Snuffle Dog Training and Walking

25/06/2024

For your love of animals

21/06/2024

Wise words! For all sorts of breeds 🐾🐾

Do not buy a German Shepherd!

Do not buy a German Shepherd if you are going to expect them to fit into the lifestyle YOU choose for them.

Do not buy a German Shepherd if you do not have the commitment to work through the tough times...of which there will be many.

Do not buy a German Shepherd if you are going to look for quick fix training.

Do not buy a German Shepherd unless you are prepared to invest in their training for a minimum of 3 years.

Do not buy a German Shepherd if you have lifestyle time restraints.

Do not buy a German Shepherd if you expect them to behave perfectly at 10 months old.

Do not buy a German Shepherd unless you are willing to be patient.

Do not buy a German Shepherd if you expect them to behave like any other dog you have owned.

Do not buy a German Shepherd unless you are willing to lose your heart.

31/05/2024

😊👍

I'd take a bet that there's not a dog trainer alive who's not heard this...

But if a dog behaves 'better' during a training session it's not because they're trying to impress the 'teacher'. Or because the trainer exudes any mystical power. There's no 'dog trainer magic' at work. If a dog behaves 'better' it's almost certainly because -

• the trainer rewards more generously
• the trainer has better timing
• the trainer rewards anything that's better, no matter how small the improvement, instead of waiting for perfection
• the trainer doesn't put the dog in situations they can't cope with

And the good news is these are all skills that you can learn!

If you are struggling to see progress or have stalled in your training journey it's worth asking yourself whether you could improve on any of these. And if you can...do!

22/05/2024

Buttercup shots! 😍🐾🐾

21/05/2024

I’m going to try this! 😊👍

17/05/2024

Now taking bookings for 4 week course July and 5 week course August, 😊🐾🐾

09/05/2024

That gorgeous face! 😍

21/04/2024

https://www.theiscp.com/post/the-silent-signals-how-pain-in-dogs-can-manifest-as-behavioral-issues

As a dog behaviourist, ruling out medical causes for behavioural changes and challenges is really important. By working in partnership with the dog's vet and other professionals involved in the dog's life as well as the owners can give a holistic picture of the behaviours that are being displayed. D...

15/04/2024

Yes! 😊👍

"𝘿𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠?"
Normally, yes. I've almost always got a few pieces of food in my pockets.

"𝘿𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙩?"
Well, that depends on what you mean by "need". Will Charlie come back when called without it? Yes. Will he ignore other dogs if I need him to without it? Yes. Will he walk on a loose lead without it? Yes. Will he do the things I need from him without it? Yes.

I don't "need" food on me for him to do any of these things. He does them because they all have a strong history of reinforcement which we've built up over the years. It's not the reinforcement he gets today which makes him come when I call him, it's the cumulative effect of all the reinforcement he's experienced in the past.

So why take food out with me?

• Because it's fun...he likes to search out a treat that's been tossed into the long grass (& he thinks I'm amazing because I know just where the good hunting spots are 😉)
• Because if he does something awesome (like recalling away from something he loves to do like hunt for mice or stalk squirrels) I want to be in a position to reinforce that. Every. Single. Time.
• Because he can sometimes be spooked by things around him and predictable games with food help him settle if that happens
• Because why not? I have to carry a lead, poo bags and my phone so popping a few pieces of food in my pocket isn't a burden.

For most dogs food is fun. It's a reinforcer and a motivator. It can strengthen behaviours we like. It can help settle and soothe. Taking food on your walks isn't cheating and it's not bribery. So instead of asking why maybe we should ask why not?

13/04/2024

12/04/2024

𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗼𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴

What do you understand that phrase to mean?

When I ask this question the response is often that it’s a positive term suggesting a balance between learning and play, or taking all of a dog's needs into consideration. Which perhaps isn't surprising since 'balance' generally has positive connotations - 'balanced diet', 'work life balance' etc

𝗛𝗼𝘄𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿....
..what it actually means is training which uses both positive reinforcement and punishment. Usually physical punishment and usually using tools which cause pain or discomfort like slip leads, choke chains, prong collars & e-collars, and positive reinforcement.

