Rebecca Grauwiler Canine Behaviourist

02/12/2024

Dogs suffering from chronic pain often experience frustration and anxiety because they often have difficulty in accessing their daily needs (Dermirtas et al. 2023).

Chronic pain is known to negatively affect the mood and reduce the capacity for pleasure in individuals by inducing maladaptive cognition such as pain catastrophizing
and negative emotions. Bidirectional relation­ships between depression and chronic pain are well documented in humans.

To learn more about how you can adapt your dog's home environment to better able them to access the resources they require, head over to our Home Adaptations page on our website:

https://caninearthritis.co.uk/managing-arthritis/home-environment-adaptations/

Demirtas, A., Atilgan, D., Saral, B., Isparta, S., Ozturk, H., Ozvardar, T., & Demirbas, Y. S. (2023). Dog owners’ recognition of pain-related behavioral changes in their dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 62, 39–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2023.02.006

28/11/2024

I always ask my clients to have a pain assessment before I see them in consult as it is so important to rule out before any behaviour modification plans are put in place!

✨️New service! - Pain assessments✨️

Pain can be a big contributor to behaviours such as reactivity and anxiety in our companions 🐶

Dogs cant tell us they’re in pain, and due to instinctual survival tactics, most don’t show obvious signs of pain unless (or until) its really bad. Therefore, it can go unnoticed for months, years or a lifetime!

Having a pain assessment prior to behaviour training rules out pain, or acknowledges it as a potential contributor to your dogs behaviour, as well as allowing you to treat or manage the problem, saving your dog from further pain and discomfort later in life!💉💊

A pain assessment with KFVP includes:

👉 A thorough physical and gait assessment
👉 Explanation of findings, e.g why and how the findings may have occurred, and management/treatment advice going forward (if required).
👉 Treatment to kickstart your dog’s recovery (including massage, stretching, electrotherapies and exercises)
👉 A detailed written report of the findings, sent to yourself and your behaviourist.

£60 for a full assessment, treatment and written report.

If treatment is not considered needed, or cannot be completed due to behavioural complications, a deduction of £10 may be issued.

If the assessment cannot be completed due to behavioural complications, a deposit of only £30 will be taken.

17/11/2024

🐾 The Amazing Anatomy Behind a Dog’s Sniffing Superpower 🐾

Dogs have a truly remarkable sense of smell, thanks to the unique structures in their nose and brain. Let’s dive into the science:

👃 The Nose:

🐾Dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses (compared to just 5–6 million in humans). These receptors detect specific odour molecules.
Inside their nasal passages are turbinates, scroll-like bones covered in a specialized mucous membrane that increases surface area. This allows them to capture and analyze an enormous variety of scents at once.

🐾Dogs can separate airflow: one path leads to the lungs for breathing, and the other to the olfactory recess, a chamber designed solely for detecting smells.

🧠 The Brain:

🐾A dog’s brain is highly specialized for scent processing. The olfactory bulb – the part of their brain dedicated to interpreting smells – is 40 times larger than ours in proportion to brain size.

🐾The olfactory bulb communicates with other brain areas, like the limbic system, which is involved in emotions and memory. This is why dogs often have such strong associations with scents.

✨ A Nose Made for Smelling:

🐾The moist surface of a dog’s nose helps trap scent particles, and their ability to exhale through side slits in their nostrils prevents airflow from disrupting the new odours they’re analyzing.

🐾When dogs sniff repeatedly, they create a “vortex” of air, pulling even faint smells into their nose for detailed analysis.

🚨 The Problem with Halti and Figure-of-8 Leads:
These tools loop around a dog’s nose, putting pressure on this sensitive, specialized structure.

🐾The pressure can compress the turbinates and delicate tissues, causing discomfort or even long-term damage.

🐾For dogs who pull, the sudden force can strain the nose and affect nearby structures like the sinuses and tear ducts.

🐾Over time, repeated pressure could dull their sense of smell or create pain, making walks stressful rather than enjoyable.

🌟 Choose a Y-Shaped Harness Instead:
A Y-shaped harness is a much better choice for your dog’s comfort and safety. Here’s why:

🐾It sits across the chest and shoulders without restricting movement or applying pressure to the sensitive neck or throat area.

