Dog Savvy

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Dog Savvy

Dog Savvy
An exciting alternative to food based training. Our focus is on achieving a w Its great fun! I know I don't. For many dog owners the answer is 'no'.
(22)

I have had dogs all my life and have been involved in training them on and off for over 35 years. I have gone through all the fads of training from choke chains and reprimanding to positive food rewards and no reprimanding. I currently compete in obedience and Rally-O and I have also done agility with several of my dogs over the years. I am just starting to learn Dancing with Dogs, learning tricks

and trying to get a bit of rhythm. I found that my dogs would quickly respond to food in training but do you carry food around with you at home or out and about? There are some people you see who have a treat bag permanenty attached to their hip when out with their dog but I wonder if it is for the dog or the owner's insecurity; 'Will my dog behave if I don't have food?' or more importanty, 'Will my dog behave if it is distracted?'. How often do you hear an owner say, 'My dog is great at training but it doesn't listen to me anywhere else', 'He only behaves when I have food', 'He won't perform in the competition ring' or 'If there is a distraction he completely ignores me'. I wanted to find a method of training where I didn’t have to rely on food. I was also looking to find training that provided good manners no matter what. I wanted to be able to stop the barking, jumping on people, getting towed around the streets when going on walks, chasing the neighbour's cat, harassing guests at the BBQ and even worst nipping and biting. Sound familiar? The final incentive to become a trainer was because I could not find any training method that could help me with one of my dogs Shar (a six year old Kelpie cross) who has terribe fear and anxiety problems. Although she responds to food (in fact she hoovers it) it has no effect at all when she goes into her 'fear drive'. I could wave a piece of fillet steak in front of her and she would ignore me. Traditional methods of training and canine behaviourists were unable to give me any solutions. I was told by one veterinarian behavioural expert that she was one of the worst examples of a dog with fear and anxiety problems and that I should consider having her put down. If I wanted to persist he recommended Prozac. I certainy had no intention of putting Shar down and I didn't want to have her living a drug-induced life and went looking for alternatives. I attended the trainers course at Alpha Canine Group in Melbourne in July 2012. I took Shar and my other dog Beau (a rescue dog from Shenton Park Dog's Home) who both underwent the training with me. The aim of the training is to teach owners to communicate with the dogs. The dogs learn to learn and in doing so gain confidence and trust their owners. Using the communication established in obedience training, owners are then abe to progress to teaching their dogs good manners and if necessary, address behavioural problems. This method of training has enabled me to better communicate with my dogs and become the leader. My dogs look to me for guidance and they quickly settle. I achieve this control by using my voice (which is all you have when your dog is off lead). On returning to Perth Shar's improvement was very noticeable and continues to improve. She is my 'work in progress'. She now responds to the training even when in her fear drive. Beau is now my demonstration dog, who I use at training to show how to carry out commands and also prove the training works. I am very excited about sharing my knowledge with dog owners who, like me, have been searching for the alternative to food based training when dealing with all types of problems that can arise when owning a dog. The think I love best about this type of training is the trust and confidence your dog gains. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I could sit outside a cafe with both Shar and Beau in a relaxed drop, no matter what the distraction, and spend an hour or so having coffee or lunch with friends. Even Shar, with the occasional reassuring 'good girl' relaxes beside me. Here's to gaining confident, well mannered companions!

24/08/2024

BASSENDEAN CLASSES ARE RUNNING THIS MORNING

Reminder to the class that has been coming at 10.30 you are now at 9.30 am as we have a new beginners class starting this morning at 10.30.

See you all there

23/08/2024

17/08/2024

BASSENDEAN CLASSES ARE CANCELLED TOMORROW

Because of the forecast for rain over the remainder of the weekend we have decided to make an early call to cancel training tomorrow morning. Stay safe and dry and see you next week.

10/08/2024

BASSENDEAN SUNDAY CLASSES

These classes are running this morning. It will fine up before class starts. See you all there

01/08/2024

Have you read this blog that I wrote? I'd love to hear your feedback, so drop me a message below and let me know what you think.

Ten simple ways to help prevent separation anxiety in puppies

Ok puppy parents, it’s time to talk about some of the long-term benefits of having your puppy spend good quality time alone! Building... https://i.mtr.cool/kodeviqexu

01/08/2024

Three reasons why you should teach your dog to wait at an INTERNAL boundary.

A lot of dog owners are super keen for their dog to learn the important skill of not rushing out the front door or side gate but they don't put any effort into teaching the foundation skills of listening, respect, and impulse control. If this is you, I would start by teaching an INTERNAL boundary first because:

1. If the dog can't do an easy boundary, they will not be able to do a more challenging one. Start with a boundary where it's totally safe for them to make some mistakes. They need to make mistakes in order to learn what you do and don't want from them. Teach the concept where it's easiest for them, not where it's hardest.

