Dog Trainer & Behaviorist - Zavannah Elliott

16/03/2023

I'M A GOOD DOG TOO 🐾💜

Dogs who wear muzzles are good dogs. Dogs who aren’t dog friendly are good dogs. Dogs who are leash reactive are good dogs. Dogs who need space are good dogs. Dogs who are scared of strangers are good dogs.

If you see someone clearly making steps to avoid you or your dog while you are out walking, please respect them.

If someone lets you know that their dog needs space or isn’t dog friendly, please respect them.

If you see someone clip their dog on lead when you approach, clip yours on too and give them space.

Some dogs don't want to interact with other dogs or people and that's fine. I'm sure you don't want to interact with everyone you see either! They still deserve to have a great quality of life and go everywhere yours gets to go as long as they are taking the right precautions.

Having a dog that needs space is a challenge all of its own, but we are doing our best to advocate for them to insure they live the best lives we can give them. Training can't happen at all unless we take these dogs into public places. To everyone with friendly dogs, please don’t be offended and please don't judge. A nervous dog can happen to anyone at anytime. Instead of playing the blame game, let's all try make that dog's life more comfortable and its owners life much easier by being understanding.

Story credit: Unleashing Possibilities - Dog Training and Walking
Picture credit : The Whole Dog Journal

24/05/2022

Imagine your dog walking happily by your side, stopping when you stop, turning when you turn, and continuing with you past other dogs and people. He doesn’t pull on the leash, and he only goes potty and sniffs when you give permission. Leash manners is probably the most challenging thing you will probably teach him to do. I would love to help you! Send me a message to see how I can help you today!

29/10/2021

“It’s okay they’re friendly” is just a nice way of saying “I haven’t trained my dog”

Are you sick of not having control of your dog when they’re off leash?

Are you worried that one day, your lack of control & training will be the reason your dog:
- gets hit by a car
- gets into a dog fight
- scares / possibly hurts a child
- runs away

If you’re from the Central Coast/ Newcastle/ Sydney area and you want a better relationship with your dog and want to be able to give your dog more freedom and SAFETY send me a message to see how I can help you!

29/10/2021

Some food for thought…

10/10/2021

I know it’s raining, but can’t we play ball in the house? 😂
What are you doing to keep your furbabies stimulated when it rains?

13/09/2021

Hey guys, I’m so sorry for not posting/being accessible for a while, due to personal circumstances and life being life, I’ve had to take a step back from dog training for a while, however, I’m back and coming back with a vengeance, over the next few weeks, I’m going to be introducing some new types of training that’s available, including group classes and Skype training and a lot of my training is going to be focusing on the relationship between owner and dog, reactivity towards people and other dogs, separation anxiety and how genetics play a huge part of your dogs behaviour and training!
I can’t wait to reconnect with a lot of you as well as meet some new friends!
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out! 🐾

02/07/2021

Don’t EVER let your dog run up to an unfamiliar dog. Ever.

"But my dog is friendly" you might say. "She's gentle!" you call after them. "She just wants to play!" you say in defense.

Of course! But let's consider the other side of the coin. The other dog your dog is greeting may be:

- Fearful of other dogs
- Anxious of greeting unfamiliar dogs
- Needing space to feel safe
- Not wanting to be bothered
- Friends with only a few dogs
- Painful
- Infectious (kennel cough IS going around right now, by the way!)
- Recovering from an injury
- Learning, and NOT looking for distractions
- Not in the mood
- Doing something else that they are more interested in

I am sure there are plenty of other reasons I have missed. It's really quite simple -- Ignore or ask! It's not hard!

If it's a "no", clip on a lead or ask your dog to stick with you/"leave-it" or whatever specific cues you've successfully taught your dog prior to having them off leash in public.

EVERYONE deserves to be able to walk in peace. Even those who are unsociable.

