Positive Reinforcement Dog Training
Separation Anxiety| Anxiety | Aggression
Group Classes
(15)
๐ฅCANCELLATION ๐ฅ
1:1 session
This Saturday 3rd August at 4:30pm
Get in touch if you'd like to snag this spot
Photo: BTS of Odin at his preschool graduation. Yes my job does involve a lot of puppy cuddles ๐ yes Odin has the most squishable head on earth ๐
Edit: this space has been filled
This was a wonderful short course on puppy behaviour and socialisation from birth through to 12 weeks and has been the framework which I have built the TWH Puppy Preschool courses around.
Thank you Puppy Culture I thoroughly enjoyed learning the content.
We have had a cancellation in this week's upcoming Adolescent - Adult Relax + course starting Monday 22nd July. This course runs for 5 weeks and is suitable for dogs over 16 weeks that are fully vaccinated and confident in new places.
Get in touch with questions or book online.
www.trainingwithhart.com.au/book-online
Edit: space filled. If you missed out, check the august classes for availability ๐
Ill be away from Friday 12th July until Monday 15th. There will be no reception and I won't be available for emails, phone calls and messages. From Monday I will work through any enquiries. I appreciate your patience as I catch up.
Here's to a hard earned break and a stack free Paluma Push in 2024
Erin
๐ซ New group classes uploaded for August ๐ซ
Get in quick - spots are filling already. This will be the last availability before end of September.
www.trainingwithhart.com.au/book-online
Pictured: Coco at his graduations in his tuxedos โค๏ธ
๐ฅ CANCELLATION TOMORROW ๐ฅ
Wednesday 11th July 2024. This session could be held at 7.30am or 11.15am. Get in quick to snag this spot. Next 1:1 availability is not until August
Erin
Pictured: foster kitten Chadwick shouting for attention
Edit: space has been filled
๐ EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH ๐ (and PSA)
The June Employee of the Month award goes to HECTOR โค๏ธ
For keeping me on my toes and nabbing an entire loaf of raisin toast off the bench!
Thanks to the amazing work of Dr. Angela at Vet2UrPet & Veterinary Day Surgery Hector is feeling great again.
But his incident prompted me to share some info on toxic foods for dogs. Did you know that grapes and raisins can be incredibly toxic to dogs? In some cases can even cause death. Check out the images for more info on toxic food for dogs.
Congratulations Hector ๐ this month the prize is a quiet day at home in bed being watched closely by your mother ๐
๐ณ๏ธโ๐ HAPPY PRIDE MONTH ๐ณ๏ธโ๐
TWH is proudly LGBTQIA+ owned and operated. I will never hide my pride. I always have and always will be a safe space for my community as well as other marginalised groups.
This time last year we had the progressive pride flag embroidered on uniforms for daily wear. A part of this was to share my identity. But even bigger than that, my wonderful clients and their families are welcoming me into their homes every single day. As a q***r woman, I understand that the world isn't always a safe or welcoming place for us and so I worked really hard to turn my home into a safe haven. A place where I could be 100% unashamedly myself without apology. Home is a big part of feeling safe as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. I have put the same effort into developing myself as a professional who can help animals and their people feel safe. And I am grateful to be welcomed into your homes to support your relationships with your pets - rainbow family or not. I want to do as much as I can to ensure you feel safe with me in your home.
Thank you for your support and thank you for trusting me!
๐ณ๏ธโ๐ HAPPY PRIDE ๐ณ๏ธโ๐
Photo: Phillip a black cat sitting on a rainbow pride flag
Happy 5th birthday to the world's best dog: Hector
My beautiful butt headed boy, I love the enthusiasm you bring to every single thing you do. You light up my day. Every single day. My birthday wish for you is that in the next 5 years and the 5 years after that, you get to experience all the love and joy I have felt by being in your life. Never grow up Hek โค๏ธ
Check the comments to see who won Employee of the Month ๐คฃ this month he was nominated by his friends over at Lady&Co who also supplied this wonderful cake. Hector rates the food 5 stars and will be dining again.
