Lead the Way

04/08/2024

Fear is the easiest things to condition in dogs and the hardest to resolve. Fear can come from many places, many of which we don't control. This infographic is my most downloaded and shared resource. In fact, many vets and Veterinary Behaviorists use this handout with their own clients! Link in first comment to grab your own copy.

02/08/2024

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01/08/2024

What's the best way to meet a new dog? Download my handout here: https://rescuedbytraining.com/meeting-dog-first-time-dos-donts/

29/07/2024

25/07/2024

Another lovely walk

19/07/2024

Very warm today, I managed to get a couple of morning walks in before it gets too hot. I always take fresh water out so the dogs can have a rest and a drink especially on days like today.

15/07/2024

Get to walk these 2 beautiful dogs for 10 days. In the video I used some small treats to scatter feed them. They have to use their noses to sniff the bits out, which they really enjoy. It's great enrichment for dogs.

13/07/2024

Had the pleasure of walking this little Rottweiler. She is such a sweet dog. We stop halfway through the walk for a drink of water.. such a lovely gentle girl..

03/07/2024

Got a new client with 2 beautiful Rottweilers. 1 puppy and 1 adult male. Absolutely lovely dogs. Get to walk these 2 twice a week

21/06/2024

So this week I walked a beautiful little cocker Spaniel. He was a real pleasure to walk, loved his energy. He loved the little birds, wanted to chase them all.

17/06/2024

Had a new client today on Buckingham Park. Got to walk a beautiful male Cocker Spaniel. Fantastic weather and some lovely areas to walk. He was a pleasure and such a good boy

12/05/2024

These are some examples of displacement behaviours and serve as indicators of the dog's internal state which can provide valuable insights into their emotional well-being.

Displacement behaviours arise when an animal faces conflicting motivations/ feelings for two or more behaviours, leading to an unrelated action. For instance, birds might peck at grass when torn between attacking or fleeing from a threat, while humans may scratch their heads when indecisive.

Context matters when interpreting animal behaviour. EG: Sniffing and scratching could be due to various reasons like being itchy, exploring scents. Understanding the environment and situation helps in accurately deciphering the dog’s actions.

In interpreting body language, subtle cues matter too. A relaxed dog typically has ‘loose’ muscles, a ‘soft’ eye, and their tail held in the breeds natural carriage, and may pant gently. A stressed dog might have tense muscles, mouth shut, a lowered/ ‘stiff’ tail, flattened ears, and avoid eye contact. Understanding body language in canine communication helps distinguish between comfort and discomfort in the dogs demeanour.

These behaviours can also occur when an animal is hindered from engaging in a highly desired behaviour. Often, out-of-context behaviours provide comfort to the animal, like scratching, grooming, or sniffing.

In animal behaviour evaluations, displacement activities serve as indicators of unmet behavioural needs. For example, humans display self-directed behaviours like fidgeting in stressful situations, indicating negative emotions.

When a dog displays displacement behaviours, these are actions that seem out of place. These behaviours are often seen when a dog is unsure how to react in a particular situation.

This typically happens when the dog experiences conflicting emotions like anxiety, stress, or frustration, and serves as a way for the dog to release tension, or cope with the mixed feelings they are experiencing.

12/05/2024

Dogs and humans co-evolved, which means we have a very sophisticated system of collaboration and communication. Trouble is that somewhere along the way, humans seem to have forgotten all about it. Consequently, we obsess with getting dogs and all other animals to do our bidding through training. This is so intense that we now want them to “speak to us” in English, so we train them to use OUR words to talk to us. The message seems to be, “speak our language, else we will not bother”. But dogs DO talk to us in their own way and if we stopped being so anthropocentric in our approach, we may hear a lot of what they have to say.

For instance, dogs often let us know that they value our opinion on things. Trouble is, because we are so oblivious to their communication, we ignore it and do not provide them the input they seek. Consequently they end up having to deal with difficult situations without our support. They may feel overwhelmed in doing so and thus earn the label of a “problematic dog”.

But if we got out of our own heads and learnt to listen, we may see that communication is easier than we think it is. Once we engage in that dialogue with them, we may realise what they need to hear from us and we may be able to support them adequately.

This is why, our focus at BHARCS is this communication…untrained communication that is the hallmark of this interspecies entanglement between human and dog. If you are someone who likes exploring the richness of this entanglement, then you’ve come to the right place. Explore our resources and consider signing up for Canine Essential 101, our flagship workshop that teaches you everything you need to know about the BHARCS way.

10/05/2024

09/05/2024

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share and like the page!! Cheers

25/02/2024

Get to walk these beautiful dogs in a couple of weeks. We do regular walks,, one off walks and a pop in service which includes letting dog in garden for toilet break, feeding dog, checking water and playing with your dog.... give me a call or leave a message

25/02/2024

Maise after a quick walk around the block,. Due to her reactivity and anxiety walks need to be short and chosen so hopefully we don't encounter people/dogs. I take high value treats, such as small bits of chicken to reward and praise her. She loves it when I scatter feed her, loves to sniff the bits out. Maisie is the sweetest girl and we love her to bits. She has been a challenge at times but we have never given up on her, she is loved and safe which is the main thing.

04/02/2024

Ever wondered what your canine companion is trying to tell you? It’s never too late to embark on the journey into the fascinating world of dog body language!​

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Understanding dog body language goes beyond being a pet guardian—it's a universal skill that benefits everyone. Dogs primarily communicate with humans through their body language so knowing the signals helps decipher their needs, emotions, and intentions.​

Recognizing stress or discomfort signals can prevent unwanted incidents and ensure the safety of both dogs and people.​

By responding appropriately to a dog's body language, you foster trust and strengthen your bond with them. It's the foundation of a harmonious relationship.​

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Whether you're a pet guardian or animal professional, understanding dog body language contributes to a safer and more compassionate community.​

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In this wonderful graphic created by the great Lili Chin from www.doggiedrawings.net you can get some idea of what your dog is trying to say. You can also learn more about the language of dogs by enrolling for our DogWise course. Email us at [email protected] for more information.

31/01/2024

🐶Check out our 5 Dog Walking Tips, to make the most out of your dog walks 🐶

26/12/2023

A scared dog needs immediate space where possible, providing a sense of safety and lessening their fear response. They require choice, to freely decide how they interact with their environment, reducing feelings of entrapment and stress. Agency is essential, allowing them to exercise control over their actions, boosting confidence. Lastly, they need reliability from their human companions, who must consistently respond with understanding and compassion, fostering trust and security. All these aspects contribute to creating a supportive environment where a scared dog can thrive and overcome their fears.

Learn more with our CPD accredited Canine Fear Course. https://www.canineprinciples.com/course/canine-fear-certificate-course

23/12/2023

Dogs, much like humans, have individual personalities and comfort zones. Not all dogs appreciate being approached or touched by strangers. Various reasons contribute to this.

Firstly, a dog's past experiences, particularly if they have faced trauma or negative interactions, can make them wary of unfamiliar people.

Secondly, the innate temperament of a dog plays a role; some breeds or individual dogs are more reserved or anxious.

Thirdly, a dog's current mood and environment affect their receptiveness; a stressed or unwell dog may not welcome interaction.

Lastly, inadequate socialisation during their formative years can result in a dog being uneasy around strangers.

Understanding and respecting a dog's boundaries is crucial for their well-being.

11/05/2023

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