Game On Dogs

22/08/2024

There's a untapped goldmine....

01/08/2024

PRE ORDERS are now open for:
Channel Weaves
Agility tyre
Due to the exorbitant costs of shipping, we will not be carrying the same amount of stock of agility gear for home use as per previous years.
Please email [email protected] if you like to pre order any of the above. An email is required. Pre orders will be accepted up to 18th August. Stock will arrive in time for summer training.😊

30/07/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/sw52MZSfjxrD73dK/

TODAY OUR BREED EXPERT CAROL PRICE LOOKS AT:

THE FEARUL MIND
Better understanding fear and its fallout in Border collies

It has taken me many, many years of my life to better understand how collies think, and respond to their surrounding world – usually, so very differently to ourselves. And also that in trying to transplant our own human brains, and thought processes, into a collie’s head is where so many of our problems with these dogs begin.

Human beings, in the main, can just be so bizarrely inconsistent. In that we will invariably view ourselves as mentally superior to all other animals in every way. Then still expect them to think and react to their surrounding world just like us, whenever some problem crops up for them in their environment. And that includes the experience and sensation of fear. An emotion at the heart of so many more challenging issues in collies.

We often do not understand our dogs’ fear, only because we cannot share it or know where it comes from.

A DIFFERENT MIND
Humans process fear or threat according to a pretty complex mental alert system. Involving a wealth of accumulated personal memory and experience; what or who has been proven to be safe or less safe in the past, and what is more novel or unfamiliar in their immediate environment.

Dogs may have the same basic system, but on a far more primal level. They cannot, for instance, rationalise their world like we can; know what a plane is, for instance, and why it exists or what it does, or the true function and purpose of umpteen different noises they get exposed to daily in the home or outside environment.

And they never live long enough to amass the level of social or environmental knowledge we typically acquire in our lifetimes. So they are creatures who primarily have to rely on instinct, instead, to rapidly process what is going on around them. They either trust that something they experience is safe, or they suspect that it is not. And then suitably respond either way.

Sometimes this more 'primal' system in collies – at least to our eyes - doesn’t work so efficiently, in terms of what a dog’s mind chooses to mount a more fearful response to. I have a dog for instance who doesn’t blink an eyelid in heavy traffic, or when a plane screeches over her head, but immediately runs off to hide when you take a loaf of bread out the freezer, because of the ‘cracklier’ noise it makes. This is the nature of instinct. It is never going to be 100% accurate in its assessments or responses, but it’s all dogs have got.

THREAT AND FEAR RESPONSES
Collies can vary greatly in how readily they will both perceive or react to any sudden sense of threat – i.e. with a milder or more extreme physical response. Such as freezing (or refusing to budge from a particular spot), fleeing, hiding, barking, whining, lunging out defensively, panting, shaking or shivering. And because all these responses emanate from more primal survival programming in dogs’ heads, it can be hard for them to exert any more conscious control over them, or even focus on anything else.

This is also why your dog may seem completely unable to listen to you, or take in any attempt you may make to try to soothe them or calm them down when they are in the height of a fear response, because their brain is now totally locked into survival mode, screening out anything other than what their instincts tell them they must do at that moment.

FEAR & RECOVERY
Something I have always found highly relevant in a dog is not that they become fearful when suddenly exposed to something newer or more potentially threatening – which, along with natural caution, is in fact a pretty healthy survival response – but how long they take to recover from that fear response once it has been launched.

For some it can be minutes, for others hours or even days. Depending on how quickly the dog decides that the thing they first thought was unsafe is safe, or be trained (of which more later) to accept this. Being prepared to recover quickly from a fear experience is always a good sign in dogs. You will also never get a better chance to turn a fear response in a dog around than the very first time it happens. Rather than long after it has become a far more ingrained behaviour in them, through constant past repetition.

WHEN FEAR LINGERS
Some dogs have a much bigger struggle overcoming their fears. Either because they have not been given a better chance, or better training, to overcome them or because this is a more intrinsic part of their whole nature, or personality.

If your own dog is like this, there is nothing to be gained from wishing your dog was more 'normal' or able to see their world more like you can or behave like other dogs do. Your dog can only think like your dog thinks, and then behave accordingly.

Dogs like these will always need more help and support in guiding them through the sensory and social minefield of our human world. With the right training – in teaching them to build more positive associations with things they previously once found frightening – so many of them can be helped and moved on to a happier place, but you can only progress at the speed each individual dog is prepared to go, when it comes to change.

