for the love of your dog

30/10/2024

All emergency is moving Norwood/Kent Town areas, take note incase you need it for your loved companions 😻🐾🐾🐶🐱🐭🐰

13/10/2024

Considering Nosework?
I’m not taking classes atm but Amanda does a brilliant job.
Starts this week so jump to it!
🐾🐾🩵

There are a few spaces available for Introduction to Nosework course starting Thursday 17th October, 6.30pm.

01/10/2024

I know so many will love this book!
Zazie puts together the most amazing easy reading and understanding of our loved companions.
If your living with a dog that struggles, this will be a wealth of knowledge
🐾🐾🩵
Congrats Zazie! You can follow her at Companion Animal Psychology

Today is the day that my new book, Bark! The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog is published. I am so excited to share this book with you! There are so many fearful and anxious dogs in the world, and so many people who struggle with what to do to help them. I wrote this book to make a difference. I am so honoured that it includes a beautiful, beautiful foreword by Cat Warren, whose writing I just adore. And I am also honoured to include quotes and stories from many amazing colleagues that will help you to understand what it's like for fearful dogs and why we need to work so hard to help them feel safe. Thank you so much to everyone who spoke to me for the book, and to everyone who has supported me while I wrote it. If you don't yet have a copy, it's available from all good bookstores, including Amazon. And if you're local to me, don't forget to come along to Black Bond Books in the Valley Fair Mall in Maple Ridge on Saturday from 12 until 2 to say hello and get your signed copy!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XwQo2F
Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/lists/books-by-zazie-todd-phd
UK Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/books-by-zazie-todd-phd

22/09/2024

04/09/2024

For those of you that just want to ‘train your dog’ or ‘fix their behaviour’, keep in mind most sensationalist training methods and tv shows use adversive training in many ways. Shutting a dog down from fear or force is not ‘fixing’ a situation.
🐾🐾🩵
Something to be aware of are the 2 camps of trainers, those that use punishment to get behaviour or are ‘balanced’ trainers and those that don’t.
Our industry is not regulated, anybody can pick up a leash and train your dog…
🐾🐾🩵
So, how do you find a trainer that will give you the most current information and care for your dogs body/mind/spirit?
Ask them if they are positive reinforcement ONLY, check their accreditations, remember just because they use ‘reinforcements’ doesn’t mean they are positive only.
RSPCSA also has an online list of positive reinforcement trainers.
🐾🐾🩵
To train a dog positively is not to watch them go over threshold, it’s a quiet approach of understanding and care.
Maybe it doesn’t make for great tv or videos but it does create communication, understanding and build the love and bond between guardians and companions in their care…
for the love of your dog
🐾🐾🩵

So… I’ve really been listening to the constructive criticism directed towards us and want to offer some thoughts.

I’ve noticed some common questions and concerns about our approach to advocating for change in the dog training industry, and I want to address them openly.

Our goal continues to be highlighting the need for our industry to evolve and improve in ways that benefit not only dogs but also the people who love them. The dog training field has stagnated in some areas, and it’s time we all come together to push for progress.

One concern I often hear is that we’re oversimplifying things by pushing for positive reinforcement and science-backed methods without using pain or fear. I completely understand where this question comes from, and I’m glad people are asking it. To clarify, we’re not saying there’s only one way to train a dog or that positive reinforcement looks the same in every scenario. There are countless ways to train a dog effectively without resorting to pain or fear, and it’s about finding the right approach for each dog within a framework that prioritizes humane methods.

Let’s take the case of the high-drive dog. Some think that for these dogs, tools like choke, prong or shock collars are necessary to maintain control. But any positive reinforcement trainer will tell you that these are often the most amazing dogs to work with precisely because they are so easy to motivate. They have the drive, the focus, and the enthusiasm, which makes them perfect candidates for training with positive reinforcement. By tapping into what they love, whether it’s a favorite toy, treat, or activity, we can shape their behaviors in ways that are not only effective but also mega enjoyable for them.

But what about aggressive dogs? This is another area where I see a lot of confusion. When faced with aggression, some still turn to aversive methods, thinking they are needed to control the situation. And often, they may be if a dog is over threshold since the safety of the dog and everyone around is a priority. But remember that’s an emergency management situation (we are not training or attempting to modify behavior in these instances)

Research overwhelmingly shows that aversive techniques, like shock collars or harsh physical corrections, are strongly correlated with increased aggression and anxiety over time. These methods may suppress the outward signs temporarily, but they don’t address the underlying causes. That’s why we advocate for approaches that get to the root of the problem rather than just managing symptoms.