Its that time of year again... from next week I am on exams until 16th June. After that I've got a little bit of placement left to complete but will be in Townsville with some limited availability. I want to apologise for the delay if I am slow to get back to your requests during the next little while. Rest assured I am working hard so that I can graduate and do the best by you and your pets for years to come โค๏ธ
There are a couple of sessions left for June and July for anyone needing help with their pets.
Thank you all for your support and patience.
Erin
Photo: one of my wonderful foster kittens who was ever so brave at the vets this week. These kids teach me so much and are my motivation to keep learning so that I can be a better me for every one that comes after them โค๏ธ
Congratulations to this week's graduates from Puppy Preschool and Relax+ courses ๐ฅณ we've had some graduates returning for new classes, old families with new puppies and some brand new faces to welcome โค๏ธ
You have all done a phenomenal job helping your dogs grow and learn and I am so proud of every single one of you. In very grateful for the opportunity to work with you and your babies and have had an absolute blast!
- Reef: social butterfly ๐ฆ
- Edie: Obedience superstar ๐
- Ellie: Bravery ๐ก
- Bruno: Obedience superstar ๐
- Buck: Bravery ๐ก
- Evie: Bravery ๐ก
- Koda: Obedience superstar ๐
- Julius: best sniffies/most relaxed ๐ด
- Kylo: Bravery ๐ก
If you want to learn how to live in harmony with your new puppy, check out the Preschool class starting Monday 17th June at 6pm.
www.trainingwithhart.com.au/book-online
All right all right all right, I've been really slack on employee of the month for a bit. Vet school just gets more intense every semester and I've spent every spare minute studying or seeing you and your wonderful pets face to face so the online presence has been getting neglected.
But here he is: Employee of the month...
Mr. February, March and April
I know its a shock to you all but it's โจ๏ธ Hector โจ๏ธ
- For supporting me every day.
- For being excited to see me from the minute I open my eyes in the morning until we finally get tucked into bed at night. ๐ฅณ
- For being the Bravest Boy and facing his biggest fear and providing consent for RESTRAINT FREE injections 3 times. ๐
- For being the world's best uncle and helping me raise yet another litter of orphan neonate kittens from 1 day old all the way to finding their forever families โค
- for helping us teach the next generation about animal care and safety. For getting so excited to visit his friends at Amazing Grace Early Learning Centre Railway Estate that he forgot to look where he was going and accidentally left a forehead sized hole in my wall on his way to Kindy. ๐ฅ
- For being a 10/10 team player and being patient with the early mornings and late nights even if it means some days we crash out instead of getting out for a walk.
HECTOR โค How do I even find a prize thats worthy of everything he does? I dunno, but I'll start by taking him for a visit to the salt flats so he can roll in every single mud pile he can find.
What has your pet done to support you this month? Share in the comments and take a moment to appreciate them ๐ฅฐ
Erin
NEW CLASS AVAILABILITY
You asked and we listened. The Adolescent - Adult Relax + course has been so popular we were booked out until mid July.
So we opened another course for you. Get in quick. This one starts 18th June and is sure to fill quickly.
Did your dog miss preschool? Did you go to Preschool and still cant work out why things aren't clicking? Does your dog struggle with overarousal, Pulling on the lead, Ears painted on and doesn't come when called?
Get in touch to see how the Relax+ course can help.
www.trainingwithhart.com.au/book-online
There are also limited availabilities for
- Puppy Preschool & Socialisation (8-16 weeks old)
- Adolescent - Adult Intermediate (graduates of Preschool or Relax+)
Pic: Archie at his recent graduation
I have had a cancellation for Saturday 18th May in the afternoon. Appointment available for 1:1 initial consult or existing client.
