Willo's Doggy Sitting

07/01/2025

What isn't talked about often enough is timing and how we can inadvertently cause some very real issues with rewarding.
Training ❓
Have rewards with you ? Great ✅
How you use them is KEY.
Common issues are rewarding a behaviour you may like but they are jumping or pawing for the reward.
You could have rewarded the jumping and pawing...and that can be repeated.
Rewarding walking beside you but from the opposite hand which causes a dog to cross over in front of you.
You could have rewarded crossing or walking in front of you....and that can be repeated.
Only reward the behaviour you want (or the smaller steps towards that behaviour).

Be clear when rewarding, because what is rewarded WILL be repeated and you may not like what you have accidentally caused your dog to repeat
This dog training graphic is available abcdogsnz.com

07/01/2025

Big 2 days with Frankie, Ernie and little Daisy joining Rufus for their pawcation.
Call us silly, but our bathroom renovations start their next stage tomorrow morning too.

06/01/2025

🐡 The Animal Poisons Helpline expects a seasonal increase in the number of calls regarding pufferfish exposure over summer. Pufferfish, also known as toadfish, blowfish or simply blowies, can be very attractive to pets. Dogs have been known to quickly eat washed up pufferfish before their owners can stop them. Sometimes pet owners may be unaware that their pet has ingested a pufferfish until they develop signs of poisoning soon after a visit to the beach.

Most pufferfish are toxic when ingested. They contain a highly potent neurotoxin known as tetrodotoxin in their organs and skin. Pufferfish ingestion can be life-threatening and result in a rapid onset of paralysis which typically begins in the back legs and progresses forward to the respiratory muscles. Other signs of poisoning may include vomiting, tremors and possibly seizures.

We would like to remind all dog owners to be cautious with their pets whilst visiting the beach. Keeping your dog leashed is a good idea and can be a useful strategy to prevent your dog eating beached pufferfish, jellyfish and other poisonous marine creatures such as sea hares. Whilst on the beach, always observe your pets and do not allow them to approach washed-up fish. To the fishing enthusiasts, please immediately return any pufferfish that are caught to the water rather than leaving them behind where dogs may eat them.

If your pet has ingested a pufferfish, they require urgent veterinary attention. Do not wait for signs of poisoning to develop. Whilst ensuring the wellbeing of your poisoned pet is paramount, veterinary care for poisoning can often be costly. Pet insurance provides peace of mind and protection in these events. The Animal Poisons Helpline is proudly sponsored by Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance, who are currently offering two months of their Nose-to-Tail Cover for free in the first year of coverage for Helpline followers. Visit https://quote.bowwowinsurance.com.au/?promo=AP368 for more information.

☎️ The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on 1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917 722-5958 (CAN). If you are a member of a veterinary team you can also join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends.

05/01/2025

There is a "dirty little secret" some trainers keep suggesting.....and it is entirely unfair and an underhanded tactic.
Social media is full of "5 minute fixes".
"Obedience" will cure reactivity. Great ! Let's make a dog sit in front of a trigger ❌
The reality is reactivity is hard work, and if you have a reactive dog you know this!
It doesn't mean you can't make vast improvements and for some dogs they really CAN kiss their reactive days goodbye.
BUT, it takes time.
It takes dedication.
I have always said if reactivity was as "simple" as a sit, down or stay....there would be NO reactive dogs, none.
There are NO five minute fixes for reactivity.
Are there hints and tips and ways to look at things differently to make big improvements ? ABSOLUTELY !
I love working with reactive dogs, while there is never one way to help every reactive dog (as it is uniquely individual) there are things you can do to make a huge improvement. Videos are in the comments if you feel you are banging your head against the wall trying to help your dogs reactivity.
This handout is available abcdogsnz.com

05/01/2025

Fixation 👀‼️
Not as simple as just a locked gaze, and in many ways fixation is ALREADY a reaction.
It just isn't a verbal reaction.
Fixation never leads to anything good for a reactive dog, it is an escalation of emotions and needs to be recognised and acted on.
There are lots of ways to help this, one in particular is a U turn (video in the comments).
This dog training handout is available abcdogsnz.com

04/01/2025

So greatful for this cool change.
We decided to do a river walk with Milly, Rufus & Snowy. Followed by a morning tea.

02/01/2025

Full disclosure...I am not a fan.
However, I do appreciate that some people enjoy dog parks and their dogs enjoy them just as much.
Training reactive dogs, I do sometimes use dog parks....but not actually enter them. This can be particularly helpful to gain access to dogs but be at a distance far enough away to keep a dog under threshold.
If your dog enjoys them or you truly think your dog may be suitable then these are a few tips that can help avoid issues.
If your dog never visits a dog park....that is absolutely OK✅
This dog training handout is available abcdogsnz.com

02/01/2025

Sleepy heads

02/01/2025

02/01/2025

02/01/2025

Snowy thought he could attend to our load of new bookings to invoice. It was very tiring for him, so a siesta was in order afterwards.

02/01/2025

🌟 Pool Safety for Dogs 🌟

Keep your pup safe with these 5 essential tips: ⛱💦

🐾 Fencing - check that your fencing is pet proof. Cover gaps and check regularly for holes or tunnel digging. Keep furniture away from the fence to prevent your dog from jumping over.
🐾 Tarps and Netting - remove toys and flotation devices from the pool to prevent any temptation for your dog to jump in and play. Pool covers can trap pets beneath the water if they fall in. Remove any tarps or nets if you are going out.
🐾 Swimming Lessons - not all dogs know how to swim. Some are unable to swim due to their anatomy or coat type. Invest in a flotation device or life jacket to help keep your dog afloat while you teach them how to reach the pool steps.
🐾 Exit Strategy - teach your dog where the stairs are. Consider graduated steps if building a pool, or install a non-slip ramp.
🐾 Learn Doggy CPR - we can teach you CPR techniques. Speak to our vets at your next consultation or call us for more information. You could save your dog's life. 💓

02/01/2025

Dog body language can be complicated. Canine signals can be tricky, as we look at dog cues and the signals they give each other. Dog interactions together ca...

01/01/2025

The 5 adorable furbabies waiting patiently for their treats and puppacinos.

01/01/2025

Worried about the heat during outdoor adventures with your dog? Concerned about your pet’s comfort in high temperatures? Looking for an easy and effective cooling solution? Keep Your Dog Cool with the Cooling Vest The Pet Dog Summer Cooling Vest uses water-retaining fabric to keep your dog cool on...