St Trainians Online Puppy Training

St Trainians Online Puppy Training Teaching humans to teach dogs is our passion and life purpose

06/09/2023

Supported by science - dog harnesses 🐶
I was recently approached by a trainer Haigh Hounds asking which harnesses are best for dogs - especially those who pull the lead, so here is the science.

Harnesses are often used as a training aid. Due to dogs likeliness to be unruly at younger ages it is plausible that harness type could have an effect on development. This raises questions to the suitability to the types of harnesses used, especially with younger or more unruly dogs who are likely to apply increased pressure to the harness.

The most prevalent musculoskeletal disease in dogs is degenerative joint disease. Incorrect biomechanics will lead to a loss of joint confirmation and function throughout the body, resulting in abnormal wear, inflammation, and arthritic conditions. With this in mind if harnesses do impact a dog’s natural gait, they may be a contributing factor to degenerative conditions.

Several studies have found altered biomechanics in a variety of guide dog harnesses. These studies have found that the placement of the handle (how laterally the handle inserted on the harness) had the biggest effect on thoracic limb biomechanics. As this is not relatable to most pet owners, these findings lack external validity to harnesses purchased publicly.

Lafuente et al., (2018) investigated the effects of harnesses on shoulder extension in dogs at walk and trot with a lead attached to the centre of the harnesses; furthermore the effects of additional pressure applied to the harness were investigated – providing the highest external validity to pet owners.

At walk shoulder extension without a harness ranged from 128° - 150°, providing an average of 135°. The most restriction was found in a Y-harness with an average of 130° of shoulder extension with the Norwegian harness faring better at an average shoulder extension of 132°. At a trot shoulder extension increased to 144° without a harness, decreased to 139° with a Norwegian harness and a further decrease to 134° with a Y-harness. The most applicable information came when weight was added to the lead to mimic the dog pulling. The Norwegian harness shoulder extension was increased by 1° when weight was applied to the lead whereas the Y-harness decreased shoulder extension by 1° when weight was applied. This finding is interesting as Y-harnesses are often marketed as ‘non-restrictive’ and whilst both types of harness have been proved to decrease shoulder range of movement, the Y-harness proved to be the most restrictive – especially when pressure is added, reducing shoulder extension by 11°!

The reasons for Y-harnesses showing the most restriction has not been investigated, although the positioning of the Y-harness could affect the thoracic sling musculature and brachial plexus resulting in a restriction to muscle activation and therefore limb protraction. The effects of pressure applied to the thoracic sling has been documented in horses, and a reduction in limb protraction, and carple flexion was found by Murray et al. (2013) supporting this hypothesis.

⬇️⬇️Take a look at the studies here ⬇️⬇️
Knights, H. and Williams, J., 2021. The influence of three working harnesses on thoracic limb kinematics and stride length at walk in assistance dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 45, pp.16-24.
Lafuente, M.P., Provis, L. and Schmalz, E.A., 2019. Effects of restrictive and non‐restrictive harnesses on shoulder extension in dogs at walk and trot. Veterinary Record, 184(2), pp.64-64.
Murray, R., Guire, R., Fisher, M. and Fairfax, V., 2013. Girth pressure measurements reveal high peak pressures that can be avoided using an alternative girth design that also results in increased limb protraction and flexion in the swing phase. The Veterinary Journal, 198(1), pp.92-97.

With regards to my badge saying ProDog Trainer certified, is that despite paying thousands to participate in their onlin...
08/08/2023

With regards to my badge saying ProDog Trainer certified, is that despite paying thousands to participate in their online course, (the content of which was actually very good), to learn games based training. None of this has resulted in any proper accreditation for any of us. To say we feel let down and duped by this money grabbing company, the owner of which has publicly admitted to "over breeding puppies" for financial gain is a bloody understatement. I would like to make it clear that St Trainians School for Dogs is now totally disassociated with Absolute Dogs. I am hoping that other things which people I know have personally experienced will soon come out concerning these charlatans.

14/04/2023

CHOOSING A FLEA & TICK PREVENTIVE FOR YOUR PET!⚠️🐶🐱

Several popular ‘preventive’ products have a history of being associated with reactions in some dogs and cats including seizures, behavioral issues, muscular/balance issues, and even death.😿

If you need to use a chemical preventive, or if you are looking for safer alternatives, you don’t want to miss this week’s Inside Scoop episode with Dr. Judy Morgan and Dr. Jean Dodds!

