What habit would you like your dog to change?
What would you ideally replace it with?
What do you need to do/or change to make this happen?
It takes two to tango 😉
Here's an example: I want my dog to stop barking in the backyard. I would love it if she could go out there to chill out, or go to the bathroom and then just come back in. To make that happen, I need to commit to the next 30 to 60 days of not allowing her in the backyard without being supervised and each time she goes out there I'll be there to give her guidance, reinforcement and support to help her make good decisions. 💪
It's been a great week of training here at @babydogcanada
How's your week been?
#dogtrainersofvictoriabc #dogtrainingvancouverisland #victoriadogowners #dogtrainingvictoriabc #victoriadogs
❄️ Snow day safety ❄️
Some pups absolutely love the snow and others not so much… Either way, it’s important for us as dog guardians to keep an eye on our pups when the cold and snow hits!
Remember:
• antifreeze, salt and sand can all be dangerous to our dogs — wipe them off after a frolic in the snow
• if you have a Northern breed, still monitor even though enjoy longer times outside. Have regular rest breaks inside.
• for smaller breeds or breeds that don’t enjoy the snow & cold as much, keep outside time short and provide them with coats and boots to feel comfortable
• just like us, our pups can fall and injure themselves when it gets slippery — make sure to be as aware as possible when conditions get icy
• the cold can make certain conditions worse, such as arthritis, so be aware and provide alternative exercises or enrichment if needed
Does your pup like the snow? If so, what are your favourite outdoor activities with them? If not, what other enrichment activities do you do inside to meet their needs?
#yyj #yyjdogs #yyjdogtraining #yyjdogtrainer #yyjbusiness #dogsofvancouverisland #dogsofvictoriabc #victoriabc #dogtraining #dogtrainingadvice #dogtrainingtips #dogtraining101 #dogtrainer #dogtrainersofinstagram #dogtrainerlife #dogwellness #dogwellbeing #dogsinsnow #snowday #dogbehavior
We share our trails and green spaces with so many other people, so it’s important that we are considerate of everyone’s space and needs when out & about.
As dog guardians, it’s important that we remember:
• not every person or dog is comfortable with dogs greeting them, make sure if your dog is off leash that they have a solid recall or know the boundaries with other people/dogs
• that on-leash areas are exactly that — many dog guardians who have reactive dogs trust that they won’t run into off-leash dogs in these spaces
• off-leash areas don’t always mean that all dogs want to socialize with other dogs, so it’s important our dog can recognize when not to engage or respond reliably when we tell them not to greet
• always be aware of your surroundings and be present with your pup when you’re out with them — always pay attention to their body language
• keep an eye out on the ground, many people will still litter and these things can be dangerous to our pups (i.e. gum, cigarettes, marijuana, moldy food, etc.)
• long training lines are a great tool for allowing our dog more freedom without having them completely off-leash
• practice fun engagement and pattern games with your pup when you’re in these spaces, so they learn that you’re also valuable and fun
• it’s OKAY to ask for someone to give you and your dog more space, for them to leash their dog or to say no thank you to greetings!
What are your boundaries and needs when you and your pup go into these shared spaces?
🌟Team Spotlight Series🌟: Meg
Meg is our newest addition to the team! She runs our puppy socials, basic obedience and also does private training. She is a foster home for all kinds of pups, but tends to focus on Northern breeds.
Meg enjoys jumping head first into almost any challenge and is excited to help you and your pup feel more confident and comfortable in your relationship!
#yyj #yyjdogtraining #yyjdogtrainer #dogsofvictoriabc #dogsofvancouverisland #yyjdogs #dogsofcanada #dogtrainersofig #dogtraining #dogtrainer #dogtrainingisfun #doglovers #doglife #doglifestyle #fosteringdogs #victoriabc #dogsofinstagram #dogstagram #dogsincanada
🌟Team Spotlight Series🌟: Tara
Tara is one of our part-time trainers here at BabyDog and Tomey K9. She focuses on our puppy social classes and basic obedience program, mainly at our Yates and Eagle Creek locations. Tara has experience with all kinds of pups and is very dedicated to making your training goals a reality!
#yyj #yyjdogtraining #yyjdogtrainer #yyjdogs #dogsofvancouverisland #dogsofvictoriabc #dogsofinstagram #dogstagram #dogtrainersofig #dogtrainer #dogtraining #dogsincanada #dogtrainersofinstagram #smallbusiness #victoriabccanada #doglovers #dogloversofinstagram #dogtrainingisfun #dogs
🌟Team Spotlight Series🌟: Aviva!
Aviva is on of our owners and Master trainers. She brings guidance, support and warmth to our team. You can find Aviva teaching our new puppy social class at Bosleys on Yates @ 10am on Tuesdays. Otherwise, she primarily works with private clients and the management of our small business!
#yyj #yyjdogtrainer #yyjdogtraining #yyjdogs #yyjdogslife #dogsofvancouverisland #dogsofvictoriabc #dogsofinstagram #dogstagram #dogtrainersofig #dogtraining #dogtrainer #smallbusiness #dogsofig #doglover #dogsincanada #doglife #dogtrainerslife #doglove
Can you spot what part of the body is causing this pup pain/discomfort? Post in the comments and we’ll let you know if you got it right!
