Sam Humberstone - Dog Trainer

Sam Humberstone - Dog Trainer 1-1 Dog Trainer ATI, ABTC
Sessions to guide and support you and your dog for real life situations.
(7)

RECALL! Training sessions that your dog will probably enjoy as much as you will, if not more!  Suitable for dogs from pu...
07/11/2024

RECALL! Training sessions that your dog will probably enjoy as much as you will, if not more!

Suitable for dogs from puppies to silver paws
sessions will include other activities & learning, including scent detection 🍗

Saturday workshop
8th & 14th December
11:00am start
or
Wednesday workshop
10 & 17th December
14:00 start

£50

🐾 Not suitable for dogs that are fearful of new things, places, or other dogs or people - I have availability for One to One sessions

Book or find out more
Phone/message 07484 767650
Email: [email protected]

Really pleased that I accepted the invitation to give a talk to Littlebourne Afternoon Club, a fabulous and welcoming gr...
06/11/2024

Really pleased that I accepted the invitation to give a talk to Littlebourne Afternoon Club, a fabulous and welcoming group of people.
Family dogs, their individual traits, things they enjoy, training, play, their ability to learn and possible causes of 'problem' behaviours. And the confusion of the different roles of canine professionals.
I even managed to stop talking about my favourite subject before I was asked to leave!
No snoring, some great questions & the feedback was very much welcomed 😊🙏

It's a tough time of year for many of our dogs, especially those who get spooked by the unexpected. Noise from fireworks...
04/11/2024

It's a tough time of year for many of our dogs, especially those who get spooked by the unexpected.
Noise from fireworks & less daylight hours for outdoors time or walks can impact on other areas of our dogs lives.
I got a little growly grumble from Osian when I went to put him back on the lead this morning, so I backed up and let him approach me.
Many dogs may temporarily become less tolerant of off-lead dogs approaches, other noises, unknown people etc and even interactions with ourselves.
I had been told that he got really stressed by the sound of fireworks, he's done really well the last couple of evenings, with the help of Taiko drums to mask the explosions, and taken to sleeping curled up against me.
It is important to learn to recognise the early signs of when our dogs may be conflicted or worried and not to put our dogs into situations that cause them stress unduly.

Training today.Coming away from the most enticing piece of food, a large piece of freshly cooked turkey - without lead p...
02/11/2024

Training today.
Coming away from the most enticing piece of food, a large piece of freshly cooked turkey - without lead pressure or conflict - winning!

Fright night  - Chilling!🧛No dog spooking here, there is a sign on the front door which politely asks for no trick or tr...
31/10/2024

Fright night - Chilling!
🧛

No dog spooking here, there is a sign on the front door which politely asks for no trick or treaters.

♻️ Litter collection, I think the TV land residents of Wimbledon Common would approve! 🐾
27/10/2024

♻️ Litter collection, I think the TV land residents of Wimbledon Common would approve! 🐾

Time with our dogs, doing the things together that they love are future gifts of the most treasured memories.Remembering...
26/10/2024

Time with our dogs, doing the things together that they love are future gifts of the most treasured memories.
Remembering Freya the Golden - amazing photos taken by Shelley & Co October 2019
(shelleyrhinoeve on Instagram)

How cute 🥰Training matters - Happy to see such a keen response to being called back 🐾🐾 Good work!
25/10/2024

How cute 🥰
Training matters - Happy to see such a keen response to being called back 🐾🐾 Good work!

Glad of online One to Ones and some planning ahead over the last few days, steadily getting back into the swing of thing...
24/10/2024

Glad of online One to Ones and some planning ahead over the last few days, steadily getting back into the swing of things 🤞 it's been a frustrating couple of weeks of having to take things easier due to lower back grumbles. Real improvement doesn't tend to happen overnight, which is often the case with dog training too! 🐾🐾
Photo Osian's late lunch made a little bit more interesting this pm

Well worth a read!
21/10/2024

Well worth a read!

Resistance in our dogs or our clients can be important communication and should never be overlooked or dismissed.

The sound of squirrels scampering over fallen leaves can cause many dogs to be on higher alert
19/10/2024

The sound of squirrels scampering over fallen leaves can cause many dogs to be on higher alert

AUTUMN & DOGS: THE FASCINATING WORLD OF PHOTOPERIODS

Autumn can be a lovely time, and with it comes a noticeable change in the environment. The air cools, leaves slowly turn shades of orange and gold, and daylight hours begin to shorten. While we might embrace the cosy jumpers and pumpkin-spiced treats, dogs experience a host of physiological and behavioural changes during this transition, many of which are considered ‘biologically conserved’ in evolutionary terms.

Just as in spring, the neuroendocrine system of animals adjusts in response to the changing season, particularly in relation to sunlight exposure, also referred to as a photoperiod. During autumn, the shorter days begin to trigger an increase in melatonin production, which affects various biological rhythms in many species, including dogs. This increased melatonin not only influences sleep cycles but also prepares animals for the winter months ahead, often inducing behaviours aimed at conserving energy.

The dogs’ shedding patterns might intensify, as shedding of summer coats is essential for the growth of thicker winter fur that offers protection against the upcoming cold. Alongside changes in physical appearance, dogs’ behaviours also shift as autumn arrives. The drop in temperature can be invigorating for many dogs (especially longer-coated or thick-coated breeds), leading to bursts of energy and increased activity levels. Some dogs may appear more alert or eager to engage in outdoor play, taking advantage of the milder temperatures before winter sets in. Conversely, dogs with health conditions such as arthritis and allergies might experience flare-ups.