The term sounds innocuous, even benign. But it is a euphemism for the use of force & physical punishment; a way to make what the public might find unpalatable sound more ‘consumer friendly’.

So, the next time you see someone described (or describe themselves) as a 'balanced trainer' keep in mind what it really means and ask yourself if that’s what your dog deserves.

02/04/2024

Take a look 😊

So this year we put together a completely FREE course discussing canine body language. It's available for anyone to watch (not just professionals) so if you're interested or know someone that might be (your clients included) please do sign up and share far and wide💚
https://pact-course.thinkific.com/courses/PACTtastercourse

30/03/2024

Happy Easter everyone from Michelle and Jazzy! 🐣🐣🐾🐾

23/03/2024

The gorgeous Arthur! Doing so well with his training sessions 😍🐾🐾🐾

20/03/2024

😊🐾🐾

20/03/2024

👍

Positive reinforcement in dog training is ethical because it rewards desired behaviours, fostering trust and respect. It avoids fear and aggression, common in punishment-based methods, promoting a happier, more confident dog. This approach is effective and compassionate, ensuring dogs learn in a humane way. Canine Principles only uses ethical and kind methods with both dogs and people.

17/03/2024

Would be so greatful if my friends could share my classes, next 4 week course starts April, Thank you! 😊🐾

15/03/2024

Meet Biscuit 💕 he is a bit of a celebrity at the moment, he recently came in to see us with a sore on his foot, this raised concerns amongst our veterinary team due to the possibility of Alabama Rot.
https://www.alabama-rot.co.uk/
He was swiftly referred to Anderson Moores then onto the RVC where he started treatment.
He stayed there for a while before being discharged back to the care of his owners and to us for continued monitoring and further treatment. He received a round of applause on leaving the RVC followed by a warm welcome when he came back in for his follow up. This is our first case of Alabama Rot and luckily not something we see very often.
Biscuit still has some recovering to do, we all wish him luck with his treatment, he's proved he's a fighter already! Keep on fighting Biscuit, we are all behind you 💕💕

09/03/2024

A few pics from this week 😊🐾🐾🐾

26/02/2024

This super illustration is now in our downloads pack. Have you signed up to our Yellow Army to help raise awareness? It's where compassion, understanding, and support come together to create a brighter world for anxious dogs and their devoted humans. Imagine a community where education flows gently, making life easier for both pets and their owners. Through the power of shared knowledge, we believe that every person can become a beacon of comfort for their nervous furry friends.
Sign up now so you too can help our

25/02/2024

Body language…..

What do you see when you look at this image?

A ‘cute’ picture of a dog & a toddler? Or a dog whose body language is indicating they may not be entirely comfortable with this interaction?

A dog who is ‘kissing’ a child? Or a (possibly) tense dog whose jaws are cms away from a baby’s face?

There are signs in this image that this dog might not be comfortable…a closed, tight mouth and a wrinkled muzzle. But they’re subtle and they’re often missed.

Bites rarely come ‘out of the blue’. There are almost always other signs. If you live with a dog, 𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙣, it’s so important to recognise these -

• head turns
• lip licks
• yawns
• tight, closed mouths
• a furrowed brow or muzzle
• ears pinned back

If we understood our dogs’ language just a little better we could avoid so many bites to children. There are some fabulous resources to help you do this - Family Paws Parent Education, KAD Kids Around Dogs, Lili Chin’s excellent kid friendly book, Doggy Language. Or find an experienced, positive reinforcement trainer near you to teach you.

(…and, The Scotsman, 𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 consider finding a more appropriate image to illustrate your article. If you need some advice I’m happy to help!)

21/02/2024

😊👍

19/02/2024

Love a freebie?? ☺️🐾🐾

🌳TREE🌲
I mean, FREE🥳🥳
Tag your pals, share in doggie groups!
I am very excited to let you know that I am one of the line up of speakers on this phenomenal 3 day seminar bonanza, The Dog Training Summit !!!
Dog owners, dog trainers, and dog lovers, this is your chance to access 3 days of exciting, informative, eye opening seminars that you can watch live for absolutely FREE, no restrictions!