Unlike people, our dogs can’t directly tell us that they’re in pain. Although they can’t let us know like other people can, if you pay close attention, they are often communicating this discomfort or pain in many different ways. Pain in our dogs can be caused from various things - anything from accidents to play to sports to genetics and disease. Learning how to tell when our dogs may be feeling pain is an important part of being a responsible dog guardian.
If you’re concerned that your dog may be feeling pain or discomfort, consult your veterinarian and provide as much information to them as possible. This will help when diagnosing the root of the pain.
Some less obvious signs your dog may be in pain or discomfort can be (but are not limited to):
- Sudden resource guarding
- More or sudden reactivity
- Increased frustration
- Muscle fatigue, twitching or trigger points
- Biting at their lower back or side
- Increased sensitivity to people, dogs and their environment
- Tightness in particular muscles
Does your dog suffer from chronic pain? If so, how did you know they were in discomfort? Are there any signs we missed?
#yyj #yyjdogs #yyjdogtrainers #yyjdogtraining #dogsofvancouverisland #dogsofbc #dogsofvictoriabc #dogsofcanada #dogtrainersofig #dogtrainingvideo #dogtraining #dogtrainingtips #chronicpain #dogpain #dogloversofinstagram #doglovers #doglife #dogdiscomfort #responsibledogownership #responsibledogowners #doghealth #doghealthcare #doghealthtips
This is on of our amazing clients working on pulling, barking and lunging at other dogs. Aviva is helping him learn how to feel confident, calm and capable while out in the world.
What we often see as dog guardians are the symptoms of our dog’s challenges. What this looks like is barking, growling, lunging, pulling, whining, etc. These are not the root of our pups’ issues, these are behaviours that are caused by deeper emotions like anxiety, fear, frustration, pain and boredom.
These behaviours happen when our dogs are unable to process and cope with emotions, but if we can change their feelings about particular things, then we can change their behaviour.
Do you see this in your dog? How do you work to change their feelings about certain triggers?
If this is something you’re struggling with, we can help. Reach out to us and we’ll make a plan together that works best for you and your pup!
#yyj #yyjdogs #dogsofvancouverisland #yyjdogslife #yyjdogtraining #yyjdogtrainers #dogbehavior #dogbehaviormodification #dogpsychology #dogtrainersofig #dogtraining #dogtrainingtips #dogsofvictoriabc #dogsofinstagram #dogsofbc #doglovers #doglife #dogtrainingvideo #dogtrainingtips #dogtrainingadvice #dogtraining101
Our modern world can be overwhelming for us, let alone our dogs. Many kinds of experiences can be challenging for our dogs to navigate.
Trigger stacking is a phenomenon where a dog experiences multiple stressful or scary situations within a short timespan. As a result, a pup may feel overwhelmed and exhibit a large reaction to an otherwise minor stressor.
Does your dog experience trigger stacking? How do you work through this or what’s you go-to strategy?
Remember to be compassionate to both ends of the leash, and always reach out to us if you need further support!
#yyj #yyjdogs #yyjdogtrainers #yyjdogtraining #dogsofvancouverisland #dogsofvictoriabc #dogtrainersofig #dogtraingingtips #dogtrainingvideo #dogtrainingadvice #doglovers #dogwellness #dogsofinstagram #doglife #dogpsychology
Reactivity is most often when on-leash, and manifests most often from frustration, unmet needs, unmet expectations, lack of skills, or over stimulation.
Very friendly dogs can be reactive.
Very good dogs can be reactive.
Dogs just like humans are genetically wired to be reactive. Think about it, we also react to our triggers. Being labeled Reactive really is just due to their reactions being more 'dramatic' than others and their feelings being much bigger than what we typically find appropriate for the situation. We could also call it highly sensitive.
People who have reactive dogs often find themselves saying things such as:
"He's not aggressive, he's just ____________ (fill in the blank with one of the following) frustrated, hyper, scared, nervous, really wants to play, reacting to XYZ, excited, a rescue, a puppy, a teenager, etc.
Having a reactive dog can be frustrating, scary, isolating, anxiety inducing and also triggering. Ultimately a lot of the same emotions that your dog is experiencing themselves.
Having a reactive dog is likely not what you imagined, or wanted, yet here you are.
It can be a process, a journey, you might have to grieve the dog you wanted, and hopefully learn to love and accept the amazing dog you have.
What's your experience with reactivity?
What do you wish people knew about dogs with reactivity?
If you need help reach out, we can help.
www.babydog.ca
#reactivedogs #reactivedog #aggressivedog #scareddogs
#dogswithbigfeelings #dogswithanxiety #dogtrainingvictoria
#behaviourmanagement #behaviourmodification #dogtrainingadvice #dogtraining #fearfuldog #howtotrainmydog #dogsbehavingverybadly #lungingdog #barking #intensedog #leashpulling #dogs #positivereinforcementdogtrainer #forcefreedogtraining #dogbehaviorproblems
Does anyone else's dog have a funny poop dance?
