Kindred Canine with Jessica Logan

02/07/2024

More learning from dogs, a de-stressing breathing method they do we can also easily do.

30/06/2024

What can you expect from a behavior consultation with Jessica?

We’re committed to delivering real results through qualified clinical behavior therapy, grounded in 100% reward-based, science-backed methods. Our comprehensive behavior plans address your dogs's optimal development and tackle issues like fear-based aggression, anxiety, prey-chasing, excessive barking, and lead-pulling. If your dog has a brain, this is dog training for everyone.

Sessions are available on Salt Spring Island, with recommendations for dog-friendly accommodations if visiting, or online worldwide (PST timezone). In-person sessions can be conducted at your home, in Jessica’s charming training studio, or on location.

https://www.jessicabeck.ca/private-sessions-1

30/06/2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Jessica is a very knowledgeable and compassionate trainer. Thanks to Jessica’s expertise and guidance, both Scout and I grew so much throughout our training period and now have many tools in our tool belt to help us better navigate the world (both at home and on our adventures). Jessica formed an instant connection with my anxious pup and we genuinely looked forward to our sessions together. Thank you so much, Jessica, for all that you have done for Scout and I.” - Tram Scout

28/06/2024

My next newsletter, 'Rosie's Last Day', is a tribute to the dogs who have passed away. I share resources for coping with pet loss, as losing a dog is not just about losing a pet, but also a loved one with whom we shared a deep bond.

Join my newsletter www.jessicabeck.ca

25/06/2024

🐕🥕What's in the (glass) bowl:
Fresh wild caught 🐗 boar meat, organs, and bones, 🥕carrots, lettuce, spinach, 🥦broccoli, green beans, celery, cored apples, pears, strawberries, blue berries (k9 Choice foods) + raw freeze dried 🐔 chicken, beef liver, dehydrated 🐟sardines, fresh beet pulp, spinach, pumpkin, cranberries, whole egg, sunflower seeds (puppy love) + wild salmon and po***ck oil, sheep keifer, TCM herbal, probiotics, vit e, digestive enzymes, joint supplement, organic botanical and lastly a liver tincture (Adored Beast).

🐕This amount is for a 2.5 year old very active (🩻post two major knee surgeries) 18.5 lb Cavalier who will also get about a cup of freeze dried food during (near) daily training (fitness, games, cooperative care, recall).

🏃Phyllis has a schedule of exercise: high intensity walks 2 days /week, hills 2 days /week, feild or trail walks 3 days/week. Sometimes a day off, sometimes a dog event with a lot of downtime.

😴Sleep schedule is still about 17 hours/day.

25/06/2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Jessica's generosity of time and knowledge is invaluable for us as we continued to work through stress-related behaviour challenges due to major surgery that happened early in my pup's life. Treasure and I have benefited greatly from Jessica's ability to see the whole picture and give us a way to address the underlying cause, not just one behavioural issue. Jessica took the time to understand and then presented us with the best means of figuring out what works for Treasure. I am so very grateful, her guidance has given us a pathway forward that will allow for Treasure and I to live our best lives together."

25/06/2024

Hunting is natural for dogs but wouldn't be nice if we had control of the chase? And, if we can do that through force free methods by playing games?!

Come for a walk with us. It's an early morning and we've just started our walk. The bunnies and birds are just waking up and Phyllis is showing us her rock star level of voluntary check ins. Her brain is wired to bounce back to me and she's even getting through the bunny 'gauntlet' a brush full of bunnies!!!

Side note: isn't the relationship between Phyllis and Myrtle interesting??! Do you notice they are completely independent of what the other is doing?

24/06/2024

Every dog deserves compassionate training and support. Unfortunately, the unregulated dog training industry allows anyone to claim expertise, often perpetuating harmful outdated methods. Studies show that nearly 41% of dogs exposed to punitive techniques develop anxiety and aggressive behaviors. Jessica provides free resources and events and ensures no one seeking help is turned away. She is dedicated to fostering positive change, offering guidance rooted in empathy and evidence-based practices.

Useful quick read article on how to tell an expert from an imitator. Most common signals in my experience (at least among dog trainers): use of jargon and popular "recipes."

What are the tell-tale signs *you* see that tell you someone is an expert or merely an imitator? Link in comments too!

