Carefree Hounds Ltd

27/01/2025

Which "commands" should you teach your dogs?

This topic came about because of one of the first behaviours that I teach to new puppy and dog clients: Touch. Nearly 100 percent of my new puppy/dog clients ask why teaching their puppy to target a person’s hand with their nose is useful—and it is SO useful. All the cued behaviours (we don’t ...

25/01/2025

These big eyes belong to Tim Tam, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel we’ve been working with for a few weeks now. Tim Tam has discovered that chewing furniture feels great so we’re teaching some more appropriate outlets for puppy chewing.

24/01/2025

I'm late to the party so I'll just call this one instead.

Terminology Tuesday ~ Learned Helplessness 🐶

As trainers who work closely with families, we are often asked the question of “will they just get used to the baby/ toddler over time?”

Something we always take into consideration is avoiding something called learned helplessness at all costs… But what does that mean?

Learned helplessness in dog training happens when people intentionally or unintentionally put their dogs in situations that the dogs are uncomfortable in repeatedly until they seemingly stop reacting.

This lack of a reaction doesn’t mean that they are comfortable, it means that they feel that no matter what they do, they will be forced into the situation so they begin to shut down emotionally. They feel as if they don’t have any other choice.

This is very dangerous as it can result in bites or reactions that people often describe as “out of nowhere” - which we know there is often no such thing as an “out of the blue” bite

To avoid learned helplessness in our dogs, we want to actively watch their body language for clues to how they might be feeling and respect their boundaries when they tell us that they are uncomfortable by adding in success stations and space!

We want to provide choice, not force 💚

16/01/2025

Meet Charlotte. One of the sweetest pups I’ve met in a while. Charlotte is terribly shy so I’ve been working on building her confidence and resilience to help her cope with the big wide world.

23/12/2024

Jabu was earning his keep today! He played helper dog for me today while working with these two lovely Cairn girls, Georgie & Bea.

19/12/2024

A message for all dog guardians, not only in BC but everywhere.

New research from UBC and the BC SPCA collected and analyzed information from public websites of dog training businesses in British Columbia. The goal of...

10/12/2024

The 2 types of black Labs. Most Labrador Retrievers we see around are “American” Labs, like Willow, in the first photo. English Labrador Retrievers, like Leo, in the 2nd pic, tend to be sorta chunkier, with a sturdier look than the svelte Americans. Do you see other differences?

21/11/2024

This wee splooter is Leo the Labrador Retriever. Leo is just 9 weeks old in the outdoor photo (10 in the sploot). We’re working on aaaalll the stuff new puppies learn and he’s picking up fast.

15/11/2024

What breeds do you think this handsome pup might be mixed with? Ekko is a big boy already at only 4 months of age. His pawrents are doing a DNA test but while we wait for the results, what do you think? Great Dane? Black Lab? Something else?

10/11/2024

Did you know mini Schnauzers could look like this? Because I didn’t. This is Tin Tin and we’re working with him to feel more confident around dogs and people. He’s making great progress!

05/11/2024

Terrier days continue! We’re having great fun working with these 2 again! Bear (L) is a 10yo Cairn Terrier who is luke warm about coming when called, and his 2yo Westie sister Pippa follows her bro’s lead. I love working multi-pup cases. So fun!

31/10/2024

Happy 6th Birthday to my Halloween birthday girl, Skye! I love you, baby girl! 🎂 🐾 🎉 🍖

28/10/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/iuYqZofRcdHWhVss/?mibextid=WC7FNe

23/10/2024

This cute face belongs to a pup named Rose. She is a 10-week old Field Retriever with a lust for life and the shark teeth to match! She is learning to keep those teefs to herself and earn more treats by showing off learned behaviours.

06/10/2024

Hey there! Check out my latest blog post written for the BC SPCA.

Understanding your dog's body language is essential to establish a safe and fulfilling environment for your dog. Sheelah Gullion, owner and trainer of Carefree Hounds, translates the non-verbal language that dogs use to communicate with each other and with us! The basics of dog body language Oxford....