Get in touch to skip the queue. Next availability not until mid June.
Pic of Hector in his very practical raincoat so we don't get lost.
Erin
๐พ๐ Let's Talk Dog Anxiety! ๐๐พ
Did you know that it's Dog Anxiety Awareness Week? At Vet2urpet, we're shining a spotlight on this important issue to help our furry friends live happier, calmer lives. ๐ถ๐
Anxiety in dogs can manifest in various ways, from excessive barking and destructive behavior to trembling and withdrawal. But fear not! We're here to offer support and solutions to help your pup overcome their worries.
Dr. Naomi, our newest addition to the team is an expert behavioralist vet. With her compassionate approach and wealth of experience, Dr. Naomi is dedicated to understanding and addressing your dog's anxiety triggers. Together, we'll create a customized plan to help your furry friend thrive.
We're also associated with 'Training with Hart' dog trainer, operating right here at our clinic. Led by renowned trainer Erin, Training with Hart offers positive reinforcement-based training methods to build your dog's confidence and strengthen your bond.
If your furry companion is struggling with anxiety, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Let's work together to make a positive difference in your dog's life.
Together, let's raise awareness and support for dogs dealing with anxiety. Because every wag of their tail is worth celebrating! ๐พโจ
Next round of group classes starting 17th and 18th June.
Puppy Preschool & Socialisation
Adolescent - Adult Relax +
Adolescent - Adult Intermediate (for past graduates)
Get in quick, just a couple of spaces left
Bradley is a super FUN kitten. He's confident and outgoing and full of energy. He loves a friendly rough and tumble with the adult cats. He was the first of his littermates to make it to the tippy top of the cat tower and now nothing stands in his way ๐ In his downtime he likes to sit on my shoulder and supervise while I study.
Fully litter trained. Good with my large dog and has been exposed to children aged 3-15.
We saved this cutie for last, Meet little Bradley ๐๐๐
Bradley is searching for a lap to call his own, forever & ever!
Hand raised just like his siblings he adores human interaction and loves a good play!
Bradley is ready for his home very soon & he cannot wait to meet you!
- Desexed
- Vaccinated
- Microchipped
Get in touch with us if this cutie has caught your eye - you won't regret it! ๐๐
Duncan is absolutely stunning! He's cheeky and playful and loves to climb up for a cuddle after he's finished zooming around. He's not shy about letting me know he's hungry or needs attention. And he gets on great with my adult cats and large dog. Fully toilet trained and has been exposed to children aged 3-15. No matter your age, size, species, Duncan is everyone's best mate! I can't wait for him to find his forever family โค๏ธ
Meet the handsome man Duncan ๐ฉต๐ฉต๐ฉต
We think Duncan could be the most stunning little dude we've ever laid eyes on - check out that fur colour! Duncan and his siblings were hand raised from just a week old - what little fighters!
He is a gorgeous domestic short hair looking for his furever home!
Duncan will be ready his new home in just a few weeks!
- Desexed
- Vaccinated: ALL 3 included!
- Microchipped
Get in touch with us asap to meet this little guy, we just know you will fall in love - at first sight!
Shes just the sweetest little girl ๐ one of the most polite and well mannered kitties I've ever had. She LOVES a belly rub and lazing around making biscuits on your lap.
Litter trained, gets on well with adult cats and my large dog, has been exposed to children aged 3-15.
Message me or Tropical Queensland Cat Clinic to chat about Beverley โค๏ธ
๐๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ฝ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ต๐ฎ ๐๐ฒ๐ผ๐ผ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐ต๐ ๐
This gorgeous baby girl is almost ready to head to her new home, can you be the family she calls home?
Beverly is a total sweetheart and has been hand raised from a teeny tiny week old baby thanks to one of our amazing fosters!