Picture of dog in truck just because. . . He was not going to let us drive off without him! This is his face when we asked him to get out of the vehicle. He won the negotiation.

https://fs.blog/experts-vs-imitators/

24/06/2024

Back to basics. If sit isn't much joy for your dog. Try The Sit game. Make it fun, a choice, and release frequently.

* dog has choice to play - no calling to, pressure.
* short and successful. Even basic stuff should be rewarding.
* vary rewards. Hopping into a hunt for the treat can increase the fun.
* luring into sit ensures legs are tucked under avoiding a 'sloppy sit'.

24/06/2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Jessica brings so much experience and science-based knowledge to her sessions. Her approach to building the best possible relationship with your dog is informed by this and the results are immediate and encouraging. She has so much compassion for the animals she interacts with and they respond in a whole new way - it is so inspiring to be part of this evolution”
— Team Pepe

23/06/2024

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Jessica’s approach was warm, relaxing and informative. She displayed a wealth of knowledge in a gentle and caring way that my pup was very receptive to. In one visit with Jessica I felt more confident and positive about my relationship and bonding with Phoenix."

17/05/2024

An auditory study conducted found that dogs became less stressed when listening to Soft Rock and Reggae.

Dogs with generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, phobias, and noise sensitivities...get grooving with them!

Reggae Therapy: The Best Holiday Ever - MUSIC AS THERAPY - Your vibration is waiting to become in tune.Subscribe to our channel! 👉 http://bit.ly/MB-subscrip...

14/05/2024

🌈 Ever thought about how play can literally change the brain? When we engage playfully with our dogs, we're doing so much more than having fun. We're helping them—and ourselves—manage stress better, bond deeply, and adapt more easily to life's challenges. 🎭🐕

Join us as we explore the neuroscience of play and its transformative impact on our relationships with our dogs in the latest episode of our podcast. 🧠❤️

🎧 Tune in to "A Tale of Togetherness: How Playfulness and 'Doing With' Built Amazing Relationships with My Dogs" for more.

EBD on Apple: dancinghearts.link/apple
EBD on Spotify: dancinghearts.link/spotify

10/05/2024

This little wild child cleaned up and went to her first dog show yesterday. Dan came with us making it a family date. We got our dirty chai's, found some comfy chairs, and watched lots of dogs. Dan decided he wanted a Siberian Husky then finished with a Golden. Oh, well. Sigh.

Meanwhile, Phyllis was an amazing little show girl. She has some big boots to fill...Her Australian Great Grandfather (pic far right), Grandfather (black and tan), and Father (the one and only "Peter Parker") all have paved the way for this little rising star! (if only in our eyes, she's a champ!)

06/05/2024

Wednesday's Social Walks meet up focuses on mindful practices with you and your dog.

We meet in Burgoyne to walk through meadows and forests while applying simple meditative methods to experience peace.

This Wednesday 9:00am Burgoyne Bay by the old barn.
May 8, 15, 22
June dates TBD

Hope you can join me.

03/05/2024

Looking for a good puppy book? Kathy is hilarious as she is brilliant.

02/05/2024

Puppy & Dog Group Classes
FUN GAMES BASED DOG TRAINING
⭐ Assisted by Island Tails.

May 12, 19, 26
10:30am - 11:30am
----
June 16, 23, 30
9:30am - 10:30am
(Registration info in comments)

A great opportunity for your dog to learn important life skills alongside other people and dogs. Through games based training, you’ll have fun teaching your dog to think and build a strong relationship with you.

About Your Instructor:
Jessica Logan (née Beck), founder of Kindred Canine in Salt Spring Island, BC, offers holistic canine behavior therapy. A member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Jessica practices force-free, science-based methods. She's fully insured, first-aid certified, and holds a diploma in canine nutrition. Jessica continues her education in Behavioral Adjustment Training (BAT) and mindfulness techniques for humans and animals.

24/04/2024

13/04/2024

Every year, 13,000 dogs are relinquished and 4,000 are euthanized due to behaviors misinterpreted as reactive or aggressive. Research introduces the "Canine Reactive Framework," illustrating a significant misalignment between societal expectations and natural canine behaviors such as chasing or resource guarding. This study highlights the inefficacy of traditional obedience training in addressing the emotional challenges dogs face, including separation anxiety and fear. Explore how rethinking training methods to accommodate a dog's natural instincts could dramatically improve outcomes for these misunderstood animals.

