Ruff Mutts Dog Training

14/07/2025

Lucky dogs!
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-11/paddle-pups-detecting-platypus-in-wild-for-healesville-sanctuary/105495612?utm_medium=social&utm_content=sf277913718&utm_campaign=abc_melbourne&utm_source=m.facebook.com&fbclid=IwY2xjawLiM_pleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHloC5dWeBI2KQ_SsiCv71V8tAxoiHqQKTuQ5vqGy_8TylniEVaohNR47n7ba_aem_OuWXvXLaXz0dcuw9eTDs1g

Victorian scientists enlist sniffer dogs on paddleboards to locate platypuses in the wild and increase knowledge of the iconic species without damaging their habitat.

04/07/2025

And here is why I always recommend a well fitting Y front harness, generally not sold in pet stores 👍

This is a repost(ish) but well worth repeating. Many of you have heard me harp on harness fit time and again. Having spent decades evaluating harness fit in working dogs of all types with thermal imaging (as well as having years of working and active dog experience combined with a strong biomechanics knowledge base) using front-clipping or "Gentle Leader" type harnesses only guarantee more structural stress in active dogs that makes for more work for me and other chiro/sports med colleagues. PLEASE only use harnesses that fit with proper ergonomics! [NOTE: I've tweaked the English & syntax in the added-on description below so it might read a little differently.]

"All dog owners should know this fact! A harness like this is a terrible injustice to your pet!! AVOID USING THIS TYPE OF HARNESS !

In a dog's forward movement, a harness with a tape that crosses its chest from side to side hinders it in the same way humans would bother going hiking with an elastic band holding their arms. Physiological movement of the front extremity is prohibited. Just like rubber would inhibit the pendular movement of our ARMS.

Thanks to the "Study of Canine Movement at the University of Jena", we now know that in the dog, the center of rotation of the front limb is at the top of the scapula, but in the human the center of rotation in the arm is in the shoulder (head of the humerus). Jena's study demonstrates, among other things, the importance of scapular movement for dog locomotion. Now we understand the importance of taking into account the free movement of the dog's shoulder when choosing a chest harness.
That means there SHOULDN'T be bands across the scapular (orange) area, and they shouldn't cross the chest side to side either.

From the point of view of biomechanics and physiotherapy, it is recommended not to choose getting harnesses that have a strap that goes through the chest laterally, or that have straps that touch or press the scapula.

Always lean towards harness models with ERGONOMIC design, to allow maximum freedom of movement for your dog, improve his well-being and safety during his walk.
Source : REAL CEPPA"

27/06/2025

Catching up with some of my superstar clients this week, so proud of them 😍

05/06/2025

This is a great video on lead walking - and how I teach it 👍. Quite recently to a very strong dog that has been towing the owner around for 11 years 😮

01/06/2025

Yes yes yes

I wholeheartedly agree with this..

But what do you think? Would you agree?

24/05/2025

Abbottsford Park Open day - I did a talk on positive reinforcement. I'd like to thank Red the horse, and Cobba the dog, for doing a great demo and making me look good 🤭😊 And Kaylee for the pics 👍

20/05/2025

I would love to see the dog training industry regulated 👍

17/05/2025

12/05/2025

Over aroused dogs need you to stay calm and be patient and consistent 😊

10/05/2025

Happy Mothers day!

08/05/2025

In my pursuit to master the art of dog training, I shall not be the master of my dog 😊
Victoria Stilwell is a brilliant advocate for kind dog training 👍

05/05/2025

Effort in = results 😊