Spotted Paw Behavioral Services, LLC

06/26/2024

A few weeks ago Skip and I were in a trial when it was in the high 80’s and humid. Very little breeze. In short, awful. Of course, I was worried about Skip, given his bad heart, and wouldn’t have run him if the course hadn’t been a short one. I got him in the […]

06/26/2024

Yesterday as I was with a client...I witnessed a child get nipped/bit😠. Not my client, but a dog that was across the road from us being walked by a man.
A woman and her child were walking towards them, they stopped and he told the child to put her hand out for the dog to smell.
Such old advice ❗
Such dangerous advice ❗
It doesn't mean you are friends.
It doesn't mean the dog will like you.

It means a hand is right in front of a dogs mouth that you do not know ❗
This myth has GOT to stop.

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06/26/2024

Did you know that more pets get lost on July 4th than any other time of the year?

The bangs, booms and bright lights of fireworks can trigger a fight-or-flight response in your pets. Keep them safe inside during fireworks. Make sure they are microchipped and wear a collar with an ID tag in case they escape the yard or bolt for the door.

Contact your veterinarian today for ways to keep your dogs and cats safe, calm and at home, right where they belong!

06/23/2024

If the asphalt is too hot for your bare feet – it is too hot for your dog's paws! 🐾🐾

06/23/2024

Dogs do talk, they communicate well with us, they show us what they need and tell us (usually very politely) when they need space. If you need help understanding your dog's languge, drop us a line below.

06/05/2024

‼️Awake adult, active aware supervision is essential, especially in the first months of a newborn being in the home with a family dog. Don’t take a chance prepare in advance. Where will your dog be when you are resting sleeping? Check out this handouts for more information and helpful tips. It’s our hope to prevent unfortunate accidents from happening.

For more handouts and to download The 5 Types of Supervision, visit: https://www.familypaws.com/resources

06/05/2024

04/16/2024

04/07/2024

04/05/2024

YES!

Walking with worried dogs can make walks hard, emotional and even scary. It's important to remember that even when a dog lunges forward, they are just trying to stay safe. We can help you to understand your dog and learn howe to make walks better, just drop us a line below.

03/08/2024

We have a similar nervous system, our brains fire the same way. We are exposed to similar emotional responses and have the same need for safety. Yet dogs are so often still expected to shut up and put up. Let's be a little gentler with the needs of our dogs shall we? We can help with that, drop us a line in the comments.

03/04/2024

Hey Social Media Land!
— generic little update on us. . .

We are currently, ‘out of office’ and will be for a few weeks.
Unfortunately, our Inca blew her ACL out about a week and a half ago. While this is never a fun thing with any dog to go thru, it’s been a smidge tricky with Inca since she’s a front legged tripawd.
(Note: and before anyone asks— Inca is not a great candidate for surgery at this time due to her being a tripawd/age/recovery time. We will start with a brace for support, and evaluate from there. Inca’s mobility/quality of life is always of upmost importance to our family).

I’m currently her primary care giver— physically carrying her for every potty break (+ sling), to every resting space, every water or meal time, and am in charge of all enrichment activities to keep her amazing energy level low.

That said!— we *are* waiting for a custom brace to be built for Inca. This brace should be back in the next week or two, and, will be wonderful in providing Inca (and myself) with more of a regular routine.

Until then, we are still trucking with remote sessions as per usual.
A sincere ‘thank you’ for your understanding, love, support, & caring thoughts!

02/28/2024

What a beautiful & sincere tribute…
Rest in peace, Dipper.

02/26/2024

02/26/2024

Shake it…shake it off…

A recent study by two researchers in France looked at sniffing, pulse rate, and leash length on walks. Sixty-one dogs were taken on three separate walks, five minutes each walk, once with a 1.5m leash, once with a 5m leash, and once without a leash at all (walk order was randomized for each dog). Off-leash dogs sniffed the most, more than 3x as long as the dogs on short leashes. Dogs on long leashes spent nearly as much time as unleashed dogs sniffing, almost 3x as long as dogs on short leashes.