๐ฆ๐ต๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ $๐ฏ๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ผ ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ผ๐ฝ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐น๐น ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐
๐ฒ๐ฑ, ๐บ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฐ๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ผ๐ฝ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฒ ๐ถ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฏ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐พ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐, ๐ฝ๐น๐๐ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฝ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป.
If you are interested in meeting our gorgeous calico torbie reach out to us asap, we are so sure she will be scooped up in no time!
Im eternally grateful to have the support of the wonderful team at Vet2UrPet & Veterinary Day Surgery . They've been with me since the very first group class I ran as TWH. I've had the opportunity to do some nursing in the clinic to gain industry experience as I work towards becoming a veterinarian. All the doctors and nurses have been incredibly kind and patient as I learn new things.
AND
Im so excited that after a few years of collaboration, I get to work under the same roof as Townsville's own behaviour vet Dr. Naomi Graffin (MANZCVS). As a team we are able to provide comprehensive behaviour services including behaviour modification/training, behaviour medicine, treatment/diagnosis of contributing factors like pain, illness and more.
๐พ๐๐ถTraining with Hart๐ถ๐๐พ
๐ถ Are you ready to unleash your dog's full potential? Look no further! We have an exceptional dog trainer, Training with Hart, operating out of our clinic!
๐ฉโ๐ซ Led by the talented and compassionate trainer, Erin, Training with Hart offers a variety of classes tailored to meet your dog's needs, from puppyhood to adulthood.
๐ Here's a sneak peek at what she has to offer:
1๏ธโฃ One-on-One Sessions: Personalized training sessions designed to address specific behavioral concerns or goals you have for your furry friend.
2๏ธโฃ Group Classes:
๐พ Puppy Preschool and Socialization: Start your puppy off on the right paw with essential socialization skills and basic obedience training in a fun and supportive environment.
๐ Adolescent-Adult Relax+: Help your adolescent or adult dog learn to relax and remain calm in various situations, while strengthening your bond through positive reinforcement techniques.
๐ Adolescent-Adult Intermediate: Take your dog's training to the next level with intermediate-level obedience and behavioral training, building upon foundational skills for a well-mannered companion.
๐ซ Classes are held right here atVet2urPet, providing a convenient and familiar environment for both you and your pup.
๐ฅ Whether you're looking for individual attention or the camaraderie of a group setting, Training with Hart has something for every dog and owner duo.
๐ฉบ Plus, rest assured that Erin has access to our new behavioral vet, ensuring comprehensive support for your furry friend. If medication is ever required, she can collaborate with our vet to ensure your dog's holistic well-being.
๐ Ready to embark on a training journey filled with tail wags and triumphs? Contact us today to learn more and reserve your spot in Training with Hart's upcoming classes! Or check out her page, Training with Hart๐พโจ
Check out this week's Puppy Preschool graduates. I've had so much fun with these pups. Every family worked super hard and I couldn't be more proud. They have grown and learnt so much and I am very lucky to be blessed with such wonderful dogs and their families in these courses.
Thank you for joining us.
Just one spot left in the next preschool course. Get in quick!
www.trainingwithhart.com.au/book-online
- WILBUR
- BARNEY
- LILLY
Puppy Preschool class at Vet2UrPet & Veterinary Day Surgery starting Monday 22nd April at 6pm
Just a couple spots left. Get in quick so you don't miss out!
www.trainingwithhart.com.au/book-online
This is Wilbur.
โ
๏ธWilbur waits on his kitchen chair while his humans prepare dinner.
โ
๏ธWilbur doesn't get in the way.
โ
๏ธWilbur is learning LOTS of new skills at Puppy Preschool
โ๏ธ Wilbur will stare deep into your soul with his perfect little face and trick you into giving him every last piece of chicken in your treat pouch.
Your puppy can learn to do all these things just like Wilbur. New Preschool classes starting 22nd April @ 6pm. Click the link to book or get in touch if you have questions.
www.trainingwithhart.com.au/book-online
These little angels are getting very cute ๐ (and very close to being adoptable). I couldn't keep their perfect little faces all to myself.
