Good Izzy Dog Training

13/11/2024

Heads-up. There will be fireworks this Saturday night in Sale.

07/11/2024

Congratulations to Nilah, Marvin, Chippies and Puppy No Name Yet. Our latest Puppy School graduates 👏👏👏. Great team work!

15/10/2024

Our latest group of Puppy School super stars. Congratulations to Banjo, Shadow, Luther & Leni 👏👏👏🌱 Our next course will commence on Tuesday 22 October. You can book online https://goodizzy.com.au/

19/09/2024

A fab group of puppies and their people 💕All worked hard at their puppy skills and are off
to a flying start. Congratulations to Chili, Teddy, Jade, Whisky, Winter and Teddy 👏👏👏🌱
Our next Puppy School starts Wednesday 25 September. No school holidays for us!

12/09/2024

If you have an adolescent dog (6months to 18 months) or one that is nearly at that stage, this is a great read. We have an Out & About class coming up too - suited for just this age.

Adolescence occurs between six months and 18 months of age—a time when guardians typically struggle the most with their dogs. Some guardians are so overwhelmed and underprepared for this developmental stage of their dog’s life, they choose to surrender the dog to a local shelter or rescue group. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that the majority of the surrendered dogs (47.7 percent) ) were between 5 months and 3 years of age (M.D. Salman,John G. New, Jr.,Janet M. Scarlett,Philip H. Kass,Rebecca Ruch-Gallie &Suzanne Hetts, 2010)

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, changing s*x hormones effect the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to process information they are receiving from the environment including the presence of dogs, vehicles, people, or really anything around them. They behave in ways that might feel frustrating or upsetting for the dog’s person.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control. We see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

So what does this mean? This could mean that what was once no big deal to the dog now feels scary; what was once easy to do is now stressful; what once made sense is now confusing. At times, the world can feel like ‘too much’ for the adolescent dog.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, our own frustration and impatience can cause us to act unpredictably. This adds to our puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for our dogs to adjust.

If you have an adolescent dog, what can you do? You can give your dog the time and space to observe what is going on around them when on leash at a distance away from the activity when possible. You can give your dog long walks to sniff and explore in nature, giving their brain time to decompress. You can offer your dog a quiet space to sleep so that they can consolidate memories effectively. You can continue training various skills, breaking them down into easier steps that can be generously reinforced.

By understanding what our adolescent dog is experiencing we gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best adult selves.

11/09/2024

Yikes! Poor Sylvie ripped half a toenail off!! Vet Emily at Gippsland Veterinary Hospital to the rescue and 1 bandaged paw later we opted for the MPS-Medical Pet Boot V an Elizabethan collar during recovery. Winner!! Sylvie was much happier, bandage stayed put - no access to nibbling, stayed dry on the recent wet days. The base of the boot is padded and has a rubber non-slip sole. She thumped her way around the house and is now bandage free and will be back to agility in a few weeks time. Here she is looking her stylish best with Tyler 💕

29/08/2024

We talked about resource guarding last night at Puppy School. Here is some further reading on this topic. Please share with friends and family who have a new dog.

THEORY THURSDAY - Resource Guarding

We don't have to go too far back in our memories to remember the dramatic behaviour occurring in some supermarkets around toilet paper (& possibly eggs now?!)
Animals exhibit defensive behaviour when they perceive a valued item is threatened.

Approached with understanding, empathy and a clear plan, you can help reduce occurrences.

For more on the topic, including links to several scientific papers & some great tips, check out this recent blog by PPGA member Little Angels Dog Training

https://littleangelsdogtraining.au/understanding-resource-guarding/

27/08/2024

TRAINING TUESDAY
Barking can be a complex issue, with so many potential reasons contributing to the behaviour.
PPG Vet Member Dr Eleanor Parker of Understood wrote an article for Australian Dog Lover discussing why dogs bark, and what you can do about it - as both an owner or frustrated neighour.
Sometimes simple changes can make a big impact, even if it's likely dogs will take time to change habits. And sometimes the plan will be more complex. At the core is acknowledging the function of the barking - why they are doing it - so you can address the underlying reason, rather than focusing on the symptom alone.
https://www.australiandoglover.com/2017/03/excessive-dog-barking-tips-advice.html

26/08/2024

Happy International Dog Day!!