This study also found that sniffing resulted in lowered pulse rates, and the more intensely they sniffed, the more their pulse rates lowered. Pulse rate was also lowered when dogs “shook off” during walks on all leash lengths. The “shake off” behavior was often seen when the dog’s pulse rate was particularly high.

Read more about it below!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HX77kp2HBDiTxmq/?mibextid=Le6z7H

https://www.tuftsyourdog.com/everydaydogcare/giving-your-dog-time-to-sniff-on-walks-will-literally-soothe-his-heart/

What else can we learn about dogs from their walking behavior? Take your best friend on a Sniffari and see what you observe!

02/26/2024

One of the most difficult challenges of being a dog professional is understanding the subtleties of canine body language, while everyone around you doesn't. Thanks to dog training programs and social media, canine body language is continually misrepresented.

Audiences observe a 'trainer' applying a 'magic correction', and suddenly the dog is no longer barking or growling and they marvel and assume that the dog is cured. The absence of overt behaviour is seen as an absence of an emotion. The dog isn't growling, hence they must feel safe and comfortable.

All too often, dog trainers witness TV personalities and influencers professing to have cured dogs of some of the worst behaviours in a matter of minutes, but in reality what you are seeing is learned helplessness and/or behaviour suppression. Yes the dog is no longer displaying obvious signs of fear and aggression, but they have actually shut down emotionally because they know that there is option to escape. The dog continues to show subtle signs that they are extremely stressed but this goes unnoticed to the untrained eye. If a dogs communication is continually ignored or punished, many dogs learn to stop communicating altogether, despite feeling negative emotions internally.

The real danger is that just because the dog is no longer displaying the most overt behaviours, doesn't mean that the emotions driving them have gone. They have been suppressed and they will resurface eventually. A dog that is continually ignored or punished when they growl, learns to skip the growl because its ineffective. This is when they 'suddenly bite with no warning'. This is why its imperative to have an accurate understanding of canine body language beyond the most overt signals.

Truly understanding behaviour modification requires the ability to distinguish between a calm dog and a compliant dog. There is a difference and we owe it to dogs to understand it.- Holly Leake ©

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01/27/2024

That shock collar or lead correction may stop your dog barking and lunging but is the dog cured? Can aversive training be that magical?

Well, externally these methods can look remarkable to the untrained eye but how could physically hurting your dog really cure a behaviour that is often driven by fear or anxiety?

Physically punishing a dog only stops the behaviour in the moment, it doesn't address the emotions that are driving the behaviour. If a dog is terrified of other dogs, does choking them magically make those feelings disappear? How could it? Stopping the behaviour doesn't equate to changing how the dog feels. In reality, this training approach is behaviour suppression, not behaviour modification.

To understand behaviour suppression, imagine you have someone coming over to your home. You really need to tidy up, so you have two choices. You can either put the time in and actually sort through the clutter, organise your stuff and clean, or you can grab everything in sight and shove it into cupboards and hope your guest doesn't notice the difference.

The result may appear the same to those that don't know what to look for, but the more you cram into each cupboard, the more pressure there is on the doors. Eventually those doors burst open and the house is more untidy than it was when you started. Now your guest can see that you didn't really clean.

This is exactly what happens with behaviour suppression. Using corrections and aversives is a quick fix that removes unwanted behaviour from the naked eye, whilst pushing the dogs emotions down beneath the surface. The more the emotions are suppressed, the closer the dog gets to breaking point and when they finally do break, the fallout is so much worse.

Therefore, we can't successfully and ethically change a dog's behaviour without addressing the emotions that are driving them. True behaviour modification takes time and patience, but what is the result?

Long term positive change to the dog's emotional responses, behaviour and welfare, which should always be the goal of dog training. - Holly Leake

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01/26/2024

Dogs are highly sensitive and perceptive animals with an uncanny ability to read and interpret the behaviour of humans around them. The way we behave towards and around our dogs plays a significant role in how they perceive us - as either safe or unsafe.