We’ll be covering:
🌿 Non-chemical, natural prevention and integrative protocols

✅ Safer options and products for both chemical and non-chemical prevention

💊 Detox and support protocols if you have to give chemical preventives
..plus our updated Flea, Tick & Heartworm Guide full of DIY recipes, supplements and more!

Join us this Sunday at 12pm ET for this important discussion!

👉If you haven’t joined our subscription group of 2.0 pet parents and want to learn more, just click the link below or head over to the Planet Paws page and hit the "Subscribe” button to join our weekly Livestreams. Also includes access to over 4 years of lives, interviews, ebooks and more in our Archives!
https://www.facebook.com/becomesupporter/PlanetPawsMedia

09/02/2023

In the first study of its kind, a new 2023 paper published by Nature Scientific Reports shows dogs given rawhide chews🦴 a few times a month had a significant chance of developing gastrointestinal issues later in life. However, the veterinary scientists also found when offered daily, there was a 117.2% increased risk of developing gut disease!!

On a side note, aside from all the dogs that have lost their lives to intestinal blockages, the last recall by the FDA found a not approved "chemical cleaning agent" called quaternary ammonia (QACs) in these harmful chews. And more recently, the Environmental Working Group reported a chemical used to whiten rawhides, titanium dioxide' was a genotoxin and may damage your dog's DNA.🧬

New Study found here- https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/health-via-nutrition-epidemiology-and-disease-detection-dogs/news-and-happenings/puppyhood-and-adolescence-diet-may-have-impact-on-dogs-gut-health-later-in-life

Merry Christmas everyone
23/12/2022

Merry Christmas everyone

12/10/2022

Recently, our recruitment rates have been amazing… Remember back in July when we told you we had recruited our 6,000th puppy. Well, you will never guess what! We are now rapidly approaching recruiting our 7,000th puppy! Who will it be?! Could it be you or someone you know? If you have a new puppy, are getting one soon or know someone who is, please consider signing up to Generation Pup and being part of our ever growing community of science pups and dedicated owners. For more information about the study - http://ow.ly/5Di150yIYrq

11/10/2022

Watch Out for Birch Sugar in Foods❗

If you see the ingredient “birch sugar” on a food label, keep it out of your pet’s reach. ❌ This ingredient is the same thing as xylitol, a sugar alcohol sweetener that’s toxic to pets. If consumed, xylitol can lead to a sudden release of insulin, followed by a sharp drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), triggering vomiting, loss of consciousness and seizures in dogs (cats appear less sensitive). 🆘🐕

Xylitol may also be referred to as “birch sap” or “wood sugar,” so keep an eye out for these ingredients on labels as well.

Read today’s free pet health blog to learn more about the dangers of xylitol to pets.

Here are more products that contains xylitol: https://bit.ly/3M8TgN4

08/09/2022

Is a puppy joining your household soon? If so, you could be part of our pioneering study called Generation Pup. By completing surveys about your puppy as it grows up, our researchers can find out what influences the health and behaviour of all types of dogs. Even if you haven’t got your puppy yet, you can sign up now and be ready to get started when your new four-legged friend joins your household. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3v0xIK5

05/09/2022

This is something everyone should see. This xray is of a 2 week old puppy.

When you get your 8/10 week old puppies, please keep this image in mind. Their bones do not even touch yet. They plod around so cutely with big floppy paws and wobbly movement because their joints are entirely made up of muscle, tendons, ligaments with skin covering. Nothing is fitting tightly together or has a true socket yet.

When you run them excessively or don't restrict their exercise to stop them from overdoing it during this period you don't give them a chance to grow properly. Every big jump or excited bouncing run causes impacts between the bones. In reasonable amounts this is not problematic and is the normal wear and tear that every animal will engage in.

But when you're letting puppy jump up and down off the lounge or bed, take them for long walks/hikes, you are damaging that forming joint. When you let the puppy scramble on tile with no traction you are damaging the joint.

You only get the chance to grow them once. A well built body is something that comes from excellent breeding and a great upbringing-BOTH, not just one.

Once grown - around 12-18 months depending on their breed, you will have the rest of their life to spend playing and engaging in higher impact exercise. So keep it calm while they're still little baby puppies and give the gift that can only be given once.

26/08/2022

A retractable leash might seem more convenient, but are there some reasons you shouldn’t use them? Read on to learn more about why retractable leashes might not be a good choice for you and your dog.

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