Dogs are such a huge part of our lives, offering unconditional love and emotional support. They have integrated into our lives in so many ways.

International Dog Day is a day to honour all dogs - every shape, size, age and breed.

It was a day created to encourage everyone to think about perhaps adopting a dog or in some way to help a dog in need (maybe by fostering, volunteering at a rescue or helping to raise awareness and funds).

So give you dog a treat from us and lets celebrate!!

Feel free to post a photo of your dog/s below :)

21/08/2024

We have had 2 groups graduate Puppy School. All puppies were outstanding⭐️⭐️⭐️ Congratulations to Lola, Hendrix, Darcy, Ruby, Teddy, Bonnie, Birdie, Daisy, Hunter and Billie 👏👏👏
Our next course starts Tuesday 27 August - you can check our website or send me a message.

14/08/2024

I am Head Over Heels 🤸‍♀️ about this SALE....Get in touch its only on from 13th (Today) till the 18th AUG....MEGA SAVINGS On both OUR PLUS Therapy Mat & K9 Hand Unit & Harness 🥳🥳
Interest- Free Finance options available from 3 months to 5 YEARS!

13/08/2024

TRAINING TUESDAY - Jumping!

Jumping can be a frustrating & problematic behaviour. Dogs can jump on us, our visitors or even strangers on the street. Responding with attention, even negative attention, can make the problem bigger. From the dog's point of view, jumping gets results!

This article takes you through some simple steps to alleviate problem jumping, including:
* decide on an alternate, and incompatible, behaviour that you can reward (e.g teaching your dog to have 4 feet on the floor)
* start with low level distractions then practice, practice, practice
* get your timing right - be prepared & ready!
* a lead or baby gate can be useful while learning

Delve into more detail here: Broken link! Here's the correct link to the article:
https://ppgaustralia.net.au/Owners/Advice/Dogs/Jumping

08/08/2024

Our next puppy school course is open for bookings!
Helping your pup to learn in a safe and happy environment this course starts Wednesday 14 August at the Gippsland Veterinary Hospital in Maffra. Runs for 5 weeks - each Wednesday night - 6.30pm to 7.30pm and costs $150.
Suitable for puppies to attend from 8 weeks (with just their 1st vaccination).
To book or find out more head over to our website : https://goodizzy.com.au/

25/07/2024

Our latest Out & About group featuring Walter, Reggie, Blue, Kip and Winnie. This group of young dogs and their people made Sunday afternoon training the best. Congratulations to them all 👏👏👏

08/07/2024

Our latest Puppy School graduates. Pippa, Koda, Honey & Storm. What a fab 5 weeks of learning together - congratulations to them all. 👏👏👏

Our next Puppy School starts Tuesday 16 July. You can book online https://goodizzy.com.au or via the clinic.

01/07/2024

Exciting news! I was recently fortunate to spend a weekend at the Pet Professional Guild Australia conference in Sydney. We had some fantastic international and Australian speakers at the conference, all dedicated to force-free, modern and ethical training methods. Along with a swag of new ideas to implement in classes and training, there was plenty of great stuff for all dog lovers.
We were lucky enough to hear from American dog-herding expert Barbara Buchmayer who presented on Urban Herding: Herding Skills for Urban Dogs. These skills can be taught at home in the back yard or even inside – perfect for these cold Winter nights – you don’t need sheep either! If you would like some more information check her website: https://www.positiveherdingdog.com/

Barbara is also the author of the award-winning book ‘Enrichment Games for High-Energy Dogs’. This book is available in Australia, our local Collins Booksellers can order it for you.

If you are looking for some support for your own urban herder, please get in touch. We can introduce your dog to lots of fun activities that harness their natural instincts.

11/06/2024

We had Puppy School and Out & About graduations last week. Well done to these fab puppies and their people 👏👏👏 Our next Puppy School will commence on Wednesday night - 19 June.

20/05/2024

This would be ideal for anyone wanting to start Agility.

Learn Dog Agility..

This workshop is an Introduction to the Sport of Dog Agility and suited to dogs over 16 weeks old. 🐾🐾🐾
No experience is necessary... come a long and have fun on the 31st May or 1st June 2 pm - 4 pm .....🎉🎉 Prior Registration is essential

open to all abilities

Prior registration is essential as place are limited...cost is $50 2 hr session....