I’ve also heard concerns that our stance has polarized the community. Perhaps. I want to say that polarization isn’t inherently negative, it can be a driving force for positive change when grounded in a clear and ethical motivation. Think about well-known examples like the Civil Rights Movement, Women’s Suffrage, LGBTQ+ rights, and the abolition of slavery. These were deeply polarizing issues that led to necessary and meaningful progress.

Now, I’m not equating the evolution of dog training with these significant historical movements, but I mention them to illustrate that polarization can have a purpose when it’s about advancing ethical standards and practices.

It’s not about creating division for its own sake; it’s about helping both professionals and the public understand what’s considered acceptable and effective based on the latest in animal behavior science. This benefits everyone by ensuring that dogs aren’t facing additional behavioral problems because they’ve been trained in a way that suppresses rather than resolves issues.

Lastly, we need to talk about accessibility and support within our community. Some have pointed out that moving away from aversive methods can be challenging because finding a qualified behaviorist or using modern approaches might seem costly or difficult. I get that, and it’s a valid concern. That’s why we’re pushing for better support for those who are committed to modern, humane practices. This means creating more opportunities for education, mentorship, and resources, so trainers have a clear pathway to becoming well-versed in approaches that align with current, evidence-based guidelines as outlined by AVSAB in their position statement on humane dog training.

Advocating for change in dog training isn’t just about methods; it’s about the well-being of dogs and the safety of the public. Positive reinforcement and humane training methodologies offer a comprehensive approach that meets a dog’s full spectrum of needs, without resorting to pain or fear. We’re here to keep pushing for more integrity in this field, ensuring that our profession evolves into a respected, science-based practice that truly serves everyone involved.

Dog training science resources collected in one place (thank you ) https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/p/resources.html

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior position statement on humane dog training:https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/AVSAB-Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-2021.pdf

Fallout from the Use of Aversives reference list (thank you Eileen Anderson )
https://eileenanddogs.com/fallout-aversives-punishment-negative-reinforcement/

04/09/2024

Absolutely yes!
There’s always a reason for behaviour 🐾🐾🩵

An ethical dog trainer will explain how your dog is seeing the environment and help them to cope with it better.

An ethical dog trainer will gather information, use rewards, avoid intimidation and never put a nasty collar on your dog to make them do something more convenient.

Get my book and be ethical: https://amzn.to/4gbSBsD

25/08/2024

A common thought in dog owners, if their dogs are running about and ‘love’ play they can’t be in pain… read on…
You can book a session for the love of your dog if you want to learn more about your dog and learning about body language the pertains to these signs

DOGS IN PAIN STILL RUN AND PLAY

This is Twig my yorkie, as many of you know she was born with deformed back legs. She has patella issues, cruciate issues, malformed hocks and also elbow disease.

Despite all of this, Twig would play all day. She is a young dog and would run non-stop, play with toys, play with my other dogs 24/7 if she could. She always wants to go for a walk- she never wants to turn to go home, she would walk all day if you let her.

She’s never grumpy, never shows any aggression even when she’s in pain. She partially ruptured a cruciate a few months ago and despite not being able to use her leg she was still desperate to go for a walk and kept dropping balls in my coffee (obvs I didn’t let her walk or play!) 😳

She has phases where her legs are really bad and she is in pain. It would be really easy for me to think she’s ‘fine’ and not in pain as she would still play all day if I let her. My only behavioural signs of pain with her are that she wakes in the night and takes a while to settle again and she barks a bit more than normal at outside noises.

I’ve also seen night-waking with my Dalmatian, Lucky, when he was in pain and my first sign of his back issues was that he would wake up and wander around in the middle of the night. He also still wanted to walk and play.

People often think that a dog who is in pain won’t want to go for a walk but dogs in pain are often still keen to go for a walk and they will want to chase a ball etc and play if you let them. Don’t ever assume they aren’t in pain because they want to run and play!