The dog I grew up with would only poop on top of a bush, and it had to be a very particular type of bush.
In all seriousness, they do these funny moves to find a comfortable position, bless them💕
@babydogcanada
#dogsthat #bathroomshenanigans #dogsofinstagram #poopdance
Who's guilty of amping their dog up!?
Often we put value on people, or objects, or places without realizing the impact that this will have on our dogs, interaction and energy.
The tone of our voice, and the energy we emit, has a direct impact on how our dogs act.
Can anyone relate?
@babydogcanada
@tomeyk9
@readydogtraining
#whyismydogsocrazy #energytransfer #dogstuff #highlysensitivedog #fuelinjection #dogsthat #dogsjumping #barkingdog #dogspull #dogsandvisitors #dogtrainingtips #exciteddog #reactivedogs #dogtrainingvictoria #dogtrainerrants
We are looking for a facility to lease. Please help us spread the word.
An indoor space to hold group classes and training sessions. Throughout the week and on the weekends.
Bonus if it also has access to an outdoor space.
We are open to all different types of ideas: warehouses, barns, rec rooms, churches etc.
We are hoping that you, our community, will help us connect with the right people to make this a reality.
Please comment, or send us a DM with any ideas or connections you may have.
With so much appreciation,
Aviva, Dave, Emma, Meg, Karin, Tara, Chris and Morgan 💞
Say 'heel', and start to walk. The second they take their first steps with you, say 'yes', then reach for a treat and either hand it to them or drop it beside your feet as you're walking.
Heel
Yes
Treat
Repeat pattern
Be consistent
Then, start giving them treats on a variable reinforcement schedule, which means not always predictably. Sometimes you will just praise them, sometimes you might get them a few treats in a row, keep them guessing. Keep everything else about the pattern consistent.
Feels pretty awesome having your dog walk beside you, and be attentive to you, as opposed to just pulling you all over the place.
Don't forget to take breaks, and let them sniff and go to the bathroom.
Give it a try on your next walk, and let me know how it goes!
When your dog is driving you crazy, pause, take a deep breath, and think about whether their basic needs have been met. Try to have compassion for them, and for yourself as well, you're doing your best.
Can you relate?
#dogsbasicneeds #meetyourdogsneeds #canineenrichment #tplosurgery #kneesurgeryrecovery #pomeranianhealthproblems #dogsurgery #dogsurgeryrecovery #barkingdog #yappydog #xpen #momlife #dogsandbabies #multitaskingmom #mydogneedsme #toddlerlife
Just like most body language, there's more than one reason a dog will pant.
They're feeling overheated
They have exerted themselves physically
They may be struggling to breathe
They're feeling stressed out
They don't know what is expected of them
They are in physical distress, and it is a sign of discomfort or pain
How the dog is panting says a lot as well. If they're painting is labored, or extremely fast, it could be that they have overexerted themselves, or there is something more serious going on.
Always look at the bigger picture, what else is their body language telling you? What is the context of the behavior and their environment? What other signs are they giving with their body? What is happening in their environment? What happened immediately before the behavior?
Often we think a panting dog is smiling, as it raises their lips a little bit. However rarely is this true in its own. I would need to see wiggly body language and a broad swooping windmill tail in conjunction with panting, and play or something in the environment that we knew made the dog feel happy.
With this little Pomeranian, she's panting due to exertion from the heat and from walking. There is no concern, as that is normal for her.
Learning canine body language is fun, at least for us!
What body language cues have you noticed in your dog lately?
If you send us videos, we're happy to interpret what we see.
@babydogcanada
@tomeyk9
@readydogtraining
#pantingdogs #panting #dogbodylanguage #caninebehavior #whatismydogsaying #readyourdog #learnaboutdogs #dogtrainersperspective #victoriabcdogs #pomeranians
Does your dog get to experience playfulness every single day? Play is just as critical to a dog as it is for a child, as it is for us to experience REM sleep every night.
When you have a dog with behavioral issues, it is easy to become quite serious with them. However, that can become a vicious cycle. I encourage you to make some time every day to have fun with your dog, try and get them to smile 🙂
Do you find it easy to play with your dog?
What is your go-to that works and makes your dog, and you, feel happy?
@babydogcanada
@tomeyk9
@readydogtraining
#dogplay #playwithyourdog #playsigns #makeyourdoghappy #makeyourdogsmile #howtoplaywithyourdog
This is the first puppy I've ever trained from St. Lucia! If you agree that he is super adorable, please leave an emoji in the comments 🥰☺️
Today we worked on not nipping at pant legs, calm greetings, and harmonious relationships with his new big sister who is a sheepadoodle.
Follow our sister accounts for more fun content! 🙂
@readydogtraining
@tomeyk9
#positivereinforcementdogtrainingvictoriabc #puppytraining #stlucia #stluciadogs #puppieshavesharpteeth #puppiesofvictoria #puppyraising #puppylove #puppyparents