🐾A properly fitted Y-harness allows free range of motion for the front legs, promoting natural walking and reducing the risk of injury.

🐾With a secure attachment point on the back or front, it provides control while still enabling your dog to explore and sniff comfortably.

🐾When paired with positive reinforcement training, a Y-shaped harness is a humane and effective way to enjoy stress-free walks while protecting your dog’s incredible sense of smell.

Let’s keep those noses safe and happy so our dogs can continue exploring the world they love! 🐕❤️

12/11/2024

🐾 Thinking About Rescuing a Dog? Here’s What to Consider! 🐾

Adopting a rescue dog can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also a big responsibility. Before you open your heart and home to a new furry friend, here are some important factors to consider:

🕒 Time Commitment: Rescue dogs need time to adjust, feel safe, and learn routines. Are you ready to be patient through the adjustment period?

🏠 Space & Lifestyle: Different dogs have different needs! Make sure your home and daily life can match the energy level and size of the dog you’re considering.

💰 Financial Preparedness: Dogs come with expenses—food, toys, vet bills, and sometimes training. Be sure you’re ready for the commitment, both emotionally and financially.

👣 Long-Term Commitment: Rescue dogs may need extra love and training to overcome trauma. It’s not always easy, but the reward is worth it when you see them blossom.

Rescuing a dog can be life-changing—for you and for them. Let’s make sure it’s the right decision for everyone involved. ❤️🐶

11/11/2024

🐾 Caring for Gundogs: What You Need to Know! 🐾

Gundogs—like Labradors, Spaniels, and Pointers—are active, intelligent dogs bred to work alongside humans, especially in hunting and retrieving. Their natural skills make them wonderful companions, but they come with unique needs to thrive in a family setting. 🐶

💥 Exercise: Gundogs need a lot of physical activity. Long walks, runs, and off-lead play help burn off their high energy and keep them happy.

🧩 Mental Stimulation: These dogs are problem-solvers and love to use their brains! Training, puzzle toys, and scent games are excellent ways to engage them and prevent boredom.

❤️ Routine & Training: Gundogs are incredibly loyal and eager to please, making them great at following commands. Consistent, positive training builds a strong bond and helps them channel their energy productively.

If you’re lucky enough to have a gundog, remember that meeting their needs isn’t just about exercise—it’s about keeping their minds and bodies active for a truly fulfilling life. 🐾💪

10/11/2024

🐾 The Hound Life: What Hounds Need & What They Were Born to Do! 🐾

Hounds are incredible dogs, but they come with unique needs! Bred for tracking, chasing, and hunting, hounds have an instinct to follow their noses and move with purpose. Whether they’re scent hounds (like Beagles and Bloodhounds), sight hounds (like Greyhounds and Whippets), or even determined little hunters like Dachshunds, these pups are natural explorers and athletes! 🐶

💨 Exercise: Hounds need plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation to keep them happy and balanced—even the “little hound” Dachshunds thrive when given opportunities to explore and play.

👃 Scent Work & Adventure: Letting hounds follow their noses—whether on scent trails, through nose games, or in safe off-leash areas—helps them tap into their natural instincts. Dachshunds especially love digging and tracking as they were bred to hunt underground!

❤️ Patience: Hounds can be independent and strong-willed, so positive reinforcement and consistency go a long way.

If you’re a hound parent, or thinking of adopting one, remember: a happy hound is one who gets to do what they were bred for! 🐕

09/11/2024

🐾 Did You Know? You Can’t Reinforce Fear in Dogs! 🐾

One of the biggest myths about dog behaviour is that comforting a fearful dog will “reinforce” or encourage their fear. But fear isn’t a behaviour—it’s an emotional response. You can’t train fear out of a dog by ignoring it! 🐶

When a dog feels scared, showing calm, gentle support can actually help them feel safer and build trust. Whether it’s loud noises, new environments, or unfamiliar people, being there for your dog in a soothing way can make a huge difference.

