Happy Tails Dog Training

26/08/2024

Happy International Dog Day!!

Look at these marvelous dogs (and their handlers) helping to keep Tassie free from pests and diseases.

19/08/2024

15/08/2024

15/08/2024

🐶BEGINNERS CLASSES – WINTER - SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024 🐶

Legana
15th September at 11am (Sunday)

Westbury
1st October at 6:30pm (Tuesday)

Beginners classes are aimed at teaching various life skills such as sitting calmly around distraction, polite greetings as well as walking nicely on lead and teaching husbandry skills to help make grooming and vet visits easier.

The class is suitable for pups 12 weeks and up (or pups who have had their 2nd vaccination), but any ages and skill level can attend.

🐾Classes go for 4 weeks
Cost $100

Classes run by an experienced Cert IV qualified instructor

🐾Contact Sarah on 0417574307 or email [email protected] for further information

13/08/2024

Proud to be a trainer with Care Dogs & Co - reach out to them to find out more :)

Need Support?

Train your own Assistance Dog 🐾

✨Reach out to start your journey with Care Dogs & Co✨

Tasmanian owned and operated with 9 trainers statewide!

📸: Leith Young Photography

11/08/2024

A big welcome to our Legana Beginners class. First a big class with lots of new pups, new distractions etc, they all did a fantastic job!

See you next week!

09/08/2024

Management is a vital part of behavior change, using it is not a failure to “Train the animal”, it’s a key component to ensure they are able to learn new behavior patterns.
Great post by Irwin Dog Training - Constant Canine Consulting: Behavior & Training

Management is something of a dirty word in animal training. It is often viewed as a cop-out. It's something you do when you can't "train" an animal well enough. And there are a lot of discussions around how “management fails”, often as a means to discredit the use of management in behavior modification strategies. But the truth of the matter is that management is a key first step to behavior change in any species. This includes humans.

When we are trying to make different choices in our own life; such as eating a more balanced, and nutritious diet, the first thing we do is implement management strategies to facilitate those changes. We make sure to give away the foods that we know don’t serve our new goals, or stop buying them from the store. If we are looking to engage in less screen time we set timers and screen time limits on our devices. If we are hoping to spend more time engaged in exercise to benefit our health, we might sign up for a sport, work out classes, or even designate a gym buddy to go with us to encourage us to develop and maintain those habits. We utilize management in our daily lives to help us make positive changes, or maintain certain necessary behaviors. We pack a lunch the night before, so we don’t spend extra money on eating out. We set a budget to help us save for a rainy day, or a vacation. We set up management strategies in our own lives, and never think twice about it as a form of ‘failing to change behavior.’ We absolutely see it as a necessary and fundamental part of behavior change. Hell we have entire careers dedicated to “management.”

So why do we treat management solutions as a less-than option for animals? Why do we expect dogs, horses, or cats to simply change their behavior with out first modifying their environment to facilitate that change?

In learning the sequence of events is : Antecedent. Behavior. Consequence. This refers to how learning occurs with in the brain. That is that the antecedent of a behavior is everything from a cue (“Sit”) to the environment in which it happens, these proceed the behavior (the dog sits) which then prompts the consequence of that behavior (a reinforcer is given for the dog sitting.) In behavior modification the antecedents are often less about verbal or concrete cues, and more about the environment in which certain behaviors occur. A dog who struggles on leash with other dogs present, who over reacts and becomes reactive or presents with aggressive behavior, our first step to helping them is to stop putting them into situations where those things occur. This is management. We alter the environment (we chose to walk at low traffic times, or in areas with minimal others present etc) to better serve the dog’s learning to manage their emotional overload in a more desirable fashion. If we have a cat who becomes aggressive towards new people in his home, the first thing we do is provide that cat with a quiet , comfortable space away from company that he can be in to avoid perfecting his ninja cat attacks on our visitors. This is managing the environment to avoid rehearsing the undesirable behavior. Management is a vital part of behavior change, using it is not a failure to “Train the animal”, it’s a key component to ensure they are able to learn new behavior patterns.

04/08/2024

🐶BEGINNERS CLASSES – WINTER - AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 🐶

Westbury
13th of August at 6:30pm (Tuesday) - indoor evening class

Legana
4th of August of June at 11am (Sunday) - BOOKED OUT
15th September at 11am (Sunday)

Beginners classes are aimed at teaching various life skills such as sitting calmly around distraction, polite greetings as well as walking nicely on lead and teaching husbandry skills to help make grooming and vet visits easier.