2. This is perfect for dog owners to practice their own skills of using tone and timing in order to try to help their dog get it right, in preparation for the time when they are going to start teaching the highly desired external boundaries.

3. Practicality & safety mean that some internal rooms are better off left unvisited by your dog. For example, a dog underfoot in the kitchen may end up injured by a spilled pot of hot water or a dropped knife. Or whilst a baby's nursery might be tempting for your dog to visit, there are a multitude of reasons why a dog could get up to mischief and staying out is safer for everyone.

Have you taught any internal boundaries?

(Here's Lennie learning not to come into the kitchen unless invited)

29/07/2024

REMAINING 2024 FREE INFORMATION / BEGINNER CLASS START DATES:

25 AUGUST; 29 SEPTEMBER; 3 NOVEMBER

To be your dog's 'leader' you should have the ability at any given time to simply override any behaviour.

Not all dogs/owners learn at the same pace. Classes are flexible and are designed to cater for people working at varying levels in the same class. All training is done under distraction so dogs learn to listen to their owners no matter what is going on around. Put simply, we teach them what is acceptable and what is not.
This training is for people wanting to achieve a well mannered family pet.

On long weekends we organise free walks for past and current members and a stop at a cafe afterwards. This gives you an opportunity to put your training into practice.

We use basic obedience as a stepping stone. We then move to the fun stuff - good manners. We teach boundaries at doors and gates, by invitation on to couches and beds; coffee table etiquette - keeping away from the food; greeting guests at the front door without jumping etc. All this without food rewards.

Sunday morning classes are held at Anzac Reserve, Cnr Anzac Terrace and Ivanhoe Street, Bassendean. We run classes from beginners to advanced off lead. Beginners class is at 10.30 am. Interested owners can come to the First Timers introduction session for free and experience the training before deciding whether to join.

For details phone June 0407 472 994 or Kaz 0410 460 083; or email [email protected]

27/07/2024

TOMORROWS BASSENDEAN CLASSES ARE CANCELLED

We have decided to call it early as there is heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast for tomorrow. Stay warm and dry and see you all the following Sunday..

25/07/2024

Like the spoiled, bratty child who has been allowed to behave like a tiny tantrum throwing tyrant for years on end, who is then expected to forget all they’ve learned (and become) and behave like a little prince when a special occasion that the parents determine demands decorum and the most polite of manners… this is precisely the same way so many canine brats, tyrants, and at the furthest end, monsters… are created, and is also precisely the same ludicrous thought process which expects them to behave otherwise.

The owner who allows daily chaos, rule-bending, disrespect, and “minor behavioral episodes” should expect their furry chickens to eventually come home to roost.

There’s a reason that smart and effective trainers harp on and on about the immense value of learning to see the seemingly small moments of daily life/behavior/rules as anything but.

These “small” moments (and the way we respond to them) either teach and mold our dogs to understand the exacting standards and expectations we have for their behavior—and pull them in that positive direction, creating healthy attitude/demeanor/patterns—or they pull them in the other direction.

Either way, the dog you get isn’t formed when the chips are down and everything is on the line. The dog you get is formed by the countless chips you’ve stacked—knowingly or unknowingly—over countless tiny moments that were anything but tiny to your dog.
——
The Good Dog Way: Love Them By Leading Them Volumes 1&2 are available in paperback, kindle, or audiobook via Amazon/Audible.

www.thegooddogway.com

20/07/2024

BASSENDEAN SUNDAY CLASSES:

Its a hard call but as the ground is very wet and there is a high possibility of showers during our training times we have decided to cancel classes today. Stay dry and warm. Its a great idea to practice inside the house with your dog so it understands it has to listen to you no matter where you are.

13/07/2024

Good morning everyone. Training is on this morning in Bassendean. Hopefully will keep dry.

06/07/2024

TRAINING AT BASSENDEAN THIS MORNING IS CANCELLED

Unfortunately due to the forecast rain we have made the decision to cancel the classes. It doesnt look like it will be very nice out there. So stay home, keep warm and dry. Practice your good manners around home and you can also do some obedience around the house and of course lots of cuddles

See you all next week

06/07/2024

We will post tomorrow morning at 7am if training is going to be cancelled because of the rain. At the moment it is going ahead - prayers to the weather gods.

01/07/2024

HAPPY 14TH-ISH BIRTHDAY TO MY BEAUTIFUL BOY BEAU

From the day you came home from Shenton Park 14 years ago you have been by my side. You have excelled in everything you have done from obedience competition, rally, dancing with dogs, heelwork to music, hoopers and above all being my demo dog in Dog Savvy. You have helped so many dogs over the years learn to be a calm dog, deal with their anxiety, fear and even outright aggression. All through this you have been such an inspiration being totally calm and non-responsive. You have been with me from the start of Dog Savvy, flying to Melbourne twice with me so I could do my trainers course and advanced trainers course.

