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We've been working towards working in proximity to other dogs. Starting with learning the language, general obedience, and good manners.
Today, Zoe was able to walk past my van with Missy and Milly inside without any reaction at all. Listening to mum all the way and getting lots of praise at the end.
Long Read:
Last month I had an article included in the inaugural Zine published by LOOP Art and Photo Space.
The Zine sold out so I'd like to re-print it here for you.
ANGUS
It struck me the other day as I was remembering the many dogs I’ve shared my life with, that searching the internet for a prospective dog to adopt is rather like online dating. You find a site, fill in the search criteria you feel is relevant to the future success of your relationship, press enter, and come up with nothing because it’s far too restrictive and nothing matches. You end up broadening the search from teacup to monster and end up with many potential matches (in itself very sad) whether they are appropriate or not.
The first photograph of Angus I set my eyes on had me falling head over heels with this scruffy black and white stray with a huge grin. A bit like Tramp in the Disney film Lady and The Tramp.
There was a limited back story, but I did know that he was busted out of the Mildura Pound where he was languishing on Death Row at the age of around 18 months. He was now in Woodend and looking for his forever home, which of course, was going to be with me!
A date was set for a meet and greet. (this was 16 years ago, so no formal checks were done) and I bundled my old girl, Kia, into the Ute and off we went. I had no idea what I was getting myself into.
I had a full on Oh.My.God. moment when I first saw him. He was, indeed, black and white and there was no denying that he was scruffy, but his coat was dull and dry, he was as skinny as a rake, stank to high heaven and was bouncing off the walls of the pen like he was on speed.
Our first walk was a drag up the road and back with me hanging on for grim death and I narrowly missed a spray when his bowels exploded on the pavement, honestly how could I take him home?
But I did, with all the windows down trying not to gag from the stench. My old girl was not impressed.
However, that first memorable journey was the start of a long and perfect relationship, for all 3 of us.
He and Kia became inseparable, causing all kinds of mischief and nearly sending me insane. They’d go on adventures without me, a clear reason why he ended up in the pound, and would return home filthy, happy, and sometimes covered in leeches!
We travelled to Outback Queensland several times for work, where he won the hearts of all who met him. Swam in dams and rivers and camped in the middle of nowhere – the Back of Bourke to be exact!
With Kia in her dotage, he watched over her and kept guard in her final hours, never leaving her side. Taking to his kennel for a week after she crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
Self appointing himself as Master Meeter and Greeter of all dogs when I started my own business as a Professional Dogwalker, he came everywhere with me, enjoying hours and hours of adventures. He was in his element.
As the years crept by and the black in his fur began to turn grey, he became a star of a short film and a tv commercial. He was a consummate professional and was humble with his newly found fame.
We welcomed several new dogs into the household, but he was most dedicated to the tiny, rescued puppy that found her way into our arms from a particularly unpleasant situation. Taking her under his scruffy wing he taught her that life wasn’t all that scary and there were people and dogs out there that were friendly, fun, and caring.
The devil also taught her to chase the postie…but we won’t dwell on that!
When he broke his leg at the age of 13, following an altercation with one of our younger dogs over a freaking Cheezel, I knew we were going to be on borrowed time, and when we had to make the hard to decision to amputate 12 months later after he developed osteosarcoma, it was a no brainer.
Facing the challenge head on he was hopping up and down the front steps 2 days after coming home from hospital, he even came out with me to join the walking pack again. It was like he was relieved to be free of the useless leg he’d been living with.
I knew there were some nodules in his lungs so the possibility of the cancer having spread were very real, but we chose to embrace life with everything we had.
We met other tripod dogs, and shared stories. This really helped me to focus on the good things in his life rather than get emotionally bogged down with the knowledge his time with me was now finite.
When he went off his food and opted to stay in bed, I knew we were at the end. He’d bounce back for a couple of days then fall heavily in a heap. He struggled to do the things he always loved, and he would look at me with such understanding and knowing on his face.
Our cats sat with him, and our 17-year-old Dowager Duchess pug cross lay with him. His protégé pup was quiet.
I watched him fade away with such overwhelming grief but knew that he’d had a life many dogs can only dream about.
The day he crossed the Rainbow Bridge was so painful for me but a perfect, and thankful release for him. Free from pain forever and remembered with so much love by so many.