Signs of pain can be subtle and these are some that I commonly see in dogs I work with -

🛌 They may wake in the night or find it hard to settle in the evening, pacing or moving from bed to bed

🐕 They may vocalise more (whine or bark) and be more attention-seeking (nudging your hand to stroke them all the time or following you from room to room)

🛋️ Hesitating or unable to climb on/off the sofa, go up the stairs or get in and out of the car or needing a bigger run up to get in. Being slower to get up from resting.

😔 Being unhappy about being handled (groomed/dried etc) or unhappy about people sitting next to them on the sofa or walking past their bed

🐩 Changes in interactions with other dogs on walks- less keen on interacting or less keen on certain types of play etc

🏀. Lying down on walks or walking at a slower place but also conversely running excessively (‘runners high’ endorphins make them feel good temporarily)

You may also notice physical changes (the way your dog moves or the way their body looks.

💊 Please chat to your vet if you see any changes, dogs don’t suddenly change and start or stop doing things for no reason.

Pain is one of the primary causes of many aggression in dogs. Dogs also often don’t stop running and playing when they are in pain- signs of pain can be subtle and easy to miss so please, please seek advice from your vet if you see changes

Laura McAuliffe, Dog Communication 2024

27/06/2024

Perspective 🙌

This is the picture I want you to look at the next time you’re frustrated or mad with your young dog.

On the left is a 6 month old labrador, Andaras (Andy) - she is a lunatic sometimes and will eat ANYTHING and then barf it up in your shoe. She wakes up every morning ready to GO. She wants to swim she wants to dig she wants to bark at the doll my daughter left face down on the sofa that could be the devil. She chews and jumps and does all the things a young dog should do, even with a crooked jaw.

On the right is 11 year old Labrador, Sam. He is here because he lost his family and he is covered in lumps and bumps and it hurts to walk very far and stairs are really hard. He wants to play but gets tired easily and he sits at the door waiting for us to come in because he’s too old and weak to push it open and tear after us like Andy does. He does not have long left on this earth and he knows it, but he still enjoys his long naps and food snuck to him from a willing 6 year old.

The only difference between them is 10.5 years. That’s it. That’s nothing. While we luckily get upwards of 8 times that time, they get the short end of the stick. 10 years seems like a long time; but it isn’t. 10 summers, 10 birthdays, 10 Christmases. It goes by like that. This goes for ANY dog and ANY breed.

I look at Sam and I remind myself that all the energy and crazy that Andy has today won’t last forever. She isn’t my first puppy, she won’t be my last, but I am her ONLY person in her life and I need to give her the best possible one. Not get frustrated when she acts just as she should do at her age. One day, she won’t be able to, and God how I will miss it.

My love and advocating for senior dogs isn’t just because they are the most wise and loving animals out there, it’s also because they keep me humble and reminded of what’s to come. The fate that none of us can escape but comes much faster to our beloved best friends. We owe them so much for what they give us in their short time here. So I forgive easily, I laugh often, I stretch my patience and always train with kindness and respect to the animal. I stay grateful for every day with them, because the time I get with them is a privilege, not a right, no matter what phase it is. Cherish them.

- Helen St. Pierre

31/05/2024

‘Be a 'Kahu,' not just a pet owner!
The Hawaiian word "kahu" is used to refer to someone who has a pet, rather than the term "pet owner." This word has a deep spiritual meaning, as it implies that the person and their pet are connected on a spiritual level. "Kahu" can be translated as "guardian" or "protector." It is often used to refer to the keepers of sacred places, such as temples. In the context of pets, the word "kahu" implies that the person is responsible for the well-being of their pet and that they have a duty to care for them. In Hawaiian culture, animals are seen as having spirits that are just as important as human spirits. When someone becomes a kahu, they are taking on a sacred responsibility to care for the spirit of their pet, as it becomes a part of their own soul! This belief is also reflected in the Hawaiian practice of p**e kahu, or "guardian prayer." This prayer is often said by kahu to their pets, and it asks for protection and guidance for both the pet and the kahu.
The use of the word "kahu" instead of "pet owner" is a reminder that the relationship between a person and their pet is more than just a physical one and deserves respect. In some Hawaiian communities, it is customary for kahu to give their pets Hawaiian names. This is a way of showing their respect for their pets and their connection to Hawaiian culture. The practice of kahu is not limited to humans and animals. In Hawaiian culture, kahu can also refer to the relationship between a teacher and a student, or between a parent and a child. In all of these cases, the kahu is entrusted with the responsibility of caring for and protecting those under their guardianship.
Therefore, before bringing an animal home as a pet, it is crucial to understand the role of a kahu and be prepared to assume that sacred responsibility.’
Prof. Fahd Nasr

Wellbeing & Training
A dog-centered approach to training

15/05/2024

Want to know what your dog is feeling, it’s all in body language!
A FREE seminar link below with City Of Charles Sturt
🐾🐾❤️

What is your dog saying that you're missing? 🤔

🐶 We might not speak the same language, but we are trying to communicate!