So next time your dog is afraid, don’t hesitate to give them a little comfort. It’s about building confidence, not reinforcing fear. ❤️

08/11/2024

🐾 Let’s Talk About the “Rule of 3” for Rescue Dogs 🐾

You’ve probably heard of the “Rule of 3” when it comes to adopting rescue dogs: 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn routines, and 3 months to fully settle in. While this timeline gives a general framework, it often falls short in capturing the reality of adjusting to a new home.

🐕 Every dog is unique. Some dogs might take months just to decompress, especially if they’ve had a tough past or multiple homes. Others might settle in more quickly but face challenges with trust, socialization, or anxiety. Expecting every dog to conform to a fixed timeline can add unnecessary pressure and disappointment for both the dog and the family.

💛 Patience, compassion, and understanding go much further than a rule. Instead of focusing on the timeline, try to focus on building a bond and celebrating each small victory! Adopting a rescue is a journey, not a race.

Let’s embrace each dog’s unique needs and progress—on their terms, not ours. 🐾

02/11/2024

26/10/2024

Such an important topic!

What you need to know about pain relief trials!

As a bare minimum for my clients I often request a pain relief trial (analgesic trial), especially if the dog is “sensitive” at the vets and cannot be examined properly.

50% of the time we see results - hooray!

The other 50% of the time, we don’t and the Vet rules out pain and puts the issues down to just being behavioural.

As we all know from my little rant a few weeks back:

“Pain cannot and should not be ruled out” its impossible for one species to say with 100% certainty that another species isn’t in pain … truth is we just don’t know because pain is subjective.

That 50% of the time where the vet says its not pain but just behavioural needs rethinking and more questions asked.

If pain relief is given, and no changes occur, does it really mean the dog is not in pain?

It’s not that simple.

There are many different types of pain that a living being can experience;

Visceral - Visceral pain is pain that originates from the internal organs and blood vessels, such as the heart, lungs, or pancreas. It can feel deep, squeezing, or colicky, and is often difficult to pinpoint.

Somatic - Somatic pain is pain that affects other bodily tissues like muscles, skin, and bones.

Neuropathic - Neuropathic pain is nerve pain - spinal cord, peripheral nerves etc.

When a being experiences pain, they can experience one or a combination of the above types.

Consider this…

- Quite often Metacam, for example, is a vets first port of call which targets Somatic pain and inflammation - what happens if the dog is experiencing a different type or combination of pain? Is the dog on the right dosage, does it need to be and can it be increased?

- Quite often the course of the pain meds is only given for 10 days largely due to licensing of the drug - but is this enough time to get on top of CHRONIC long term pain (Sarah Heath recommends 6 - 8 weeks)?

You smashers know I like to put a human spin on things, and I quite often use my own experiences to get my point across so it will be of no surprise when I tell you I threw my back out yesterday morning. I'm in agony. No position is comfortable, standing, sitting or lying. I'm waspy as hell.

I am taking Paracetamol and Ibuprofen regularly and NOTHING is touching the discomfort I am experiencing!

The difference between me and a dog is that I can tell you that the pain meds aren’t working and I am still in pain.

So where does that leave our dogs?

28/09/2024

18/09/2024

𝗔𝗕𝗧𝗖 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
The recent publication of the study titled Comparison of the Efficacy and Welfare of Different Training Methods in Stopping Chasing Behavior in Dogs (Johnson and Wynne, 2024) has sparked significant debate across the animal welfare community. This study, which adds to the growing body of evidence on the adverse effects of shock collars (e-collars), highlights serious concerns regarding the welfare of dogs subjected to this training method. Please see our Statement relating to this via our News page at https://abtc.org.uk/about/news/

[Image/text description: Graphic states ABTC Statement - on recent study concerning the use of shock collars in dog training]

𝘗𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘦: 𝘈𝘉𝘛𝘊 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘢 𝘱𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘶𝘯 𝘣𝘺 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘳𝘴 - 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 24 𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘺.

14/09/2024

Some great info from dachshund rescue! Some of you may not be aware that I am a volunteer rehoming coordinator for dachshund rescue! I got my own dachshund Hazel from them and will forever be grateful for that!

