The Bark Side Dog Care

23/09/2023

I know we’re playing catch-up, but let’s time travel for the day so I can share our day and some heartfelt thoughts… ⏩️

BRIAR TURNS 1️⃣: Today was Briar’s first birthday and he had a truly awesome day! We started with some obedience training over breakfast, then a relaxed walk around the neighbourhood. Then we drove to a fitting studio where Briar was fitted with a new harness just for him. He was an absolute angel in the studio, considering by the end we had an entire pile of tried and discarded harnesses to show how long we’d spent fitting him, not to mention the number of times we’d made adjustments. My impatient, touch-sensitive doggo did great! Then it was lunchtime – okay, fine, that means he sat next to the café table while the humans ate lunch. But still! Always nice to visit somewhere new, right? Last of all, we stopped by the pet store to get a recent weight for photo-a-month project (those of you who have been following know the one!) and to pick up a few oh-so-necessary birthday items. Every birthday boy needs a bow tie! Back home we did the final photoshoot for our project and a special one for his birthday, and then finally it was naptime! It was truly a good day and I am SO proud and thrilled with his behaviour today.

He hasn’t been an easy dog for me. Combine a tenacious temperament with a family not prepared for a dog like him and then throw in some big life challenges for me along the way – poor health, work changes and so on – and it’s been touch-and-go so many times. Most days I’m still asking myself if I’m doing the right thing by having him in my life. He hasn’t been the dog I expected and right now, the picture of our lives looks nothing like what I thought it would. But I’m hoping that’s okay, and we will continue to live and learn together, and work towards some of my goals. Days like today make it worth it. Happy birthday, buddy. 💚

(Today, 23 Sept 2023)

27/02/2023

It took me many years to get my own dog. I didn't mind the wait, because I've had the pleasure of living and working with so many of your dogs.

But yes, I GOT A DOG! Life has a way of throwing curveballs and I've had a lot to juggle recently, so I've only just gotten to making an Instagram to share the newest member of my family. We're still at the baby polar bear stage of the album, but I will catch up to where we are now, I promise!

Meet Briar the White Swiss Shepherd - born Sept 2022 and home with me since Nov 2022. He's a handful, a great dog, and I've been promised it'll all be worth it. Follow us to see the journey.

13 Followers, 10 Following, 24 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Briar ()

13/09/2022

So you’ve got a herdy dog. A Border Collie, Huntaway, Kelpie, Beardie, etc etc. They need a lot of exercise, right?

So you head out to the park, ball thrower in hand and play fetch. Back and forward back and forward, with the dog getting more and more amped and fixated on that ball with each rep.

They might be temporarily falling over from physical exhaustion by the end of it, but their brains are more wired than ever. A quick rest later and they’re ready to go again, often crazier than when you started. You’ve created a dopamine and adrenaline addict who needs more and more to be satisfied.

🙅🏻‍♀️ Please, stop. 🙅🏻‍♀️

On a busy mustering day on the farm we regularly covered over 30km, double that on occasion. I made my farm dogs ride on the bike for as much as I could, but they still did at least double that again running back and forward, up and down the steep hills rounding up bulls and barking at full noise the whole way. So yeah, they are CAPABLE of a lot of exercise. If you’re running ultra marathons in the mountains at top speed maybe you could tire them out physically.

But the important bit about the working life IS NOT the amount of physical exercise they’re doing. It’s the work and the control around it. Left, over, push em up, get in behind, and the “oh s**t that bull is coming at me I better move out of the way” or “hey, mum missed that yearling - I better grab it”. They are thinking and responding the whole way. THAT is the bit they’re bred for.

Instead of straight up trying to wear your herdy dog out, think about the work they are designed for and give them an outlet for that instead.

🌟 Use a ball, but use it as an object to develop control around rather than a mindless back and forward high arousal activity. I trained a few herdy dogs their lefts, rights and stops for work and life using a soccer ball - if they can listen while a ball is moving, that’s a nice stepping stone towards control on stock or in other high arousal situation. A flirt pole or tug toy can be used in much the same way.

🌟 Use their nose. Put them in a down, go hide their toy or some treats out of sight then release them to go gather them back up. Without that visual target to be fixated on, they are forced to slow down and really think rather than it being a mindless game of chase.

🌟 Get them learning new cues. They’re bred to want to work with humans, so teach them some things you can do together. Whether that’s trick training, agility, obedience or whatever you choose. Use that magnificent brain.

🌟 Put them in a structured heel. They can exercise with you, but they have to engage their brains and think about where they are in relation to you.

🌟 In contrast to that, give them decompression time where calmness is the focus. Let them learn to exercise and sniff around without it needing to be a high arousal go go go thing.

Put your working dog to work and watch the magic happen.