I love seeing their little personalities develop and helping their confidence grow ๐ I dont think I've ever had a more challenging litter of bottle babies. But moments like these make it so worth it ๐
(Phoebe is from the previous litter and I just couldn't part with her. She's taken these kitties on and helped so much with their socialisation, cleaning and development. Very proud)
Isn't Luke just unbearably cute with his brand new crunchy butterfly toy? I usually save these for Preschool classes but he was more excited about it than any puppy I've ever seen so of course he got to keep it ๐คฃ
I hope you all enjoyed your Easter! I know I did โค๏ธ
They grow up so fast ๐ฅบ I always like to take the time to appreciate the last few days of bottle feeding before the mess and chaos really begins.
I cant believe how hard these kittens will fight even with all the odds stacked against them. From abandoned, cold and hungry, sometimes sick. Without being able to see or hear the world around them, they trust in a stranger of a different species. They power through and grow into perfect cheeky little family members โค๏ธ
These kids will be looking for their forever families in a few short weeks.
Follow Tropical Queensland Cat Clinic and keep an eye out for adoption notices ๐
Look at how wonderful the first group of 2024 Graduates are ๐
Here they are with their awards:
Onyx - Obedience Superstar ๐
Benny - Bravery ๐ก
Melvin - Social Butterfly ๐ฆ
Bear - Gentle Giant ๐ฆฃ
Barry - Social Butterfly ๐ฆ
Ollie - Bravery ๐ก
Daisy - Social Butterfly ๐ฆ
Finley - Enthusiasm ๐ฏ
Rio - Social Butterfly ๐ฆ
Raven - Bravery ๐ก
Bear - Obedience Superstar ๐
Beni - Social Butterfly ๐ฆ
Im super proud of every single amazing family that came through with their pups. You all worked so hard and I have loved every moment of watching you and your dogs learning to live together and understand one another. Thank you so much for joining us โค๏ธ
๐ขPRESCHOOL CLASS GIVEAWAY๐ข
Jump on this giveaway just like Barry jumps on a squeaky toy ๐
1 free space in upcoming preschool class Tuesday 12th March @ 6pm
TO ENTER:
- Puppy must be 8-16 weeks old
- Leave a photo comment on the ORIGINAL giveaway post with your pups name and age
WINNER DRAWN MONDAY
For more info: www.trainingwithhart.com.au/book-online
P.s. Barry is still available for adoption. He graduated preschool last week with flying colours and will bring his forever family so much joy! Contact Vet2UrPet & Veterinary Day Surgery for info
Who doesn't love a bit of kitten spam?
Say hello to Bradley, Duncan, Gerald and Beverley โค๏ธ
These kids are coming up to a week old now. They have so much learning to do in the next couple of months to set them up for a lifetime of love in their forever homes โค๏ธ
One of my greatest passions is caring for neonates and learning how our input during developmental periods can affect their behaviour through adolescence and into adulthood.
The methods I use in Puppy Preschool classes AND when fostering orphans comes from the wonderful Puppy Culture programs (Yes they can be adapted for species other than dogs). And my focus is on raising confident, polite animals that are easy to live with. Once you have these things, the obedience training is a piece of cake!
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Happy 5th birthday to the world's best dog: Hector My beautiful butt headed boy, I love the enthusiasm you bring to every single thing you do. You light up my day. Every single day. My birthday wish for you is that in the next 5 years and the 5 years after that, you get to experience all the love and joy I have felt by being in your life. Never grow up Hek โค๏ธ Check the comments to see who won Employee of the Month ๐คฃ this month he was nominated by his friends over at Lady&Co who also supplied this wonderful cake. Hector rates the food 5 stars and will be dining again.
