Fun Staffy Dog Training - Anita Takacs

09/01/2024

Such good information ℹ️

Let's get real for a second.

The world often paints a picture that dogs who live together are best friends and do everything together.

This is just not true. Many many many multidog household utilize management in different situations to allow dogs personal space to enjoy things such as:

- feeding time
- chew time
- play time
- attention time

This. Is. Normal.

Just because someone utilizes management, doesn't mean their dogs don't enjoy each other's company or have fun together. It just means that there are certain activities that they prefer to do on their own.

And I will tell you firsthand that implementing safe space zones and time apart can be so beneficial to the relationship between two dogs.

Think about it-- do you enjoy doing every single activity that you do at home with your spouse, family, or sibling RIGHT there? I don't think so.

So let's normalize management between dogs who live together!!

Do you want to work on your dogs' relationship and/or interactions? Go to my website here to schedule a private consult: perkedears.com/private-training-sessions

04/01/2024

Happy New Year to you all!! I’m a bit late with the well wishes, been working really hard to get this boy ready for the deadline.

He is so brave and I’m so proud of him.

I fully compliant insurance wise to offer training to XL bullies and exempt dogs after February 1 as well to be able to help you with any issues you want to iron out.

In our training support group there will be training challenges to build your relationship with your dog to get the results you want.

If there’s less control and more agency, sprinkled with fun you’ll achieve that recall you want easier, have a dog that listens to you, settles at home instead of jumping off the walls.

Let me know if you want in and I’ll send you the details to join!

Let’s squeeze the best out of 2024!

Who wants in?

28/12/2023

19/12/2023

UNWRAPPING
YOUR PRESENTS

"Unwrapping Your Presents" Dog Game

This playful activity inspired by the Russian Doll concept encourages your dog to unravel a series of boxes, each concealing a hidden treat or toy, fostering their problem-solving skills, determination, and resourcefulness.

Concepts:

Grit: Encourage your dog to persevere and overcome obstacles as they unwrap the boxes.

Independence: Promote self-reliance and decision-making as they navigate the puzzle.

Confidence: Build their belief in their ability to successfully complete the task.

Tolerance of Frustration: Help them manage their emotions when faced with challenges.

Focus: Enhance their concentration and attention during the activity.

Flexibility: Adapt their approach as they encounter increasingly complex configurations.

Materials:

A set of different-sized boxes, wrapped in festive wrapping paper if you like

A high-value reward, such as their favorite toy or a delectable treat

Instructions:

Begin with a Single Box: Start by hiding the treat or toy inside a single, easily accessible box. Encourage your dog to sniff and paw at the box, praising their efforts and providing encouragement.

Introduce Multiple Boxes: As your dog masters the single-box challenge, gradually increase the complexity by hiding smaller boxes within larger ones. Make sure the treat or toy is always accessible through the outermost box to avoid discouraging them.

Vary the Presentation: Keep the game engaging by changing the arrangement of the boxes, turning them upside down, or stacking them in different ways. This adds an element of surprise and encourages your dog to adapt their problem-solving approach.

Use High-Value Rewards: Keep your dog motivated by using treats or toys that they truly value. The excitement of the reward will drive them to persevere and overcome the challenges. (For some dogs the activity is rewarding enough, for the ones that looove shredding - no need to do any extra for them, just enjoy their happiness)

Provide Positive Reinforcement: Throughout the game, shower your dog with praise and encouragement. Reward them with treats or toys when they successfully locate the hidden reward.

Gradual Progression: Gradually increase the difficulty level of the puzzle by adding more boxes, combining different box sizes, or hiding the reward in more obscure locations.

Adapt to Your Dog's Pace: Adjust the difficulty level according to your dog's skill and motivation. Allow them to progress at their own pace and offer assistance if they seem overwhelmed.

Show Patience and Consistency: Consistent practice and positive reinforcement are key to success. With patience and encouragement, your dog will develop the grit and determination to conquer even the most challenging puzzles.