Whether you're an experienced dog owner or just thinking about getting a pup, this seminar is perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of their furry friends.

Don't pass up this op-paw-tunity to attend this FREE information session presented by a qualified trainer!

📅 Wed 10 July 2024
⌚ 6:30pm to 8pm
📍 Civic Centre, 72 Woodville Road, Woodville

To book 👉 https://brnw.ch/Dog_Body_Language_Seminar

13/05/2024

Physio day for myself and the pups!
🐾🐾❤️
Meagan Lamming is brilliant, thank you for looking after my lil family 🩷
Hit her up for Craniosacral and Counterstrain therapies 🙌✔️

12/05/2024

Dear two legged Mum,

If I could speak, this is what I would want to say to you today.

Thank you for all those sleepless house training nights, to make sure I know what is expected of me.

Thank you for letting me wake you up at ungodly hours of the morning for a walk, even if we only went for one last night.

Thank you for forgiving me when I do naughty things, you know I mean no harm.

Thank you for the unlimited supply of dog toys and treats, I know the second something is labelled “for dogs” it is expensive and I am grateful for you spoiling me.

Thank you for sneaking some table scraps off the dinner plate, even when the vet says no and dad doesn’t like it.

Thank you for staying by my side when I am sick, doing all you can to ensure I am feeling my best as soon as possible.

Thank you for all the time and effort you put into ensuring healthy, tasty and nutritious meals are fed every day, for all the research you put into what is best for me and for making the meals with love.

Thank you for loving me through all my ages and stages, in return I am happy to provide you with lots of kisses and some funny stories to tell the family.

Thank you to my two legged mum for raising me to be the best dog I can be.

12/05/2024

Solar storms and how it may impact your dogs.

Scientific studies have repeatedly demonstrated that dogs are sensitive to geomagnetic changes.

Currently the earth is experiencing a powerful solar storm. It's effects on our dogs should not be underestimated. Especially our sensitive working dogs who are bred to have a heightened sense of direction. Dogs who are anxious or nervous may experience exacerbated symptoms. Dogs are sensitive to even small changes in the earth's magnetic field, this current storm is big and disruptive.

Epileptic dogs and people may be affected. There is a huge body of evidence relating to solar storms and seizures, have a little Google, there's too many relevant bits of literature to post here.

What can you do? Dogs are at increased risk of becoming disorientated in new environments, keep them on lead, in sight, have a heightened awareness of where they are. For dogs who rely on their sense of direction for work such as sheepdogs working hills, search and rescue dogs, tracking dogs, hunting dogs and trail dogs, it might be worth evaluating putting off any work where a dog may get lost. This is not me being a f***y either, I've already heard of a couple of normally savvy dogs becoming lost and disoriented in the north of Scotland, out of character for them.

In humans existing mental health conditions can worsen temporarily, particularly conditions caused by or associated with trauma, where your integral ability to orientate becomes distrupted and makes you feel unsafe, increasing anxiety and hypervigilance. This change in your presentation can also impact your dogs.

Just something to be aware of. As much as it sounds like hippy woo woo nonsense, I can assure you, it's a thing.

"the idea that animals can detect Earth’s magnetic field has traveled the path from ridicule to well-established fact in little more than one generation. Dozens of experiments have now shown that diverse animal species, ranging from bees to salamanders to sea turtles to birds, have internal compasses. Some species use their compasses to navigate entire oceans, others to find better mud just a few inches away."

https://pubs.aip.org/physicstoday/article/61/3/29/413382/Magnetoreception-in-animalsDetermining-how-animals

(Google stock image)

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259472878_Dogs_are_sensitive_to_small_variations_of_the_Earth's_magnetic_field