The class is suitable for pups 12 weeks and up (or pups who have had their 2nd vaccination), but any ages and skill level can attend.

🐾Classes go for 4 weeks
Cost $100

Classes run by an experienced Cert IV qualified instructor

🐾Contact Sarah on 0417574307 or email [email protected] for further information

02/08/2024

Congratulations to our Tuesday Night Westbury Beginners Class Graduates

Braving the depth of winter, this crew of happy pooches and their owners have worked really hard. Lovely to see some great socialisation between all dogs both big and small and seeing the change in confidence and improvement in skills over the four weeks.

Well done to Waldo, Falkor, Saint and Otis!!

23/07/2024

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-24/how-to-tell-if-puppy-is-from-reputable-ethical-dog-breeder/104130184

Little puppy faces with cute names all lined up on a website can be very appealing. But even with assurances all proper care is taken, how can you know if the business you might be considering buying a puppy from is a reputable and ethical breeder?

23/07/2024

🐩Thinking of fostering/adopting a rescue?🐩

With a large scale puppy mill being shut down and a number of dogs in need of rehoming, many people are starting to consider potentially adopting/fostering these dogs.

Rescuing a dog can be incredibly rewarding.

Just a few things to consider and be aware of when contemplating adopting/fostering a dog (regardless of breed):

🐶What are the breed’s needs?
For example, will they need regular grooming (clipping, washing, brushing etc), exercise requirements, mental and training needs. These need to fit in with what lifestyle you have (are you home all day, active, fitness level etc)

🐶What were they breed to do?
Even if they are a mix, there are still breed characteristics which will impact what behaviours they may do. For example, hound breeds such as a Beagle may have a strong desire to sniff and explore, herding dogs may want to chase moving items while a husky may want to dig a nice hole.

🐶Previous experiences (or lack thereof)
Lack of socialisation is a huge issue. Socialisation isn’t just about playing with other dogs, but experiencing the world around them, the different sights, smells, sounds and experiences along with different people (old, young, tall, short, hairy) and different dogs. Being unable to experience can mean that when a rescue dog is exposed to the big wide world it can be scary and lead to them becoming reactive.

Rescues will conduct temperament assessments and aim to find them the best home for that dog’s personality.

🐶Your time and ability to commit
Taking on a rescue dog isn’t for the faint hearted. Some dogs will have serious behavioral issues and be quite fearful of the world around them (including you).

Some will need you to give them space (and time) in the first few weeks to feel comfortable to even look at you (let alone touch, cuddle, put a lead on). Some dogs may need the resources of a trainer or vet behaviorist with training that may take months and potentially long term medication).

Perhaps fostering in the short term is a great way to help and work out if you will be the right fit (and help lots of dogs in the process)

🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶🐶

Lastly, there are many rescue organisations in Tasmania with a huge variety of dogs, of all various breed types, shapes, ages and sizes. Reach out to them and have a chat about what may fit with your needs – they may have the perfect dog waiting for you.

21/07/2024

🐶BEGINNERS CLASSES – WINTER - AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2024 🐶

Westbury
13th of August at 6:30pm (Tuesday) - indoor evening class

Legana
4th of August of June at 11am (Sunday) - one spot left
4th of August of June at 1pm (Sunday)

Beginners classes are aimed at teaching various life skills such as sitting calmly around distraction, polite greetings as well as walking nicely on lead and teaching husbandry skills to help make grooming and vet visits easier.

The class is suitable for pups 12 weeks and up (or pups who have had their 2nd vaccination), but any ages and skill level can attend.

🐾Classes go for 4 weeks
Cost $100

Classes run by an experienced Cert IV qualified instructor

🐾Contact Sarah on 0417574307 or email [email protected] for further information

17/07/2024

Great to see some good (correct) information regarding body language in the news :)

The wonderful Dr Petra Edwards from SA has done great work with her local council in SA to help educate dog owners on dog behaviour

Remember its not just dogs behaviour we need to consider - if you have pets like birds, cats, horses etc, its important to take the time to learn about their body language as well

16/07/2024

Congratulations to our 1pm Legana Beginner Graduates!!

