Step By Step Animal Training

22/04/2024

21/04/2024

I highly recommend the Ruffwear harness brand. They even have a harness with two straps around the body for escape artists.

17/04/2024

Great post if you are considering a Border Collie. They aren't for the faint of heart.
They will also herd your kids!

15/04/2024

Why do I use treats as my training tool?
Because I like dogs and I want them to be happy, not scared.

14/04/2024

Rocky is the master of the frog legs!
He also thinks this training thing is tiring.

Rocky had his initial consult today. He was unsure of me at first but then he realised I had this magical pouch full of food and he decided to let me stay.

Rocky is very smart and I look forward to working with him and his owners in the future.

Stay froggy, Rocky!

11/04/2024

Listen to your dog and NEVER assume that your dog will not bite.

Also don't punish your dog for showing stress signals, instead listen to them and remove them from the situation.
Once you start punishing stress signals, you take away the ability for the dog to give you a warning and suddenly you have a dog that bit someone out of the blue.

This is also why punishment should not be used in training.

A recent review said: “dog bites are not ‘accidents’, but preventable traumatic injuries”

Rather than all the media hype around XL bullies, let’s delve into the evidence:
A UK study found dog bites were split evenly between known or unknown dogs - but for children, the majority of bites were from familiar dogs in the home
- Even minor bites can cause physiological distress to a person - & what about the dog?
- Risk factors include: the environment a puppy is brought up in, age at rehoming & socialisation opportunities in early life (particularly 6-10 weeks old), especially the opportunity to form strategies to cope with frustration or fear, as these emotions are linked to aggression.
-Dogs experiencing pain or itching are more likely to display aggression

Let’s focus on prevention:
1. Educate - the ‘ladder of communication’ - although most people reporting a dog bite say it was unprovoked, most knowledgeable dog trainers/behaviourists would probably disagree. Aggression is used by dogs as a last resort when their other attempts to communicate are thwarted, so learn your dog’s body language & respond to what they are trying to tell you
2. Ensure you get your puppy from an experienced, home-based breeder - view the litter with mum at home who should be calm in the presence of strangers. If alarm bells ring, walk away. Using KC registered breeders &/or The Puppy Contract (https://puppycontract.org.uk/) provides reassurance to both sides that breeder & buyer are acting responsibly.
- If your dog is displaying signs of aggression, particularly if they never have in the past, first take them to a vet to be checked out for possible causes of pain or anxiety.
- If medical causes have been ruled out, seek help from a professional veterinary behaviourist or clinical animal behaviourist to help your dog find other ways to manage the emotions that are causing it to become aggressive.

IT IS NEVER THE DOG’S FAULT!

https://injuryprevention.bmj.com/content/28/3/288
DOI: 10.3390/ani13142329
DOI: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7210
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/canine-ladder-of-communication

10/04/2024

09/04/2024

This is a great video. This guy always posts really great stuff so definitely follow!

09/04/2024

Ruben and Clifford here had their initial consultation today.

They picked up on the training very quickly and even when I was leaving they were downstairs and I yelled out “Thank you!” And they came racing upstairs to grab their rewards.

A Thank You protocol can be used for alert barking to let the dogs know, thanks for doing your job, I now have this and you can relax.

Very smart boys and I look forward to our future training together. 🐶

06/04/2024

Give your dog an outlet for their natural behaviours.

Research the breed you are going to get and really think about whether they are a right fit for your home. Can you provide an outlet for those behaviours? You won’t be able to stop them so can you handle them?

A border collie will most probably herd your kids. Can you provide proper management to prevent this and provide them an outlet elsewhere? If not, a border collie probably isn’t the right dog for you.

Even small breeds have jobs. Some dig, some bark, some hunt. Research, research, research.

Breed behaviours come out for our dogs even outside the job they were meant for. Lab owners will tell you their dog will walk around with a shoe in their mouth. Coonhounds bay, even if they aren’t on the hunt. Cattle dogs will usually rush and bite something at some point in their lives.

This can be out of excitement or during play, when the dog is experiencing the desire to control something moving or if they are afraid. While it isn’t so problematic if a lab has a shoe, it can be challenging if your dog is biting something or someone, regardless of their underlying emotion!

This set of behaviours can be very upsetting for guardians and, obviously, for those on the receiving end!

Deciding what to do about it depends on a few factors. For example, Mozzie heels other dogs during play and if we’re going through the doorway to go outside to play fetch. These presentations are okay for me and my other dogs, and I do nothing to change it. In fact, I find it endearing!

