Started to film our sessions even though I often cringe ๐
As trainers we have to shine the light on ourselves.
This is a simple, typical living room sesh, but my cat decided to join as distraction (thanks Ram) and Viola did pretty well considering.
Her downs or (drop cue to some) can be challenging for her as she gets very wriggly at times, so we practice these regularly.
Apartment living with no balcony/courtyard is def no walk in the park as you must plan a little more with certain things.
For us, being quite active and Viola able to come with me for work is helpful and I love of course having her with me.
We also had a very brief game of tug in my room and several hundred outdoor wee breaks (and still some inside accidents ๐ฉ) We'll get there. I love the process โ๏ธ
Enjoy your dogs today friends ๐งก
#smartdogbehaviourandtraining
#bostonterrier
#puppydevelopment #puppytraining #puppyraising #loveyourdogs #apartmentdogs #doglife #bostonsofinstagram #melbournedogtraining #southyarradogs #southyarradogtraining
Some days are higher energy than others.
You have to expect that, but there are calm, down regulating ways to interact with our dogs.
Food for eg and toys can be highly activating and stimulating, but gentle, slow and calm pats and strokes are quite the opposite. This is the first step in a dog massage session which I will be commencing in the coming months (study underway!)
What does your dog love? What settles and regulates them?
#smartdogbehaviourandtraining #dogtraining #dogbehaviour #dogbehaviourist #melbournedogtraining #southyarradogtraining
I had the absolute joy of minding my wonderful neighbours Boston Freddie overnight (as they welcome a tiny human into their pack) and we ventured into the Botanic Gardens early this morning.
I knew Freddie loves a tennis ball which I didn't have, so thought to enrich his (and my) morning amongst the trees.
Doga are such an absolute gift. They boost our mood, help us relax and feel joy, get us up and moving, exploring the world with a sense of curiosity, energy and enthusiasm.
They help us interact with the world in a very unique way. Take your time, sniff as much as possible, roll on grass, be a friend to all. These are things uniquely dog!
I watched Freddie enjoy this early morning exploration and was grateful for the chance to start my week this way, with the lovliest dog who was just being his big hearted gorgeous self. A gratitude post really. How lucky we are to share our lives with them โค๏ธ๐พโค๏ธ
#smartdogbehaviourandtraining #freddietheboston #bostonterrier #bostonsofinstagram #dogwalks #royalbotanicgardens #melbournedogs #dogtraining #dogbehaviourist #doglover
This gentle giant turns two today!
Noah has been an incredible presence in my world for just over 3 months.
Although we have definately had our challenges, his ability to trust, learn, adapt and love have been the most beautiful things to witness.
He meets his potential new mum on boxing day, she lives in the country and cannot wait to meet him ๐งก
Thankyou to this big hearted young goof who has his whole life ahead of him.
I love you buddy Xx
Little Pepper Pug doing so so well in her training session last week!
This girl (Queen pug of South Yarra) is also learning to be calm in the car when her mum is getting out (She also did really well in that setting too)
In home and online behaviour consultations available to help you and your best friend live your very best lives ๐งก
#smartdogbehaviourandtraining #pugs #pugsofinstagram #southyarradogtraining #homedogtrainer #homedogtraining #dogsofsouthyarra #rewardbasedtraining #loveyourdogs
Big day for a new foster boy ๐งก
Met and absolutely loves his grandparents, long car trip (sleeps through them) and then met his new best mate and greyhound bro Larry - also an @amazing_greys rescue.
Thankyou to the beautiful people supporting his transition to a valued, loved and safe life ๐งก
Especially today my folks and the beautiful @drkarinasmith Xx
#smartdogbehaviourandtraining #greyhound #rescuegreyhound #fosterdog #amazinggreys #adopt #greyhoundsofinstagram #loveyourdogsโค๏ธ
Big day for a new foster boy ๐งก
Met and absolutely loves his grandparents, long car trip (sleeps through them) and then met his new best mate and greyhound bro Larry - also an @amazing_greys rescue.
Thankyou to the beautiful people supporting his transition to a valued, loved and safe life ๐งก
Especially today my folks and the beautiful @drkarinasmith Xx
#smartdogbehaviourandtraining #greyhound #rescuegreyhound #fosterdog #amazinggreys #adopt #greyhoundsofinstagram #loveyourdogsโค๏ธ
I'll share more of Noah's rescue journey and the extraordinary transformation and resilience of these beautiful dogs..not to mention enormous hearts.
But for now, please allow me to introduce Noah from @amazing_greys - Smart Dogs foster boy all the way from Warnambool to South Yarra dahlink ๐ โค๏ธ
He is large but skinny, friendly but easily spooked, confident one moment, frightened the next, but his world just got a whole lot brighter and he's safe and loved forever now by the Amazing Greys fam who I am honoured to be a part of ๐ผ
Video from collecting him yesterday at a train station car park about 45 mins out of Melb Xx
#smartdogbehaviourandtraining #greyhound #rescuegreyhounds #greyhoundsofinstagram #amazinggreys #bangreyhoundracing #bangreyhoundexports #noah #weloveyou
Call it out. Every single time x
Monday was busy busy but when you get to work with this type of enthusiasm, time flies ๐๐
๐
#smartdogbehaviourandtraining #toypoodle #toypoodlesofinstagram #toypoodleenergy #smartdogs #melbournedogs #melbournedogtraining #homedogtraining #dogbehaviourist #caninebehaviour #dogtraining #dogtrainer #rewardbasedtraining
Bit of rest and exploration time in Tanah Lot Bali at the moment, and as I take a little walk, I'm joined by these streetwise locals ๐งก
Whenever travelling to countries with these populations of dogs & cats I am always struck by their phenomenal survival and social skills and adaptability.