MORE OVERWHELMING FEARS
Mostly the best approach to fearful perceptions and responses in collies is to teach them to feel more positive about the thing, or things, that once frightened them. But I do not think this applies to everything. Sometimes fear triggers are so overwhelming, as well as more scarily unpredictable – as in the case of thunderstorms, say, or fireworks – that finding an immediate place of safety for the dog to go to, or hide in, is a better strategy. Especially if other options – like noise CDs to better familiarise dogs with these sounds – have not worked for you.

Due to the more supreme sensitivity of dogs’ hearing, compared to our own, the noise of things like fireworks and thunder can also actually cause them physical pain, and thus it is harder to persuade a dog that something is actually ‘safe’ when it has this kind of physical effect on them.

The biggest assets you can, ultimately, give any fearful dog are your patience and greater insight into their problem. Fear is not something a dog can help, or always control in themselves. But we can control the ways in which we to choose to better understand them, and help them.

Meanwhile, a far more comprehensive look at fear in Border collies, its fallout on their behaviour, and how you can train dogs to be less fearful about different things, appears in BOOK THREE (green cover) of my BORDER COLLIES: A BREED APART trilogy: BEHAVIOUR - INSIGHTS, ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS:
All text © Carol Price 2024
Carol Price collie books: In the UK from: https://performancedog.co.uk/product-category/books-and-dvds/authors/carol-price/ In the USA from: https://www.dogwise.com/ # and https://www.cleanrun.com/product/border_collies_a_breed_apart_book_1_secrets_of_the_working_mind/index.cfm In Canada from https://4mymerles.com/collections/books In Australia from: https://gameondogs.com.au/ And in the Netherlands and Belgium from: https://mediaboek.nl/border-collies-a-breed-apart-book-1.html

17/07/2024

Some photos of the Agility Nationals 🙂
****So I am told, ever so publicly 😜 that Agility Nationals would like to everyone to get their photos from their photographers instead. **** So sorry to disappoint!

15/07/2024

Last week was MASSIVE - 5 days at the long awaited Agility Nationals, 4 as a competitor with 3 dogs and 2 days hosting our Game On Dogs stall.
It was heartwarming to feel the love from our loyal customers and especially special to meet & chat with many of our interstate customers who have supported me for so many years - you guys ROCK!!
Busy week ahead, updating our website to include the stall stock again but not too busy to express my gratitude to all our customers not only from last week but also all our online customers - we would not survive without your continued support!

09/07/2024

FINAL CALL for special requests of stock for the Agility Nationals - especially bulky items as these will not be featured in our stall. DOUBLE your savings - Save $$ on shipping, save 15% on all cash purchases!!

08/07/2024

Due to our attendance at the Agility Nationals this week and as we are a one-man show, the dispatch of online orders received this week may be delayed. Thanks so much for your understanding and patience 😘

07/07/2024

Final preparations for the Agility Nationals this week. Only a bespoke selection of stock will make the trip. Please let me know if you are interested to check out any specific items.

19/06/2024

With the long awaited Agility Nationals just around the corner, we are flat out here at Game on Dogs with both training our agility dogs to be the best they can be🤞😅 and preparing to host a stall on Friday and Saturday of the Nats.😁
Taking advantage of this rare opportunity to meet our loyal customers face to face, we are offering a PICKUP service to save shipping on BULKY ITEMS and a special discount for bulk purchases. If you can't make it to the Nats but would like the discount, we can quote & organise shipping for you.😘

14/06/2024

Some toys are up & running.....😅

12/06/2024

So 4 boxs of toys all decide to arrive on the same day!!😱 Will I be able to get them processed in time for the Nationals!!😵‍💫

11/06/2024

We are all familiar with impulse buying but how about impulse sale? 🙃Hurry limited time offer!

Game on dogs, where our passion for dogs is reflected in our products. We have the largest selection of quality dog toys, training gear, books and dvds for performance dogs in Australasia.

05/06/2024

Designed to challenge your dog's balance, body awareness, and strength, these discs are an excellent addition to any training routine. For some dogs, they ar...

03/05/2024

https://fb.watch/rQt4l01mhK/

27/04/2024

How awesome is this!!

26/04/2024

The many ways I love my Flexbox #5 Tuck sit Kickback Stand Flexiness - Canine Fitness Equipment & Coaching

26/04/2024

Viola Ultimate Treat Pouch - Limited Edition Colors plus Adventure Clip Combo Set..available next week! Pre order now :)

13/04/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/Ck8ejw9gVBRwkiCS/?mibextid=xfxF2i

04/04/2024

Just the right weather for some K9 Fitready exercises....
How many ways do I love my Flexbox? Flexiness - Canine Fitness Equipment & Coaching
Rear feet pivot - LEVEL UP!