Audio link - https://youtu.be/j_2APvPidWc?si=pI56i57zcB8MC97C

Obedience isn't normal, give me a cheeky free spirited dog any day of the week. Dogs are not robots or a roomba programmed to do our bidding, they are sentient beings with the brain level of a five to six year old child. They have needs, desires, motivations and emotions just like us. They need love, care and secure connections.

The dirty word anthropomorphism emerged in the 20th century when humans began to unconsciously became closer and formed strong attachment and bonds to animals. (1)

Anthropomorphism isn't a dirty word, especially if you understand what it is. The term comes from the Greek - anthropos meaning human and morphed - form or appearance.

Anthropomorphism can be harmful when the person doesn't understand if they are placing their ideologies and beliefs onto the dog. For example if they think that a dog snarling and growling when being touched is playing. This misinterpretation of animal behaviour can and does lead to human - animal conflicts. (2)

Because we humans in nature gravitate to nature and animals, it is a natural human tendency for humans to identify similar traits that are human-like with animals that they are closely connected to. Especially when they appear child-like and need protecting which sets our human parenting instincts to be triggered. (3)

We as humans can't help it and we are defenceless against the charm of animals, they trigger our empathy when they do behaviours such as covering their eyes, digging at the ground, their big round eyes and dogs ability to demonstrate to us their emotions through big dramatic gestures.

Thanks to our ancestors who began working with dogs and integrating them into our lives, the dog's began to become more human like facial expressions, such as manipulating their eyebrows to express sadness and making their eyes appear larger which connects us as an adult to how we would feel if we were to see a child with the same facial expression. We also have the same brain system where our limbic system and cortical areas work the same as dogs, meaning we can attribute our emotions to dogs. (4)

I am not talking about anthropomorphism where dogs are dressed in clothes or costumes which can be really harmful to dogs, damaging their natural skin properties and thermoregulation (that's for another day, however if you would like to read further on this. You can find the information in the first section of this paper). (5)

Another way in which anthropomorphism can be harmful is when dogs are kept on laps, have reduced exercise opportunities, are carried in bags, satchels or carried. This not only impedes their ability to move but also affects their ability to control environmental stimuli, which can lead to emotional dysregulation and phobias. Guardians know this as “reactive behaviours.”

When they are unable to use their limbs properly this can lead to a condition known as biomechanical and metabolic syndrome. When animals move normally they have a specific trot, gait and form of locomotion at different speeds to maintain the musculoskeletal structure. This isn't just a case of the dog doing this to maintain movement but for three important physiological functions: to keep a correct posture and movement, to store amino acids to be available for the metabolism and to provide carbon to the liver for gluconeogenesis to produce glucose for the body's energy needs. In short this leads to muscle shortening and contraction. (6) (7)

However when it comes to anthropomorphism and emotions and wellbeing of dogs, although there is little research out there to understand this, the main consensus is that in understanding the dogs emotions through anthropomorphism that this may lead to better dog welfare. (8)

When we do anthropomorphise dogs in this way we tend to recognise pain, the perception of altered welfare or suffering or the risk of and our empathy is triggered to want to better their welfare. (9)

A study by Voith et al, set out to find that anthropomorphised dogs had more behavioural problems than that of dogs which were not anthropomorphised and this was not the case. They actually found that the dogs that were anthropomorphised had fewer behavioural problems. (10)

But it was found that dogs that were anthropomorphised in a negative way such as destroying the furniture out of spite for being left alone, were not considered to actually be the emotion of panic and fear of being left alone and an insecure attachment. Or when the dog did something the guardian wasn't happy with, they believed the dog to look guilty rather than the dog actually looking scared because of the punishment. These types of guardians are not a source of safety and comfort but rather a source of distress. (11)

Because of the insecure attachment style and the type of Authoritarian parenting as deemed by human psychology, what we actually see in these dogs who experience punishment and insecure attachments is anxiety, depression, OCD, and panic aggressiveness (known to guardians as reactivity). In humans these conditions are known as psychopathological disorders. (12), (13), (14).

