Busimann's Dog Training

15/08/2024

Dogs use their body a lot to communicate with us… sometimes they might also bark or make other noises, but their body is their communication-key!

The poster below shows the many signals dogs give to let other know when things are ok, to… well, not too good.

Their feelings, just like ours, can change… from being happy, to upset, to full on mad.

The steps of fear show you the signals they give us and, while they are designed in a certain order, please bear in mind that not all dogs will follow this order, nor would they use all of the signals. Some signals might also be displayed very very fast.

But they will use some, if not all… so, it would be good to familiarise yourself with them.

It's super important to remember that every signal is a polite way for dogs to let others know their feelings, so never punish them for it. Even when their are growling… remember, if you spot the signals well in advance and help them, the dogs won’t have to resort to growling, or snarling or more.

❤️

15/08/2024

You can't love your dog into (or out of) clinical anxiety like separation anxiety. It's just more complicated than that. We're here to help, though, if you need to make changes.

15/08/2024

15/08/2024

15/08/2024

Hackles refers to the line of hair that runs along the spine of the dog, from the back of the neck to the top of the tail. In certain situations, these hackles will be raised, also known as piloer****on (pilo meaning hair and er****on meaning raised).

It is commonly thought of as a sign of aggression. While raised hackles can be a warning sign that the dog is bothered by something and may resort to aggression, hackles can raise for a number of reasons. The real definition of why raised hackles occur is a rise in arousal levels.

Arousal in behaviour terms relates to the level of interest, excitement, or reaction that the dog is experiencing. An over-excited dog who is bouncing around, jumping up at people, maybe mouthing their hand is over-aroused. The dog who is trying to run away from something that scares them is over-aroused. The dog who displays aggressive behaviours towards something that they feel is too close to them is over-aroused.

Hackles are a good sign to look for to judge how relaxed your dog is in a situation, together with the rest of the signs and signals they are showing at the same time. You can find more information in this article from my blog: https://www.goodguardianship.com/post/can-you-tell-how-your-dog-is-feeling

It's so important to take time to familiarise yourself with canine body language and, in particular, how your dog's body language appears.

15/08/2024

Yes you can poison your recall☠️ and it is very common
Recall (having your dog come to you when called) is one of those cues in training that depends heavily on your relationship together. 🤝🙂
However, there are other things we can inadvertently do which damage a good recall and we often don't even realise we do this.
One of the advantages of having an In Home Trainer is we see all those little things that make SUCH a big difference.
Calling your dog to you when you are about to do something unpleasant to them (or they view as could be a negative experience)....even for the best of intentions, can poison recalls.
Calling them to their dreaded bath.
You know they dislike having their nails cut, but they are called to you.....usually ignoring your calls and then finally skulking slowly forward... with their head down low.
Calling them to you when you have the ear drops in your hand.
They will start to make associations with recall and what you actually want them for.
The opposite (calling away from fun and positive experiences) is also true.
Constantly calling your dog away from fun and positive experiences is a recall destroyer.
One of the biggest destroyers of a recall is calling them to you and clipping their lead straight on and leaving the fun area.....have a play with them first, clip on the lead and continue to have fun for a few minutes. This is a little thing that turns that negative association into a really positive one..
So DON"T call them when they may view what you are wanting (or importantly needing to do)....go and get them.
If you need to groom, please take the time and look into cooperative care, it makes SUCH a difference.
Recently I worked with a Pitbull that was in a desperate situation with their claws.
No-one would do them, not their veterinary clinic, no groomer...no-one...even with a muzzle. He is classified by our council as a menacing dog.
It took 2 half hour sessions with some very easy steps that the motivated guardians did a few times a day for a minute or two.......The result.
Nails done....with no muzzle......and NO stress.
A pleasant experience for everyone.
One of the other issues we picked up on was he was called to them for everything , including being called away from positive/fun experiences and for what he may view as negative.....and it certainly affected their recall too. The recall was about 30 %.
So if your recall is more miss than hit....look at when you actually call them too you and why.
If you change little habits you can make some very big differences.

Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collection of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

13/08/2024

It doesn't mean yelling, or acting like a drill Sargent with your dog. It just means making the picture the same. Ask for the same behavior the same way every time. It just makes for easier communication, and that's what training is ultimately about.

13/08/2024

DON’T TOUCH MY STUFF!
Resource guarding – also called possessive aggression

We all guard our resources, it’s a natural reaction to a threat of something we value being taken away.

It’s essential for survival and dogs or other animals would not survive in the wild if they didn’t guard their resources.

We also don’t get to decide what’s valuable and what’s not – different things have different value to different dogs and at different times.

Food is usually the most common, but toys, furniture, different items, places, or even a certain person are all things that may be seen as a valuable resource.

