Jo Pick, Dog Trainer & Behaviourist

08/11/2024

One space available for the course starting on Sunday in Alford.
Four Weekly Basic Communication & Manners Course

We will discuss and practise basic manners and behaviours and how to attain those through primarily reward-based training, the timing and types of rewards, and setting boundaries using distraction, redirection and appropriate correction for unwanted behaviours.
The behaviours we will primarily cover will be;
• Loose lead walking, including desensitisation to exciting triggers such as other dogs
• Recall - ensure this is a positive, fun behaviour, for both you and your dog, and to ensure your dog doesn't learn to ignore your recall.
• Sit, stay and wait • Impulse control games. We will also discuss and practice, where possible, manners and long-term aims for a well-mannered family dog, such as meeting strangers and other dogs, visitors to the home and unwanted barking or nervousness. Other issues as needed by individuals that arise in the group discussions

£60.00
Book online; https://portal.busypaws.app/customers/jo-pick-dog-trainer-behaviourist?booking_id=822454

05/11/2024

What sort of breeder should your next puppy come from?
We all know to stay away from 'puppy farms', but unfortunately some folk think that means staying away from professional breeders and when I ask 'where did you get your pup?' The reply I get is 'oh, a family nearby who had a pet and just wanted one litter' thinking this is the best option.
It probably isn't.
A professional breeder, someone who knows their breed, possibly competes, at some level and is passionate about producing healthy, stable dogs will invariably be your best bet.
An experienced breeder will know which dog they need for their bitch, to compliment her personality and confirmation. They'll know what health defects to test for.
And, most importantly they'll know how to rear puppies that are already well socialised and often we'll on their training journey.
Many puppies already have some recall and toilet training before they leave.
The really good ones go further , as shown in the reel below.
If you ever need help researching where to get your next puppy please do reach out

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1D87GKPYB2/

04/11/2024

Taking two well-behaved dogs and a toddler on a bike ride.

01/11/2024

Amazing opportunity to get a professional photo

We are almost on the home straight to Christmas now! 🎄
Here's a chance to get a pressie (or two?) ticked off early! 🎁

A dog photography session + 5x7" print for £55!
Can be redeemed before Christmas to have a print ready to hand over on the big day. 🐾

Click to buy a voucher and enter code: XMASS55
https://giftup.app/place-order/05df004e-bf62-4643-d418-08dc6844e8db?platform=hosted&fbclid=IwY2xjawGRUCdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTJ7uuhO6tMkrmODU825JekIJ35MKFiSrSSiIFwiMiU2avCVA-XTuDjOzg_aem_mil2LS-D5dcVwKR5X5A5og

17/10/2024

06/10/2024

Dogs & Children

A subject I get asked about a lot is the interaction between dogs and children or babies. Whether that’s a dog already in the family and a new baby coming along or introducing a new dog or puppy to a family with children, especially where the child is younger, say under ten years old.

We have all seen Disney films in which dogs and children are best friends, and the dog almost seems to be able to read the child’s mind. Dogs and children can be great together, and having a dog can help children develop kindness, understanding, and respect for living things. Dogs can also be playmates and support.

However, the reality can be very different;
An adult dog may not have been previously socialised with small children and will often find their noises, movements, energy and unpredictability, frightening. Alternatively, an adult dog will have established communication ‘rules’ and manners and see children’s disregard for these as rude, resulting in dog-appropriate corrections.
Or a dog with poor boundaries or a breed that perhaps places high value on food, bed, sofa, or its humans can take offence at the little being's apparent disregard for these and their body language resulting in them telling the child so.
Of course, puppies, like children, have poor self-regulation and knowledge of what is or isn’t appropriate, so they will often get overexcited around small, fast, squeaky children!

The majority of issues come down to management—don’t allow your dog or puppy to be alone with small children, and don’t expect your dog or child to know how they should behave, even if you have just told them!

· Never leave children unattended with a dog—even for a few minutes! Stay with your children and your dog. Have a management system where your dog has its own cosy spot or space or can possibly be shut out of harm's way. Stair gates and crates are great for this.

· Let sleeping dogs lie—never let children disturb a resting or sleeping dog. Your dog should always have a quiet place to retreat to when needed and teach children not to disturb them when they are in their private spot.

· Dogs may protect their toys, bowls, and food, so children should always keep a safe distance.

Teach your child not to approach dogs when they're:

Eating or having a treat

Have a toy or something else they like

Sleeping

Unwell, injured or tired

Blind or deaf

Never let your children approach dogs they don’t know. Always ask the owner if it’s okay for their dog to be petted. ( that goes for you too!)