So from all of this research and placing a holistic perspective on this, as a human being who is capable of displaying empathy, the more emphatic you are the more that you will be anthropomorphic. We all are whether we like it or not and we do feel empathy towards animals especially when they are distressed or appear to be distressed, uncomfortable or unwell.

But anthropomorphism doesn't have to be a dirty word, it doesn't have to negatively impact dogs. If people don't dress dogs up, carry them around, impede movement and actually learn canine communications, without the ideology of punishment dogs can actually thrive with a more anthropomorphic based parent. You can read more on this in my previous blog of millenials changing the way that dogs are perceived and treated. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/BdUetCp3mHscV4Nm/?mibextid=K35XfP

Research has found that the main reason that dogs are relinquished is due to reactive behaviours. No amount of obedience will aid a dog in overcoming reactive behaviours because there is a negative emotion driving the behaviour in which they need emotional healing.

Dogs trust reported that 13,000 dogs are relinquished on an annual basis. With 4,000 reportedly euthanized due to perceived reactive or aggressive behaviours. (15)

To understand this researchers developed a Canine reactive framework in which the relation of humans interpret canine behaviour. They found that dogs were being punished in effect for completely normal species behaviour such as chasing or resource guarding because it was not accepted by society. (16)

Concluding that canine guardian relationships need to be re-examined for guardians to be more realistic within their expectations of a dog as a species to be able to exhibit normal behaviours.

This also depends on the type of training that they receive, how good is it, how does this help the dog if at all? (17)

No amount of obedience classes are going to help a dog who is emotionally challenged be it separation anxiety, reactivity, fear, destruction. All obedience teaches is for the dog to seek the handlers cues, gaze and instructions in a controlled setting.

This does not change how the dog feels internally. This does not heal the dog or their emotions and it doesn't help to foster a secure attachment. It just shows that the dog can follow cues as directed.

An independent free thinking dog allowed to learn and figure out problems for example and are authoritative parent led are going to have a much more secure and enhanced connection to their guardian, just like a child with an authoritative parent. Dogs were not designed to be robots who cannot make choices or independently think for themselves. We know that dogs are able to problem solve and think about their own motivations that drive behaviours which just like humans can be ruled by emotions.

So if people say you should train your dog, tell them they should educate themselves. Training should be fun for you both, learning through games and agency is the stress free way for you both to learn and most importantly communicate and learn your dog's needs!

References

Mota-Rojas, D.; Orihuela, A.; Strappini, A.; Cajiao, M.N.; Aguera, E.; Mora-Medina, P.; Ghezzi, M.D.; Alonso, S.M. Teaching animal welfare in veterinary schools in Latin America. Int. J. Vet. Sci. Med. 2018, 6, 131–140.
Sueur, C.; Forin-Wiart, M.-A.; Pelé, M. Are They Really Trying to Save Their Buddy? The Anthropomorphism of Animal Epimeletic Behaviours. Animals 2020, 10, 2323.
Horowitz, A.C.; Bekoff, M. Naturalizing Anthropomorphism: Behavioral Prompts to Our Humanizing of Animals. Anthrozoos 2007, 20, 23–35.
Urquiza-Haas, E.G.; Kotrschal, K. The mind behind anthropomorphic thinking: Attribution of mental states to other species. Anim. Behav. 2015, 109, 167–176.
Rojas, D.M. (2022) Anthropomorphism on dog emotions and behavior, Scholar Community Encyclopedia. Available at: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/17752
Holiday, B. Why you Shouldn’t Carry Your Small Dog. Available online: https://holidaybarn.com/blog/dangers-of-carrying-your-small-dog/
Shelton, G.; Cardinet, G. Pathophysiologic basis of canine muscle disorders. J. Vet. Intern. Med. 1987, 1, 36–44.
Butterfield, M.E.; Hill, S.E.; Lord, C.G. Mangy mutt or furry friend? Anthropomorphism promotes animal welfare. J. Exp. Soc. Psychol. 2012, 48, 957–960.
Ellingsen, K.; Zanella, A.J.; Bjerkås, E.; Indrebø, A. The Relationship between empathy, perception of pain and attitudes toward pets among Norwegian dog owners. Anthrozoos 2010, 23, 231–243.
Voith, V.L.; Wright, J.C.; Danneman, P.J. Is there a relationship between canine behavior problems and spoiling activities, anthropomorphism, and obedience training? Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 1992, 34, 263–272.
Rajecki, D.; Rasmussen, J.L.; Sanders, C.R.; Modlin, S.J.; Holder, A.M. Good Dog: Aspects of humans’ causal attributions for a companion animal’s ocial behavior. Soc. Anim. 1999, 7, 17–34.
Manicavasagar, V.; Silove, D.; Marnane, C.; Wagner, R. Adult attachment styles in panic disorder with and without comorbid adult separation anxiety disorder. Aust. N. Z. J. Psychiatry 2009, 43, 167–172.
Mikulincer, M.; Shaver, P.R. Attachment, anger, and aggression. In Human Aggression and Violence: Causes, Manifestations, and Consequences; Shaver, P.R., Mikulincer, M., Eds.; American Psychological Association: Washington, DC, USA, 2010; pp. 241–257.
Van Leeuwen, W.A.; van Wingen, G.A.; Luyten, P.; Denys, D.; van Marle, H.J.F. Attachment in OCD: A meta-analysis. J. Anxiety Disord. 2020, 70, 102187.
Hargrave, C. (2020). COVID-19: Implications of self-isolation and social distancing for the emotionaland behavioural health of dogs. Companion Animal, 25(4), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.12968/coan.2020.0032
Coppinger, R., & Coppinger, L. (2001). Dogs: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin,Behavior & Evolution. Simon and Schuster
Olsen, M. R. (2018). A case for methodological overhaul and increased study of executive function inthe domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris). Animal Cognition, 21(2), 175–195.https://doi.org/10.1007/s10071-018-1162-6