29/06/2021

Now that the Central Coast and Sydney are in lockdown for 2 weeks, here is a reminder on how to properly wear a mask to protect yourself and others ❤️🐕

24/06/2021

Having your dog’s attention is one of the most important and underrated aspects of dog training. It’s obvious when you think about it – how can you train your dog, if your dog doesn’t pay attention to you?

Some of the most important parts of gaining your dogs attention, and keeping it, are:

1. Eye contact
Eye contact is one of the easiest things to teach your dog, I love to play the ‘watch me’ game with my girls

2. Impulse control
Teaching your dog to ‘leave it’ is not only a vital tool when training, but can also be life saving! Paired with a strong and reliable recall is something that should never be overlooked

3. Structured walking
When you can teach your dog, without the use of force or violence, or even bribery to walk next to you, it is a complete game changer!

If you’re from the Central Coast/ Newcastle area, reach out to see how I can help you and your furbaby today! 🐕

11/06/2021

This post will rub a few people up the wrong way – and I could not care less.

Some might feel guilty – I couldn't care less about that either.

If I am sounding judgemental – tough.

I have had too many people moaning lately about how their dog is being an inconvenience, and I am done being friendly about it.

I am not talking about if you are ill and can't help not being 100% for a few days. That is different.

I am not talking about if you have genuine struggles and are willing to seek help – that actually makes you a good human for your dog, and I would love to work with you on this.

I am talking of people who ignore their dog day in, day out.

Who expect them to lay quietly, sleep, eat, sleep and never so much as bark in between, being good little robots while their human flits about doing whatever humans do.

Humans who forget that a little fluffy person has been looking forward to being with them all day.

The only attention these dogs get is when they are being told to go and lay down, be quiet, get down, hurry up, and so on.

What fun is that in life?

Don't ignore your dog.

It's not complicated.

You wouldn't routinely ignore your child.

Your dog has most of the same feelings and emotions as a two to a three-year-old child, and if you try ignoring one of those for too long, then you are going to find yourself regretting it reasonably quickly.

There is a saying. "Your dog is part of your life, but you are your dog's whole life". And you are. Imagine if the love of your life couldn't be bothered anymore, no matter what you say or do.

Humans get very upset when it is done to them. So what makes them think their dog feels any differently?

Too many people play with their new dog or puppy, the novelty wears off, and then they are bored of their dog.

Or they have got new hours at work, or something in life has changed slightly, and now they have less time for their dog.

Their living, breathing, thinking, feeling dog.

Their dog, who spends all their time wishing their human still played with them, still got their tuggy toys out, still gave them belly rubs and took them to lovely places and rolled around on the floor playing kissy-face or whatever they used to enjoy doing.

And then these same people wonder why their dogs start to display "problem" behaviours when they are bored.

And yes – I get that you have been to work and you are tired. That the kids played up, and it's been a long day.

Guess what? It's been a long day for your dog, too, sitting around bored and missing you… and 15 minutes of your time spent playing, having fun and showing them you care might do you both some good.

You made a commitment when you got your dog to look after them, love them and be their human.

Just because you have had a s**t day or your situation has changed slightly does not mean that you should emotionally neglect your dog.

And quite frankly, some enrichment, a walk or even just 20 mins playing with the ball down the garden will more than likely mean they are happy enough to let you have a rest afterwards anyway.

So why not spend that time curled up on the sofa with them instead of telling them to get down?

After all – you are their human and any time spent with you brings them great joy.

Dogs are for life, not just for Christmas or Lockdowns.

11/06/2021

🎉🎉🎉

**EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT - TOUGHER PENALTIES INTRODUCED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY OFFENCES**

RSPCA NSW welcomes amendments to state animal welfare legislation which bring tougher penalties for animal cruelty offences, including the introduction of a new offence under the Prevention to Cruelty Animals Act 1979 (POCTAA).

In a historic moment for animals in the state, New South Wales now has some of the toughest penalties for animal cruelty offences in the country.