They grow up so fast ๐ฅบ I always like to take the time to appreciate the last few days of bottle feeding before the mess and chaos really begins. I cant believe how hard these kittens will fight even with all the odds stacked against them. From abandoned, cold and hungry, sometimes sick. Without being able to see or hear the world around them, they trust in a stranger of a different species. They power through and grow into perfect cheeky little family members โค๏ธ These kids will be looking for their forever families in a few short weeks. Follow Tropical Queensland Cat Clinic and keep an eye out for adoption notices ๐
๐ JANUARY EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH ๐ You guys aren't gonna believe who won employee of the month this month! It was HECTOR! For being kind and soft and gentle with anything little. For being Barry's first playmate, for providing him his first real social interaction and first affiliative groom. For treating Barry like just another one of those stupid foster kittens mum brings home. Barry is an orphan puppy who has been raised by nurse Jess from Vet2UrPet & Veterinary Day Surgery . He came into the clinic alone when he was less than a week old and is just now big enough to start navigating the world. It's hard for puppies without mothers and littermates to grow up and understand social interactions. For Barry, meeting neutral older dogs like Hector means he has the chance to learn some of these necessary skills. Barry isn't quite old enough for the rough and tumble of a real preschool class yet but he will be joining us from next week to sit and watch other puppies play and learn and do things at his own pace. If you see him around in your classes, feel free to say hello. It takes a village to raise a singleton puppy and lots of positive interactions now will help set him up for life โค๏ธ (also his little tail wags non stop now and it's impossible to resist his charm)
๐ EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH ๐ November employee of the month is awarded to Hector for eating my whole bowl of Ramen (+karaage chicken) while I was outside trying to help a stray dog that had rocked up at the front door. Then later the same day, nabbing my tuna pesto pasta dinner right out of the pantry, while I was busy pushing my broken down car out of a carpark in North Shore alone in the dark. For eating SO MANY things he shouldn't that he is being made into an illustrated children's book. For getting so good at deep breathing that he reminds me to breathe. For teaching me patience. Congratulations Hector. The prize for employee of the month this month is an all expenses paid trip to Snakeweed Flats SNIFF SPACE to play silly geese (gooses?). The whole team at TWH is so appreciative of all your hard work and we hope you enjoy your prize. โค๏ธ
"But your dog doesn't look reactive" I've said it before and I'll say it again: when working with a reactive dog, it should never look like you're working with a reactive dog. The key to overcoming reactivity is keeping the dog under threshold. If they are barking, lunging, growling, pulling on the lead, freezing or hard staring without breaking focus on their trigger they are in fight/flight mode. Once they get to this point, their capacity for learning is greatly diminished. They need your help to get to a place they feel safer in order to learn effectively. I like to think of it as trying to learn algebra with a grizzly bear in the back of the classroom. That's not a healthy learning environment and neither is overfacing your dog. If they are barking, lunging, growling, pulling on the lead or hard staring - your dog is afraid. Help them out by adding some distance to your trigger. The sweet spot is a dog who is looking at and engaging with the trigger but not reacting. THEN you can start to train. Check out Bolt and Maddie absolutely nailing their desensitisation exercises at the park. THIS is what I like to see from a reactive dog. ๐ CONGRATULATIONS ๐ Bolt & Maddie for all your hard work. I'm so proud of you both for achieving this. (Special thanks to the giant white floof in the dog park for showing some awesome neutral behaviour when they realised Bolt wasn't there to play. Rewatch the video to see a lovely calm approach, the dog quietly reads Bolt's body language for a few seconds and walks away to reduce tension)
What does health care look like for you and your dog? Is it stressful and frustrating to restrain a wiggly dog for basic things whether it's veterinary procedures or day to day care? Believe me when I say I know all about that. I've lived it. I've been frustrated, I've struggled with necessary care, I've felt sad for my dogs when I can see they don't want to be touched. Prior to learning about behaviour I was even bitten in the face performing a nail trim on my first dog. Hector (in the video) has some really big opinions about being touched. He's not a touchy feely, cuddly dog. He's incredibly tolerant but has been known to leave the room in a huff if you give too many pats. He is also known at the vet clinic for being anxious, uncooperative and struggles with restraint. Hes more than half my weight and I'm a work smarter not harder kind of person. So we started asking consent for touching and performing procedures. You can see in this video he is given a choice. I don't tell him what to do and if he got up and walked away, I'd allow it. He took a minute to think about if he wanted me poking around in his ears again and came to the conclusion that he was ok with it. We are currently working on eye, ear and teeth exams as well as vaccines and nail trims. For anyone struggling with at home health care and vet visits, you're definitely not the only one and it can get better!