If you’ve got a dog you want some help with, flick me a message. I offer training consults throughout the Waikato, as well as virtually. www.wolfedogs.nz

18/03/2022

18/03/2022

WE REALLY DID IT.

Mousse has been adopted into his forever home as Rafiki - "friend" in Swahili - as he will be a treasured companion to his new doggy brother, Twiga the Ridgeback X!

Twiga is an incredibly good-natured, curious, happy fellow who will no doubt guide Rafiki through life. Between Twiga and his caring, patient, dog-experienced human mum, I could not have asked for more. Rafiki loves his new mum and sleeps every night indoors snuggled up with his new brother.

PICTURED: the day I collected him from the shelter; ⏩ the day he discovered the deep dark secret of squeaky toys 😱 (he's a sensitive soul, ok?); ⏩ the day he met his new brother but played like old friends.

Also pictured: Rafiki with doggy friends Scout and Charlotte — a big thanks to ALL the humans & dogs, too many to name, who helped on this journey.

Enjoy your new home, Rafiki - you now have everything you deserve and I know you will thrive. Thank you for all you have taught us. 💕

05/03/2022

We did it!

My work at the animal shelter keeps me busy. My role includes assessing dogs, training/rehab, managing their cases and trying to find the best outcomes possible for both humans and dogs. It's a tough gig, so work/life balance is important.

But there are times it's hard not to take work home. Last August, on impulse, I did. His name is Mousse, we guess he's about 5 years old, and he's my first foster dog (not counting puppy raising).

Mousse came to our shelter from a hoarding-type situation. He had been kept in a kennel in squalid conditions, and likely never lived in a home. He is a very sweet dog but was extremely stressed in shelter - panting, pacing, barking, not eating well. We thought I'd take him home for a week or two to make sure he could cope OK in a home environment before making him available for adoption.

Fast forward almost 7 MONTHS - scroll past lots of behavioural rehab, medical treatment, some sheer bad luck (why do birds hate him so much?) and lots of support from friends and colleagues - Mousse is finally ready for adoption!

It's been a long journey with big ups and downs. I've learned a lot - including how troubled an undersocialised dog can be, and how different a dog can be in and outside of a shelter. It's also reinforced the all important lesson for trainers: always, always, ALWAYS rule out potential physical causes of 'behavioural problems'.

But back to Mousse! He is a very sweet boy. Socially awkward? Yes. Noise sensitive? Yes. Thinks too much? Maybe. He's also affectionate, dog friendly, food motivated, quiet and toilet trained.

If you know anyone who has a place in their home and heart for the sweetest, most awkward kelpie ever, please let me know.

This is Mousse! Mousse looks like he's just strolled off the set of Muster Dogs. No need to worry, he's a far cry from participating in antics of the likes of Lucifer. If you're in want of your very own Muster Dog (in looks), but whose 'muster' is more about mustering the courage to even set foot in...

19/01/2022

💯 % this. My foster dog is timid and very undersocialised so I LOVE seeing him come out of his shell when another dog is present, but his lack of social skills and experience means that he will invade their personal space.

Now that he is gaining confidence he will also try to chase other dogs and occasionally nip them (normal behaviour for his breed). Some dogs enjoy this and join in the game with him, which is nice. Some don’t notice or mind, and that’s fine too.

But it is MY responsibility to leash him and move him away from other dogs who don’t like rude dogs, because that’s what he is - not responding to another dog’s signals to go away is rude! Just because he doesn’t know any better doesn’t mean others should have to tolerate his behaviour.

(Note it is ALSO my responsibility not to trap him in frustrating situations, leading to potential reactivity (a precursor to aggression). His emotional well-being is as important as the physical & emotional needs of others. Luckily, he responds very well to my direction here because I haven’t let him feel trapped - instead I’ve guided him out of a frustrating situation.)

Do you make sure your dog is considerate of others?

PS. Sorry for the radio silence! I have been busy with work and fostering, but hope to fill you all in as we go along.

01/08/2021

I think this is why I like dogs.
(That is, their persistent and oblivious insistence on what they enjoy, whether you want it or not).

08/06/2021

This this this! Many people with new puppies get told to randomly sn**ch their dogs food bowl away, stick their hands in the bowl or pet them while they eat to “make sure they can”. Actually, this annoys your dog and he might start being possessive of his food because he now knows you might sn**ch it away without warning! Just let your dog eat - or talk to your trainer about effective ways to prevent food aggression.

03/06/2021

I'm sure you've seen this comic floating around - originally posted on Tumblr by user cupcakelogic in 2015. All credit to the original artist!

This week's houseguest, Tora, may have been the muse for it! Who else has one of these dogs?