Teach your child to be kind and polite to dogs. Don't let your child climb on dogs, pull their ears or do anything you wouldn't allow them to do to another child.

Train your dog not to jump up on people. It may be fun when they’re puppies, but that cute pup will grow into a much bigger dog that could seriously injure a small child.

Do not allow your children to feed your dog while eating. This can encourage begging behaviours or even food theft from your child’s hand or plate.

With the correct boundaries and appropriate lessons on both sides of the species gap your dogs and children will have lots of laughter, fun and love together

Find great Blue Cross advice here;

When dogs and children don't know each other very well, they can be uncomfortable around each other.

29/09/2024

Still a couple of spaces on the loose lead workshop in Alford on Tuesday morning ( 1st October)
This is suitable for over threshold, very excited or mildly reactive dogs as we work with them one at a time.

Take a look at the website or the fb page for more info.

This is another of our popular one-off sessions for those who cannot commit to a series or need specific help in a group environment. There are a maximum of 6 dogs in this workshop. In this workshop, you will learn how to walk your dog on a loose lead around distractions and other dogs. Master the a...

22/09/2024

A massive thank you to Simon and Karen from K9 Manhunt & ScentWork Scotland for travelling up to Aberdeenshire today to give two fascinating Introduction to Scentwork workshops.
Not only did we get indepth explanations on the whys and how's of Scentwork and how to start our dogs off , as well as 1 to 1 time working our dogs, we were shown various methods of training this, depending on the motivation and working style of our dogs. How to teach our dogs to indicate and how to move forward after training the dogs on the first 'scent'.
There was a wealth of information on the type of detection dogs;, how, where and why different dogs are trained in different ways and lots more info on rewards, timing, marking behaviours and shaping dogs behaviour.

And lots more info as well!

Here are a few of the many many photos I took!
We'll all get practicing and hope they'll come back up in the future!

17/09/2024

Another space has just opened up on the AM 'Introduction to Scentwork' Workshop next Sunday the 22nd September due to a client being unable to attend
The K9 Manhunt & ScentWork Scotland team work with their dogs professionally in all manner of settings - from drugs, cash, Storm Petrels (birds) and other conservation detection. as well as teaching and training in Glenrothes. You can find out more about them here; k9manhuntscotland.co.uk
They will teach you (and your dog!) the basics of Scent Work, ensuring you understand the sport and its benefits for your dog. They will show you how to imprint/condition your dog onto an odour and do basic searches.
What is it: Scent Work is a sport that mimics the task of working detection dogs to locate a scent (e.g., explosives or narcotics) and communicate to the handler that the scent has been found.
It is a positive, challenging activity that allows dogs to use their strongest natural sense in a fun and engaging way, building and strengthening a foundation of trust between the handler and dog.
It offers your dog a fun way to use their natural talents.
Dogs have been bred to work alongside us; teaching them to use their natural talent of smell keeps them happy and entertained. It gives them a feeling of purpose. Dogs thrive when they feel like they have a job to do, and it’s even better when it’s something as simple as teaching them to sniff things out for you.
The benefits of teaching your dog ScentWork include:
• Fun way to give your dog more mental stimulation
• Gives your dog extra physical stimulation
• Nose work builds your dog’s confidence
• Gives your dog a job to do
• Builds a stronger bond with your dog
• Nose work is fun & rewarding for dogs
This also suitable for dog reactive dogs as you will be working one at a time in the Hall
You are welcome to book via the online system; https://portal.busypaws.app/customers/jo-pick-dog-trainer-behaviourist?booking_id=749399

14/09/2024

**gone*** thank you

A space has just opened up on the PM 'Introduction to Scentwork' Workshop next Sunday the 22nd September due to a bitch coming in to season