A dog turning their head away, freezing, a hard stare, whale eye, moving away, growling or snapping may quickly escalate into a serious bite in an attempt to protect that valuable possession.

Punishing or forcing a dog to give something up is probably one of the worst things to do.

Resource guarding is rooted in the emotion of fear – the fear of that resource being taken away.

Punishment and force further increase that fear, which only increases and reinforces the need to protect that resource.

When a dog is guarding food or an object, we can change the negative emotion of that fear into a positive one by swopping or trading something that has a similar or higher value than what the dog has.

This is one of the most effective ways to address resource guarding of objects as it works at the root cause of the behaviour by changing the emotional response.

A dog resource guarding a person is more complicated to address. A full history of the individual dog, family dynamics, attachment styles, situation and environment all have to be assessed before planning and working on a solution.

Resource guarding can usually be prevented, managed and addressed and by starting early, understanding why dogs feel the need to resort to this behaviour and doing what we can to prevent it from happening in the first place.

13/08/2024

The 3/3/3 rule is something we see a lot when talking about rescue dogs joining a new home and family. It states that the dog needs time to go through different stages of getting used to the new home and surroundings as follows:

• 3 days to decompress and recover from the stress of travelling.
• 3 weeks to start settling in and getting used to the routine and the people in their new family and environment.
• 3 months to feel at home there.

I have something of a love/hate relationship with this because having something to help explain to new adopters of rescue dogs that it will take time for their dog to settle and be comfortable in their new surroundings is excellent. The problem is that some people talk about the 3/3/3 rule as if it is an absolute and this is the timescale that all dogs will follow.

All dogs are individuals and, especially in the case of rescue dogs where we might not know everything that has happened to them in the past, they deal with things at a different pace to another dog, even if they seem very similar. Some dogs might follow the 3/3/3 pattern, some might even settle faster than that. But equally it’s important to remember that for dogs who have come from a traumatic background they may take a lot longer to go through the stages (and in some extreme cases might never be truly completely settled).

Give them the time and space that they need to work through the stages in the way and pace that works for them. A little extra patience at the start of our lives with them goes a long way towards building a strong and loving relationship between us.

12/08/2024

🥺❤️

12/08/2024

💪⚡This is a piece of information that will keep you from banging your head against a wall over and over again and this knowledge can really help ALL dogs.
Reactive dogs.✅
Anxious dogs✅
Over excited dogs✅
I know the terminology used by some in the industry is complicated (esp if you are just beginning to help your dog through this difficult time) and this page will always try to break down often difficult/complex issues so they can be more easily understood.
Understanding this concept will change how you work with your reactive dog.

Many clients attempt desensitisation work or begin counter conditioning when their dog is already over their threshold and the trigger is way too close.
We cannot dictate where to start this work....your dogs body language will let you know.
If your dog needs 20 metres from another dog to be at a 2 - 3 great !
If they need 50 metres from a trigger to be at a low level, then insisting on a closer interaction will not help them, they decide what is too close to a trigger, not us.

Distraction is NOT a long term solution for reactivity.....it sometimes has its place, but hiding and distraction are very temporary "solutions”.
If you have a reactive dog, there is hope, you can do this!

🙂Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collection of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

11/08/2024

This workshop will make welcoming a baby SO much easier for you and your dog!

Kind, safe, evidence-based - and above all EASY for tired parents!

COMING UP VERY SOON: Tuesday 13th of August at 6.30pm

Over two interactive zoom sessions, we’ll use guided activities, videos and question time to cover everything you need to feel super confident and organised when your baby arrives.

You’ll be ready to:
* Prep your dog so the baby isn’t a shock
* Introduce them in the safest way
* Keep your dog happy when you’re busier
* Set your home up for easy supervision
* Build a fab friendship long term

The workshop includes:
* 2 x 90 min zoom sessions run by behaviour consultant Dr Mel Norgate
* Worksheets and activities to create your own plan
* Emailed worksheets and reminder resources
* Fun training games to prepare your dog
* A private forum for ongoing support

Grandparents are welcome to tune in too!

Booking page: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=19243510&appointmentType=66996256

Got questions? Get in touch or check out www.melanienorgate.com

11/08/2024

11/08/2024

Let's ask not how we can change them but how we can help them.

11/08/2024

Dogs can have intense emotions attached to objects, actions and habits 😱😀😠. Just as we can.
Sometimes these cues work against us by increasing excitement when we really don't want those emotional extremes.
Do you have a particular cue that you may not realise you are doing?

The advantage of having a trainer come into your home or to watch your videos is that we have a fresh perspective on what is occurring and often cues are involved.
An easy way to see if you do have any cues is to have someone video you and watch it again for signs of a change of behaviour in your dog.
They can be both verbal or physical and cause an immediate change in behaviour.
Hyperarousal and overexcitement in dogs can lead to so many difficulties in all other areas and often cues are involved.
You may have seen this yourself when getting a lead out, or going to a cupboard to get food or even something as simple as walking to the front door can cause an immediate change in behaviour of your dog and create a high level of excitement.