But if she’s exposed to someone scary, she will rush and circle them, barking. She’s likely not thinking they are a cow, but her software tells her to respond with herding behaviour. It’s simply how she moves through the world. My job is to prevent this from happening and make her feel better about the scary person!

Regardless, these dogs always need an appropriate outlet for these behaviours. A collie ball, flirt pole or fetch. It won’t make your dog more herdy- that is already in your dog!

Remember, it’s not “all in how you raise them”. Expect herding software to come out. Manage, give legal outlets and train dogs to do something else instead and to feel better about their triggers if they are afraid!

For more Australian Cattle Dog tips, follow me on Instagram and FB and check out my book, Urban Sheepdog, available on Amazon worldwide! Search “Urban Sheepdog” on your country’s Amazon!

04/04/2024

If I can train a cat to do this-imagine what I can do with your dog!

Book in today for the puppy basic package!
$290 for 3 sessions conducted in the comfort of your home. It is one on one so you can ask all the questions you want.

Shoot through a message for more details.

04/04/2024

Consistency. Set up a routine and stick to it.

So many people try a routine then after two or three times give up because it’s not working then try to switch to something else then something else and this creates confusion for the dog.

Create a visitor protocol, create a meal protocol, create a bedtime routine and stick with it. It might seem like it’s not working in the beginning but the more it is repeated, the easier it is for the dog to understand.

Create routine and structure and make sure everyone in the household does the same thing.

Ever wondered why a puppy's behavior seems erratic during adolescence, which occurs between six months and 18 months of age?

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

During canine adolescence, s*x hormones are changing which effects the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to modulate sensory processing and subsequent behavior.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control.

So what does this mean? This could mean that your dog, who used to come when called, suddenly cannot. This could mean that your dog, who didn't jump up on guests, suddenly does. Your dog that walked nicely on leash is now pulling. Or perhaps it seems like some days your dog responds to behaviors you ask of them, and some days they don't, without any rhyme or reason.

We also see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

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, frustration and impatience sometimes cause us to act unpredictably.

This adds to your puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for puppies to adjust.

By understanding this we can gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we can help create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best selves.

29/03/2024

A very good post and something to think about when deciding to add a puppy to the family.

OLD DOGS AND PUPPIES

This is becoming one of the most common issues I am called out for. And it's when folks have an old dog/s, they get a puppy and the situation goes from bad to worse quickly.

Let me explain why this happens:

Puppies are full of beans, the have very little bite inhibition, impulse control, and are usually just plain rude. If you get a puppy less than 8 weeks old, you can worsen these traits and possibly add issues.

Then old dogs are not full of beans. Most old dogs have health issues such as arthritis, other joint issues, skin issues, immune problems etc. And a lot of these issues, especially pain issues, aren't picked up because dogs are brilliant at hiding these things. Old dogs want to go for a slow amble, sniff, and usually sleep. Because of their creaky bones they are deemed "grumpy" which means they're a lot less tolerant than what they were when they are young. Old dogs usually haven't been continuously socialized either. They might have been to puppy class, went for the odd social outing, but old dogs rarely keep seeing different strange dogs and enjoy (the keyword) the company of other dogs.

So now we pair the two together and we have a variety of issues.

The old dog corrects the puppy for their rude behaviour often. Because they're less tolerant and in pain, the corrections aren't proper corrections, they're bites and they're usually way too harsh for a young puppy to handle without some kind of trauma. The puppy being innocent and just wanting to play, doesn't understand this and will keep trying different approaches to play, but keeps getting corrected every time. The old dog will start associating the puppy negatively and might start guarding their food and safe spaces, such as their bed. The puppy just walking by, or trying to get some extra food, will again, receive a bite, lunge or snap.

From the puppies side, they came from a litter of playful siblings, a mum who will be teaching social manners firmly but not harshly, and has been thrown into a household with an overly corrective dog who confuses them at every step. They're also in their critical socialization period which shapes their entire world view. They learn that their "safe" dogs at home, are not safe. So how could any other dog be safe? They're also now living in an environment that induces chronic stress, in this critical socialization period, which can cause life long anxiety and trauma related conditions. The puppy also has a big chance of learning this behaviour from the older dog. They learn to over correct, resource guard and be protective of their bubble, which doesn't set them up for success with any socialization.

So, what do I advise with this situation?