Rest in Peace sweet boy: Angus 2007 - 2021
Missy is a sniffer. It's what she loves most about walks, but if I let her sniff for as long as she liked on a walk, it would take all day.
Communication is key, and here she shows that she understands my tone of voice to mean 'that's enough,move on'
It's simple and easy to learn both for you and your dog.
Would you like your dog to listen to you and follow your directions?
Send me a message or give me a call.
Ms Coconut's second session went quite well. She still likes to push the envelope but managed to hold a drop in the presence of Milly. A tough one for an excitable pup.
This sweet girl is just letting me know how she feels about her first session.
Zoe is newly adopted after being in rescue for several months.
She picked up the language really quickly and did extremely well... Now on the road to address her reactivity around other dogs.
Sometimes, things don't go according to plan, and the dogs show us that they are indeed individuals with minds of their own. That doesn't mean we throw our hands up in despair and stomp off, feeling dejected because they didn't listen. It means we revisit the situation and work on it until we all get it right.
In the first clip, everyone decided they identified as Lenny and barged through the door when I said his name.
The second clip is after we reset the exercise and everyone was on the same page.
Working together to achieve the end goal.
And if you're wondering what happened to the ridgeback, he didn't participate in the second time around
Cafe session for Ms Mabel to practice all the things she's been learning. Her manners were impeccable. She did break her drop a few times, but every mistake is an opportunity to learn...so proud of this little pup who turns 1 tomorrow
Tassie and Benji have transformed from jumping and barking at anything that moves or makes strange noises to feeling relaxed enough to just watch them go by.
Still a few issues to iron out, but their folks are totally committed to helping them live their best life
Theres a couple of layers to this photo.
We're on holiday at the moment. We're staying on a farm...I was walking around the property with the girls on lead when I saw a koala in a tree...clearly I had to take a photo!
Into a drop they went so I could manoeuvre my camera, then these loose sheep crept up on us...no worries...these 2 know they have to stay in a drop, hassling sheep is just not an option...would you like your dogs to be calm under distraction?
This is spot on...if you want to succeed with your dog...live your truth every day
Where’s the “magic” in dog training? Not in the places most are keen to look.
When you incorporate training (what we call passive training) into everyday life, you not only learn to apply training in practical, actually useful daily scenarios, you also teach your dog that you are leader who is always on the clock, rather than one who only clocks in when it’s time for some training drills—because if you know dogs, you’d know that dogs are happy to switch the good stuff on and just as happy to switch it off, depending on whether they think a leader who enforces rules is present… or not.
Be present and believable throughout the day, rather than just when “training” and watch what kind of awesome behavior your dog is actually capable of. Because the wise owner knows they’re always training, and that often the most important moments which transpire between dog and owner occur when we’re not “training” and instead simply living life together.
PS, I post this every year because it’s such a critical concept to get. Feel free to share it with those who would benefit—just actually share it, don’t edit out my name and face like so many have done in the past. That’s tacky and low integrity. 😉
www.thegooddogway.com
Meet Paddi and Winnie. Their mum has a disability and she was worried about a few behaviours that they are displaying, especially when out walking.
We always start our sessions with the basics, which enables us to introduce a mutual and simple language and 'switches their ears on'
Whilst Mum has some concerns, these 2 clearly already have some boundaries in place and definitely listen to what is being asked of them.
Onwards and upwards for these 2...ironing out the walking issues will not be too hard.
Nothing like a bit of product placement
Some dogs can, and will, misbehave given the opportunity and if we don’t give them clear and consistent training, they will continue to behave in a way that will frustrate and annoy you.
Sally at Mutts, Manners and Obedience can help you train your dog, not just for your sake but for theirs too.
Are you ready to Unleash the Best Friend You've Ever Had?
Call Sally today on 0419004608
www.muttsmannersandobedience.com.au
This young man has come a long way after just one session, from loud and opinionated to respecting boundaries and not shouting at his people.
Good job Rok-E, great work people 🙌
Second session with these 2 bundles of mischief. Now listening to mum and realising its not a competition to see who can get through the door first!
Meet the team behind the logo and business name.
10 years ago, I started a Professional Dog Walking Business called Mutts on the Move, after 30+ years in the health profession. 9 months into operation I rehomed a client’s dog due to his unpredictable behaviour and the recent arrival of a newborn into their family. He came to me with a bite history and was known to Council.