IVDD
There are many misconceptions about IVDD; the most popular ones are listed below.

*Q. Can my dog get IVDD by running up and down stairs?

A. NO! IVDD is genetic; your dog will have been born with the condition.

*Q. Does a dog with IVDD need surgery?

A. All grades of IVDD can recover with medical/conservative treatment. Prognosis is ONLY affected by the grade. Surgery is recommended in some cases.

*Q. Will my dog recover faster if it has surgery?

A. There is zero evidence of this, and recovery rates between individuals are variable regardless of treatment options. Every dog is different.

*Q. Surgery is needed to decompress the spinal cord.

A. The evidence is conflicting at present that surgery is more effective than alternative treatments.

*Q. Your dog needs an MRI; x-rays are pointless.

A. Radiographs can help assess calcification and narrowing of disc spaces, so they can be used in medically managed cases and/or where finances are a limiting factor.
However, if surgery is considered, an MRI will be necessary.

We will be continuing our Ivdd week tomorrow. Please feel free to share our information with other Dachshund owners.
Be bold and ask questions.
Dachshund Rescue has a dedicated rehabilitation unit; please follow the links for more information, help, and advice.

https://theelmsrehab.co.uk/
https://dachshundrescue.org.uk/ivdd-in-dachshunds/

Follow us on Facebook.
The Elms Rehab

Dachshund Rescue has a dedicated rehabilitation unit, check out our links for further information.

04/09/2024

THE 3-3-3 RULE OF RE-HOMING

For those of you who may not have come across it before, the 3-3-3 rule pops up frequently on Facebook, particularly in groups for fearful dog guardians. In essence, the message is this: it takes three days for a dog in a new home to relax a little, three weeks to settle in, and three months to be fully comfortable, thus demonstrating that the process takes time. But how helpful is this?

This has been on my mind a lot since bringing Max home a week ago. He seems to have settled in extraordinarily quickly, considering he has never lived in a house before. Toilet training has been a breeze, helped, no doubt, by the fact that he has a grown-up sized bladder, unlike a pupppy, and enjoys spending time outdoors.

He is used to being around lots of other dogs, so now that he has just Trigger for company, my now fairly geriatric hound, he is getting plenty of rest and has taken to the sofas and beds like you wouldn't believe! He has a lovely nature and loves to cuddle up, which I like to think is helping him to gain a sense of safety and security.

I expected the stairs to take a bit of figuring out, but he scrutinised them for a few seconds before attempting them, and they proved no match for Mighty Max, an agile and athletic running hound. He happily ambles up and down them multiple times a day, and likes to include them in his chosen route for zoomies!

Then we come to "Mirror Max", the handsome devil of a hound who showed up when Max glanced in the shiny things in the bedroom. "Mirror Max" disappeared immediately after the shiny things were covered up, which caused a bit of confusion, but as Max is generally quite confident, I decided to gradually uncover the mirrors bit by bit to help desensitise him to his reflection. The mirrors have been completely uncovered since last night, taking a week to do this, and so far, Max has not been bothered again by "Mirror Max".

My husband disturbed Max when he was visiting the bathroom at about 3am this morning, so I thought I'd better take Max outside for "garden wee wees", just in case. Max was happily watering the grass, when he shot off like a rocket! I couldn't understand what had happened, until I looked closely at where he had been standing, and staring up at me were two toads, rather dazzled by my phone torch. It seems the big, strapping lad of a Trailhound is scared of toads, so I will need to do a toad check prior to his next early morning visit to the little boy's room.

So how does all of this relate to the 3-3-3 rule?

I have made a conscious effort not to compare Max to Jack, despite coming from identical backgrounds, as it is so important to remember that every dog is different. We need to allow for varying confidence and resilience levels, but we should also not forget that other factors, such as genetic components and previous learning experiences, will contribute hugely towards how long a dog might take to feel truly settled. Even for dogs of the same breed like Jack and Max, who were the same age at the point of re-homing, recently neutered, never lived in a home nor experienced very much before, are still so different in personality and confidence levels. Max loves people and other dogs, whereas Jack was quite anxious around unknown dogs and people. Jack wasn't keen on sharing space with Trigger, whereas Max wants to be his cuddle buddy. Jack used to revel in his reflection of handsomeness, and never ran away from toads. He also had no issues with flooring surfaces, but Mighty Max was perplexed by the kitchen laminate (he's been thoroughly checked over at the vets, as trouble with flooring can be an indictator for pain). So many similarities, yet also many differences.