Firstly, don't get a puppy. If you have an older dog, let them live out their life in peace. If they had an older companion that passed, a puppy will not replace that older companion. They need to grieve. You will be their company now. There is a big chance an older dog shows signs of depression, get a behaviourist to help you with that. Not a puppy.

If you do decide to get a puppy, make sure the environment is set up in such a way that the older dog gets plenty of alone time. They eat separately and sleep separately. They can be together if the older dog allows it, but the puppy is kept on a leash and harness so that the puppy doesn't jump all over the older dog. If this sounds like too much management, it's because it is a lot. And it won't get easier. As your puppy grows up, gets bigger and stronger, your older dog is getting older and weaker. The management will only increase, not decrease.

Are there exceptions? Sure.

Do I see exceptions a lot? Absolutely not.

Please let your older dog live in peace.

13/03/2024

I get it....this isn't going to be as popular as other posts, but this message is really important.❗Especially if you have a dog with behavioural issues.❗❗
Reactive dogs especialy can have this very issue and it is a contributing factor.

Within a few minutes of arriving at a clients home and especially if they are reactive, I glance at a dogs claws.
The majority of the time they are overgrown and I can see the claws have caused their toes to splay out, the huge amount of tightness and tension in the foot and the way those long claws are causing pain to this dog.
I will explain to this client just how very important it is to keep a dogs claws short.....often I am met with jaws dropped and a statement of " I had no idea !".

What I cant describe in the graphic is when they grow too long and dogs walk on a hard surface and for some (if long enough) any surface... there is enormous pressure and pain from those claws being pushed back up. They cannot sink into the ground.
That pressure/energy has to go somewhere and it is right back up into the toe and paw, but that is often just the start of the issues.
That causes a change in how paws move...that changes how joints move...that changes how hips move.
From a few long claws a dog can be in pain in multiple areas in their body.

They are not like our nails at all.
If we have long nails, no problem....it usually doesn't cause us any issues at all.
For dogs though.... they can be in incredible pain and will NOT show it in ways we may recognise easily....however they certainly DO show it in their behaviour.

"I will just walk more on concrete"....
Concrete walks are usually not enough to wear down long claws as they can grow much faster than they are worn down.
Those same concrete walks can also cause serious pain.

The remarkable thing about dogs claws is the nerve/blood supply shrinks back just a little when the claws are cut.
If you have a dog with clear claws you can usually see this as a pinky/red core inside the nail.....DONT cut that.
Trim the claws often enough and that pinky/red core will start to shrink back every time (even if it is a mm)....Over a few weeks or months, that is how you get short claws.
If you need help, see a groomer or a veterinarian.
If they are really long you will need multiple visits (if you are unable to do this yourself).
If you have a dog with black claws, get a trusted groomer to do this or show you how and when to stop.

Cutting claws isn't a cure for behavioural issues....but the pain associated with them can be a major contributor.

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12/03/2024

https://www.greencrossvets.com.au/services/puppy-training-dog-training/

Puppy preschool beginning next Monday has some spaces available! Your puppy just needs to be 8-16 weeks old on the date of the first class.

A great, fun class full of tips and tricks to help you navigate those first few months of puppyhood.

Any questions about the course, feel free to reach out to me via messenger!

(Make sure to scroll down to the green book now button pictured below).

12/03/2024

Practicing Penny's recall at an empty dog park.
What a good girl!

10/03/2024

Engage/Disengage cat edition.

I am also a cat behaviour consultant for those who don't know.
You can follow my cat page on Facebook or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/meowingtonacademy/ (I am far more active on Instagram for my cat stuff).

09/03/2024

Look at Kora go! She is a very social puppy who we are teaching to look but not touch!

She has made great improvements, even with how young she is. Her owner’s are also doing a great job and know when to switch up the exercise for the greatest success.

Amazing team!

06/03/2024

Such a great pet photographer. Loved working with her with Aki!

Did such a great job with an uncooperative cat who just wanted to walk and not be photographed!

Follow her page to see the great work she does and get in contact if you want photos of your beautiful pets. 😻

06/03/2024

https://pettraining.petbarn.com.au/index.php

New puppy preschool and beginner classes are up on the website!

*Be aware these are obedience classes and not behavioural classes.

29/02/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/ZcisjYTzGq9ARmfP/?mibextid=xfxF2i

Great blog post!

If you want your dog to do what you ask out of respect for you, then you go to work and only do it because you respect your boss, don't get paid.

