Pawsitively Canine Dog Training Services

09/23/2024

This is excellent. We need to continue to advocate, teach more about the harm training methods can do and share this with the average pet guardian so they can start to understand too.

BEYOND CESAR MILLAN

20 YEARS LATER.....The following review was submitted to National Geographic by Dr. Andrew Luescher, DVM, Ph.D, DACVB (board-certified veterinary behaviorist).

Dr. Luescher, former director of the Purdue University Veterinary Behavior Clinic was asked to provide feedback on "Dog Whisperer" tapes prior to the show's airing.

In this letter to National Geographic (date unknown), Dr. Luescher writes,

"I think this series, if aired, would be a major embarrassment for National Geographic. It is not stimulating or thought-provoking, since none of the presented techniques are new. They are outdated and have long been abandoned by most responsible trainers, let alone behaviorists, as inappropriate and cruel. I very much hope National Geographic will pull the plug on this program."

Please read the entire letter (It's not long.) and share: http://beyondcesarmillan.weebly.com/andrew-luescher.html

This program and trainers who have mimicked the behavior seen in this program have done so much damage to the dog training industry, dogs, and the human-animal bond.

I have met and spoken to Dr. Luescher personally, and I share his sentiments, as do all other trainers in the evidence-based, best practice camp. Meanwhile, much of the unsuspecting public still looks to National Geographic as an authority and has no idea it has thrown science to the wind, at least in terms of dog behavior and training.

Cindy Ludwig, MA, BS, RN, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA
Canine Connection LLC
Willard, MO

Image copyright Valder Beebe Show, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/06/Cesar_Millan_Mar_2018.png

09/22/2024

Absolutely!💯

09/21/2024

🙃😍😍

You've heard of trigger-stacking—how about happy-stacking! This post describes how I support my young dog on walks.

09/20/2024

This is such a great way to understand why it’s hard for your pupper to just walk in a straight line!!

Have you noticed that your dog zigs and zags on walks? Your dog isn’t trying to drive you crazy. They’re following their incredibly powerful sense of smell, which is how dogs experience the world!

Humans have 6 million olfactory receptors, compared to dogs, who have up to 300 million!

Those zigzags (and let me tell you, Finch is the zig-zaggiest) are your dog following scent trails, catching up on neighborhood gossip, and gathering information. (If only they could share what they learn with us!)

If you start to feel frustrated on walks, remember that sniffing is essential to your dog’s happiness, enrichment, and well-being! ❤️

Alt text: A small gray dog on a blue background with a speech bubble that reads, “Walking in a straight line is more of a human thing.”

09/18/2024

Hope to see you there!

09/13/2024

Very interesting!!

Super-sized dogs, like Great Danes, rarely live into their second decade of life. Scientists are only just starting to understand why these huge hounds die so young.

09/11/2024

Great info on health studies! Thank you Walks 'N' Wags Pet First Aid!

Since 1950, we have invested over $49 million in more than 1,090 canine health studies.

09/11/2024

These are some facial expressions we don't always recognize as being stress :)

Facial expressions are one of the ways dogs communicate with us. Learn how to read your dog's facial expressions with this useful guide. ​

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Image credit: www.vetbehaviorteam.com

09/09/2024

Pawsitively Canine has a big announcement to make!!
Elizabeth Eckert is officially a certified trainer through a rigorous testing process. The governing body is the Pet Professional Guild. They have high standards and require trainers to train with force free methods always.
To say I am grateful is an understatement. Elizabeth brings with her a passion for people and all things dog behaviour.
She will now be training for Pawsitively Canine in a variety of capacities including classes and private sessions beginning, well….now!!!
I’m away so dates for more classes will be set mid-September.
Welcome, officially to the team Elizabeth!! Your hard work has paid off and you will be a wonderful asset to Pawsitively Canine.
💜🐾

09/09/2024

Please sign so we can get better access for doggos!

We have requested to present to Council in October! Please share again on social media and consider emailing or texting the link to a friend or family member. If everyone finds just ONE more person to sign, we can be almost 1500 this week!

09/08/2024

So important to be able to know what “good” play is!

How to tell if two dogs playing are ACTUALLY playing. So what is good play between dogs and what are some ways you can distinguish between good dog play and ...

09/07/2024

I like teaching find it!

Over excited dog ?🤪
Anxious dog ? 😳
Reactive dog ? 💥
This is an excellent first step to take.✅
I know many people may not see the value in enrichment but I promise you it WORKS and helps enormously with behavioural issues.
➡️We do have a video of exactly how to teach find (I appreciate that many people would prefer a video showing this). The link is in the comments.

Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make. Everyone is free to share on social media🙂, however off social media use of these marked graphics is prohibited.
Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters or for personal use.
Screen shots are a violation of the copyright.
Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for unmarked graphics. All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

09/06/2024

This is a great reminder and explanation of adolescence!!!

Adolescence occurs between six months and 18 months of age—a time when guardians typically struggle the most with their dogs. Some guardians are so overwhelmed and underprepared for this developmental stage of their dog’s life, they choose to surrender the dog to a local shelter or rescue group. In a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that the majority of the surrendered dogs (47.7 percent) ) were between 5 months and 3 years of age (M.D. Salman,John G. New, Jr.,Janet M. Scarlett,Philip H. Kass,Rebecca Ruch-Gallie &Suzanne Hetts, 2010)

The neurobiology of adolescence is fascinating, with some key events that alter both the structure and function of the brain.

During canine adolescence, changing s*x hormones effect the animals stress responses. Adolescent dogs have a decreased ability to process information they are receiving from the environment including the presence of dogs, vehicles, people, or really anything around them. They behave in ways that might feel frustrating or upsetting for the dog’s person.