He was a spitfire. He was lovable and affectionate with his chosen family, but unpredictable and potentially dangerous with strangers and other dogs. Through him I found a training method that worked well for both of us, and with the support and encouragement of the trainers, was able to keep him safe and happy.
I was so impressed with the training that I pursued the trainers course myself and became a Certified Trainer in 2020. Soon after, Mutts Manners and Obedience was born.
Even though Razz is no longer by my side, having passed away unexpectedly in 2021, his legacy lives on, as I assist other people with their dogs, providing the tools for them to achieve the well-rounded and well-mannered dog they wished for.
In the photo is Sally, the human presence! Missy, in front, assists with training sessions where safe to do so. Milly, to my left, is training up to assist Missy so she can have time off, and to my right is adoptee senior, Benny, who is living out is retirement in splendid style.
Are you ready to embrace the journey to unleash the best friend you've ever had?
Visit my website www.muttsmannersandobedience.com.au or give me a call
https://www.facebook.com/100064921230581/posts/677089007798468/?sfnsn=scwspmo&mibextid=6aamW6
Anyone who watches dogs carefully, and is honest, knows this.
I’ve seen dogs who’ve learned that screaming as you walk towards them, makes people stop. I’ve watched the same dogs a moment later have zero emotional/Adrenalin residue. They simply go back to what they’re doing, as if nothing happened—because in their eyes, nothing did. They just used a tool they’ve stumbled onto. No fear, just a smart application of said tool.
Of course, we all know about the barking, the whining, the pawing, the sad eyes to get you to do something—or the pulling on the leash towards the tree, the growling when you get too close to their food or toy, or the barking that makes the mailman “go away”.
They just do what works. Be smarter.
Not a truer word has been said
This, probably more than anything else, is what’s at the core of most human/dog issues.
We tend to view love as giving our dogs whatever they want/desire, and hope (or expect) that that will translate to our dogs feeling loved, safe, and happy. Sadly, these good intentions typically cause our dogs to become ill-behaved bullies, chaotic wrecks, and even neurotic basket cases.
Not a very loving outcome.
Dogs, like human children, don’t flourish from getting everything they request or desire, and from pushing rules and not receiving adequate pushback. They feel unsafe (because no one is in charge), they develop anti-social behavior (because no one has enforced pro-social behavior), and they end up suffering for our skewed take on “love” (choose your behavior issue and/or neurosis).
Truth is, some owners (parents) don’t know any better, and some do but it find it too much work, and others find the personal rewards of witnessing the momentary “joy” which comes from allowance/enabling too irresistible to resist.
If you’re experiencing issues with your dog, perhaps it’s time to more deeply examine how you view love.
PS, for all those who will feel the need to tell me they spoil their dogs and have no issues, please be aware that there are always exceptions—dogs who you can get away with all manner of nonsense with, with little to no fallout, which I’m well aware of—and that the generalized assessment I’m making isn’t about you and your exception…it’s about the majority of non-exceptions who are struggling and suffering. Try to bear that in mind prior to feeling the need to let the world know how happy, healthy, and amazingly well-behaved your spoiled dog is.
Sharing this amazing photo because this is the result of some incredible work by Lenny's family.
From out of control and unacceptable behaviour to listening well, improved manners and self control.
He still makes mistakes, but then who doesn't?
This little guy is a 🌟. Brilliant work everyone.
When you've worked so hard during your session that you get a belly rub, which makes you a very happy boy 😄
Meet Harry. Harry has attitude...truck loads, in fact, so it's a good job he's a handsome chonk, lol.
His Ma was so impressed with him today, as was I.
Usually reactive towards dogs, he listened so keenly to his Ma while Missy and I walked around on the other side of the gate, that he stayed where he was with no loud barking or lunging.
Working together for a better life for your dog 💜
Meet Storm. She has signed up for our Mischievous Mutts Programme and is already going great guns. Her dad contacted me after she grew much larger than the Kelpie Cross he was expecting 😳! (Think Staghound) She's as sharp as a tack but gives her dad the run around, so introducing a language that is easy to learn and infinitely understandable will help her become the best version of herself.