Additional Tips:

Keep the game fun and engaging. Avoid making it too difficult or frustrating, as this might discourage your dog from participating.

Make it a fun family activity. Join in the puzzle-solving fun with your dog and encourage them with enthusiastic cheering and clapping.

Enjoy the Unwrapping Adventure: As you watch your dog navigate the unfolding puzzle, you'll witness their resourcefulness, confidence, and problem-solving abilities blossom. Unwrapping presents will become not just a Christmas tradition but also a fun and enriching mental workout for your canine companion.

Every day I’m releasing a game like this (actually there are she’s 3!!!) in our free group Anxious and Reactive Dog Training Support that you can play at home during the festive season and beyond. Happy Christmas from ours to yours 🎄

18/12/2023

🎄🐾 Christmas Fun at our Reactive Doggie Class! 🎁🎉

What an amazing day we had at our Christmas themed class today! Our adorable dogs and their loving guardians rocked around the Christmas tree, opened presents, went for a Santa hunt, and had a bubbly good time. 🎅🐶🎁

The laughter and joy filled the air as we all had a blast together. (And other dogs all wanted to join in 🤣) We are so grateful for the opportunity to teach and learn alongside such wonderful companions. 🐾❤️

Thank you to everyone who joined us today and made it such a memorable experience. Wishing you all a pawsome holiday season filled with love, laughter, and lots of wagging tails! 🎅🎄🐾

17/12/2023

We are making ripples 😊 Thank you for tagging us in this post and thank you for contributing with education to help these dogs to continue to have a life.
Educating and helping as many people and their dogs is in the heart in everything we do.

11/12/2023

𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐯𝐬. 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

In the world of dog training, food rewards often play a crucial role in shaping desired behaviours. While treats can be incredibly effective tools, it's essential to distinguish between utilising food rewards as bribery and employing them for positive reinforcement.

𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐲:

Bribery involves tempting a dog with treats or other rewards to perform a specific action. This method relies on the dog's appetite to get them to comply. However, bribery can lead to several drawbacks:

𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭-𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬: The dog's motivation is solely based on the immediate reward of the treat, rather than comprehending the purpose of the cue.

𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞: If the treat is not readily available, the dog may not exhibit the desired behaviour.

𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲: The dog becomes reliant on the treat to perform the command, making it challenging to generalize the behavior outside of training sessions.

𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:

On the other hand, positive reinforcement involves rewarding the dog after they successfully perform the desired behaviour. This approach focuses on strengthening the connection between the behaviour and the positive outcome.

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: The dog learns that the desired behaviour leads to a rewarding experience, fostering understanding and intrinsic motivation.

𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: The dog generalises the behaviour because the motivation is not tied to the presence of a treat.

𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: The dog continues to exhibit the behaviour even when treats are not readily available.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬:

During my initial consultation with a prospective client, they expressed strong opposition to using food rewards during training. Their dog, Toby, exhibited severe fear and reactivity towards children. After a thorough discussion, we agreed to embark on a training journey together, and they gradually understood how food can be a valuable tool for changing his emotional state.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬:

In Toby's case, the introduction of food rewards helped to shift his focus away from his fear and reactivity towards children. By associating positive experiences with these triggers, we gradually desensitised him, allowing him to interact with children in a more calm and controlled manner.

𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬:

We carefully selected low-calorie, high-value treats that Toby found irresistible. These treats served as a powerful motivator, encouraging him to engage in positive behaviours and reducing his fear response.

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲:

As Toby progressed in his training, we gradually reduced the frequency and amount of treats, eventually phasing them out altogether. We also introduced alternative rewards such as praise, playtime, and access to favourite toys to maintain his engagement and motivation.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:

Throughout the training process, we maintained consistency in our cues and rewards, avoiding any ambiguity that could confuse Toby. We always ended our sessions on a positive note, reinforcing his successful attempts and providing a sense of accomplishment.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬:

The use of food rewards in Sam's training transformed him from a fearful and reactive dog to one who now approaches children with curiosity and a calmer demeanor. We demonstrated to his owners that food is not about bribery but a valuable tool for changing a dog's emotional state and fostering positive interactions with the world around them.

𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺: 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁

Dogs possess a powerful "seeking system" that drives them to seek out pleasurable experiences and avoid unpleasant ones. This innate drive plays a crucial role in their ability to learn and adapt to their environment. In the case of Toby, the introduction of food rewards tapped into his seeking system, shifting his focus from his fear of children to the anticipation of positive reinforcement.

Moreover, we capitalised on Toby's innate sense of smell by incorporating scent-based activities into his training. Scent work activates the seeking system, stimulating the dog's cognitive abilities and providing a sense of purpose and engagement. By associating positive experiences with the presence of children, Toby began to form new neural pathways that linked their presence with pleasure, gradually reducing his fear response.

This approach allowed Toby to build positive associations with children, breaking the cycle of fear and reactivity. His seeking system, once triggered by fear, was now focused on the anticipation of delicious treats and the exciting challenge of scent work, creating a more positive and rewarding experience.

The Case of Sam:

In my video, Sam's whining and eagerness to reach the treat indicate that he's driven by the food reward rather than understanding the purpose of the cue even though he understands it.This is an example of bribery, not positive reinforcement, the whining is a sign of frustration. Im` sure this happens to you as well when your dog badly wants the food you`re having and in this case it was some pastry that is not good for him so he got some titbits only.

Our relationship is strong enough that it didn't affect it in a negative way. The question is what did he learn from it? If I lie down or sit I will get the food. My suggestion is treat your dog if you want to without them needing perform anything and your bond will just become better. He seems to be the most dramatic dog but is he? Or just a need not met. Food for thought.

05/12/2023

When taking our dogs for a walk, it is common for us to use short leads to maintain control and ensure their safety. However, this practice often limits their freedom to investigate and process their surroundings.

Dogs perceive the world through their senses, just like humans. However, their sense of smell is much more developed, allowing them to gather valuable information about their environment. By restricting their movement with short leads, we limit their ability to fully engage with their surroundings and understand the world around them.

Dogs are naturally curious creatures. Allowing them to explore during walks provides mental stimulation and enrichment. By investigating new scents, sights, and sounds, dogs engage their minds and satisfy their natural instincts. This mental stimulation is crucial for their overall well-being and can prevent boredom-related behavioural issues.

Short leads can create a sense of confinement for dogs, which can lead to anxiety and fear. When dogs feel trapped or restricted, they may become anxious or display reactive behaviour. By giving them the freedom to move closer or further away from perceived threats, we empower them to make choices based on their comfort level, helping to alleviate anxiety and fear.

Allowing dogs to explore on walks helps build their confidence and trust in their surroundings. By giving them the option to investigate at their own pace, we show them that we trust their judgment and allow them to make choices. This positive reinforcement strengthens the bond between dogs and their owners, leading to a more harmonious relationship and calmer walks.

01/12/2023

I am thrilled to announce that I have successfully completed another course and earned the title of "Approved Canine Reactivity Behaviour Expert" with Canine Principles. While certificates may not define my entire journey, I believe it is important to showcase the versatility of my learning by collaborating with various approved organizations. This achievement reflects my commitment to continuous growth and expertise in the field of canine behavior. I am excited to apply my knowledge and skills to better serve and support our furry friends and their guardians.