Interestingly, autumn also brings a change in the activity of some prey animals. The reduced movement of rodents and other small mammals may lessen the intensity of hunting or prey drive that some dogs displayed in spring. However, depending on the region, autumn might bring migration patterns or increased activity in certain prey species, which could reignite that drive in more prey-oriented breeds. Early in the autumn, squirrel activity is heightened as they prepare to collect nuts in anticipation of mating season and winter, taking more risks. This can be a heady experience for many dogs, who might show over-excitement in areas where they remember spotting them. In the UK, red deer undergo rutting season between September and November, which again can influence how a dog might behave, depending on the location.

For dogs, autumn is also a season rich with new smells. Decomposing leaves, damp soil, fungal spores, and the heightened activity of foraging animals preparing to store fat reserves can create an olfactory feast. Similar to the distractions of spring, dogs may become deeply immersed in exploring these new scents, which could manifest in longer sniffing sessions during walks or more pronounced foraging behaviours. For dogs that are especially scent-driven, this can be a stimulating time, and dog guardians might notice their pets spending extra time investigating their environment. However, this also brings an increased risk of gut upset and ticks for many dogs. With more rainfall, many areas can become hazardous with waterlogging and mud, and if dogs have previously run around in familiar places, they might not be aware of the changing ground conditions. A good way to prepare for this is to begin some simple proprioception exercises, which can be easily set up at home, as this will improve their body confidence and spatial awareness, thus reducing the risk of slips.

One significant behavioural change often observed in autumn is the alteration of sleep patterns. Just as humans tend to sleep longer as the days shorten, dogs, too, may experience an increase in restfulness during the autumn months. The increase in melatonin production, coupled with fewer daylight hours, can lead to dogs seeking out naps more frequently. This change in energy levels can also reflect an evolutionary instinct to conserve energy for the coming winter.

Dog guardians may also notice that their pets become more food-driven during the autumn months. This is a common behaviour rooted in an instinct to build up energy reserves before the scarcity of winter. While modern dogs may not need to prepare for food shortages in the same way their wild ancestors did, the drive to eat more in autumn remains. We should be mindful of this change in appetite and respond accordingly. If weight is not an issue, a minor increase in food intake could be beneficial, especially for dogs who have a history of starvation or who resource guard. More recently, there have been some studies of the relationship between photoperiods and leptin, a crucial hormone that inhibits hunger and regulates energy balance so that the body doesn’t trigger a hunger response when it doesn’t need energy. As leptin follows a diurnal pattern, it is likely to have a relationship with photoperiods. It is always interesting to observe voluntary feeding patterns in various dog breeds, as some seem to prefer eating during the day while others prefer to eat at or after dusk.

In some dogs that show compulsive behaviours like light or shadow chasing, the lessening of light hours and consistently dull skies might prove beneficial. However, it’s important to note that the behaviour is likely to show spontaneous recovery on days that are suddenly light-filled. Additionally, indoor environments may have more artificial lights on due to the loss of daylight, which could also be significant.

Rescue dogs from differing climates and time zones might show varied responses to autumn. Some may struggle to adjust to weather differences, and exposure to darkness might trigger more fear responses.

We also now have more research supporting a link between the gut microbiome and photoperiods. A truly fascinating area of scientific exploration. A recent study in Siberian hamsters showed that there were gut responses to the photoperiod that influenced aggression. ( link in comments) The study revealed differentially affected bacterial diversity and the relative abundance of bacteria in the male and female gut, suggesting that the gut microbiome may play a role in sex-specific seasonal changes. With further research, targeted therapies look promising for many species.

As with spring, autumn’s changes can sometimes lead to frustration for both dogs and their humans . Recognising and understanding the evolutionary biology behind these seasonal shifts can help better navigate dogs’ behaviours. Engaging in targeted enrichment and proprioception, offering opportunities for scent work, and adjusting daily routines to accommodate changing energy levels and increased appetite can all help make the transition into autumn a supportive and enriching experience.

Boo Blackhurst, CDBC

Wow, undivided attention & that's without wearing a treat belt - our first session of this new class enjoyed by all 🐾🐾Ve...
19/10/2024

Wow, undivided attention & that's without wearing a treat belt - our first session of this new class enjoyed by all 🐾🐾
Very grateful for the thoughtfulness of today's attendees, help setting up, clearing up & locking up - without the practical support today's session would not have been possible - thank you!

Osh has enjoyed his day 😁He was happy to have visitors, two legged & four legged, training, play, walked by someone who ...
18/10/2024

Osh has enjoyed his day 😁
He was happy to have visitors, two legged & four legged, training, play, walked by someone who can manage a better distance than I can currently, and he got to shred a big box - thanks to a delivery of chews & training treats
JR Pet Products Ltd perfect timing ahead of teaching a new group tomorrow! 🙌

Feeling more relaxed, resting side by side (their choice of position) after their 3rd outing together 🐾🐾
16/10/2024

Feeling more relaxed, resting side by side (their choice of position) after their 3rd outing together 🐾🐾

A treat today, I got to plod along on a short walk, thanks to a patient friend. Osian enjoyed time off-lead.Good check-i...
15/10/2024

A treat today, I got to plod along on a short walk, thanks to a patient friend.
Osian enjoyed time off-lead.
Good check-ins & Recalls. On the way back to my friend's car though, I noticed something had piqued his interest, I hesitated & reached for treats before calling him, the delay & not a good sequence of my actions caused a less speedy return, doh!
(I'll blame the pain meds 😏)

15/10/2024
A welcomed & relaxed visitor 🥰
14/10/2024

A welcomed & relaxed visitor 🥰

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