There are lots of reasons why I choose to disregard the 3-3-3 rule, which you can read about in more detail here:

https://www.trailiepawsforthought.com/post/the-3-3-3-rule-help-or-hindrance

The bottom line has to be: don’t be tempted to rush things or try to find shortcuts. Treat each dog as the wonderful individual they are, and TAKE THINGS SLOWLY. FEELING SAFE TAKES AS LONG AS IT TAKES!

© Trailie Paws For Thought
www.trailiepawsforthought.com

I’m very happy for all of my content to be shared, but please do not copy and paste (to avoid sharing from source), screenshot, or download any part of it. THANK YOU! 🐾 🐾

01/09/2024

It was great to see you all at woth Marta's Dog Behaviour and smartdog_2019

26/08/2024

Shelly has come on in leaps and bounds! She was struggling to self regulate her frustration and was demonstrating territorial aggression. Her owner has worked really hard and now Shelly is happy doing her freework when people come to the gate… except the postman! 😂🐾📮

22/08/2024

🐾 Long Line vs. Flexi Lead: Why a Long Line Wins! 🐾

When it comes to giving your dog more freedom on walks, a long line is the way to go! 🌳 Here's why it's better than a flexi lead:

Control & Safety: A long line gives your dog room to explore while still allowing you to maintain control. Flexi leads, on the other hand, can be dangerous—they can snap back suddenly, leading to injuries for both you and your dog, or even cause burns and cuts if the cord wraps around a limb. 🚶‍♂️🐕

Training Benefits: Long lines are great for practising recall and other commands at a distance, helping your dog learn to listen even when they’re not right by your side. 🐶🎓

Tangle-Free: Flexi leads often tangle around legs, objects, or even other dogs, creating risky situations. A long line is less likely to cause these issues, making your walks smoother and stress-free. 🚶‍♀️🌿

Durability: Long lines are typically made of strong, durable materials that withstand wear and tear better than the thin cords of flexi leads. 🦴💪

Flexi leads might seem convenient, but they can pose serious dangers. Keep your walks safe and fun—choose a long line for your next adventure! 🌟

21/08/2024

🐾 What Does Good Welfare Look Like for Dogs? 🐾

Good welfare means more than just meeting your dog’s basic needs—it’s about ensuring they live a happy, healthy, and fulfilled life. Here’s what it involves:

Proper Nutrition: A balanced diet tailored to your dog’s age, size, and health keeps them energetic and thriving. 🥦🍖

Regular Exercise: Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are essential for keeping your dog fit and mentally sharp. 🐕🎾

Social Interaction & Good Socialization: Dogs need positive interactions with their environment, people and other animals. Proper socialization helps them feel connected, confident, and secure in different environments. 💛🐶

Healthcare: Routine vet visits, vaccinations, and dental care ensure your dog stays healthy and free from pain. Early detection and treatment of health issues are crucial. 🩺🐾

Stress-Free Environment: Providing a calm, predictable living space where your dog feels safe is key to reducing stress. A stress-free environment supports their overall mental and physical well-being. 🛏️🏡

Freedom from Pain, Fear, and Suffering: Ensuring your dog lives free from physical pain, fear, and emotional suffering is the foundation of good welfare. Compassionate care, positive training methods, and understanding your dog's behaviour contribute to their overall happiness. 💚🐕

Respect for Their Nature: Allowing dogs to express natural behaviours, like sniffing, playing, and exploring, ensures they live a life true to their instincts. This also includes understanding and managing their behaviour in a way that promotes their well-being. 🌳🐕

Good welfare is all about creating an environment where your dog can flourish physically, mentally, and emotionally. Let’s give our dogs the life they deserve—free from fear, stress, and suffering! 🐾💚