It's a completely different world to what we are accustomed to with our dogs. You have to be read their body language extremely well and as this brown girl was quite friendly, the white boy that came in was clearly establishing territory, but was fine with me ignoring him and continuing my walk.
I love watching and learning from all dogs, but street or community dogs really are a lesson in resilience. Have to stock up on treats ๐
#smartdogbehaviourandtraining #bali #tanahlot #tanahlotdogs #balidogs #balidogsofinstagram #streetdogs #dogsofindonesia #dogwatching #loveyourdog
Some more short tips I hope you find helpful!
If you need help in the environment with your dog - to understand what they are trying to communicate and to make sure you are helping them overcome whatever challenges they are experiencing, don't hesitate to book in!
#smartdogbehaviourandtraining #trainingtips #reactivedog #reactivedogtraining #reactivedogtrainingtips #dogs #dogsofinstagram #melbournedogs #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dogbehaviour #dogbehaviourist #rewardbaseddogtraining #dogslife #dogsarethebestpeople #loveyourdog #relationaldogtraining
Let's talk seniors and training.
This is Tilly - my brother's beautiful rescue dog who is a beloved family member ๐งก
Tilly was always meant to live with my brother and his wife and I knew all those years ago they were the perfect match.
Till is a bit older now, a little slower, but still the same beautiful, loving dog. She's had some basics over the years and has always been responsive to training, picking things up fast.
She's also been a wonderful calm presence when I've used her for distance work with reactive dogs.
Can you train older dogs? Yes!
It'll be a diffferent experience and pace, and every dog is different, but if we manage our expectations, and have realistic and fair training goals, anything is possible..and I think everyonw has a soft place in their hearts for the seniors..
#smartdogbehaviourandtraining #tilly #bordercollie #staffy #rescuedog #rescuedogsofinstagram #dogtraining #seniordog #dogbehaviour #dogtrainer #inhomedogtrainer #caninebehaviourist #rewardbasedtraining #melbournedogs #melbournedogtraining #loveyourdog
Little video series I'm starting to chat and give tips on some very common issues that arise in home sessions and what I see out in the environment - enjoy and let me know any topics you may like to cover!
#smartdogbehaviourandtraining #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dogtrainingtips #dogadvice #dogbehaviourist #dogbehaviour #dogbehaviormodification #melbournedogtraining #melbournedogs #trainyourdog #happydogs #smartdogs
This guy ๐ผ Archie.
A beautiful friend and fellow dog trainers dog, his heart matches his stature and his parents, especially his mum are the most dedicated, committed and doting folks you could find.
Welcoming rescue dogs into your world is a journey..sometimes complex and difficult, but always, always an absolute act of love.
For the month of July - to celebrate all we love about dogs, I am offering discounted in home consultations to all rescue/shelter dogs.
$150 for your hour session, including emailed training plan, resources and our follow up phine/email check in.
Email or text for information - small travel fees apply depending on location (Smart Dog calls South Yarra home)
If you are outside of Metro Melb, I also offer online consultations, so please feel welcome to contact me!
0425773154 or [email protected]
#smartdogbehaviourandtraining #archie #rescuedog #rescuedogsofinstagram #rewardbasedtraining #relationshiptraining #buildtrust #buildbonds #lifelong #moderndogtraining #dogtrainingmelbourne #trainyourdog #loveyourdog #dogsarethebestpeople
Welcoming in a brand new year, with new services (including brand new dog's day out adventures..more info to come)
Smart Dog services have expanded and I am so happy to remind you of pet and house sitting available over summer..and beyond.
Check www.smartdogbehaviour.com.au for info and fees.
Get in early for all of those public holidays on the horizon ๐
I am also available for in-home consultations Thu 5th and Fri 6th Jan in Melbourne this week so feel welcome to reach out if you need a session.
Vid of the hilarious duo Maggie and Jack, recent clients on the Bellarine x
#smartdogbehaviourandtraining #dogtraining #dogbehavior #kelpies #kelpiesofinstagram #petsitter #housesitting #moderndogtraining #rewardbasedtraining #loveyourdog #dogsofinstagram #melbournedogtraining #caninebehaviourist
I'm a big fan of environmental enrichment - now more than ever with a young, smart and active dog.
She didn't take too long to work this out (first time so I helped a small amount by not closing the box entirely)
As this is cardboard she can then shred it if she wants (usually a fave past-time)
I use a mix of good quality purchased toys and food dispensers then ask friends to keep loo rolls, tissue boxes, egg cartons etc for equally effective mental stimulation and a bit of problem solving.
Mil can often take the easy road with problems (gives up ๐
๐ฉ) so this is good for her!
#smartdogbehaviourandtraining #bostonterrier #boston #bostonterriersofinstagram #millytheboston #environmentalenrichment #dogs #dogsofinstagram #workforfood #braingames #shred #loveyourdog