Mind Your Paws

She might be getting on in age but she still loves to learn and be involved. Nosework has always been one of Harlow’s favourite things, but something I’ve never really invested time in to with her because…. Well, no excuse actually, apart from sheer laziness. Naturally, I teach one dog one thing, and all 3 of them end up learning it as well. So Harlow can thank the annoying lil Chippinator for this. I love seeing how happy this makes her. She moves with excitement, she springs around, and she knows the aim of the game. Your dog is never too old to learn, get out there and teach them something. This 👇🏼, this is easy to teach and doesn’t take much work from you. So go on, do something fun with your dog. ✍️ in the comments let me know what activity your dog gets TRULY excited about

Oh what a night the lil Chippie and I had 😎. Mantrailing with Top End K9 Services Chip was introduced to firmer ground, longer search areas and some man made objects. Nothing makes me happier than seeing this guy go to work and find the trail layer. If you’re keen to start Mantrailing, have some fun with your dog, and deliberately get lost so another awesome team can find you… contact Bron @topendk9services to find out when the next Intro to Mantrailing session will be. It’s an activity for all ages, all breeds.

Cuddling and Therapy Dogs. Does it need to be allowed? Do TDs need to be okay with it? Is it expected of TDs? It’s one rule I 100% enforce with everyone we work with. Cuddles are a no go with the dogs. The dogs aren’t there to be cuddled and as you can see in this video…Scout DOES NOT enjoy cuddles from me So why would he from a stranger?Yes, he’s been taught to tolerate them, because humans are humans and aren’t very good at following rules. There also seems to be this crazy idea in society that TDs want cuddles. People are also quick and before you know it Scout is in a headlock. If any of the dogs approach a client/student like Scout does at the end of the video or decide to rest their head in a lap, it’s all good. PLEASE stop putting others dogs in headlocks AND please consider what is happening at the same time. Scout has been ‘cuddled’ many times whilst he’s doing a trick or about to get a treat. And guess who it’s usually from? ADULTS!!! Adults are by far worse than kids when it comes to this.See if your dog likes a cuddle 🤗 • Take a video• Can you see any stress signs?****** Note, if you know your dog doesn’t, then don’t do it. We don’t need any one being bitten. Harlow use to love them, but as she’s getting older it’s all on her terms. Chip isn’t a fan either. He can be bribed, but he much prefers to stand on you and get scratches. If you do cuddle him, he’ll lick you to get away from you.

It’s pretty simple really. The job of a Therapy Dog is to work with people, so it only makes sense that they❤️ LOVE ❤️ people. TDs need to have a want to be with people, if they don’t have this, or are forced to do this, then I’d be questioning if they are suitable for the job. A dog that won’t leave its owners side also won’t make a good TD. This also means a TD must have manners and be sensible around people. Most people don’t enjoy a dog jumping all over them and I’d argue licking/kissing people is also inappropriate. However I’ve discovered a lot of people don’t mind this at all 🤮 For me it’s one thing I don’t allow my dogs to do, but I’m constantly fighting a group of people (Nurses, I’m looking at you 🧑‍⚕️) who consistently reward Chip even after I’ve said no. What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with me?Comment down below

There’s more to being a therapy dog handler than just being able to take your dog to work. It’s not all sunshine and roses.There’s plenty of skills/attributes a TD handler needs to have when working in this field and the most important one I believe is: KNOW YOUR DOG You need to know the ins and outs of your dog. What makes them happy? What makes them scared? What they love/hate? Etc To do this you need to: 1️⃣ ADVOCATE for your dog. Enforce the boundaries you have set to keep them safe. Be willing to step in and support them. Stop people from doing things your dog won’t like. Be aware of your surroundings and what is happening. Don’t be afraid to tell people NO ❌. Just because they are a TD doesn’t mean they like being placed in a head lock (commonly called a hug/cuddle apparently). To ADVOCATE for your dog, you must also know: 2️⃣ DOG BODY LANGUAGE What early signs does your dog show when they are feeling uncertain/stressed/scared etc? Each dog is different and as a TD handler it is your job to know this. When you know this you can ADVOCATE for your dog appropriately. HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE THESE THINGS?🤗 TRAINING The more you do with your dog, the more you’ll learn about your dog. Going back to a post from last week, An untrained dog 🟰 An unknown dog