When we interact with our dogs in a calm, gentle, and positive manner, they perceive us as a source of safety and comfort. Regular positive interactions such as petting, playing, and speaking softly to your dog can build trust and help your dog see you as a safe figure. Consistency in your actions and routines also provides a sense of security for dogs, as they thrive on predictability.

On the contrary, if a person frequently displays aggressive behaviour, shouts, or becomes fast to aggress, the dog will likely perceive that person as a threat. Dogs understand the world largely through their senses, and loud noises, sudden movements, or physical harm can be very distressing for them. Over time, this can cause a dog to become fearful or anxious around that person, interpreting them as unsafe.

Additionally, our dogs also observe how we behave around others. If we are consistently calm and respectful towards people and other animals, our dogs see this as a sign that we are safe. However, if we exhibit aggressive or erratic behaviour towards others, our dogs may become unsure of our intentions and feel unsafe.

Therefore, it is crucial to always interact with our dogs (and others around us) in a positive, respectful, and predictable way to maintain our dogs' trust and comfort. Through ethical and positive reinforcement training, we can ensure that our dogs see us as their safe haven, enhancing the bond we share with our canine companions.

01/16/2024

CODE BLUE | In effect for Allegheny County now through Thursday. In freezing temperatures, it's crucial to ensure the well-being of our furry friends! 🐾❄️ Remember, our pets should never be left outside, unattended, and without shelter for more than 30 minutes when it drops below 32 degrees. If you suspect animal neglect, please report it here: https://bit.ly/48yURGm

01/03/2024

Understanding dog language is critical for dog guardians. Dogs, like humans, have their own unique ways of communicating.

By learning to interpret their body language guardians can deepen their bond with their dogs and respond more appropriately to their needs. The importance of learning canine language revolves around three main points:

Preventing Misunderstandings

Misinterpretation of a dog's signals can lead to inappropriate reactions. For instance, a dog yawning doesn't always mean they are tired; it can be a sign of stress. By grasping their language, guardians can distinguish between their dog's various signals.

Enhancing Welfare

With better understanding of dog's language, guardians can ensure better welfare. They can address their dog's basic needs effectively, identify signs of stress or discomfort earlier, and take actions to mitigate any potential problems, thereby enhancing the quality of life for their dogs.

Strengthening the Bond

Understanding canine language enhances the guardian-dog relationship. It opens up a new level of understanding as the guardian becomes better equipped to interpret not just their dog's needs, but also its emotional state. This undoubtedly results in a stronger, more satisfying bond.

Learn more about what your dog is saying, with Canine Principles
https://www.canineprinciples.com/course/canine-communication-diploma

12/23/2023

There's a lot of emphasis spent on what dogs shouldn't be allowed to eat at Christmas. We must also remember to consider how they feel.

So, once the physical safety of your dog is ensured, it's time to focus on their social and emotional health, which is often overlooked during the busy Christmas period.

Understanding Your Dog's Perspective

Dogs are creatures of habit, and the sudden influx of guests, loud music, and altered routines can be overwhelming for them. It’s important to understand the world from their perspective. Some dogs might revel in the extra attention, while others may find it distressing.

Creating a Safe Haven

A key strategy is to provide a safe, quiet space where your dog can retreat if the festivities become too much. This could be a quiet room or a cosy corner with their favourite bed and toys. Make this a no-go zone for guests, ensuring your dog has a sanctuary.

Maintaining Routine

Try to keep your dog's routine as normal as possible. Regular feeding times, walks, and play sessions provide a sense of security and normality amidst the chaos of Christmas.

Monitoring and Responding to Stress Signals

Be vigilant for signs of stress in your dog. These can include excessive panting, yawning, licking of lips, or hiding. If you notice these signs, provide reassurance and consider removing them from the stressful situation.

Social Interactions

If your dog is comfortable around guests, encourage positive interactions. However, it’s crucial to supervise these encounters, especially with children who may not understand how to interact safely and respectfully with dogs.

Quiet Time

Don’t forget to schedule some quiet time with your dog. A gentle cuddle or a quiet walk can be a soothing break for both of you.