06/05/2021

For those of you who missed it - Scruffy is back! This funny dude first came to stay 5 years ago with his labradoodle housemate, Charlie. They've stayed a few times - Scruffy came on his own for training boot camp in 2017 😜 - but it's been a few years since the last visit. He's an interesting guy so keep an eye out for more Scruffy news to come!

04/05/2021

The Howler (edited by yours truly) isn't just for members of our obedience club. Every month we include reward-based training advice, reports on dog-related events and things we think ALL dog owners would like to know. This month it's an overview of the dog sport: agility. (You know, like an obstacle course with tunnels, poles and jumps, and a dog flying through them? That one.) If there's a topic you'd like to know about, I'm all ears. 👂

May 2021 edition Hills Howler. Dog Sports, Show Pictures and issues around anxious dogs

04/05/2021

Always a pleasure to have Jackson and Elliot visit.

03/04/2021

Loving this month's cover photo of 10 wk old Sadie the GSD!

The April Howler also has tips on training your dog to work WITHOUT a food bribe and an overview of entry level obedience competition (CCD). Enjoy!

April 2021 edition Hills Howler. Dog Parks, Canine socialisation, puppies and more puppies.

03/04/2021

I don't see Toby and Bertie for walks these days because they now live further away on a large property with their humans but thought you might enjoy this photo of my last visit. Hope you're having a lovely Easter everyone!

01/04/2021

How useful is this?! Are there places your dog has learned not to go?

That’s Rafa, waiting patiently at the gate while I put the bins out on the road the other night. He does this without being asked. This ‘implied stay’ is a behaviour we actively taught him and all our other dogs in hopes it may save their life one day! Shortly after I took this shot I said ‘FREE’, the cue to let him know he is welcome to ‘Exit the building’, and he joined me for a quick jaunt up the street.

Whether it be at your side gate, front door, garage, coming inside, going outside or upstairs, teaching your dog rules about places he or she can’t go unless they are invited is worth it’s weight in gold at keeping your dog safe or you by not bowling you over racing you out an open door.

Life is busy and gates get left open, doors don't shut properly, kids find electric gate buzzers!

This long weekend, train your dog an implied stay!

Here’s some pointers.. 👇👇👇

1.) Walk to your front door/gate and ask your dog to sit or stay and give them a treat for doing so.

2.) Open the door slightly, if your dog leaves the position they were in, the door closes. If they hold position say ‘good’ and give them a treat.

3.) If they moved in the previous step, start again by opening the door slowly and rewarding them for any attempt at holding position. If they are staying put, open further and reward you dog for being patient. Find a moment when you can tell they are really trying hard to remain still, open the door all the way and say ‘FREE’.

In a nut shell, if they go to walk out the door on there own accord as you begin opening it, the door closes and your dog gets to go nowhere. But if they are patient and hold that sit, they get a treat and eventually hear the cue ‘free’ which means they are welcome to go forth on their next adventure.
Please train this behaviour on lead to prevent failure or injury.

14/03/2021

This month includes the critical periods of canine development, an insightful opinion piece on unfenced dog parks, and lots of puppies! Thanks for reading.

March 2021 edition Hills Howler. Dog Parks, Canine socialisation, puppies and more puppies.

08/03/2021

Yep, seen this in dogs too. If you think your dog did something 'out of character', or if you have been working on some rehabilitation and you feel like progress has taken a step back, take a look at the stressors around. Could they be contributing to something being 'the last straw'?

WHAT IS TRIGGER STACKING?

This is something humans are very familiar with and it’s easy to forget that it can and does happen to dogs and other species.
Trigger stacking is when you have a few difficult experiences in close succession that may cause you to uncharacteristically “snap”.

99 days out of a 100 you could be the happiest, most laid back person in the world, but let’s say one day you wake up with a sore neck, it’s not enough to make you complain but it’s there chipping away at you. Then when you stub your toe walking down the hallway, which makes you spill your coffee all over the carpet. Now you’re running late for work because you’re trying to clean that coffee you so desperately wanted out of the carpet and you’ve had to skip breakfast. While driving to work, the traffic is a bit worse because you’ve left later than normal and you try to change lanes and go to check your blind spot but can’t because of your sore neck, so you try to merge anyway and suddenly hear a horn from behind you. The horn frightens you and you scream an expletive and throw up the middle finger to the car that beeped. It was a lovely elderly man who was just beeping the horn to let you know he was there. It was completely out of character for you and now you feel terrible. We’d be confident in saying everyone has experienced one of these days before.. right?

THAT is trigger stacking, and it happens in dogs. They might have a niggling sore or be hungry, a loud noise catches them unaware or a person approaches for a pat and the advancement makes them feel uncomfortable.