New challenges for Aloy today, as usual, she met them head on and smashed them.out of the park
9 Likes, 0 Comments - Mutts on the Move () on Instagram: "Aloy continues to smash the challenges I throw at her. Today, we started drop, stand, and sit on ..."
Recall, one of the things that EVERYBODY wants 😊.
It's definitely achievable, but be prepared to start easy for your dog. Don't expect them to know what you want if you've never shown them, as that can be a potential recipe for disaster.
Be consistent in your language and behaviour. Help them when they get it wrong.
Practice in safe and easy environments first.
Be the most exciting thing ever for your dog, and reward every time they do it right.
This 👇
"𝘋𝘰𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯, 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘦'𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮, 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘦'𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘪𝘯" Susan Garrett
The next time your dog does something you find challenging or embarrassing or which makes you feel frustrated or even angry, take a breath and remember this statement.
They aren't being 'bad' or stubborn or manipulative. They're not blowing you off or being a jerk. It's not a deliberate act designed to wind you up on their part.
Their behaviour is what it always is. A reflection of their learning and their environment. If they are doing something we don't want it's either because we haven't taught them what we do want well enough or because they just can't (not won't) do it under the current conditions. And both of those things are on us, not the dog.
They're doing the best they can with the cards we've dealt them. If we want them to do better then it's only fair that we need to do better, too.
This little chap is Theo AKA Teddy.
Been a while, but we had some puppy lessons with him when is was stil a baby.
Now, at 8 months old, he is letting us know he hasn't forgotten much at all, and to prove a point, this photo was taken almost 15 minutes into a drop stay without getting up. 😲🥰
Sometimes, when you meet a dog, you
know it's going to take more than a
handful of lessons to iron out the issues
at hand. Kratos, the Shepherd, was
anxious, reactive, and just a little bit
scary!
This time last year, walking anywhere
near another dog, let alone next to one,
would have sent him into a spiral of
anxiety and poor decisions.
What you see now is a year's work of
guidance, consistency, and hard work
I am so proud of this boy and his humans
Archie and the pram. (See previous post)
Archie's family will be welcoming a little one into the family very soon and wanted some guidance and assistance with managing his excitability.
Today we refreshed our boundaries and practiced walking with the pram.
You are going to do just fine young Archie 🥰
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We've been working towards working in proximity to other dogs. Starting with learning the language, general obedience, and good manners. Today, Zoe was able to walk past my van with Missy and Milly inside without any reaction at all. Listening to mum all the way and getting lots of praise at the end. #dogobediencetraining #dogobedience #dogtrainermelbourne #dogtrainingisfun #knowbetterdobetter #boundaries #dogtrainingbusiness #dogtrainerslife #dogtrainingworks #dogtraininglife #rescuedogsofinstagram #happyconfidentdogs
Missy is a sniffer. It's what she loves most about walks, but if I let her sniff for as long as she liked on a walk, it would take all day. Communication is key, and here she shows that she understands my tone of voice to mean 'that's enough,move on' It's simple and easy to learn both for you and your dog. Would you like your dog to listen to you and follow your directions? Send me a message or give me a call. #dogtrainingbusiness #dogtrainerslife #dogtrainingworks #dogtraininglife #rescuedogsofinstagram #happyconfidentdogs #knowbetterdobetter #dogobedience #dogtrainingisfun #dogobediencetraining #dogtrainermelbourne
Sometimes, things don't go according to plan, and the dogs show us that they are indeed individuals with minds of their own. That doesn't mean we throw our hands up in despair and stomp off, feeling dejected because they didn't listen. It means we revisit the situation and work on it until we all get it right. In the first clip, everyone decided they identified as Lenny and barged through the door when I said his name. The second clip is after we reset the exercise and everyone was on the same page. Working together to achieve the end goal. And if you're wondering what happened to the ridgeback, he didn't participate in the second time around #dogtrainingbusiness #dogtrainerslife #dogtrainingworks #dogtraininglife #rescuedogsofinstagram #happyconfidentdogs #boundaries #notquiterightthefirsttime