12/13/2023

Interacting with dogs can be a delightful experience. However, approaching and touching an unfamiliar dog is unwise for several reasons. Primarily, it's about respect; just as humans value personal space, so too do dogs. Touching them without their consent can cause distress. Additionally, despite domestication, dogs retain innate instincts which can trigger aggressive reactions when they feel threatened. Health is another concern; some dogs can have pain or discomfort that human touch exacerbates. Therefore, it's better to build trust, read their body language and follow their guardians' instructions before making physical contact.

Learn more about dog language with Canine Principles https://www.canineprinciples.com/course/canine-communication-diploma

11/17/2023

🛑 FREE FEEDING YOUR DOG: Are you a free-feeder?

Is your dog a picky eater? Guess what - Free-feeding, defined as putting food in the bowl and leaving it until Fluffy eats it all, or until you put more in there - is why you have a picky eater!

WHY DOES FREE FEEDING CAUSE PICKY EATERS?

➡️ If Fido knows food is always available he has no reason to have to finish it right when it's placed in the bowl.

➡️ If Fluffy learns that if she walks away from the bowl that tells you she's finished & you pick up the bowl, she'll learn that food is not always available.

➡️ When a dog learns that food comes 2 x a day & goes away if he chooses to walk away from the bowl, he'll quickly learn that he eats it all then or waits until the next meal.
———

BEHAVIOR & MEDICAL CAN BE A CAUSE!

⚠️ Anxiety can also be a huge reason for a picky eater. So, if you aren't sure get a professional to evaluate your dog in many lights and find out if there is a deeper cause for your dog's picky eating!

⚠️ Some dogs do not eat well regardless, so when this occurs it's important to seek the advice of your licensed veterinarian to rule out medical reasons for poor eating habits.
———

BEHAVIOR & MEDICAL CAUSES ASIDE . . .

⏱📆 Schedule Feeding is so much more beneficial to dogs! This is defined as - you put food in the bowl, if/when Fido doesn't finish in either a certain timeframe (10-20 minutes) or once Fido walks away from the bowl you pick it up so he has no more access to it until the next meal. This happens regardless of how much food is left in the bowl when you pick it up.

👩🏻‍🦰 🦴 From a professional trainer standpoint most dogs that are picky eaters are taught to be this way unintentionally. I see many dog owners add multiple things to their dogs food in an attempt to get them to eat. I've also seen some dogs not finish food because they either don't like the food or they are actually being over-fed (usually unbeknownst to the owner).

Again, ruling out all behavioral and/or medical challenges, all dogs will learn to eat when given their meal if they are properly schedule fed.
———

KEEP IN MIND

🥩 Sometimes you need to add fresh foods to your dog's food: boiled/scrambled eggs, boiled chicken, cooked ground beef, plain yogurt, to name a few. These are not only healthy but variety can help keep your dog looking forward to the next meal.

📏 Sometimes those dog food bags are not a good guide for how much to feed. Use the guide loosely but then watch your dog's waistline. If you cannot feel your dog's ribs when you press in to feel them without trying really hard, she's likely overweight. Cut back on the food a bit, or if she feels too thing or is visibly thin add more.

🚽 Potty training will not go smoothly if you do not know how much or when your dog last ate. Also if your dog is able to eat throughout the day because you free-feed be ready for pooping throughout the day with no set schedule!

🤒 If you don't know when your dog last ate or how much you won't know if her eating habits are normal or not. If you have a dog that eats when you put food down you'll be able to easily tell if she stops eating and that it's not normal. This is a first sign of illness and reason to call your vet. If your don't know this you may not know when your dog is ill because she has no real eating pattern.

🦮 If your dog is able to have free access to food most of the day your dog won't value food much. Why should he? He can get it really whenever he wants. So, to make training easier you also want to be more in control of your dog's eating. So, schedule feed and make food a valued item to your dog!
———

Stacy Greer, CPDT-KA
Sunshine DogTraining & Behavior
🐕‍🦺

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
©️ 2023 Stacy Greer

All rights reserved. Feel free to share via the “Share” link to the original post. Downloading for redistribution online or in print form is strictly prohibited.

