Services Canins AM

08/19/2024

08/16/2024

Growling is communication. Always just communication. How else are our dogs going to ask for the space they need if we punish them for growling? Take away the growl and they have no choice but to go straight to a bite.

08/15/2024

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

02/23/2024

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Many dogs featured in "cute" social media pictures are, in reality, displaying signs of stress, anxiety, or discomfort. Misinterpreted behaviours, such as paw lifting, yawning, or lip licking, often signify nervousness rather than joy or contentment. Encouraging these posts by liking and sharing perpetuates a cycle where dog guardians, motivated by social media validation, may unknowingly place dogs in stressful situations for the sake of a photo opportunity. This trend overlooks the animal's welfare in favour of online popularity, and it's crucial to advocate for responsible dog guardianship by recognising and respecting the signs of stress in animals.

02/04/2024

Témoignage :

"[...]c’est le coach, Amélie a toujours été là pour me supporter et me donner pleins de petits trucs à mettre en place, surtout il ne faut jamais hésiter à lui parler de ce qui ne vas pas, ce qui fait en sorte que presque 3 mois plus t**d on a enfin des résultats et des belles victoires à célébrer et c’est très, très, très, gratifiant. Mais pour ça qu’est-ce qu’il faut faire? Être patient, persévérer et être constant, il y aura des hauts et des bas mais ça finit par arriver 🎉😁 Le feeling que vous aurez après tout ce long travail n’a pas de prix, vous verrez !!!!"

02/03/2024

Welfare isn't an afterthought with dog training, it's the crux of the matter.

We see way too many dogs on social channels, who have been 'trained' with methods that not only compromise their welfare but sometimes even smash it to smithereens.

Let's not just change their responses, let's respect dogs enough to work out why they respond in the way they do.

01/31/2024

Sniffing is not just a simple act; it's a profound way for dogs to gather information, communicate, and even experience joy.

Restricting this natural behaviour can hinder their cognitive and emotional development, potentially leading to stress or behavioural issues.

Moreover, it respects their autonomy and acknowledges their unique sensory perspective.

Ethically, permitting dogs the freedom to explore their environment through sniffing is akin to allowing them a voice and understanding in their world.

Want to work with dogs, ask your questions below.

01/24/2024

Whether you're caring for a senior canine entering their golden years, nurturing a beloved dog battling cognitive dysfunction, or learning to communicate with a newly blind or deaf dog, we've got your needs covered.

Our meticulously designed courses created around Senior Dog Wellness', 'Understanding Cognitive Dysfunction', and 'Supporting Deaf and Blind Dogs' will empower you with the necessary skills and wisdom to provide the best care possible. Don't just co-exist with your dog, understand them.

Dive in and unlock the world of comprehensive canine care today.
https://www.canineprinciples.com/subscription/skill-hub-membership

01/22/2024

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"Force free training is only effective with some breeds of dogs."
"Only a shock collar stands between a dog an euthanasia."
"Positive reinforcement doesn't work with my dog".
"Force free training is great, but it has its limits."

Time and time again, aversive trainers excuse abusive methods because they insinuate that some breeds of dog don't respond to force free methods. Others argue that giving dogs treats won't address their dogs behaviour issues, as if that is all force free trainers do. ( it encompasses far more than that.)

Force free training is effective in a variety of species. Zoos all over the world are teaching the most ferocious predators in the animal kingdom to engage in co-operative care, so that they can perform medical checks without needing to anesthetise the animals, which can be both dangerous and distressing . Alligators, lions, tigers and so many other species are touching targets and calmly offering behaviours because they have been taught via positive reinforcement. How can you argue that this approach is limited or only effective in certain dog breeds when all animals learn in the same way?

There will be situations where dog's don't respond to training or will ignore the reward you are offering, but that is due to a variety of reasons that don't include the approach being limited. If your dog doesn't respond, a trainer should consider:

- Does the dog understand what is being asked?
- Is the dog stressed or distracted?
- Is the environment conducive for learning?
- Is the dog showing body language that would indicate confusion or discomfort, such as displacement behaviour?
- Are the rewards conducive to learning?
- Are your verbal cues and hand signals consistent?
- Does the dog need more practice somewhere quieter?
- Am I meeting the dog's needs?
- Is what I am asking too difficult for the dog at this time?
- Is my timing off or do I need a reward marker?
- Can I tailor this to the dog's learning style to make it more engaging?

In the zoos, if those animals don't respond, the keepers don't throw in the towel and slap on a shock collar. They experiment and consider the animal's needs. They change the environment and break the training down into more achievable steps. In other words, they reflect on what they need to do differently to achieve certain behaviours, and prioritise the individual needs of the animal they are working with.

Some trainers will still say that force free training has its limits, but in reality it is their knowledge that has reached it's limits. If they don't understand canine body language, signs of stress or discomfort, generalisation, reinforcement schedules, Premack principle, classical and operant conditioning, reward markers, the importance of intonation, canine welfare, learning theory, the sympathetic nervous system, breed traits, ethology and so may other facets of canine behaviour, its easier to blame the dog and blame force free training for being "limited".

Force, pain and punishment are never the answer. Deciding to resort to choking or shocking a dog because its easier than putting the time and effort into researching and experimenting, isn't ethical. Why should dogs pay for our limitations? - Holly Leake

Please feel free to like and share from the source, but please do not copy and paste the writing or screen shot or edit the graphic in any way. Thank you. ©️

01/05/2024

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01/02/2024

Pension éducative avec la belle Pop Corn! ❄️🩵✌️

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.