Mabel shows us that she's quite capable of holding a drop, even when Missy is close by. Sweet little Mabel is about 10 months old and full of spark. She's taken well to training and is doing her Ma proud. #dogtrainersofaustralia #dogtraininglife #dogtrainingbusiness #dogtrainingisfun #dogtrainermelbourne #dogtrainingathome #dogtrainersofinstagram #happyconfidentdogs #knowbetterdobetter
Meet Mabel, she's 9 months old and learning,very quickly, how to listen under distraction. This is her most favourite toy ever, the one she chooses out of her toy box over everything else. Onwards and upwards from here 💜 #dogtrainingisfun #dogtraininglife #dogtrainingathome #dogtrainingbusiness #knowbetterdobetter #happyconfidentdogs #oodlesofinstagram
Duke's second session, and we are working on a drop stay under distraction and improving his impulse control. He loves the ball, and he can't resist grabbing it at first. But with some great guidance from his mum, he is able to resist the urge. Awesome work, Team Duke 💜 #dogtrainersofaustralia #dogtraininglife #dogtrainingisfun #dogtrainermelbourne #dogobediencetraining #dogtrainingathome #dogtrainingbusiness
Some dogs can, and will, misbehave given the opportunity and if we don’t give them clear and consistent training, they will continue to behave in a way that will frustrate and annoy you. Sally at Mutts, Manners and Obedience can help you train your dog, not just for your sake but for theirs too. Are you ready to Unleash the Best Friend You've Ever Had? #dogtrainerslife #dogtrainingbusiness #dogtrainingworks #knowbetterdobetter #dogtraininglife #happyconfidentdogs Call Sally today on 0419004608 www.muttsmannersandobedience.com.au
This young man has come a long way after just one session, from loud and opinionated to respecting boundaries and not shouting at his people. Good job Rok-E, great work people #dogtraininglife #knowbetterdobetter #dogtrainingbusiness #dogtrainerslife #dogtrainingworks #happyconfidentdogs 🙌
This is definitely up there when it comes to difficulty, but it serves to illustrate what can be achieved with patience and consistency. We didn't start with this. We started with a simple sit and built our relationship from there, creating a trusting and respectful bond that has enabled us both to push the boundaries #dogtrainersofaustralia #dogtrainingisfun #dogtrainermelbourne #dogtraininglife #workisfun #recalltoheel #dogtrainingbusiness
Recall, one of the things that EVERYBODY wants 😊. It's definitely achievable, but be prepared to start easy for your dog. Don't expect them to know what you want if you've never shown them, as that can be a potential recipe for disaster. Be consistent in your language and behaviour. Help them when they get it wrong. Practice in safe and easy environments first. Be the most exciting thing ever for your dog, and reward every time they do it right.
Sometimes, when you meet a dog, you know it's going to take more than a handful of lessons to iron out the issues at hand. Kratos, the Shepherd, was anxious, reactive, and just a little bit scary! This time last year, walking anywhere near another dog, let alone next to one, would have sent him into a spiral of anxiety and poor decisions. What you see now is a year's work of guidance, consistency, and hard work I am so proud of this boy and his humans #dogtraininglife #dogtrainer #dogtrainingbusiness #lovemyjob #consistencyiskey #talkthesamelanguage #tonalcontrast #slowandsteady #gsdofinstagram #germanshepherdsofinstagram #youngdog
Archie and the pram. (See previous post)
Archie's family will be welcoming a little one into the family very soon and wanted some guidance and assistance with managing his excitability. Today we refreshed our boundaries and practiced walking with the pram. You are going to do just fine young Archie 🥰
Bandit and Jackaroo were notoriously hard to walk and didn't listen at all. I received this video a short while ago, and am pretty happy with the progress :) Now to get them to listen to Mum ;)
Practising a drop stay under distraction. Aloy is Kratos's sister and another survivor of Covid, albeit with serious anxiety issues. She is learning that the world, people and other dogs are actually not as scary as she first thought
Kratos kicking goals, walking politely without pulling and listening well. It's been quite a journey for him, but one well worth the hard work and patience.
Finn also wanted to show me how awesome his recall is...very impressed.
Teaching your dog not to jump.out off the car is a major safety issue. Here Finn and Missy show how it's done. Missy is an old hand but Finn hasn't been listening to mum recently. Clearly he hasn't forgotten, just seeing what he can get away with
Blue has settled well into his new home. He has been practising walking to heel and coming along nicely with great direction from mum and dad
Marshall has come a long way from being a steam roller...his loose lead walking is exceptional now. He also has 2 wonderful doggo role models
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