31/03/2024

🐣🐰🐇

31/03/2024

#3 Rear feet pivot
Flexiness - Canine Fitness Equipment & Coaching

22/03/2024

As the owner of 6 sports dogs (retired & current), I am on an endless journey of how to improve the well being of my beloved dogs - this has led me to be an improved trainer/handler, a certified canine fitness trainer who is passionate about cross training & rehabilitation and needless to say, with a strong interest in healthy diets & supplements.
I am excited to introduce my latest acquisition which I tested over a number of months on first my senior dog and now the rest of my doggies....how can I deny all my puppies the immense benefits of this supplement😜

100% Colostrum, No milk powder or other addictives The exceptional bioactivity of MIP Colostrum is readily absorbed by the body, giving you powerful benefits, naturally! Maxi Immuno Plus (MIP) Colostrum is 100% pure and undiluted bioactive first milking colostrum, sourced from cows in the South Isla...

22/03/2024

The many ways I love my Flexbox - #2....really should have been #1😉💪

13/03/2024

Brilliant exercise not only for limb control but on the micro level of using different muscular contractions to build strength.https://www.facebook.com/share/r/nNboFk9xmfFCbsVy/?mibextid=xfxF2i

21/02/2024

Introducing the first episode of a new video series "The many ways to LOVE my Flexiness Flexbox"😁

19/02/2024

Rest day for th doggies = Wash day for some of my FAV (too many to wash ALL 😅) fitness equipment. Fret not, my darling puppies, I will be energised after lunch to give you all a pedicure💅💅😁

17/02/2024

Stay tuned... https://www.facebook.com/share/5Kr85D6mprcu13vP/?mibextid=xfxF2i

🐾 Unleash Your Dog's Potential with Flexiness Canine Fitness Equipment! 🐾

At Flexiness, we believe that every dog deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, leading healthy and active lives alongside their owners. That's why we dream bigger when it comes to designing canine fitness equipment that not only meets the needs of our program but also addresses the unique requirements of dogs of all breeds and sizes.
Here's why we're passionate about pushing the boundaries of innovation in the world of canine fitness:

➡️ Tailored to Your Program: We understand that every training program has its specific goals and requirements. That's why our canine fitness equipment is designed to seamlessly integrate into your existing program, whether you're focusing on agility training, rehabilitation, or overall fitness enhancement.

➡️ Meeting Dogs' Needs: Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and abilities, and their fitness equipment should reflect that diversity. Our products are meticulously designed with the physiological and behavioral needs of dogs in mind, ensuring maximum safety, comfort, and effectiveness for every furry participant.

➡️ Innovative Design: We don't settle for the status quo. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of design and functionality to create equipment that not only looks great but also supports to deliver exceptional performance. We strive to provide the best possible experience for both dogs and their trainers.

➡️ Commitment to Quality: We take pride in the quality of our products. Each piece of canine fitness equipment undergoes rigorous testing to ensure durability, reliability, and safety.

➡️ Partnering in Success: At Flexiness, we're more than just a supplier – we're your partners in success. We're dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, whether you need assistance with product selection or training resources. Your success is our success, and we're committed to helping you and your dog(s) achieve your fitness goals together.
Dream bigger with us and unleash the full potential of your furry friends. Contact us today to learn more about our innovative products and how we can support your canine fitness program!
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Train smart! Elevate your pet's fitness journey with Flexiness®!
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Equipment: Flexiness®FlexBlox, SensiMat, FlexBloxMat
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17/02/2024

Time to break in your runners....

Game on dogs, where our passion for dogs is reflected in our products. We have the largest selection of quality dog toys, training gear, books and dvds for performance dogs in Australasia.

10/02/2024

1x FlexBlox and 1x ToyPawDisc also a great combination for small dogs
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Train smart! Elevate your pet’s fitness journey with Flexiness® and move better!
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29/01/2024

❤ The much anticipated stock of Flexiness FLEXBOX has arrived in Australia. Available now online. Just a little excited to try out different configurations! Limited stock only.

Today’s Flexiness setup to work on the pivot:
4 FlexBlox, 2 SensiMats for nerve stimulation and 1 FlexBlox rubber mat for more grip. Check our website for a dealer near you!

Visit us next week Schweizer Hundefachmesse