The K9 Manhunt & ScentWork Scotland team work with their dogs professionally in all manner of settings - from drugs, cash, Storm Petrels (birds) and other conservation detection. as well as teaching and training in Glenrothes. You can find out more about them here;k9manhuntscotland.co.uk
They will teach you (and your dog!) the basics of Scent Work, ensuring you understand the sport and its benefits for your dog. They will show you how to imprint/condition your dog onto an odour and do basic searches. They will also give you a Scent Kit to take away to practice with.
What is it: Scent Work is a sport that mimics the task of working detection dogs to locate a scent (e.g., explosives or narcotics) and communicate to the handler that the scent has been found.
It is a positive, challenging activity that allows dogs to use their strongest natural sense in a fun and engaging way, building and strengthening a foundation of trust between the handler and dog.
It offers your dog a fun way to use their natural talents.
Dogs have been bred to work alongside us; teaching them to use their natural talent of smell keeps them happy and entertained. It gives them a feeling of purpose. Dogs thrive when they feel like they have a job to do, and it’s even better when it’s something as simple as teaching them to sniff things out for you.
The benefits of teaching your dog ScentWork include:
• Fun way to give your dog more mental stimulation
• Gives your dog extra physical stimulation
• Nose work builds your dog’s confidence
• Gives your dog a job to do
• Builds a stronger bond with your dog
• Nose work is fun & rewarding for dogs
This also suitable for dog reactive dogs as you will be working one at a time in the Hall
You are welcome to book via the online system; https://portal.busypaws.app/customers/jo-pick-dog-trainer-behaviourist?location_id=1496&service_id=14886

14/09/2024

Proof, if you needed it after a session with me, that your dog only pulls on the lead because you do 😅
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_0ckaytjdD/?igsh=MTB1czY5NHMwMjV0MQ==

08/09/2024

I've been doing some desensitisation with Dak
She's had a little 'woof' at a couple of people who startled her (very understandably so, I'd woof at people who suddenly came too close too, if I could 😅).

So here we are spending time around people who won't affect her. I've been taking her to small markets and any other places where there have been a trickle of people, keeping far enough away that they don't impact her.
You can read more about my thoughts on desensitisation here; https://jopick.co.uk/does-your-dog-bark-at-the-doorbell/

04/09/2024

Dog Training Methods and Beliefs- What are the differences?

There is a rich tapestry of methods and philosophies when it comes to dog training and behaviour modification. This diversity may surprise many dog owners, who might have assumed that there is only one way to train a dog. In reality, there are three main training methodologies or “camps” that trainers may align themselves with.

Before I list these three groups, it is important to note that within each methodology or “camp,” there is a spectrum. Some professionals may be more extreme in their practice or beliefs.

I also want to say that categorising training and behaviour professionals into a specific “camp” has become a hot topic lately because many do not fully agree or identify with each group. Due to the extremisms in each of the dog training “camps,” many professionals feel like outliers because they may see benefits to a variety of training approaches.

This blog is not intended to further divide the dog training and behaviour professional community or criticize anyone's training methods and beliefs. Instead, it is a resource for dog owners, empowering them to make informed decisions about what is best for themselves and their dogs when seeking professional help.

The Three Camps

In no particular order, the three main training methods are:

Positive reinforcement, or force-free. training focuses on teaching the dog what to do, rather than what not to do, and it focuses mainly on reinforcing behaviour we like to teach a dog, using treats, play, praise, environmental rewards or other things the dog finds enjoyable. These trainers avoid the punishment of unwanted behaviours, instead focusing on rewarding wanted behaviours and setting the dog up for success via changes to and management of the environment. This methodology also concentrates heavily on who the dog is as an individual, a dog’s genetic makeup, emotional state and well-being, building trust and creating a deep relationship with a dog. Positive reinforcement-based methods do not include aversive methods or implementing boundaries. Positive reinforcement trainers generally use harnesses, flat collars, and head halters. It is important to note that there are extremes to this group, just like all the other groups. I have observed that those who label themselves “force-free” are generally on the more extreme end of the positive reinforcement methodology. Some trainers within this group do not believe in ever teaching a dog “no” or setting boundaries that could be aversive to the dog.

Balanced There is a wide variety of training styles and beliefs within this group. Balanced trainers believe in using positive reinforcement-based techniques. (I find that the really good ones tend to use positive reinforcement techniques in most of their training.) Balanced trainers also believe in using different forms of punishment when necessary to teach, stop, manage or correct behaviour. Balanced training professionals are willing to use a broader range of methods and tools, but this will vary depending on the training professional and what they feel comfortable using. Just like positive reinforcement professionals, balanced professionals use treats, play, praise and environmental rewards to teach and reinforce desirable behaviour. Similarly to positive reinforcement professionals, most balanced professionals focus heavily on who the dog is as an individual, understand the dog’s genetic makeup, and place a heavy emphasis on creating a relationship and connection with a dog. It is important to note that there are extremes to this group, just like all the other groups. For example, some professionals may use punishment more than others believe it is necessary, and some may rely more heavily on positive reinforcement.