What can you see gorgeous girl Rosie doing here? Looks like not a lot of anything. And the reality is that we didn't actually cue her to do anything prior to or during this video. Let me break down what's going on here: This was Rosie's first time at Anderson. Our goal was to work on some heel work and recall. Rosie was pretty overaroused and struggled to concentrate with all the new sounds and smells and she wasn't really sure what she should be doing. So initially our session on recall and heel work looked a lot like Rosie ignoring us or trying to run off or chase some birds. So we changed plans. We did a tiny bit of focus work . We rewarded Rosie for looking at things and checking them out. We rewarded any offered calm behaviour and when Rosie was ready, we did some breathing. So what you're seeing in this video is Rosie putting all these skills together ON HER OWN. She's sitting (uncued), she's calmly looking at ducks flapping around (uncued) and she's taking a bunch of really deep breaths (also uncued). These are the moments I live for. When a dog is a bit worried and unsure how to handle a new environment, I'm not going to push for heel work or recall. Could you learn algebra while you're being chased by a bear? No. We help the dog through their big feelings before we ask them to learn something tricky. Rosie and her owner worked so well together through this session. And it meant that Rosie learnt that she can ask for help when she's worried. She can stop and take a moment when she's worried. They had a follow up a couple of weeks later. Watch this space to see how that went.
*BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY DRAW* I want to apologise to everyone for being so late. I really got bogged down in uni and admin. But here it is. Congratulations to all the winners. Can't wait to work with you. "You're a dog trainer. Your dog must be perfect" Negative. Hector's a delightful fella and is perfect FOR ME . But sometimes I don't explain things to him properly. Sometimes he would rather play the game a different way and sometimes he would prefer not to be involved at all. I thought about not sharing the first part of the video. But I hope it helps you all realise that our pets are sentient beings with their own thoughts and emotions and feelings. We should take those into account when interacting with them. Did my video go to plan? no. Did I still get to play a fun game with my dog? Absolutely! Was my dog able to engage in a game joyfully despite struggling with anxiety at the moment? Absolutely! Was my dog able to ignore some of his biggest triggers like barking dogs and mowers? Absolutely! Those are the things that are important to us. What life skills are most important to you and your dog?
Life's really been getting crazy lately. I'm blessed to have the opportunity to learn and grow so much and work with all my favourite people and animals. But being on the go all the time takes its toll eventually. Today Hector and I took the time out to smell the roses (or the dirt) at Snakeweed Flats Sniff Space. Fully fenced off lead area with a dam. Your own private dog park with no other dogs or people. Great all dogs especially introverted or reactive ones (also great for those introverted or reactive people ๐ ) My boy's currently sleeping soudly after a big day of adventure. Thanks Teegin โค๏ธ https://www.sniffspace.com.au/space-detail/301/snakeweed-flats
Uncle Hector doing a wonderful job of cleaning the Kitten Nuggets after a big feed and a run around. Pocket and Pingu are big enough to start exploring the whole house. They are getting super speedy and very strong! They've had the opportunity to interact with all the animals in the house (except the snakes) and Hector is by far their favourite! Check the comments ๐
I'm out of town for a few days. Touching grass, spending some much needed time with family and working on some continued education to provide you with the best services possible. I'll also be heading off on placement for my Vet degree for a week. I may be a little slow to reply over the coming weeks and apologise in advance. I'll be back in full force from Saturday 24th June. Until then, I appreciate your patience.