This is a milestone for all animals great and small across the state. These are things that we have been advocating for as an organisation for many years and we are pleased that state legislation is progressing to reflect changing community expectations. We know that the community feels strongly about animal welfare. These changes will help us to continue to our mission to protect and serve animals.

The maximum penalty increases include:
• For committing an act of cruelty: fine increased from $5,500 and/or 6 months imprisonment to $44,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment for individuals, and from $27,500 to $220,000 for corporations.
• For committing an act of aggravated cruelty: fine increased from $22,000 to $110,000 and/or 2 years imprisonment for individuals, and from $110,000 to $550,000 for corporations.
• For failure to provide proper and sufficient food, drink or shelter: fine increased from $5,500 to $16,500 and/or 6 months imprisonment for individuals, and from $27,000 to $82,500 for corporations.
• For failure to comply with a prohibition order and for failure to produce animal pursuant to a court order: fine increased from $2,750 to $5,500 and/or 6 months imprisonment.

The amendments also include:
• The limitation period for commencement of proceedings has also increased from 12 months to three years, which extends the period of time for RSPCA inspectors to investigate cruelty complaints.
• The inclusion of a definition for an ‘animal cruelty offence’, which extends disqualification orders to offences under the Crimes Act as well as POCTAA.
• The introduction of a new definition ‘disqualification order’, which is available for defendants convicted of offences under POCTAA and the Crimes Act. The court may also make interim disqualification orders which apply to prevent people before the Court for animal cruelty offences acquiring animals while the matters are before the Court.
• A new offence has been created under POCTAA, which prohibits people convicted of animal cruelty offences under the Crimes Act from purchasing, owning or working with animals. These include offences of serious animal cruelty and be******ty.

11/06/2021

Teaching your dog basic obedience like sit, stay and coming back when called gives them the freedom to do the things they like to do, like running off lead and coming with you to meet friends and family, while being safe and under control!

Dogs are intelligent animals and most love to learn so training can be a great way of stopping them from getting bored.

11/06/2021

Littermates Edison and Winston.
They are working through a lot of stuff including human directed aggression, separation anxiety, dog reactivity, littermate syndrome, sound sensitivity and territorial aggression. Luckily, their Dad is an amazing owner and is trying to provide the best quality of he can for his pups!

10/06/2021

Just because you see a dog, doesn’t mean you have the right to just walk up and pat it. Ask the owner before reaching out your hand.

10/06/2021

This is such a heart breaking story.
Unethically breeding dogs is disgusting and the reason pounds are full 😢🤬

Animal shelters say they are seeing a disturbing increase in dogs surrendered - and scarred - by a lifetime of over-breeding by owners looking to make money, fast. And the issue is getting worse - due to a rapid rise in the number of puppies being sold online for hefty figures. Warning - some vi ...

10/06/2021

I have noticed over the last couple of months there’s has been surge in human-directed aggression, separation anxiety, resource guarding and leash reactivity. The pandemic has profoundly changed the way we live with our companion animals.

If you’ve noticed that your dog is suffering from any of these issues, send me a PM to see how I can help you today! 🐕

09/06/2021

Zeus in a down and stay, working on his focus and staying calm in a very distracting and triggering environment for him, great job Zeus 🎉

09/06/2021

Puppies!

Who doesn't love puppies 😍

So if you're thinking of getting a puppy, or already have one this ones for you!

Here's a few things to keep in mind, puppies don't know anything so you can't get mad at them for NOT KNOWING ANYTHING!

Puppies aren't coming potty trained.
If they have an accident in the house, thats YOUR fault for not taking them outside sooner.

Puppies are usually teething when you first bring them home.
Their teeth are literally coming in, it hurts.
The only way they know how to sooth this, is by chewing things.
Get them something specific to chew on and be forgiving when they destroy your shoe, you shouldn't have left it there.