You are now coming to the age of retirement even though you dont want to. Even in class on Sunday you wanted to be involved and not left behind.

We went to the park today and then to the cafe for your very first puppachino and sausages to celebrate.

Happy birthday to my beautiful boy and many more to come.

25/06/2024

13/06/2024

𝐀𝐧𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞

There is a reason that dog trainers will tell you to get a health check if your dog starts displaying sudden aggression.

Dootie was diagnosed with an auto immune disease.
Her nails were filled with pus and started lifting and then dropping off.

That started not long after her aggression dramatically increased but there were no other physical symptoms that we could see until that point.

The first thing we saw was her chasing dogs down after they came near her because she was so sensitive about her feet being touched.

Then not long ago she had more bloods done which show that she has more underlying things going on.

Today her bootyhole flared up which is another immune related thing.

So long story short, she likely won’t have a long life. We don’t know how long or at what point to make the decision but we are aware and can keep a closer eye on her.

Now knowing what we know, her life has been adjusted to help her cope better.

Far more time indoors away from the other dogs so they don’t accidentally knock her.
More supplements.
Less stress.
More quality time
More caution used in her handling because now at times she’s sore and sensitive and trigger happy with her teeth.

The thing I want to really impress upon you is to make sure you have your veterinary checks for any sudden behaviour change and if that’s clear, then go straight to your trainer.

The other thing is that dogs in pain can and will use their teeth. That doesn’t mean they are aggressive per se, it just means they are having an emotional reaction to their physical condition. It’s normal and means you need to have plans moving forward on how/if to manage it.

Great guesses from a few of you although poor Dr Aimee got a flogging with the pants comments 🤣🤣 To be fair it’s fun scrub Wednesday at the clinic!

08/06/2024

CLASSES WILL BE CANCELLED TOMORROW

Unfortunately we have to cancel classes tomorrow at Bassendean.

The following week it will be classes as normal and we will welcome our new beginners class at 10.30 am. If you are interested in enrolling in this class we do have a few vacancies. Please contact me on 0407 72 994. Regards June

30/05/2024

NEXT FREE INFOMATION SESSION / BEGINNERS CLASS AT BASSENDEAN MOVED TO SUNDAY 16 JUNE AT 10.30

We are excited to be able to finally offer our next free information session / beginners class on 16 June at 10.30 am. (We have moved this start date from 9 June). I apologise to everyone who has contacted me in the last month or so and not had a reply but I have been out of action. If you are still looking for assistance with your dog please send me another message.

This class is very popular and fills quickly and we try and keep it to a small number of dogs. Confirmation of a place on the day is receipt of your enrolment form. No payment required.

Do you wish you had a way to communicate with your dog; fed up with your dog's behaviour - dragging you on walks, lunging towards other dogs and people, barking, jumping; no manners or boundaries at home - barging through doors, jumping on guests; jumping on couches; stealing food off coffee tables? Dont worry we all started off having to deal with these behaviours - yes even those well behaved trainers' dogs you see on a Sunday morning were like that to start with. We understand how you feel.

Do you want to change this? Book in to attend our free information day / beginners class on 16 June to find out how. Let us show you how you can change things out on your walk and around home and enjoy the dog you always wanted. Dont leave it hoping things will get better - they wont!

Please send me your email address to [email protected] so I can send you information and an enrolment form or call June 0407 472 994 or Kaz 0410 460 083 if you would like to discuss your situation.

30/05/2024

WA DAY LONG WEEKEND WALK ON SUNDAY 2 JUNE IS CANCELLED

Due to the weather we have decided to make an early call on cancelling the walk this Sunday due to the incoming weather. We thought you would prefer time to make arrangements for a drier, warmer morning. Enjoy and stay safe over the weekend

18/05/2024

BASSENDEAN CLASSES TOMORROW ARE CANCELLED

Unfortunately Kaz and Toni are both sick and unable to run the classes tomorrow. Keep up your homework and have some fun times with the puppies. Looking forward to catching you all again soon.
Regards June 🐕

09/05/2024

04/05/2024

26/04/2024

So here are the results..... needless to say that I have been having serious conversations with Trevor about who he is allowed to emulate once fully grown! although I might be a bit late on the miniature bull terrier and basset hound 😂

25/04/2024

COMPETITION - WHAT IS TREVOR?

We are baffled as to what mix Trevor is. Is he kangaroo, is he part gazelle, long legs like a greyhound!!! Ann has done a DNA test and has received the results back. We cant wait to answer this question - What is Trevor?

Have a guess and we will put the results up over the weekend

25/04/2024

LEST WE FORGET

So important to remember the heartbreak and loss of the brave, both past and present.
We can honour them by ensuring we don't keep repeating violent history.

