavioural challenges.

🚨 They are not a cure, they are not just to be used on their own because behaviour is not cured, repaired, reduced, or even successfully managed just through one modality.

🧬 Genetics is an important factor with such dogs and I'm not just talking about if Mum & Dad had issues behaviorally, what I'm meaning is that a dog may have a gene variant that means their update of Zinc or B group vitamins for instance does not work effectively and therefore they need a higher level to assist them - this is why working with a savvy Vet who is also interested in the behavioural-nutrition link is helpful.

🌟 Dogs are not just what they eat, they are what they can absorb and utalise in terms of nutrients and every dog is an individual when it comes to this topic. Feeding a highly bio-available diet i.e. a fresh food diet (raw or cooked) is a great starting place.

🦠 Next is gut health, the gut-brain axis is a thing, an unbalanced digestive system microbiome does affect the brain. We know that stress really affects the digestive microbiome (as well as depletes magnesium) in a negative sense that's why behavioural modification training is a part of the process as well as healing through nutritional & supplemental support.

🤯 We hope this series will help prompt some discussion and thoughts around how nutrition supports healing.

❓ How quickly can nutrition render results? This is something that is different for every dog because why they are deficient/lacking in some nutrients is relevant and also for how long they have been deficient or simply lacking. We recommend that nutritional therapy should be given for at least 6 weeks and then to re-assess and this is why we will be providing a series of recipes.

🚨 Dogs with medical conditions or under the care of a Vet may not be suited to these recipes and you should discuss them with your Vet.

👉 As this thread is sitting on my business page that focuses largely on nutrition and I am not a qualified trainer, we will not be discussing which training techniques, tools, and trainers are best for such dogs, these comments will be removed and any combative behaviour will see you banned from this page.

The first recipe will be posted in this thread, so be sure to turn the notifications on for this post.

🚨 Do not give human supplements of Zinc and Magnesium without first speaking to your Vet as you can overdo it. If you would like to give Magnesium, you can grab our My Doggie Settle Gretel from the mental function section at: https://mydoggieboosters.com/

14/05/2021

Last week I had the wonderful honour of chaperoning sweet Tilly to her lovely paw-rents wedding.

I arrived at the pick up address to a very happy Tilly greeting me with lots of licks, and in return she got lots of pats from me and a little brush and tidy to ensure she was looking her best. Then off we went to the beautiful Yarramalong Valley Farmstay.

Tilly and I got to check out the beautiful reception area before we were summoned for photos and when Til saw her mum and dad, she was overjoyed (and so were they!). It was her moment to shine, and did she ever (and how stunning to Rachel and Ryan look 👰🏻‍♀️🤵🏼‍♂️😍)

At the reception, we mingled and she got lots of pats from her people-friends who were thrilled to see her (and a few sneaky treats from me 🙈).
Once we arrived back home, it’s extra cuddles before bedtime.

It was so much fun hanging with Tilly while I chaperoned her at her owners wedding. Congratulations Rachel and Ryan 💕💫💐

AirLands • Oblivion