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25/01/2024

Please read

2024 update -

This post was made two years ago and has recently been getting attention again. The sad thing is that actually nothing has changed. This program is still being made. There is ( as far as I know - and very happy to be corrected if I am wrong) no veterinary involvement with these dogs prior to filming.

How many more dogs are going to be labled as awkward, difficult, stubborn or just lazy when actually there is an underlying pain issue?

We have so many wonderful trainers and behaviourists that could fill this man’s shoes and provide far more valuable advice and training. Stop giving people like this man air time… pick someone who actually cares about the wellbeing of the dogs they work with instead of the cash going to line their pockets…

-

Some phrases used on this particular episode of ‘Dogs behaving (very) badly’ where 8 year old Ruby would only get off the sofa if the rug was over the laminate flooring, and would sit down and stop on walks…

‘being a madam’

‘Controlling the diva’

‘Indulging her with rugs’

‘Thinks she’s in charge’

OR

Is this actually a dog in pain, a dog scared of slipping and hurting, a dog trying to tell everyone that she’s uncomfortable?

It’s not indulging her with a rug, it’s making sure her own home is accessible and safe for her. She’s not ‘being a diva’ and refusing to walk, she’s telling you it hurts and she’s uncomfortable.

I’m very glad that the owners realise that this dogs weight is having a significant impact on her life but there are other things that need addressing here. I have no doubt they absolutely adore their girl, that is very clear to see, but I desperately wish they had the right kind of support for Ruby, not just let’s force her to walk and walk on a floor she’s is scared

Dogs Behaving Very Badly and The Dogfather (Graham Hall)… I’m afraid the blame falls to you on this occasion. You have a massive platform with thousands of dog owners watching every episode. How about talking about signs of pain? Indicators of discomfort? When behaviours actually tell us somethings wrong? Ways to adapt houses for older dogs and those that struggle with mobility? You could educate SO MANY owners but no, it doesn’t happen. Instead we just see an uncomfortable dog being forced to walk when she doesn’t want to, and live in an environment that she is scared of.

Dogs need us to advocate for them, to realise when we need to do more and to learn the ways that they tell us something isn’t right. Owner education is the key to this and this could have been a brilliant opportunity to do just that.

19/01/2024

👍

How long does it take?

How long does it take for a child to be able to walk proficiently on all or most surfaces, at differing speeds, when there are different things going on around them?

Around 4 years.

How long does it take an adult to learn how to drive well, under all conditions, or even at a safe, basic level under various conditions?

Dozens, if not hundreds or thousands of hours.

How long does it take us to teach a child to sit quietly in a restaurant or train and for them to learn how to deal with boredom (church as a child), hunger, being cold etc

As an adult, how often do you do social activities that you don't really enjoy? If you like quiet places, do you meet your friends in a noisy bar where you can't hear each other talk?

Let's shift perspective.

We expect our dogs to magically walk well on lead from puppies as if they somehow come with preinstalled software which allows them to do so. We expect them to do it over all terrain, when it's busy, exciting or scary. Can a human adult learn quickly under those conditions? Most can't but we expect our weeks or months old dog to.

We expect our dogs to settle in restaurants without training when we've never deliberately taught them to settle in the house. Our children can't do that unless we teach them to.

We expect them to like all the things we like just because we like them. About a decade ago, I had a moronic couple who would take their nervous dog to parties with lots of drink and drugs and wonder why she started biting. It never occurred to them to not to take her and when I pointed out that they shouldn't, their response was "but we like taking her."

There are two ways to get results quickly.

1. Suppression. Suppress all the behaviours you don't like using fear and pain (prong collars, ecollars, slip leads) until the dog stops behaving entirely. This is the Cesar Milan model (and other TV trainer model). Looks impressive, miserable dog (there's a lot more to this but I've hugely summarised).

2. We can invest time.and effort in the short term and act consistently for long-term dividends. I worked with a dog yesterday, we had a huge impact on her anxious and excited behaviours within an hour. Her people just need to follow through consistently for longer term results, which I'm sure they will.

Being a being on this planet is hard. Being a dog in a human world is hard. Let's not make it harder for them.