Address

Greenmount
Perth, WA
6063

Telephone

+61407472994

Website

http://www.dogsavvy.com.au/

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Videos

WALK AROUND TOMATO LAKE

We had a lovely walk around Tomato Lake and then relaxed nearby the cafe for coffee and breakfast

LONG STEP AWAY (STAY)

Our advanced class practising a looooong step away (stay) not just a few meters but across the other side of the park. We want our dogs to learn to relax and wait calmly for their owners to return.

FREE INFORMATION / BEGINNERS CLASS AT BASSENDEAN ON SUNDAY 20 AUGUST AT 10.30 AM

NEXT FREE INFO / BEGINNERS CLASS ON SUNDAY 20 AUGUST AT 10.30 AM Some places remaining if you are interested in attending this Sunday. If you are wanting to get your training started this is an ideal class for you. From the first lesson we start with good manners of no jumping or barking. These are possibly the top two problems owners have. We can show you how to stop these behaviours quickly. Wouldnt it be lovely to be able to easily leave your dog in a drop and walk away and know they are going to stay there? As you can see in the video even around a group of dogs your dog will learn to watch you (not the other dogs) and wait calmly for your return. We also cover obedience to a high level under high distractions so your dog learns to listen to you no matter what. This also helps you form a bond with your dog and learn how to effectively communicate with each other. We then use that bond and communication to develop great manners and deal with any behavioural issues. We take dogs from 5 mths and over. We also will do in home lessons for dogs under 5 mths who are waiting to join the classes. Please note we do not use food. We dont want to have to rely on food to get your dog to do what you want. We want your dog to WANT to please you and listen to you. You will become a team however you will always be the team leader. If you would like to enrol in this intake please email ([email protected]) or ring me on 0407 472 994 for information and an enrolment form. This class is very popular and is already half full.

BEAU HOOPERS NEARLY PASS LEVEL 8.1

Beau's little side jump cost him his pass in level 8.1 Oh well next time. He tries so hard and has great distance work

GORDON HOOPERS PASSING LEVEL 8.1

Congratulations to Ann and Gordon in passing level 8.1 at hoopers. We were all willing him around the course.

NIKKI HOOPERS 7.2

Ann running Nikki in the second leg of level 7.2 and getting a clear round. Very exciting

NIKKI HOOPERS LEVEL 7

Big thanks to Ann or getting Nikki through her level 7 at hoopers on Wednesday night. They are a great team

KEEPING YOUR DOGS ATTENTION

Zeus is being very attentive to his mum, listening and coming to her without stopping for a snack of yummy sausages along the way. Well done you two.

BOUNDARY SETTING

Dont use the command sit or stay when teaching boundaries. You will only teach your dog a really good sit or stay but as soon as they are free they still dont understand a boundary. We want our dogs to respond to our tones and eventually know what to do themselves even if we arent there.

CHANGE OF CLASS TIMES AT BASSENDEAN

Bassendean classes are changing to winter times this Sunday. All classes will be 30 minutes later. We take our beginners class on the road to see how the dogs behave off the training area. We go down to the train station with hustle and bustle of trains, buses, bikes and people. Well done every one

EASTER LONG WEEKEND BREAK

Zak, Nikki, Beau, Gordon, Ruby, Walter, Percy, Harry and trainers what to wish everyone a lovely Easter long weekend. Please note there is no training this weekend. Enjoy taking your dogs out with you on adventures.

Step Aways with distraction

As the dogs get better with their owners leaving them we bring in distractions. We work to a standard of our dogs staying in their position no matter what the distraction, even if they dont want to for as long as we want. I think these dogs nailed it. Well done

Spot and Memphis

Spot thought he was a big tough guy taking on Memphis at training. He was quickly told that was not acceptable behaviour and he walked calmly by his side. Well done Spot and well done Memphis for being such a lovely calm puppy

Fun Loose Lead Walking

Ann having fun with Gordon whilst doing loose lead walking. Its so important to have fun when you are teaching your dog an exercise. Make it a game, be exciting, lots of praise and rewards. Dont wait for the mistake to happen celebrate getting things right and ensure your dog is enjoying it.

Gordon Hoopers Level 7

Congratulations to Ann and Gordon for passing Level 7 on Wednesday night at Hoopers. Beau also passed level 7 and Nikki passed her 7.1. It was a fun night.

We had a great walk on Sunday at Whiteman Park. We had approx 24 dogs come along for the walk and coffee after. Its is so rewarding seeing how well they all behaved.

Welcome Frankie and mum to our off lead class.

Great for dogs to get the opportunity to practice walking past other dogs, all shapes and sizes. All so calm and relaxed. Well done everyone

How many of these dogs relaxing in their drop step away started off training having problems? Would you believe I can count 9 dogs in this up close group. They have come so far. Well done everyone