12/04/2024

Total Recall Life Skills class starts this Sunday, April 14, April 21, 28 from 10:30am - 11:30am. We use an open field for recall training, where your dog gets real life experience.

The cost for this series is $137.50

Register online at https://www.jessicabeck.ca/group-class
TWO SPOTS LEFT!

13/03/2024

Registration open for Spring Life Skills Level 1 and 2!

https://www.jessicabeck.ca/group-class

11/03/2024

This past year have I moved my classes outside. Real life, beautiful, lots of space. It's epic. This cohort I'm joined by 6 stunning dog teams who showed up with properly fitted harnesses (!!!), loads of treats, super happy dogs and we gleefully moved through the Disengagement Spectrum. Games for real life skills like loose leash walking, greetings, and recall!!

11/03/2024

The Cavalier. Takes to the lap like a sheepdog to sheep. It's that important and satisfying; for both of us!

07/03/2024

Our beautiful dogs are little packages of living hearts, little furry boxes of truth. How hard it must be for them to live with us, how we must always test them. We live with wondrous hearts, fuelled beings full of love and connection, and we limit our communication with them to telling them to sit and walk nicely on a lead.

In contrast, we stare at screens for our answers. So odd, so sad.

Along the way, we have created this unrealistic and human-centric environment for animals in what we consider 'developed countries'. We consider them pets. We put them in cages, kennels and hutches and have a rigid set of expectations of them.

Dogs are referred to as pets too. We often hear them being called 'it' and expect them to fit into a little set of rules to be a good family pet. An animal that the kids can play with.

A pet whose fur we can cry into on a bad day.

And if they don't meet our expectations or stay enthusiastic yet trouble-free housemates, we have cultivated a belief that we must train them, and then they will behave better.

But what about what the dog wants?

Or how they feel?

05/03/2024

Our first Canine Wellness Session was a full house of keeners! 🤓 Loved every minute if it!!!

+ plus what a blessing to have my Mom on the panel ❤️❤️❤️ Wendy Maisey

09/02/2024

Super excited for both my mom and me, along with Dr. Lex, as we gear up for a talk on understanding your dog's body condition score, and how nutrition plays a key role in keeping your dog at a healthy weight and in overall good health.

Talking about dogs is something my mom and I can do endlessly, and I'm beyond thrilled to share our insights with a full audience! We sold out in less than a day! Salt Spring, you're amazing!

Captured this moment during my Mom's inaugural trip to Salt Spring. We took the goats for a stroll through our beloved meadows!