Great socialisation between the pups along with learning not only some new skills but a few tricks as well :)

Well done to Bensen, Buddy, Harry and Fia :)
(Harry and Fia couldn't make it to graduation, but we will catch up soon for a private session)

15/07/2024

Congratulations to our 11am Legana Beginner Graduates

Lots of fantastic progress by all pups, especially with loose lead walking with some wonderful engagement with their guardians and around distractions (e.g. their other puppy friends). A few very fun group of pups!

Well done to Remy, Coco, Teddy and both the Leo's (big and little)!!

09/07/2024

IMPORTANT - WESTBURY BEGINNERS - rescheduled class :)

Unfortunately there has been a pipe burst on site, so class will need to be reschedule until next week as currently no water available (and a bit of a mess to sort out).

See you all next week - stay warm and dry!!

07/07/2024

More gorgeous pups...Here's our 1pm Legana beginner class :) Having a great time getting to know each other and learning new skills

03/07/2024

A big welcome to our Tuesday night, Westbury Beginners :) All shapes and sizes brazing a chilly night to learn some new skills

28/06/2024

A warm welcome to our Legana 11am Beginners Class :) all shapes and sizes, but all adorable!
#

18/06/2024

🐶BEGINNERS CLASSES – WINTER - June/July 2024 🐶**NOTE - Date change and new class added

Westbury
25th of June at 6:30pm (Tuesday) - indoor evening class

Legana
23rd of June at 11am (Sunday) - BOOKED OUT
NEW - 23rd of June at 1pm (Sunday)

Beginners classes are aimed at teaching various life skills such as sitting calmly around distraction, polite greetings as well as walking nicely on lead and teaching husbandry skills to help make grooming and vet visits easier.

The class is suitable for pups 12 weeks and up (or pups who have had their 2nd vaccination), but any ages and skill level can attend.

🐾Classes go for 4 weeks
Cost $100

Classes run by an experienced Cert IV qualified instructor

🐾Contact Sarah on 0417574307 or email [email protected] for further information

17/06/2024

Apologies if I'm a bit delayed returning emails. I've been away at the Pet Professional Guild Australia 2024 conference in Sydney. As president and part of the organising committee its being a busy but thoroughly enjoyable weekend. So trying to rest and recharge at the moment 😴

I got to watch some fantastic workshops on everything from Canine Hoopers, Scentwork, Urban Herding to some trainer mechanical skill workshops. Then two days of wonderful talks from our International speakers Rob and Karen Hewings, Dr Zazie Todd and Barbara Buchmayer and heaps of fantastic local speakers as well.

Continued learning is so important for the dog training profession and nothing beats in person networking and seeing it first hand.

Hope to bring my learnings to my clients in upcoming classes :)

05/06/2024

Congratulations to our Westbury Beginner Graduates for May!!

Lovely to see some great puppy friendships blossom - lots of fun play interactions in our last couple of weeks once the pups felt more confident with each other

Well done to Mack, Rue, Millie and Pepper :)

04/06/2024

🐶BEGINNERS CLASSES – WINTER - June/July 2024 🐶

Westbury
11th of June at 6:30pm (Tuesday) - indoor evening class

Legana
23rd of June at 11am (Sunday) - BOOKED OUT
NEW - 23rd of June at 1pm (Sunday)

Beginners classes are aimed at teaching various life skills such as sitting calmly around distraction, polite greetings as well as walking nicely on lead and teaching husbandry skills to help make grooming and vet visits easier.

The class is suitable for pups 12 weeks and up (or pups who have had their 2nd vaccination), but any ages and skill level can attend.

🐾Classes go for 4 weeks
Cost $100

Classes run by an experienced Cert IV qualified instructor

🐾Contact Sarah on 0417574307 or email [email protected] for further information

30/05/2024

🐶BEGINNERS CLASSES – WINTER - June/July 2024 🐶

Westbury
11th of June at 6:30pm (Tuesday) - indoor evening class

Legana
23rd of June at 11am (Sunday) - BOOKED OUT
NEW - 23rd of June at 1pm (Sunday)

Beginners classes are aimed at teaching various life skills such as sitting calmly around distraction, polite greetings as well as walking nicely on lead and teaching husbandry skills to help make grooming and vet visits easier.

The class is suitable for pups 12 weeks and up (or pups who have had their 2nd vaccination), but any ages and skill level can attend.

🐾Classes go for 4 weeks
Cost $100

Classes run by an experienced Cert IV qualified instructor

🐾Contact Sarah on 0417574307 or email [email protected] for further information