Correction-based (sometimes referred to as “traditional training” or “coercive training” or “old school training,” especially among the professional dog training community). This is the type of training you see in celebrity dog trainer Cesar Millan’s TV show, especially the early TV shows he had. These training methods generally involve training and modifying behaviour using almost solely corrections and punishment. Trainers from this methodology use little to no reinforcement to teach a dog what to do or how to do it. This methodology does not generally focus on the dog’s emotional wellbeing. Generally, this methodology does not focus much on the dog as an individual being, nor much on developing a deep relationship with a dog. Correction-based methods focus on the concept of “Do it now, damnit” and believe that dogs are trying to be the alpha or dominant, so owners are generally taught how to be the alpha instead. It is important to note that there are extremes to this group, just like all the other groups. Some professionals may be extremely heavy-handed and rely on especially harsh punishments, which can result in additional behaviour issues in dogs.

Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive- LIMA

Many professionals fall between positive reinforcement and balanced training methods. Though there isn’t a formal label for this group or “camp,” many follow the philosophy of LIMA (least intrusive, minimally aversive). LIMA takes a more evidence-based and pragmatic approach to assessing the individual dog and family. This allows us to meet the dog and owner where they are. The use of LIMA generally starts with using the least intrusive approach possible for the individual dog and situation.

LIMA allows professionals to be objective and critical thinkers who decide when and how to use various training and behaviour modification techniques and interventions based on the individual case and situation. Just like humans, dogs learn, work, and are motivated differently. LIMA lets us decide the best approach and methodology for the dog.

Most LIMA-based professionals consider many things in trying to help dogs and their families, which include but are not limited to:

The individual dog (who the dog is, including their emotions, their joys, their fears or anxieties, the way they learn etc)

The individual family and household

The environment

The dog’s breed and genetic traits (genetics)

Where the owner and dog are at that time (where they are at in training, their relationship, etc.)

The training skills, manners, and rules that the dog already knows

The amount of time and effort the owner/family has already put into training and behaviour modification

The quality of life of the dog and the owner/family

The dog’s routine and day-to-day living situation

The relationship and connection the dog and owner have

The owner or family’s “emotional bank account” (meaning how the owner feels and where they are personally at with what they feel about their dog).

(Note: This does not mean other training methods do not consider the abovementioned things.)

The items on this list help professionals determine the best approach to addressing behaviour issues or each dog and its owner. Each dog and household are unique.

Dr. Steven Lindsay originally developed LIMA, which can be found in his book Applied Dog Behavior and Training. Over the years, Lindsay's original framework has been changed and modernised, resulting in different versions of LIMA. These differences can be highlighted in the position statements of organisations that support using LIMA.

Choosing a Dog Trainer and Behaviour Consultant

To say that one training method, tool, or approach is right all the time is like saying that one way of practising medicine is right all the time, that there is only one way to view art, or that there is only one way to bake a cake. I personally don’t think there is “one way” to do everything all the time.

Finding a dog trainer and behaviour professional is ultimately a highly individual decision. Understanding a trainer’s methodology is a significant first step in deciding whether to hire them to help you with your dog’s behaviour.

02/09/2024

Want to learn how to have a well-mannered and relaxed dog?
Have a dog that walks nicely on the lead, comes when you call and has correct social skills around people and other animals?
Over 4 Saturday mornings, we will discuss and practise basic manners and behaviours and how to attain those through primarily reward-based training, the timing and types of rewards, and setting boundaries using distraction, redirection and appropriate correction for unwanted behaviours.
The behaviours we will primarily cover will be;
• Loose lead walking, including desensitisation to exciting triggers such as other dogs
• Recall - ensure this is a positive, fun behaviour, for both you and your dog, and to ensure your dog doesn't learn to ignore your recall.
• Sit, stay and wait
• Impulse control games. We will also discuss and practice, where possible, manners and long-term aims for a well-mannered family dog, such as meeting strangers and other dogs, visitors to the home and unwanted barking or nervousness.
Other issues as needed by individuals that arise in the group discussions

Book online; https://portal.busypaws.app/customers/jo-pick-dog-trainer-behaviourist?booking_id=771073

01/09/2024

Does your dog come back with enthusiasm, except when there is a distraction?
Or you could be speaking Cantonese for all the notice your pupster takes when you try to call them.
The Recall Workshop suits owners looking to develop a reliable recall with their dogs. In this workshop you'll learn the following: How to teach basic recall to our dogs. Make recall fun for your dog and build a solid bond What not to do, so that you don't inadvertently teach your dog not to come when called. How to progress recalls to cues around distractions Emergency recall protocols. A real-world training session with lots of explanations and support in a controlled environment

Book online; https://portal.busypaws.app/customers/jo-pick-dog-trainer-behaviourist?booking_id=705808