Don't get mad at your puppy.
They don't understand. Its mean, its like yelling at a little baby
Have some patience with them.

02/06/2021

02/06/2021

Phoenix and I went to the park today for a little run and to throw the ball ⚽️

Off leash freedom is earned, not freely given

All my dogs have to prove to me that they can be trusted and that they will listen to me, over whatever distractions are around.

I do this because I care about their safety.
I care about the safety of the people and other animals around me.

If you want to learn how to have the freedom to enjoy life with your dog off leash without worrying about them running away or running up to just anyone, send me a PM to see how I can help you today!

01/06/2021

Let’s talk about obesity in dogs.

An obese dog is never cute.

An owner who allows their dog to become obese is negligent.

Creating a fat dog and doing absolutely nothing to fix it is abuse.

Over feeding a dog can lead to an array of different health issues:

- heart disease
- Lung disease & respiratory issues
- Diabetes
- Bone, joint and ligament issues
- Increased blood pressure
- Decreased liver function
- Digestive disorders
- Increased risk of cancer
- Skin and coat issues

Let’s stop saying that obese dogs are cute.

Let’s do better for our dogs 🐶

30/05/2021

As a dog trainer, I work with dogs who have a wide variety of behavioral issues. This can include anything from pulling on their leash, jumping on people, aggression / fearfulness towards people and at the largest issue that i tend to deal with is dog aggression / reactivity

While there are many dogs who i work with who show signs of reactivity and sometimes even aggression towards other dogs, this post is not directed towards them.

Recently i have noticed that more and more clients are upset or worried that their dog is selective with who it chooses to play with. Maybe they aren't the biggest fan of non-neutered males, they don't want to share their frisbee with another dog, maybe, having a puppy who is pushy and has no clue about boundaries really ticks your dog off. They may be selective towards the dogs that they will play with, tolerate or even live with, maybe they only have a couple of “doggy friends”.

As a society we NEED to normalize dogs who are selective towards other dogs.

No, there is nothing wrong with your dog if they are not in love with every dog they meet. Think about it this way, Everyone you meet is not your best friend. Some people are just acquaintances, some you prefer to avoid or only spend short periods of time with. Some you cannot stand. THATS OKAY! And its exactly the same for our dogs.

Yes, our dogs are normal if they are “selective” however we are becoming brainwashed to believe that all dogs need to have a million doggy friends and play beautifully with every dog they meet, this is not true. Yes, there are some dogs who are super social and can easily play with any dog they come across. We see these really social dogs everywhere, so we have this idea that this is common, it’s not. They're just the ones we see everywhere because they thrive in most - if not all situations.

The large majority of dogs are selective and have some criteria for who they want to hang out with and how. Just like there are some people who prefer to go out clubbing and others prefer a quiet cafe or bookshop. Theres nothing wrong with either person, they just have preferences.

Something we also need to understand is that things like genetics, personality, confidence, past experiences and training all play a part in if a dog is super social or not.

It’s time to normalize dogs who aren't super social!

However, If you have a dog who is showing signs of aggression and reactivity, for example cannot control their emotions on a walk when they see another dog, please reach out to see how i can help you today!

29/05/2021

Have you ever wondered why, whenever you leave your house, your dog is constantly cries, destroys your furniture, jumps the fence or defecate all over your house?

Why do some dogs do this and other dogs don’t? Well the sad truth is, there a good chance that your furbaby has separation anxiety.

But don’t worry! It’s something that can be treated and for most dogs, without the use of medication!

If you’re located on the Central Coast/ Newcastle area and your dog is suffering from separation anxiety, send me a message today to see how I can help you! 🐕

29/05/2021

Do you know us?
If so, contact SoCares in Charmhaven to help bring them home ❤️

08/04/2021

Do you know this sweet puppy?
If so, please contact Central Coast Animal Care Facility ❤️

07/04/2021

She’s not a baby anymore 😍

06/04/2021

Attention! Parents and dog owners with family and friends who have young children .

