Barking with Butler- DogSmith of Aberdeen

14/08/2023

All classes are off for next few weeks due to personal issues, dont have access to page as broke fone.
Everyone will either be reimbursed or have their classes in full as soon as im back up and running.
Sorry to let everyone down but have a lot of personal issues at moment that need to be fixed before I come back.
James

15/07/2023

Just a reminder that.
The 930am class will be at 1030am with the second class.

10/07/2023

New upcoming puppy class starts Sat 29th July 930am (3 places left)
Contact me for information how to book

02/07/2023

**** New Outdoor Puppy Class ****
Thurs 20th July 630pm
6 week course
Duthie park Bowling green area.
4 places left available
Contact me for information on how to book.

28/06/2023

*** PHOTO'S OF PUP'S FROM NEW PUPPY CLASS ***
Classes started up again in Monday after being ill.
Upcoming Class date
Sat 29th July 1030am (3 places left available)
Contact me for information on how to book

16/06/2023

ALL CLASSES ARE OFF/POSTPONED FOR A WEEK DUE TO BEING ILL.
I have a hiatus hernia in stomach that doctor is worried that has turned into an Ulcer!!
I was so unwell at class on Wednesday that staff at centre and clients all said I needed to take a week off, rest and get my stomach seen to properly.
I hate putting classes especially when new block supposed to be starting on Monday 19th that block will now start on 26th June.
Sorry for any inconvenience this will cause, I will make up for it when I come back in full health and reenergised.
See you all in a week.
James

30/05/2023

29/05/2023

Photos of some of the pups from new classes (sorry missed some as battery died will get them next week).
Spaces available for Monday 12th June class contact me for information how to book.

17/05/2023

5 month old Pups working on Wait/Stay and Loose Lead Walking.
New Puppy classes starting
Sat 27th May 1030am, 1 place available.
Mon 12th June 8pm, 3 places available.
Teen/Adult Class
Wed 28th June 8pm, 3 places available.
Cairncry community centre.
Contact me for information on how to book.

11/05/2023

Have New Outdoor classes starting soon... keep an eye out for updates on class Day/Evening times.
Happy Training

11/05/2023

Photo's from Wednesday nights first Teen/Adult Dog class.
Great group of dog's, bit noisy first class but sure will be quieter next week.
Up coming Puppy and Teen/Adult classes with spaces.
Puppy class
Sat 20th May 930am (1 space)
Puppy class
Sat 27th May 1030am (1 space)
Teen/Adult class
Wed 28th June 8pm (4 spaces).
Message me for information on how to book a place

06/05/2023

Teen Dog Graduation photo's from Wednesday night class.

06/05/2023

Teen Dog Graduation class, Parker smashing the circuit like a pro!!
1 space left available on upcoming Adult class Wed 10th May 8pm
1 place left available on Puppy Class starting Sat 27th May 1030am
Contact me for information how to book.

06/05/2023

930am class will be at 1030am with the second class

03/05/2023

Teen/Adult Graduation class tonight.
New Teen/Adult class starts next week 10th instead of 3rd.. tried to notify everyone about it

28/04/2023

Most are aware of the ‘fear imprint period’ in early dog development, around 8-12 weeks of age. What a puppy experiences during this period shapes how he reacts to both familiar and novel experiences in later life.
But did you know that many dogs have a second fear period in adolescence, known as the ‘secondary fear period’? This usually occurs at around 6 months of age, but can be anywhere between 4 and 18 months, depending on the dog’s size and breed.

During the 'secondary fear period', previously confident and outgoing puppies may suddenly begin to show anxious, shy or defensive behavior. They may suddenly react fearfully to a situation that they were previously familiar with, as if they had never experienced it before.
Fearful responses can vary from tentativeness and bolting to barking, growling and lunging, depending on the individual and context.

Common triggers for fear in anxious dogs (of all ages) include men, people in hats, bin bags, loud noises, brooms and walking sticks, joggers, bikes and scooters, children and flat-faced or muscular dogs.

Usually these fears are transient and will gradually decrease as the dog matures and gains positive experiences. However, during the secondary fear period, adolescent puppies tend to be more sensitive to trauma. This means that if a dog has a negative or traumatic experience whilst they are in the secondary fear period, they may go on to develop long-term chronic fears and consequent behavioural problems.

Not all dogs will have a secondary fear phase, but if they do, it typically only lasts 1- 3 weeks. During this vulnerable developmental stage, the dog needs careful handling to reduce the chance of a negative experience ocurring.

To help a dog through this secondary fear period, it is important to be patient and mindful to avoid placing the dog in a situation that may cause excessive fear or discomfort. It is best not to introduce the dog to many new experiences during this time. Instead, stick to what the dog is used to and re-introduce any potential fear triggers very gradually, working from a distance at first and gradually getting closer only if the dog is happy to do so. Use treats and lots of reward and keep experiences light and carefree.

The pup should also be given recovery periods after any exposure to fear triggers in order to prevent chronic and escalating stress levels and allow him to rest, which is vital for consolidating new memories and associations.

Above all, remember to keep yourself calm and be an encouraging, confident influence for your puppy. If anything does occur during this sensitive period that your pup finds particularly uncomfortable or stressful, try to follow this event with an enjoyable, soothing activity, such as sleepy cuddles on the sofa, tasty food in a puzzle feeder or a play with his favourite toy.

We would love to hear your experiences and share tips. Have you had a pup who went through a significant secondary fear period in adolescence and, if so, what did you find helpful?

25/04/2023

Photo's from Monday night's New Puppy Class we've got good mix of sizes and Breed's.

14/04/2023

New Puppy Classes.

Mon 24th April 8pm
(Only 1 place left)
Or
Sat 20th May 930am
(2 places left)
Or
Sat 27th May 1030am
(2 places left)
Or
Teen/ adult class
Wed 10th May 8pm
(1 place left)
All are 7 week blocks
Held at Cairncry Community Centre.
Contact me for information on how to book.

06/04/2023

05/04/2023

Review of "Dogs Behaving Very Badly" recent episode of Jax, the Belgian Malinois with separation anxiety. It's a long one but it's well worth a read. I don't

04/04/2023

The history of dog training is undergoing a dramatic shift from dominance and force-based methods to modern, force-free, positive training techniques. This change is not only significant for dog welfare but also reflects the growing ethical concerns of dog guardians. In this blog post, we will explo...

30/03/2023

Puppy Class video showing pups working on Loose lead Walking and Hand Targeting. All pups under 5 months old working on building focus and redirection.

23/03/2023

NEW PUPPY CLASS STARTING
THIS SATURDAY 1st April 1030am
Only couple of places left contact me for info how to book.

23/03/2023

NEW PUPPY CLASS STARTING
THIS SATURDAY 25th MARCH 1030am
Only couple of places left contact me for info how to book.

19/03/2023

NEW PUPPY CLASS
SAT 25th MARCH 1030am
CAIRNCRY COMMUNITY CENTRE
ONLY A COUPLE OF PLACES LEFT.
contact me on how to book your pups place.