What does your dog find reinforcing?
Identifying what truly motivates your dog helps keep them engaged, ready to learn, and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
What one dog finds rewarding, another may find quite offensive and aversive. For example one of mine loves verbal praise, but can find food quite aversive and will shut down if it’s presented and he’s not in the right head space to take it.
It’s important to acknowledge that each dog is an individual, and you need to work with the dog in front of you to really maximise your dog’s learning and strengthen your relationship.
7 years ago today, I drove to Wellington to pick up my new puppy, 4 1/2 months old and just travelled 3 days from Romania 🇷🇴 Fast forward 7 years, and we’ve made countless memories along the way and set up a business with Charlie as the logo 🥰
Charlie is hard work, he’s both human and dog reactive, but he’s helped mould me into the dog walker and trainer I am today, he tests me in every way imaginable but has also taught me live life to the fullest, and to love unconditionally ❤️ Charlie, my soul dog, I can not wait to continue making memories with you by my side 💙
A perfect game to encourage dogs to use their brains and noses! Just need your dog, a toy (or food if your dog prefers), and some long grass or shrubbery 🤩
- Pop your dog into a down & stay (or similar behaviour - you can also just keep them on lead)
- Go and hide your ball (if your dog is on lead, just throw the ball)
- Release your dog to hunt out the ball
Beautiful views and dogs I adore means work never feels like work 😍
I’m a very clumsy person 😂
Ozzy was recently neutered so can’t go on his usual walks with me, so we’re teaching him to ‘wave’ 👋🏻
Does mean I get offered some lovely loose lead walking and focus 😂
As well as being a good exercise to help with fitness and mobility, this also helps with confidence which is especially useful when working with a reactive dog like Reggie.
Reactivity training has many components, not always involving the dog’s triggers.
Meet the newest member of the pack 😍 You all know I have a soft spot for collies!
She’s feral and terrorises the other dogs 😂