11/06/2023

WHY SQUIRTING IS HURTING
Using a spray bottle to sq**rt water at a dog to stop an unwanted behaviour is not something I support and I’ve seen many cases where the consequences of this have caused long term problems.
This method of stopping a behaviour is unfortunately still very popular and even some puppy schools and dog trainers believe that it’s an effective, humane way of correcting behaviour. Just because it doesn’t cause physical harm doesn’t make it right. There are emotional consequences. Consequences like creating negative associations, fear, mistrust, a fear of water and / or bottles and more. Behaviour is driven by an underlying emotion, creating more negative emotions certainly doesn’t solve anything.
Consequences like a puppy being continually sprayed for chasing a child that resulted in the puppy associating the child with the punishment. This family had been advised that this was the quickest and easiest way to stop the behaviour. This pup developed a fear and dislike of children that he may never fully get over.
If a dog is sprayed for jumping up at a person, it doesn’t teach the dog what behaviour they should be doing instead. Rewarding a dog for having four paws on the floor instead of jumping up is the logical way to teach this. Yes, it may take more effort and time, but the dog will learn an alternative behaviour and the jumping up will stop.
Teach dogs what to do instead of what not to do. Dogs live in our world and are expected to follow our rules. How can we expect them to behave the way we want them to if we only punish unwanted behaviour and don’t teach them what behaviour we are looking for? Stop focusing on unwanted behaviour and focus on teaching an alternative behaviour – how else will our dogs know what to do?

10/04/2023

Isn't a yawn just a yawn ?
You may have noticed your dog yawning in certain circumstances when they are not tired and there may be other physical or emotional changes you have noticed too. The environment and context are just as important as watching for the other physical signs of rising anxiety in your dog too.
Sometimes you may notice when a visitor arrives your dog may yawn.....and it may be a wider and longer yawn than normal.
Or when they are learning something new, you may notice they aren't quite understanding what you want yet....they may let out a yawn or two.

As a general guideline a yawn when anxious has more "power" to it....it is exaggerated.....or there may be a series of smaller mini yawns.

Yawning is complicated !

It also shouldn't be looked at by itself as a judgement of whether your dog may be experiencing some stress or anxiety.

I will also put some other stress/discomfort signs in the comments which you may notice next time your dog yawns.
As always.....it isn't what WE think may be stressful for a dog.... but what your dog views as stressful or a reason for increased anxiety.

You may never know why your dog has increased anxiety around a pink hair brush (as an example)....but your dog feels this way and it must be respected.

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright. Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 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 Graphics

08/07/2023

This one is always a bit controversial for some....It is a repost from several months ago.
Socialisation.
Play is NOT socialisation. Play is a separate and important skill.....but it isn't socialisation.
What is socialisation ?..... Calmness and acceptance.
What it isn't......over excited, scared, hyper, wary behaviour or PLAY.

I know that seems like a big statement to make for some people but society has some strange ideas of what socialisation is.

That doesn't mean dogs and puppies shouldn't play, it simply means one of the FIRST things they need to learn in life is be calm and accepting of dogs in general....then play can be added as a separate skill.

Calmness and acceptance IS socialisation.
Play is play.
Two completely separate things.

Dogs and puppies are a very small part of having a socialised dog. An important small part... but a very small part in a much bigger picture.
The word socialisation seems to be associated with play and that is a big issue with new puppy guardians/owners.

How you let other dogs meet yours and how your dog meets other dogs forms patterns of behaviour.
The more these dogs have over excited, over aroused and hyper behaviour around other dogs...........the more they understand this IS exactly how to meet dogs....and that is really problematic for many dogs.

True socialisation is acceptance and calmness in ALL the world has to offer.
Everything you encounter in everyday life...is exactly what you need to expose your dogs to.

Little and often
Positively and calmly......and you are well on your way to a well socialised puppy or dog.

One of the best lessons you can teach your puppy or dog is they do NOT need to interact with others.
They don't need to go to that hyper excited behaviour when other dogs are near.

They can be calm, assess the situation and choose to play and interact if they wish.....

That is true socialisation.