01/12/2023

As December rolls in, did you know it's the purrfect time to celebrate all the fabulous feline enthusiasts out there?
That's right - it's CAT LOVERS MONTH! 🎉
We're over the moon about this special month dedicated to the cool cats and their amazing hoomans! Whether you're a proud cat parent, a devoted catnip aficionado, or just an all-around kitty admirer, this month is for YOU!
Let's embrace the magic of whiskers, the elegance of the tail flick, and the undeniable charm of those little nose boops. ✨

Ceefa is quite dog savvy having grown up with two dogs (one of which is a staffie) and she has learnt now that all they want is CHASE!!!. So she just sticks to her grounds and the must they will get us her walk away, which is definitely not as much fun as a running cat.
Share your favourite cat moments with us! Tag us in your photos, share your cat’s quirkiest habits, or tell us about the first time your whispered friend stole your heart. 💕
Pop yours in the comments below. 👇

30/11/2023

🐾🌟 Embracing the journey with challenging dogs 🌟🐾
This week I’ve met 5 new dogs, and my walk and train client with a Doberman mentioned that I always get the tricky ones. (She has been turned down by other walkers)

Well Spraggan started me off on this journey and without the challenges I’ve been facing with her I wouldn’t have dived deep into studying about behaviour.

It all began with my girl, a pup who faced numerous difficulties. She taught me that sometimes, we need to look beyond the surface and understand the stories and traumas that shape these amazing creatures.

Reactive dogs, just like humans, have often experienced moments of trauma in their lives. They carry these experiences with them, and it can manifest as challenging behaviours. But let's remember, they are not defined by those behaviours. They are individuals deserving of compassion, understanding, and patience.

As guardians, it is our responsibility to help them unravel their "issues" and create a new picture for them to embrace. We need to guide them in shedding coping strategies that may have served them in the past but are not suitable for us humans. Together, we can teach them new skills that are more acceptable and beneficial for their well-being.

Dealing with challenging dogs is not always easy. It requires dedication, time, and a willingness to learn and adapt. But the rewards are immeasurable. The bond that develops when you witness their progress and growth is truly extraordinary.

It's important to remember that every dog is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one might not work for another. Each dog requires a tailored plan, filled with love, consistency, and positive reinforcement. And as we navigate this journey, we must also surround ourselves with a supportive community of fellow dog lovers who understand the challenges we face.

So, to all the guardians out there dealing with dogs with challenging behaviours, I want to say, you are incredible. Your commitment to these beautiful souls is inspiring. Your patience and understanding are making a significant difference in their lives.

Together, let's continue to spread awareness about the importance of empathy and compassion for reactive dogs. Let's embrace the journey, celebrate the victories, and create a world where every dog, regardless of their past, can find the love and understanding they so deserve.

Remember, it's not just about training dogs; it's about creating a brighter and happier future for them. 🐾❤️

30/11/2023

I believe in the integrity of treating people with the same kindness and compassion how we are treating / training our dogs. Thank you for your kind words Victoria Clark ❤️

27/11/2023

Please follow . The link to the Go Fund Me page is in their bio and donate what you can. We are all together in this

🚫

26/11/2023

So grateful for the kind words after the muzzle workshop we had at Poole Raw Pet Food LTD

22/11/2023

Oh music to my ears that I keep preaching. Kayla you rock and your way with words explains it so much better than how I would ramble in a post. Thank you for summing it up ❤️

Neutrality NOT socialisation.

I made big mistakes with my older dogs, and here comes my rap sheet of terrible mistakes.

Trevor (the Staffordshire Bull Terrier) came to me as a rescue from Cardiff Dogs Home very dog reactive. I, as a novice owner, decided taking him to parks and exposing him to his triggers was the way to fix it. It wasn’t.

Elsie (my collie kelpie mix) came to me at 4 weeks old from an accidental litter. To avoid reactivity I took her to dog parks, I took her to busy social walks with out of control dogs, I took her everywhere. I thought it would mean she wouldn’t be reactive. It didn’t.

Peaches (my foxhound) came to me at 10 months old. She was already stable and neutral to other dogs. I took advantage of that and we started to see some reactivity kick in when I began flooding her. Thankfully I realised my mistakes before anything got worse.

Aalto (the NSDTR) came to me as an 8 week old puppy. I didn’t repeat my mistakes.