So have a look at the cues you give your dog and see how you can change them.
Change the habit....change the cues.
This helps change the behaviour.

Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collections of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

08/08/2024

Coaching is a process and one that needs following carefully to ensure that the dog fully understands what we are asking of them.

This means remembering to generalise or 'proof' our cues. Start coaching at home and when the dog has the cue reliably there, start going to different areas gradually, increasing distraction levels slowly as the dog is getting the hang of the cue in different places.

Make sure the cue is as established for the dog as it can be before you might need to use it out in the world. The last time you want to be trying your new recall cue out in the world is when your dog is charging away in excitement to explore the environment around them.

Remember also not to always call the dog away from something interesting. One of the fastest ways to have a dog not want to respond to recall is to call them when they have just found a really good sniff spot!

If you are in an environment where you cannot be sure your dog will respond and there is potential for them to get into trouble either by disappearing or bothering others in the area who don't want to interact, use a long line as a safety backup.

08/08/2024

Service dogs are hard at work and need our respect. Follow these tips to help them and their handlers navigate public spaces with ease. 🐾💙

08/08/2024

THE BLAME GAME
Is a dog’s “bad” behaviour a reflection of, or the fault of their guardian?

In some cases, yes – abuse, neglect, unmet needs etc., but this isn’t what this post is about.

This is about having a dog that behaves “badly” no matter how knowledgeable and experienced a dog guardian may be or no matter how much socialization or training that dog has had.

Some dogs are just different and more difficult than others and it’s not your fault.

Puppies are certainly not a blank slate. We cannot always mold a dog into what we want them to be. We can try our best to do everything right, but genetics, individuality, early life experiences, learning experiences, trauma - all play a role in how a dog behaves.

Behaviour is driven by emotion and emotions are not something that we have control over. Just like we cannot control how another person feels or reacts to something.

One of my dogs is difficult. She is highly sensitive, reactive, unsociable, introverted and suspicious of other people and other dogs.

I know first hand how it feels to be judged, blamed, feel embarrassed, isolated, frustrated, angry and resentful.

Surely it must be my fault – I must be doing something wrong, especially as a behaviour consultant, if I can’t even control the behaviour of my own dog? What will people think?

It took me a long time to accept her for who she is, to ignore the judgement, the blame and all the negative feelings that go with it.

It has taken a long time of consistent work, managing the environment, understanding and supporting her to see glimmers of positive change in her behaviour and accepting that she will never be perfect.

My own experiences with my “difficult” dog have gifted me empathy, understanding, compassion and relatability for those who have similar difficulties.

Our dog’s behaviour is not a reflection on us.

Keep working on what you can change and accept what you can’t.

08/08/2024

Want to know a secret🤫
This isn't just for puppies either.✅
Puppies need careful and controlled exposure to EVERYTHING we encounter in our daily life.
I know it can be so tempting to reduce their world for fear of exposure to pathogens but I really do encourage everyone to get out there, but carefully.
There are lots of ways we can encourage safe and early socialisation and acclimation (another graphic in comments about this).
As tempting as it is to seclude and limit their life to just your house or yard, it can create some serious behavioural issues.
If you do have a new puppy, this graphic is a great way to help them make a positive association with the world and all it offers.
You can do this, but carefully 🙂

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.
Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

05/08/2024

Let's celebrate all the assistance dogs in the world this week. Dogs are truly amazing!

05/08/2024

Is your dog an aspiring archeologist? Build them a legal digging area and stock it with durable toys or chews to help them learn to dig where you want - and not where you don't!

04/08/2024

04/08/2024

Changing a dogs emotions takes time. ⏰✅
It isn't as "simple" as teaching a sit or stay, as this is ALL about emotions. Just as we humans need time and understanding to process our own emotions, dogs are absolutely no different.
However.... there are lots of steps (easy steps) you can do to help things go smoother and faster.
If you have a reactive dog, I know just how much effort you are putting in.
I am one of those trainers that LOVES reactive dogs (I think you all know that by now🙂). One of the reasons I love working with them is there can be such a transformation in everyone's lives !

Don't underestimate the power of stopping and taking a few deep breaths....all of our clients are encouraged to relax and breath when working with their dogs.
Often they take a few quick "shoulder breaths"....but when encouraged to stop and take some deeper belly breaths, their dog senses that too.
They know your stress has dropped.
They sense your heart rate has lowered.
They are aware your BP has lowered too.
Many dogs will respond amazingly well to just adding this in alone.
It certainly isn't a cure...but it helps lower everyone's stress.

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.
Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.