Paws in Harmony - Sydney Lupton, FDM

12/14/2024

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12/13/2024

Sometimes studies don't really tell us anything we didn't already know. The problem is - this study falls short.

A new study 'reveals' that dogs can pull more when wearing a harness.

No s**t Sherlock!

The outcome of this study should be :

Dogs pull less on a collar because the action of pulling from the neck likely causes pain.

Pulling or lunging on a collar may therefore damage a dog's neck***

Using positive reinforcement, teach your dog to walk nicely on a lead attached to comfortable equipment (that does not pinch, restrict movement nor tighten).

My preference of equipment for my own dogs and what suits the vast majority of my behaviour cases is a Y front / H back harness.

Next up.....a ground breaking study will reveal whether my eyelashes can lift heavier weights than my biceps! Stay tuned!

***Update

I wanted add more discussion on these points, so to be fair on the researchers. But, I am still frustrated. When we shift the hypothesis from 'dogs can pull more in a harness" to "the force in which dogs can pull and lunge on a collar can damage their neck" it becomes a study title that details data which may be of interest- is the force to the neck at risk of causing harm? Rather than stating the obvious!

Damage to the neck (and increasing optical pressure) is actually detailed in the introduction and discussion sections of the study and details of collars doing more damage, especially the thinner they are. This is very relevant to dogs being trained/corrected with a grot or slip lead, and it provides some useful references.

However, the title of this study will undoubtedly result in it shared by proponents of aversive/corrective training methods to support their chosen methods- and sadly I imagine many of their followers, and even they, will unlikely read as far as the discussions section to read the section on collars and neck damage.

From a welfare perspective, I think it's a real shame that, even a small hint of these really important considerations, didn't make it to the abstract or weren't woven into the reason for doing the study.

12/11/2024

12/09/2024

11/26/2024

For those who know me, this will sound familiar: “Keep the light in those eyes.”

That simple mantra I made for myself long ago has guided my work – and my life – for decades. Anything that dimmed the pure, fine light in an animal’s eyes was not something I wanted in my relationships with animals. Anything that helped that light shine clear and true was something I could embrace.

Turns out this is a pretty good guide for life in general. It sounds simple, doesn’t it? But I know it is a challenge when we feel afraid or anxious or angry, when the world can get complex and intense.

I work to help people truly see the dog. In these challenging times and in all the pressures and urgency of the holidays, I hope that we can also really see each other, and act with kindness and respect in our contact with others.

Imagine what a ripple we can send into the world when we act with that simple intention: “Keep the light in those eyes.”

This holiday season, we’re skipping the frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. That kind of hype does not reflect our mission to create a world where dogs are treated with respect, where connection is genuine. We wouldn’t pressure a dog to make a decision, so why would we do it to you?

As a small business, we know your support of our work means everything. And we do need your support of what we have to offer. So here’s our gift to you: thoughtful, meaningful deals from now to the end of the year. We’ve made sure that there’s something for everyone, regardless of your budget or who’s on your gift list. Check out our cool new merch offerings, including stickers to help spread the message!

Invest in your relationship with dogs. Give yourself the gift of learning more. Share the message SEE THE DOG. Together, we can make the world a better place for dogs and the people who love them.

You can find all the wonderful, no pressure deals at my website in this blog post at https://suzanneclothier.com/keep-the-light-in-those-eyes/

Thank you for your support!
Suzanne

11/26/2024

Getting rushed by off leash dogs? This post is incredible!

11/21/2024

Holistic dog training programs from a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). We provide virtual and in-person support and cater our customized programs to your unique lifestyle and your dogs unique needs.

Holistic-based, force-free dog trainer in the Kootenays offering walk and training and private dog training

11/20/2024

11/19/2024

11/13/2024

TRIGGER STACKING – WHEN BEHAVIOUR HAPPENS “OUT OF THE BLUE”

We’ve all had those days when nothing seems to go right and one frustrating thing after another happens to us, leaving us feeling wound up, stressed and ready to explode at the next unsuspecting person who dares to ask us something.

This “unsuspecting” person may think we have a serious behaviour problem or need anger management therapy, when the truth is that we’ve just had a really bad day or even a few bad days and don’t usually behave like this at all.

Dogs are no different and a behaviour that seems completely out of character or happens “out of the blue” is often caused by “trigger stacking”.

A trigger may be anything that increases a dog’s stress levels and has a negative impact on their emotional, mental or physical state.

These may be small things that we may not even notice or seem insignificant to us, but they are all adding to an increasing “stack” of events that may culminate in out of character behaviour.

When stress levels reach a certain point, the next stressful event, however small, may cause an explosive reaction that is completely unexpected.

Instead of just focusing on a particular behaviour and seeing it as a problem that needs to be prevented, take a step backwards, look at the bigger picture, look at events, circumstances or environmental factors that may have played a role leading up to that behaviour.

Being aware of potential stressors and allowing your dog time to decompress, relax and unwind for a few days will often mean the difference between “normal behaviour” and a behaviour that seems completely out of character.