Delightful Dogs

10/29/2025

Halloween is nearly here - Read this !

10/28/2025

10/21/2025

BRILLIANT!! 👏

10/21/2025

10/21/2025

DOG REFUSE TREATS AT TIMES?

😣 If you are trying to work with your dog there are a few things that can indicate your dog is what we call "over threshold" - in which your dog's stress levels are too high to properly learn, listen or think properly.
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‼️ Thresholds are important in training because they can make or break your success.
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There are several indicators that your dog is stressed. (Not an exhaustive list!)
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1️⃣ Refusing food

2️⃣ Spitting out food

3️⃣ Barking/lunging

4️⃣ Appearing to "not listen"

5️⃣ Heavy panting

6️⃣ Scratching (as if itchy)

7️⃣ Full shake off (like a wet dog does)

8️⃣ Freezes or won't move

⏱ If your dog frequently goes over threshold or is stressed and you aren't sure what to do, or if what you're doing isn't working, it's time to start a behavior modification program to get it under control!

🦸🏼 Get in touch with the proper professional for optimal results.

📸 The attached handout/image (click to enlarge) is from Grisha Stewart's BAT protocol (Behavior Adjustment Training) and shows stress on a very lovely illustrated, easy-to-understand scale. Illustrated by Doggie Drawings by Lili Chin
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Stacy Greer, CPDT-KA

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COPYRIGHT NOTICE
© 2025 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.

10/21/2025

Amen 👏

09/27/2025

Amazing deals at an amazing store! 🐾

09/26/2025

Dogs behave the way they do for many reasons. They do NOT do things deliberately to be stubborn or ‘naughty’, nor do they aim to assert control. Outdated mythologies and training methods have detrimental effects on well-being and strain the relationship between a dog and their caregiver.

🧬A dog's breed and genetic makeup can play a significant role in determining certain behavioural traits. Dogs have genetic predispositions and breed-specific tendencies that contribute to their behaviour.
Some breeds are predisposed to specific behaviours, such as herding, hunting, or guarding.

The environment in which a dog is raised and lives can profoundly impact their behaviour. Early socialisation, which involves exposing a puppy to a wide range of people, animals, and environments during their critical developmental period, is crucial for building confidence and shaping a dog's social behaviour to reduce fear or aggression.

Overstimulation can cause all kinds of unwanted behaviours as it overwhelms their senses and can lead to hyperactivity or erratic responses. For example, if a dog is exposed to loud noises, multiple people, and various stimuli all at once, or on a daily basis, they might exhibit excessive excitable behaviour, poor impulse control, become agitated and exhibit behaviours like jumping, barking, or pulling on the leash, as their senses are overwhelmed by the excessive input.

Previous experiences and learning consequences can influence a dog's behaviour. Traumatic experiences, in particular, can lead to fear, anxiety, or aggression.

How a dog is trained and educated by their caregiver or handler can significantly affect their behaviour. Consistent, positive reinforcement-based training can lead to desired behaviours, while harsh or inconsistent methods can result in confusion or fear.

A dog's health, including their physical and mental well-being, can influence their behaviour. Illness, pain, or discomfort can lead to changes in behaviour.

A dog's emotional state, including fear, anxiety, and excitement, can affect their behaviour. For example, a fearful dog may display unpredictable defensive reactive behaviours or might avoid any encounters and run away trying to hide. While a confident dog may exhibit playfulness and a relaxed demeanour.

A dog can become frustrated and destructive if their mental and physical needs are not met. This dog, full of pent-up energy and boredom, may become frustrated and exhibit poor impulse control. In their frustration, they might resort to destructive behaviours, such as chewing furniture, digging up the garden, or incessant barking. This destructive behaviour is often an expression of their frustration and an attempt to alleviate their built-up energy and mental stress.

The type of diet a dog receives can significantly influence their behaviour, with high-quality nutrition promoting better energy levels, mood, and overall well-being, while poor diet choices can lead to issues like irritability, hyperactivity, or digestive problems.

As dogs age, they may experience canine cognitive decline, which can manifest as changes in memory, learning, and behaviour. This condition can lead to increased confusion, disorientation, and altered social interactions in older dogs.

It is really important to understand that each dog is unique, and their behaviour can vary widely, even within the same breed. Dogs use body language, vocalizations, and other forms of communication to express their needs, emotions, and intentions. Understanding a dog's communication cues is extremely important for interpreting their behaviour.

09/25/2025

Thoughts on Dominance theory…