I do not care how well trained, how sweet, gentle and well socialised your dog is.

NEVER. EVER. Allow a child - even your own - to climb all over your dog.

A dog owned by a child's family, relative or close friends - are responsible for 84 per cent of dog bites.

84%

We NEED to keep our children safe.
We NEED to advocate for our dogs
We NEED to teach kids from a young age, not to climb all over a dog.

A dog is not a ‘horse’ for your child to ride
A dog is not a play thing for your child
And your child should not, under ANY circumstances, invade your dogs space, especially not when they’re eating or sleeping.

I don’t care if you think you’re dog isn’t capable of lashing out. THEY ARE
I don’t care if you think your child has enough ‘experience’ with dogs not to push them too far. THEY DON’T

As a society, we need to do better.

As owners we need to do better

As parents we need to do better.

Check out this article from 2018. Your dog is not the exception. Neither is your child.

Don’t put your dog, or your child’s life at risk for a cute photo op.

https://www.google.com.au/amp/s/amp.smh.com.au/national/family-dogs-responsible-for-most-attacks-new-research-shows-20180511-p4zeu9.html

05/04/2021

SHARE! SHARE! SHARE!

Please help us bring our Biggie Boy home.

Any information is valuable to us.

If it's safe to do so, please get a photo of your possible sightings of Biggie and/ or the car he may be travelling in.

Send information to Police Link (QPS no. QP2100548074)
Or contact 0499 035 380 or Inbox our FB Page.

Thank you for your ongoing support. It means the world to us and we can't wait to celebrate some good news with you all. Fingers and toes are crossed.

04/04/2021

The number 1 regret of dog owners with dogs killed by cars...

“I should’ve trained him earlier…”

Us humans… We’re all the same.

It takes us loosing something to come to our senses..
Health…
A Loved one…
Job…
House…
No matter what.

We postpone, procrastinate and this can go on until we get hit in the face with reality.

When it comes to us losing our dogs to car accidents… We have all the control in the world.

We can prevent it 100%.

Yet 1.2 million dogs are killed by cars every year!

1.2 million.

Because our dog fails to obey simple “STOP” commands.

I don’t care what anyone says - we HAVE to do something about it before it’s too late.

Here is a simple, yet effective way to teach your dog not to run into the street

1 - Take your dog for a walk, edging the street side. When you get to the curb, stop. This will teach your dog when he reaches this type of boundary he also needs to stop

2 - Have your dog sit and reward him for following your command.

3 - Before moving forward to other steps, practice this several times so he understands the curb is a stopping place for him. Each time he sees a curb, a sidewalk, or a grassy area turn into a street, it will be a boundary line for him to stop and sit.

4 - Once the two of you have practiced walking to a curb, stopping, and sitting several times, begin to take a step off of the curb. Your dog should be in a sitting position so you have a moment to step off before he leaves off with you. Step off the curb, step back, and give him a treat.

5 - When you step back onto the curb after taking one step off the curb and into the street, you gave him a treat and positive praise as a reward. This will begin to teach your dog that he needs to wait until he's invited into the street before he steps off the curb as well and, as long as he waits, he will be rewarded with positive reinforcement and a treat.

6 - You can pat your leg to tell your dog to come or you can use a command to let him know it's safe to come off the curb.

7 - If your dog steps into the street without your invitation, redirect him back to the curb and stand with him. Avoid giving him a treat so you are not rewarding him for an incorrect choice.

8 - Continue to practice these steps, stopping at curbside and asking your dog to sit until he sits automatically each time he reaches the curbside. Continue to use the command you have chosen to tell your dog it's okay for him to step off the curb and follow you or heel next to you.

9 - Be consistent in your training and always stop at curbsides. Wait for your dog to sit and await command before stepping off into the street. This teaches him he will always have to stop, pause, sit, and wait for an invitation to enter to the road.