An untrained dog is an unknown dog! Taking a dog in to an environment with little to no training is a liability. How does one know what the dog is capable of? How does one know what the dog will and will not tolerate? How does one know what the dog likes to do?When I hear people having their dogs in a workplace with little to no training, I shudder. Personally I think owners have not considered the dog, the dogs welfare and are more interested in the appeal of having a therapy dog on site. Let me know your thoughts below 👇🏼

Bring your dog to work day!Does your dog do this?It’s a great concept, and when it works it works. BUT Here’s my two cents worth….. perhaps something to consider. 1️⃣ Most dogs are untrained and have poor socialisation skills. Workplaces can be hectic for a lot of dogs, especially ones who have very little exposure to new and different places. 2️⃣ Reading dog body language. Most owners are unaware of the subtle signs displayed by their dogs that they are uncomfortable. 3️⃣ Where’s the line between taking care of your dog and getting your work done? Naturally owners are going to be stressed about their dog toileting inside (it happens), how many toilet breaks will be allowed? Who’s going to look after the dog when the owner needs the bathroom? 4️⃣ Who’s responsible if the dog does hurt someone or damage equipment? Are owners aware of this? Are you okay with this if you take your dog to work?‼️ Put a dog in an environment they’ve never been too, with a staff member who’s over the top excited, moves quickly in to the dogs space, chokes the dog with a cuddle….. ❓What do you think is going to happen?❓Who’s going to be blamed?Save yourself the trouble and hire a therapy dog team to provide well-being visits for staff.💚 Mind Your Paws teams are: ✅ trained (and always improving their skills) ✅ insured ✅ knowledgeable with the therapeutic benefits. RUOK DAY is coming up, contact us now to schedule a session.The wonderful Lucy and Jackson @lucy_nt_therapydog are waiting to meet you all.#therapydogawarenessmonth #darwinstherapydogs #mindyourpaws #therapydogsofdarwin #darwin #workplacewellbeing #wellbeingdogs #therpaydogsofig

Here’s what students at Darwin High School (DHS) said about the dogs visiting. We visit DHS every Friday, hanging out in the library so every student has the chance to interact with the TDs. Some students started hanging out with us when they were in Year 10, and now it’s only a few weeks until they have finished their school journey. Students can sit and relax with Harlow, do tricks with Chip and if Scout is visiting, ball time is always on the cards.Work at a middle/high school? Consider having a TD team visit at lunch time to support your students who are having a tough time. What’s some of the benefits you’ve seen/heard of TDs visiting schools? Comment down below....Don’t forget we have availability during Term 4. #therapydogsofdarwin #darwinstherapydogs #mindyourpaws #therapydogsofaustralia #therapydogsofaus #therapydogsofinstagram #darwin #palmerston #

POV: Therapy Dogs don’t need to be calm & gentle.Comment your thoughts below. I’ll share mine later today.

Our RALLY program is about to go live 5PM ACST. Make sure you save this code TRAINWITHCHIP To get 50% off. 72hrs only and then it’s full price.

Harlow has PSA for you all…It’s said dogs don’t like cuddles, it’s a human concept, but Harlow assures you she loves them. In the evenings she’s quite demanding for them. When the star therapy dog needs some therapy herself 😉 Yes, she might not appreciate them from everyone during the day but she sure does love them from the people she loves and trusts.We teach all our school friends to not cuddle the dogs, we need to respect them, which means when Harlow chooses one of her friends to rest her head on their lap, their eyes and heart light up like you wouldn’t believe. The smile is huge and my cup is full ☺️👇🏼 What’s something that you’ve heard that your dog thinks the opposite of? OR👇🏼 What’s a lie you’ve heard in the dog world? Share below, I’d love to hear them. There’s so many out there. Here’s a few to get you thinking: • all puppies should be kept inside until they are fully vaccinated • don’t feed your dog raw meat because once they’ve tasted blood they’ll want to kill everything • your dog should eat after you.

Jumping/Agility trials have started again for the year and all 3 floofs competed. Harlow managed to turn herself into a pancake and Scout did well first time competing with a different handler. Thanks Grace! Chippa received his first qualification in Jumping!!! He runs his little legs off, bounces his way around the course, and has the best time out there. Let’s go Chippa!!! Next comp is in a few weeks, come down to Fred’s Pass to check it all out.