๐ณ๏ธโ๐ HAPPY PRIDE MONTH ๐ณ๏ธโ๐ Training With Hart is proudly LGBTQIA+ owned and operated. I will never hide my pride. I always have and always will be a safe space for my community as well as all other marginalised groups. Im here. I'm queer. And I'll help your dog overcome their fear. Big love to you all, Erin โค๏ธ P.S. Phillip also wanted to be involved. Peep the comments for his purrrride photoshoot
Shoutout to my client Shannon for this hack! Amazing mess free kong filling method. ๐
Hector earned his Novice Trick Dog Title just in time for his 4th Birthday today. We had a blast doing something a bit different and learning new things. These skills are by no means perfect but this experience enriched both our lives and brought us closer together. I am predominantly a behaviour trainer and the majority of Hector's education has focused on teaching him to regulate his emotions, manage stress and anxiety, reducing reactivity, aggression and overstimulation and counter conditioning triggers. We didn't practice a lot of obedience or tricks. I was hesitant to share this video with you all because I can see many mistakes I made (ineffective hand cues, lures and missed timing) but as I watched it back, I realised that through the entire video, Hector had a beautiful waggly tail, loose body language, fantastic engagement and he was enjoying himself without getting overstimulated. There was a ton of wind, wildlife all over the place, lots of dogs barking, distractions from his little brother and he hadn't had a walk. But he coped with all of that without a second thought. The work we have done together on his behaviour problems has created a resilient dog that trusts me, ENJOYS training and has an incredible capacity to learn. It's really easy to get bogged down in the details and the societal pressure to have the "perfect dog". But really, I do have the perfect dog (for me). We enjoy a lot of activities and adventures together, communicate effectively with one another and enjoy eachother's company. Happy Birthday big fella and Congratulations on your achievement! Thanks for being a 12/10 good boy always! Pop in the comments and tell me some of the ways your dog is perfect for you! check out https://domorewithyourdog.com/DogTricks/ Peep the @Feral Kelpie Tugs at the end of the video that was kindly donated by Hector's friends over at Smelly Dog Training
*UPDATE* Winner of the Puppy Preschool giveaway has been drawn. Special thanks to Hector for his help in choosing a winner and to Phillip for always being in the way <3
When training a reactive/aggressive/anxious dog it should not look like you are training a reactive/aggressive/anxious dog. Just like us, dogs can't learn as effectively when the sympathetic nervous system (fight/flight) is activated. This means that when I work with dogs with these issues, we keep them under threshold at all times. We slowly expose them to the things they are afraid of so they can learn new behaviours. We don't flood them and create shut down dogs, we give them tools to manage their feelings and make appropriate choices. We create confident, resilient dogs that are able to think for themselves. Both dogs in this video have a history of reactivity and anxiety. Both have been in fights with other dogs that required hospitalisation. How did we achieve this behaviour? Slow introductions, lots of rewards and the help of the fabulous Dr. Angela from Vet 2 Ur Pet. Neither dog has been pushed over their individual threshold and after just 4 days, this is what we see. Please don't read this and think that reactivity can be fixed in 4 days. These 2 still have a long way to go. Theres a moment towards the end of the video where the big dog lays down and the smaller dog is a little unsure of how to handle it. He licks his lips a couple of times and walks away (which is exactly the choice we want him to make). Every dog is going to be different and we need to work on the dog's timeline not ours. Remember: if it looks like you are training a reactive or anxious dog, take a step back and reassess if the dog needs more time or space from the triggers.
Here at Training With Hart, we are working on creating virtual training options for you. Shadow helped out this morning and had a blast exploring the classroom. Thanks very much to Shadows family for your help!
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