If you’re unaware of your dogs ailments or fears and aren’t familiar with how to interpret their body language, the most laid back dog can growl or bite when these unpleasant events happen in close succession. Whilst the aggressive outburst may seem incredibly ‘out of the blue’, it’s possible it was brewing for a while.

01/03/2021

It's time to share some exciting news!

There have been some developments in my professional life recently. I am now working at RSPCA NSW as an assessment and rehabilitation trainer. I'm thrilled to work with a greater variety of dogs and do my part to help those in need.

I am also instructing adolescent dog and puppy classes for local business Adore The Paw. Casey is an excellent instructor, experienced vet nurse and groomer and I look forward to working with her and her clients to help create happy families with happy doggies.

What does this mean for The Bark Side?

Firstly, THANK YOU for all the support you have shown me over the years by trusting me with your beloved dogs. 🐶💕 To my current clients: if you are after home boarding or training for your dog, YES please get in touch - I will do my best to continue working with you, schedule permitting. I will not be able to take on any NEW boarding clients.

Thank you ALL for following the adventures on this page so far. Don't worry, it isn't going anywhere - I will still be seeing some of you, teaching at Hills Dog Club, and sharing training thoughts and glimpses of life with dogs here!

x Ellen

27/02/2021

Charlotte had her breakfast kibble in a snuffle mat this morning. It gave her something to do while I had my own breakfast and was a bit more stimulating than finishing her bowl in 5 seconds with a GULP!

27/02/2021

We all know dogs love to sniff things. But did you know sniffing activates a part of the doggy brain called the seeking system? It's responsible for the release of dopamine (a feel-good hormone) which can help regulate anxiety. In short, sniffing feels good!

There are many great organised dog activities like nosework and scent detection which can be an enriching and therapeutic hobby for your dog. But you can also incorporate some of the benefits of sniffing in your dog's everyday life.

This week, I've used it with all of my walking clients. When I arrived at Bertie & Toby's, I threw a handful of treats behind me for them to sniff out - both to prevent jumping on me while I entered the gate, but also to guide them to focus on something other than just bouncing up and down.

I also did a couple of "Find Its" with Darcy (below) before we went on our walk (show him treat, toss it behind him (where he can't see) and cue him to sniff it out before we got going). He was hyperexcited to go out because he hadn't been out for a few days, so it gave him a chance to focus his energy somewhere so we he could then have a calm walk.

Lastly, Charlotte the Labrador had her breakfast kibble in a snuffle mat this morning (photo in next post). It was her first time and she enjoyed sniffing out all the pieces!

14/02/2021

100% recommend this exercise - done gradually and kindly so that your dog learns to cope emotionally with the world happening around them!

Me practicing what I recommend to my puppy schoolers families - tie up excercise !

Being able to sit still and relax while out and about with our dogs is such a great life skill and such a handy management option too. Owning a dog that you know will lay down and chill out while you enjoy a cafe breakfast or watch the kids play sport etc will
Mean you enjoy taking your dog out and therefore they will be invited more places aka living their best lives !

On this particular morning I had walked the dogs and was needing to feed the horses their breakfast , it was easier and more time efficient to tether the dogs for a few minutes rather than take them inside / put them out the back etc so this is what they did - and they did it so well ❤️🐾

Tie up excercises need to be done carefully and gradually with the advice of a trainer so please seek advice on how to teach it. We do not advocate for dogs to be tied up and left alone or left at home tied up for management , ever .

12/02/2021

Some of us are more “c’mon, let’s gooo! What’s the hold up, human??” And some of us like to stop and smell the roses 🌹 Which kind of dog are you?

04/02/2021

Training at our dog club has just started up for the year. As is my nature, I tend to feel apprehensive when things start/resume, but now that we've started? It's nice to be back. :) And what better way to see the new training year in than with a fresh Howler, edited by yours truly? 😉

February 2020 edition Hills Howler. Including Current Covid Rules, News for Existing members and new members.

02/02/2021

Work's kept me busy lately, so this Christmas gift was perfect to wind down with after work. Is it just me, or is that face kinda familiar? Nah? I'm imagining things? No worries. Carry on.

16/01/2021

A big congrats to Duggie, first puppy program graduate of 2021! I promise he was awake during class... although I’d say Settle and Stay were his top skills! 😂

11/01/2021

Nicely done! What do your dogs work together on?

09/01/2021

Selfie time for me, Bertie and Toby on our walk yesterday! Is it just me, or do we all have the same expression? 😜

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Speaking of happy expressions, thank you to everyone who has extended kind words re. my mother's health. I am very pleased to report that she is doing well and I am getting back to work earlier than expected. Please note that DOG BOARDING in my home is still ON HOLD until further notice, however I am available for in-home puppy training and house visits at this time.

04/01/2021

Who's got one of these dogs? I can think of a couple...

Fireworks