Bendy (the Labrador) came to me at first as an 18 week old puppy, then permanently as a 6 month old. I didn’t repeat my mistakes.

As a result Bendy and Aalto especially are incredibly dog neutral. I didn’t go in with the idea of ‘socialising’. I went in with the idea of ‘that dog there is as boring as this leaf over here’. I consistently set up training sessions where other dogs were under control. Agility and obedience shows. Car parks. My own field working as stooges for clients. I only ever took them to places I knew I could control the environment 99% of the time. I kept their worlds small and their friends lists even smaller. Most walks have been heavily controlled with a huge focus on engagement, recall and training. Not a single walk has been ‘just a walk’. This goes for all five of my dogs for the last couple of years and now even my ‘reactive’ dogs are neutral to dogs.

It seems quite bizarre for a trainer to say they rarely walk their dogs in normal places but for every single one of my dogs, other dogs are now totally neutral to them. As boring as dirt. Today I took Trevor, Bendy and Aalto to a place that’s often busy with off lead dogs. We encountered a few (and a remote control speedboat?) and every single one was automatically ignored. I didn’t have to use food or toys. I didn’t have to use a lead. I didn’t have to even think about it. They glanced at the dog as though it was a tree, and moved on.

So what’s the point of my post?

Stop trying to socialise your reactive dog. Expose, yes, but don’t force interaction.
Don’t mistake out of control environments for socialising opportunities.
Don’t over socialise your puppy. Aim for neutrality.
Train, don’t walk.

Go ham for neutrality and it’ll pay off. Yes you need to expose your dog to other dogs, but avoid exposing them to out of control dogs and environments. Especially through adolescence, control their environment as much as you can. Be creative with where you exercise them. Train them. Don’t just walk them. That’s how you get a reliably neutral dog who listens and behaves in appropriate ways.

22/11/2023

New MP template on the Don’t Ban Me Licence Me website

22/11/2023

22/11/2023

Sn**ch up the last few places! Quick 😊

Free muzzle training sessions this Saturday 25th November by the wonderful Fun Staffy Dog Training - Anita Takacs hosted at Poole Raw Pet Food LTD .
We have 8 people booked in so far , and want to help as many people/dogs as possible that will be affected by the upcoming ban .

So if you have a dog that is 'of type' and need a helping hand Please pm us to book, as spaces left are limited

22/11/2023

Love my surprise from my client today. If you’ve got a Doberman, you know why 🤣

20/11/2023

❤️❤️❤️ “Beautiful walk this morning, totally engaged and perfect recall.”

Sometimes you can see big changes just after an assessment session - we changed her gear and the reward, also helped to untangle some communication issues between Daphne and her super mum, who listens so well.

Can’t wait for our next session.

Get in touch for real life training and results.

19/11/2023

NEW colour! We have just received some new large muzzles, which fit the bully type breeds in magenta!

For more information and help with sizing please click on the link below: https://www.themuzzleshop.com/xl-bullies

19/11/2023

Join us today at 7pm with your dog for a fun live class. Will be streaming in the group and if you join on zoom you can get personal feedback as well.
Who’s coming?

17/11/2023

So it’s not “Find The difference” game but one is Newton’s and the other one is Spraggan’s.
Put your hand up if you were thinking about at least once just to bend down, take the bag out and collect some twigs and leaves 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️
Spoiler - I found both of theirs 🤣
Didn’t put up a photo of Sam’s 💩 as that wouldn’t be a question 🤣🤣

16/11/2023

The Dogs Trust membership scheme is now called Companion Club - details on this link, to join and receive 3rd party liability insurance:
Third party public liability insurance for your dog – up to £1,000,000 per claim (subject to legal liability being established against you) if your dog causes damage or injury to another person, their property or pets (an excess of £200 applies for the UK and £500 in the Republic of Ireland). This includes dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act that have been exempted, including American Bully XLs.
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/support-us/membership

We love bull breeds. 🐶♥️