It is simple. Use food and get a dog happy to listen to you. Or use aversives and have a dog doing as you say because they are scared. Which will you choose?

I just made the joy-sucking error of looking at the website of a dog trainer who seems to love aversive tools and, by their own proclamation, “We don’t use any treats in our training methods”. In case the hapless reader was unclear, they add for clarity purposes that they “Never reward with ...

28/02/2024

MANAGING MULTIPLES
Having multiple dogs is challenging and time consuming.

This picture is of my 4 Schnauzers sleeping contentedly and peacefully together, albeit having their separate beds and space.

Pictures can be deceiving though, and this is certainly not always how it is.

Dogs don’t get to choose their housemates. We expect them to just get along with any other dog we choose to add to our home and are frustrated and stressed when this sometimes isn’t the case.

Just like people sharing a home, dogs certainly don’t always get along – at some time, there will be conflict and sometimes this can become a serious problem.

Different personalities, different needs, energy levels, ages, conflicts over resources, spaces, people, entrances, exits, health issues etc. are just some of the things that can lead to issues.

The importance of learning, recognizing and taking note of body language is so important, especially when caring for multiple dogs.

When we ignore the “whispers” of body language or simply don’t understand or notice, the whispers may soon become shouts or screams and we have missed an opportunity to manage and diffuse a situation.

Over time, sometimes just seeing the other dog becomes the trigger where initially it was only the specific circumstance or situation.

Prevention is always better than trying to “fix” a problem.

Being proactive instead of reactive is so important in managing multiple dogs.

26/02/2024

Congratulations on the new website!

Paws N Praise dog training is positive reinforcement dog training including private one on one services and group training

26/02/2024

Great post on cat and dog introductions.

https://youtu.be/P9NgFvvdoaU?si=7zDmUg72LFEAIQhi
A great free webinar as well.

If you need personalised help, reach out to me.

Be aware, this can take time and separation in the beginning when there is no training going on.

25/02/2024

I’m not stingy with the treats! That’s why I have dogs at my feet 😂

This is still something I come up against quite regularly unfortunately. The use of food (and positive reinforcement in general) has come a long way, but still is something people want to limit as much as possible.

The thing is, you get out what you put in. And the reality of learning is that unless it's something intrinsically rewarding that the dog is genetically designed to do already, you are likely going to need to provide other reinforcement to strengthen behaviours you want your dog to do. And food is just such a simple and effective reinforcer in many situations (not all).

Think about strengthening a behaviour like a muscle. Trying to lift too heavy a weight and only managing a few successful reps at the gym, you'll still be stuck doing the same a month later. Instead managing multiple sets of 10 reps adding in small breaks, all in a 20 minute session is going to quickly get success. Overtime you will manage the harder stuff with ease.

When your dog is learning something that is not a "normal" behaviour to them (which is pretty much most of the things we expect dogs to do), a high rate of reinforcement in the beginning will lead to success in understanding and performing the behaviour.

I have my own thoughts on why people struggle with the concept of using lots of food with their dogs, but I would be interested to hear what everyone else thinks?

21/02/2024

This!!
I love when people say they spoil their dogs because it generally means they are properly meeting the dog’s needs.

17/02/2024

Kora: If I just lay here and look cute, the treat lady has no choice but to feed me. 🤤🤤

15/02/2024

Great video to show a wagging tail doesn’t always mean happy!

15/02/2024

This is true for dogs as well.

Sudden behaviour changes or behaviours which have become progressively worse can have an underlying medical issue.

Go to the vet now!

Always get a medical check first!!

For sudden behaviour changes or for behaviours which have become worse recently-first port of call is NOT the internet, but instead the vet.

Rule out pain or medical issues.

Cats are the MASTERS of hiding pain. Once they start limping, they will have been in pain for a while. It is up to us owners to really pay attention.
Even if they aren’t showing signs of anything and all that is different is behaviour, go get a check up!

Also if they are showing signs of a limp or anything, take a video at home to show your vet. Cats love to hide their pain and the vet may not be able to see anything in the consult.

Be an advocate for your cat! Ask for the xrays, ask for the ultrasounds, ask for the blood tests.

https://www.felinegrimacescale.com/
This is also a great resource to recognise whether your cat is in pain.

Don’t assume your cat just woke up and chose violence. There’s ALWAYS a reason why a cat will act aggressive and that could either be medical or behavioural.

Get them checked out today!