The connectivity between the frontal cortex (responsible for decision making) and amygdala (responsible for emotional processing) decreases, resulting in less behavioral control. We see increased risk taking and more sensitivity to fear.

So what does this mean? This could mean that what was once no big deal to the dog now feels scary; what was once easy to do is now stressful; what once made sense is now confusing. At times, the world can feel like ‘too much’ for the adolescent dog.

As your puppy undergoes this transition into adulthood their inner world is intense, even chaotic. Many pet owners experience an increase in undesirable behavior and find themselves becoming increasingly frustrated. In turn, our own frustration and impatience can cause us to act unpredictably. This adds to our puppy’s inner turmoil. When the inside and the outside are both unpredictable it can be difficult for our dogs to adjust.

If you have an adolescent dog, what can you do? You can give your dog the time and space to observe what is going on around them when on leash at a distance away from the activity when possible. You can give your dog long walks to sniff and explore in nature, giving their brain time to decompress. You can offer your dog a quiet space to sleep so that they can consolidate memories effectively. You can continue training various skills, breaking them down into easier steps that can be generously reinforced.

By understanding what our adolescent dog is experiencing we gain greater compassion and understanding. When we approach adolescence with patience we create a world that is predictable and gentle so our puppies grow up to be their best adult selves.

08/28/2024

Counter surfing is common, dogs are scavengers!!! Here is a great blog to discuss some ways to help this challenge!!!!

Do you have a dog who waits until you’re gone and then raids your kitchen, immediately and systematically, in a series of counter-top skirmishes? Nothing on the counter is safe: utensils, dirty dishes, whole loaves of bread, that cheese platter Aunt Tara brought to your birthday, a dish of g

08/28/2024

I will be away from Aug 28-Sept 15th on vacation!
Please feel free to message but I may be a little slower at returning texts, emails etc.
Registration for classes can be done online any time.
As always, thank you for your constant support! 🌈🐠🏖️🌺🦎
Aloha!

08/28/2024

This is a very common thing to do in Vernon, there are many alternatives!!!

The first time I saw someone do this I was shocked.
I thought it was a one off, clearly it isn't and social media "influencers" have started to spout this as a "solution".
When I first saw this a few years ago, I could see the skin under the belly twisting and stretching while a lead was tightly pulled up from above.
There was bruising and this dog was certainly in pain.
All because someone wanted a quick way to teach a dog to walk beside them.
Companies even sell carabiners that encourage using this method.
What people may not realise is this can kill a dog.
The belly is not well protected...at all.
The intestines are right there and there are no bones in that area to protect those precious and vital organs.
That constant pressure and squeezing can and DOES cause serious abdominal issues.
PLEASE don't be tempted to follow this trend if you have seen it on social media.

08/27/2024

This is hilarious!!! Thought you all might like a laugh today!

08/27/2024

Someone needs to adopt this sweet boy!!!!!

👋This is Bob!

Bob is a west highland terrier crossed with things that gives his long legs bounce and speed! He's coming along on his leash, loves to play with toys and the resident pup in his foster home (especially tug-o-war).

He has never met a food he won’t eat (except cheesecake….really, Bob?).

He is such a sweet character who loves the big bed but also settles in his crate without a peep.

Someone needs this gorgeous guy in their life! Please contact Paws it Forward Dog Rescue if you or someone you know can give Bob a loving furever and ever home! He deserves it! 💕

https://www.adoptapet.com/pet/42025218-kelowna-british-columbia-scottie-scottish-terrier-mix

08/24/2024

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

I was a professional dog trainer for years, but it never sat right with me. I was in it for the dogs, you see, and when you train dogs for roles, you have to think just as much about the position they will fill as you do the dog. And I just wanted to think about the dog. That’s why I was there. Th...

08/24/2024

YES 🙌

08/24/2024

Just tell the truth, don’t try minimize them. There is no reason to use them in the first place but at least be truthful about what they are.

08/24/2024

👍👍👍👍

Being frantically chased is not play❌
You may have noticed this yourself. 👀....if play is allowed to get to that hyper, frantic play, signals are not given well, and not received well and that can lead to big issues.💥
Maybe you expect your dog to play with all other dogs.❓
Guess what ?
Dogs do not need to play with all other dogs, in fact it is healthy to be choosy with who they interact with.
Dogs have the right to consent to play or not.
Just because we wish them to play does not mean they consent.

Toys.
So many issues arise with dogs playing with their own toys around others they do not know.
They can be highly prized items. The simplest way to avoid issues is don't play with your dogs toy around other dogs you do not know and even if you DO know them caution is needed.
Many dogs do not like to share.

Pairing dogs with different play styles and energy can cause big problems.. A dog that constantly chases may not read the "cut off" signals given by the less energetic dog.

Always listen to the little voice inside....and if you are at all unsure, advocate and stop play, or don't allow it to even start.

🙂Unmarked graphics are available for $ 1.20 USD or $ 2 NZD each (approx), these are then able to be used off Facebook for client handouts, posters etc. Please visit ABC Dogs Patreon Shop for our collection of graphics.
Everyone is free to share these posts on social media, however off social media use is protected.
Screen shots are a violation of copyright.
Please respect that these graphics take time and effort to make . All graphics belong to ABC Dogs NZ and are under copyright.

08/21/2024

I wish more people would learn and understand this. The old belief of dominance seems to continue through generations ugh!

08/14/2024

Alfie, with the most enthusiastic “place” I’ve ever seen! Way to go buddy!!!! We are helping him with guarding his mom from others 💜💜💜