Aggles

27/11/2024

Good information 😊

ARE YOU MANAGING?
Are you managing your dog’s environment to prevent or improve unwanted behaviour?

As people, we tend to prefer and look for the more complicated solutions to problems. This tendency is termed “complexity bias” - the tendency to prefer complicated explanations and solutions instead of looking for the simpler ones.

Surely a complicated, time consuming, detailed solution has to be more effective, superior, impressive, or correct?

Complexity bias is so relevant when it comes to changing a dog’s unwanted behaviour. We often get so stuck on trying to modify behaviour through counter conditioning, desensitization or detailed training plans when sometimes the simplest solution to the problem lies in simply managing the environment.

Dogs will do what dogs do – when an opportunity arises to help themselves to food left on a table, to bark at the gate at anyone passing by, to have a drink from that big water bowl at the perfect height, that we call a toilet, to running off with irresistibly smelly dirty underwear, to rummaging through bins in search of anything that may or may not be edible, to running out an opened door in search of adventure - the list is long - dogs will be dogs.

Parents of little children use management all the time without giving it much thought. Baby locks on cupboards, covers on electrical sockets, valuable or dangerous items put far out of reach, fences and locks around pools, etc.

We wouldn’t just train a toddler not to stick their fingers in an electrical socket, not to open cupboards, not to touch a hot plate – it’s far safer, simpler and logical to first manage the environment, to prevent potential incidents.

The same principle should apply to managing a dog’s environment to prevent unwanted behaviour.

The more a behaviour is practiced the more difficult it is to prevent. The more a behaviour is rehearsed the better dogs become at it.

Preventing the behaviour from happening in the first place by using management is the logical, simple and effective way to address it.

Be a good manager – it’s far less stressful, for both us and our dogs.

26/11/2024

A very good idea 👍

Due to my work with dog rescue, I see too many pets abandoned and in pounds after people d** or become disabled. I very highly recommended including plans for your pets IN YOUR WILL. Talk to a responsible close friend or family member and ask if they will take ownership of your pets if are unable to care for your pets one day.

It takes time for a will to be found and actioned and that could be too late for your pets. Therefore, it’s VERY IMPORTANT to TELL people where to find your will and what your plans are for your pets.

If you live alone, and maybe don’t have daily contact with close friends or family, then write down the phone number of someone who can come get your pets if you’re taken away in an ambulance. Display it on your fridge and give a copies to your neighbours and friends.

08/11/2024

Who said animals don’t like to play? Gorgeous enjoy ☺️

28/09/2024

Is this your new family member?

Can you help Halo ? 💕

Halo is looking for her furever home via

This gorgeous soul was rescued from a puppy mill and has been staying with a beautiful family who have helped her to gain trust in humans and feel safe.

Having had a session with the family and Miss Halo I can honestly say she will make the sweetest of companions and has made exceptional progress in a short time.

More details via

25/09/2024

So true

In case you were wondering what it takes to use a shock collar.

25/09/2024

Great info 😊

I recommend that a dog wear a collar all the time, but the purpose of a collar is to hold an ID tag, not for walking. If you don’t like a dangling ID tag you can get an embroidered collar or a silicone tag. It is a legal requirement in NSW that all dogs must wear a collar with identification when outside their own property. For safety's sake, I recommend keeping the collar on 24 x 7 because you never know when someone may open your door or your gate and your dog will make a run for it.

If you’re worried about your dog being entangled or choked by his collar during play then you can get a break-away collar. Links in comments.

I always recommend the use of a harness (rather than a collar) for walking dogs. This is because when dogs get excited they tend to backup and then a collar can easily slip over their head. Another problem with using collars for walks is that when a dog pulls on the collar it causes serious damage to their throat, thyroid, eyes, spine and other delicate structures.

Another advantage of owning a dog harness is you can use it to transport your dog safely in your vehicle by attaching a seat belt tether to the harness. Never use a seat belt tether attached to a collar because in an accident it could snap your dog's neck!

23/09/2024

Please donate if you can. A very good way to help people with mental health issues 😊

22/09/2024

Please desex your dog

22/09/2024

Good advice 👏👏👏👏

21/09/2024

Good to jnowt

Have you noticed that your dog zigs and zags on walks? Your dog isn’t trying to drive you crazy. They’re following their incredibly powerful sense of smell, which is how dogs experience the world!

Humans have 6 million olfactory receptors, compared to dogs, who have up to 300 million!

Those zigzags (and let me tell you, Finch is the zig-zaggiest) are your dog following scent trails, catching up on neighborhood gossip, and gathering information. (If only they could share what they learn with us!)

If you start to feel frustrated on walks, remember that sniffing is essential to your dog’s happiness, enrichment, and well-being! ❤️

Alt text: A small gray dog on a blue background with a speech bubble that reads, “Walking in a straight line is more of a human thing.”